If you’re searching for the perfect destination for a family snow holiday, look no further than Paganella – one of the top spots in Trentino (north Italy), and arguably in all of Italy. How can I be so sure? Well, my family (myself, Felicity, and our daughters) spent a magical week in February in Andalo, nestled in the heart of Paganella, and it was nothing short of fantastic.
This wasn’t our first visit either – we’ve been to the Paganella area four times before, both in winter and summer. Having explored the region so thoroughly, we’ve come to know it well, and I can confidently recommend it to anyone planning a family getaway in the Dolomites. Whether you’re after snowy adventures or simply a relaxing retreat, Paganella has it all.
Why Choose Paganella?
But why go to Paganella in winter with children? If you love skiing or want to learn, the slopes in the Paganella Ski Area are always perfectly groomed, monitored (so the snow is ideal, even with artificial snow), and equipped with state-of-the-art lifts.
There are also plenty of ski schools for children who want to learn or improve their skills, as well as many non-skiing activities that make this destination ideal for families. But what are the main reasons to choose Paganella for a winter holiday with kids? Let’s take a look together.
Andalo: A Family-Friendly Base
Andalo is a family-friendly town, with hotels and residences designed for those travelling with children. Many accommodations offer services like baby clubs, mini clubs, play areas, and even heated pools for some relaxation after a day on the slopes. Plus, everything is extremely convenient: the ski slopes are easily accessible from the town centre, thanks to a free skibus network connecting the different areas.
One of the great advantages of Andalo is its variety of activities: beyond skiing, there are plenty of options for enjoying the snow, even for those who don’t want to (or can’t) ski, which we’ll explore later in this post.
Family Ski Passes
One of the things we appreciated most about Paganella is its family-friendly ski pass pricing. The area offers special rates for those travelling with children, making the snow experience more accessible. I say accessible, but keep in mind that a daily ski pass for an adult with a free child pass still costs €60.
Here are some of the best options:
- Children under 8 (born after 30/04/2015) ski for free if a parent buys a ski pass of the same duration.
- Juniors (born between 2007 and 2015) get reduced rates compared to adults.
- “6 days out of 7” formula: perfect for families who want a day off without paying for a full-week ski pass.
- Discounts for large families: check the official Paganella website for seasonal promotions and special offers.
For detailed and up-to-date information, click here.
Ski Schools for Kids: Learning While Having Fun
If your children want to learn to ski, Paganella offers a network of highly qualified ski schools, with instructors specialised in teaching kids. During our week in Andalo, we found the schools very well-organised, with group courses and private lessons available for all levels. Maya and Isabella, after their first day of lessons, were already confident on their skis, tackling blue slopes independently and even using the chairlift without any issues.
The main ski schools are:
- Scuola Italiana Sci Dolomiti di Brenta: perfect for those looking for a comprehensive course, from beginners to advanced levels.
- Scuola Italiana Sci & Snowboard Kristal: ideal for older kids interested in snowboarding.
- Scuola Sci Nuova Andalo: specialising in teaching younger children with fun and engaging methods.
Many courses offer weekly packages, with half-day lessons, leaving kids time to play in the snow or rest. All schools are located in Loc. Rindole, but there are also options in Loc. Laghet, and they serve as meeting points for ski lessons, easily reachable by skibus.
Ski Rental: Where to Find the Best Equipment
If you don’t have your own gear or prefer to travel light, there are plenty of well-equipped ski rental shops in Andalo. Some of the most recommended include:
- Rent and Go: Located right by the lifts, they offer high-quality skis, boots, and helmets for kids. Fast and well-organised service. We rented here and were very satisfied.
- Noleggio Sport 5: Also provides sledges and snowshoes for those wanting to explore the mountains beyond skiing.
- Noleggio Sci Andalo: Situated near the lifts, they offer a wide range of skis and snowboards for all ages.
- Sportlifee: Excellent equipment quality and quick service, perfect for families with children.
When to Go: Avoiding the Crowds for a Relaxing Holiday
Paganella is one of the most popular ski destinations in Trentino, so it can get very busy during peak season. If possible, avoid Carnival week and weekends, when the slopes are crowded and lift queues are longer. We visited just before Carnival, and it was quite busy, so I’d recommend avoiding this period if you can.
If you have young children and flexibility, the best time to ski stress-free is after Epiphany until the week before Carnival, or in March, when snow conditions are still excellent, there are fewer people, and prices are lower (for both hotels and ski passes).
Beyond Skiing: Activities for the Whole Family
Andalo isn’t just about skiing! If you want to mix up your days on the slopes with other experiences, there are plenty of child-friendly options:
- Andalo Life Park: A large family entertainment centre with an indoor pool, ice skating, and a wellness area. We tried ice skating and had a blast.
- Paganella Kinder Club: A dedicated area for younger children, with three locations: Baby Park Dosson, Kids Gaggia Park & Biblio Igloo, and Mini Club Baby Roccia in Andalo. Here, kids can play, try their first skiing experiences, and enjoy slides, inflatables, and trampolines, all supervised by expert animators. It’s an ideal solution for parents who want to enjoy a few hours of skiing in peace, knowing their children are engaged in fun, age-appropriate activities.
- Snowshoeing: If you want to explore Paganella’s nature in a different way, there are plenty of easy trails suitable for children.
These are just some of the activities available in Paganella. For others like sledging, paragliding, or SkiBike, I recommend checking the official Paganella website for more information and tips.
Recommended Family-Friendly Hotels in Andalo
If you’re looking for a family-friendly hotel, here are some great options in Andalo that offer services tailored to families with children:
- Hotel Costaverde: Features a mini club, children’s entertainment, and a heated indoor pool.
- Adler Hotel Wellness & Spa: Perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and fun, with a spa and kids’ activities.
- Family Hotel Serena: A lovely family hotel with a pool, spa, and animation programs.
- Alphotel Milano: A cosy hotel with family-friendly services and an excellent location near the lifts.
All these hotels are well-equipped to welcome families with children and offer special packages to make your stay even more enjoyable.
We stayed at Hotel Eden, an ideal family hotel located just a short walk from the lifts. While the kids enjoyed the Mini Club with organised activities, we relaxed in the hotel’s spa. The food was excellent, with delicious dishes suitable for even the pickiest eaters, and the rooms were spacious, comfortable, and some offered a great view of Andalo.
How to Get to Paganella from the Airport
Paganella is a stunning destination in the heart of the Dolomites, and getting there is relatively straightforward, whether you’re flying into Verona, Milan, Venice, or Innsbruck. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to reach Paganella from the nearest airports:
1. From Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN)
Distance to Paganella: ~120 km (approx. 1.5–2 hours by car)
Verona is the closest major airport to Paganella and a convenient option for international travellers.
- By Car: Renting a car is the easiest way to reach Paganella. We rented a car in Bergamo and drove to Paganella in 2 and half hour. Discovercars.com is where we booked our car: he best prices available. From Verona Airport, take the A22 motorway (Brennero direction) and exit at Trento Nord. Follow signs for Mezzolombardo and then Andalo. The drive offers scenic views of the Dolomites and takes about 1.5–2 hours.
- By Public Transport: Take a shuttle or taxi from Verona Airport to Verona Porta Nuova train station. From there, catch a train to Trento (approx. 1 hour). In Trento, take a bus to Andalo (approx. 1 hour). Buses run regularly, but check schedules in advance.
2. From Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY)
Distance to Paganella: ~200 km (approx. 2.5–3 hours by car). Milan Bergamo is another popular airport, especially for budget airlines. If you have time visit also Bergamo, even just for few hours, well worth it.
- By Car: From Bergamo, take the A4 motorway towards Brescia, then connect to the A22 motorway (Brennero direction). Exit at Trento Nord and follow signs for Mezzolombardo and Andalo. The drive takes around 2.5–3 hours.
- By Public Transport: Take a bus or taxi from Bergamo Airport to Bergamo train station. From there, take a train to Trento (approx. 2.5–3 hours with transfers). Once in Trento, take a bus to Andalo (approx. 1 hour).
3. From Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Distance to Paganella: ~180 km (approx. 2.5 hours by car). Venice is a great option for those combining a Dolomites trip with a visit to the iconic city. If you have time spend a night in Venice and read this post what to do in Venice.
- By Car: From Venice Airport, take the A27 motorway towards Belluno, then connect to the A22 motorway (Brennero direction). Exit at Trento Nord and follow signs for Mezzolombardo and Andalo. The drive takes around 2.5 hours.
- By Public Transport: Take the Alilaguna water bus or a taxi to Venice Mestre train station. From there, take a train to Trento (approx. 2–2.5 hours). In Trento, take a bus to Andalo (approx. 1 hour).
4. From Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Distance to Paganella: ~150 km (approx. 2 hours by car). Innsbruck is a convenient option for those travelling from Austria or nearby regions.
- By Car: From Innsbruck Airport, take the A13 motorway towards Brennero, cross the Italian border, and continue on the A22 motorway. Exit at Trento Nord and follow signs for Mezzolombardo and Andalo. The drive takes around 2 hours.
- By Public Transport: Take a bus or taxi from Innsbruck Airport to Innsbruck Hauptbahnhof (main train station). From there, take a train to Trento (approx. 2 hours). In Trento, take a bus to Andalo (approx. 1 hour).
5. From Bolzano Airport (BZO)
Distance to Paganella: ~50 km (approx. 1 hour by car). Bolzano is the closest airport to Paganella, but it has limited international flights.
- By Car: From Bolzano Airport, take the SS38 road towards Trento, then follow signs for Mezzolombardo and Andalo. The drive takes about 1 hour.
- By Public Transport: Take a bus or taxi from Bolzano Airport to Bolzano train station. From there, take a train to Trento (approx. 30 minutes), then a bus to Andalo (approx. 1 hour).
Tips for Travelling to Paganella
- Car Rentals: Renting a car is the most flexible option, especially if you’re travelling with family and ski equipment. As mentioned, we booked a car via Discovercars.com.
- Public Transport: Buses and trains are reliable but may require transfers. Check schedules on Trenitalia or SAD Trasporti for up-to-date information.
- Shuttle Services: Many hotels in Paganella offer private shuttle transfers from nearby airports or train stations. Check with your accommodation in advance.
Our Experience: A Perfect Week in the Snow
During our week in Andalo, we had a wonderful time. The kids took ski lessons in the morning, and in the afternoons, we enjoyed sledging, ice skating, and snowy walks. We appreciated the convenience of the lifts, the warmth of our hotel, and the quality of family-friendly services.
If you’re looking for the perfect winter destination for a family holiday, Paganella and Andalo are an excellent choice. Guaranteed snow, well-maintained slopes, services tailored to children, and plenty of activities make this destination ideal for a family ski holiday!
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
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