Monte Bondone in winter

Although our blog is for families, this time we are going to write about a walk we did without our children in tow. We feel we have to write about Monte Bondone because it is so near us.

That's where many children from Trento learn how to ski and it's also a great destination for cross country skiing and snow shoe hiking.

We went to Monte Bondone one Monday morning when our children were at school. We left our car at the Viote car park which is free of charge Monday to Friday. We asked for some information at the Cross Country Skiing Centre and they gave us some very basic directions, namely that we could go left or right. We decided to go towards the Prati Wolchenstein and we got to Bocca Vaiona. After some time the path got narrower and it was difficult to walk without the snow shoes. Luckily for us the sun was shining and the snow was soft and melting in places. We think we got up to La Rosta from where we had a gorgeous view of the Brenta mountains and the valley/ Valle dei Laghi with the Toblino Lake. We say we think because there was no sign on the mountain saying where we were other than a sign in Italian saying hunting was forbidden! It was a great walk with splendid views but definitely not suitable for small children. Don't be put off though, there is still another walk to explore on Monte Bondone. As for sledging, we didn't see any sledge runs but I'm sure you would be able to find some hills there.

All in all we feel that for families who want to enjoy walking or sledging in the mountains in winter, Bondone hasn't got such a rich offer as South Tyrol does.

How to get there:

By car:
From Trento follow the indications for Monte Bondone (SS45bis). You will have 2 choices: either passing through Sardagna or through Sopramonte. I prefer the latter one because the road is less bendy. Go up, up, up until you get to Viote Centro Fondo, turn right when you see a sign for Rifugio Viote. We parked our car at the empty car park which, judging from the bar and a little hut, you most likely have to pay for during busy periods. This car park is right next to the woodland playground.

By bus:

Bus nr 202 that takes you to Vason and Viote (link to the website with the timetable, only in Italian)

Duration: half a day or whole day if you go skiing as well;

Level: easy if you stay near Centro Fondo di Viote (cross country skiing centre), difficult if you venture out anywhere else;

Toilets and refreshments:the closest one is Rifugio Viote next to the playground, no baby changing facilities;