Ski Holidays in Macugnaga
At the foot of the magnificent Monte Rosa, the ancient and picturesque resort of Macugnaga is surrounded by stunning mountains and offering over 30km of pistes. It has a unique feel with some of its buildings dating back to the thirteenth century and its vintage yet fast cable car.
Both areas, Pecetto, the quieter end of the village and Macugnaga centre (also known as Staffa) each have their own small ski area and there is a local ski bus which runs during the day to take you the short journey from one to the other (at a small local charge).
Resort Statistics
| Level | Rating | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners | 6 | |
| Intermediates | 6 | |
| Advanced | 2 | |
| Snowboarders | ||
| Total Runs | 14 |
- Off piste
- Families
| Resort Altitude | 1327m |
| Highest Lift | 2970m |
| Total Piste | 38km |
| Longest Run | 7km |
| Uphill Capacity | 7800 |
| Total Lifts | 12 |
| Gondolas/Cable cars | 2 |
| Chairlifts | 2 |
| Drag Lifts | 8 |
Skiing in Macugnaga
Macugnaga, over the border from Saas Fee, is quite Swiss in character. It's a friendly place ideally suited to beginners, with an excellent ski school as well as advanced skiers. There are few queues, it's good value and wonderful for families.
The resort is divided into two areas, Belvedere above Pecetto at 1932m and Monte Moro at 2900m which backs onto Saas Fee in Switzerland. Belvedere is best suited for beginners as the majority of its slopes are blues with the exception of a few reds. There are also a few blue pistes beneath Monte Moro for beginners and intermediates who are progressing and wanting to explore the resort further. Intermediates will also love the long red runs such as the 8km long Meccia B run accessed by the two stage cable car from Staffa.
The area below Monte Moro is also a good area for advanced and expert skiers as it mostly has red runs as well as 2 challenging blacks. Plus it is from Monte Moro where you can ski across the border into Switzerland. There is no lift link although guides can take you across on skis. Be warned also that its a 3 hour coach journey on the return journey!
Advanced skiers can also do off-piste skiing with a guide where you can tour all the way over to Saas-Fee. To get to the top, hire a heliski service or take the cable car linking Alpe Bill to the Moro Pass which goes into Switzerland and is situated at 2796m. This is part of the Monte Moro ski area reaching altitudes of 3000m. This area opens up possibilities to practice your technique on the challenging slopes of Roccette or ski the Meccia, a 7.5km vertical descent into Alpe Bill.
Cross country skiing takes place on 2 trails which totals 20km of runs. There is the Signal trail situated in Pecetto and the Frazioni trail descending from Pecetto to the chalets of Isella then climbing up to Quarazza Valley, which also travels along the right bank of the River Anza.
Monto Moro has the Pink Snowpark that has two different sections of jumps for novices and pros and has a sound system that blasts music throughout the entire park.
Monte Rosa is also well known for its freeriding and heliskiing opportunities and the Macugnaga resort offers both. Freeriders can experience amazing views and unspoilt areas on the border between Italy and Switzerland whilst heliskiing has the opportunity to venture to Zumstein, Colle delle Locce, Colle Bottigia and Jazzi.
Snow conditions in Macugnaga
Macugnaga is one of the 15 highest ski resorts in Italy, with altitudes ranging from 1327m at its base to 2948m at its summit. Its average snow depth at its base is 7 inches and 37 inches at the summit.
Après ski, restaurants and other activities in Macugnaga
The après-ski here is quiet, friendly and informal. Macugnaga has a small selection of bars, try the Mignon bar or the Flizzi bar and head onto the Big Ben for a spot of late night revelling. The Flora in the village centre overlooking the square is also a popular venue for karaoke.
There are loads of restaurants in resort which are mostly hotel based and offer family-friendly Italian dishes. Or for Tyrolean style cuisine, the Flora’s dining room is a good choice.
The resort is pretty quiet of the slopes although there is ice skating, sleigh trips, dog sledding, snow tubing and hiking to enjoy. Visitors can also discover the resorts museums. The Guia Gold Mine in Macugnaga takes visitors back in time to learn about the resort’s past mining trade and the Mountain and Smuggling Museum in the traditional Walser building is the highlight of the whole Ossola Valley.
Transfer times to Macugnaga
Milan (MXP) - 2 hrs
Turin (TRN) - 2 hrs 30 mins