An enduring romance 
 

With its impressive history and commitment to quality over the years it’s no surprise that even that most influential of English newspapers The Guardian has pointed up our local Alpine resort as amongst the most inviting on an international scale, and especially for the optimum relationship between quality and cost that it represents. But The Guardian is not alone.

In October this year ilSole24Ore also drew attention to Madesimo, placing the legendary Canalone on its list of ten most striking “black piste” within the winter sports circuit, and endowing the title of “most eulogised” for the host of celebrated commendations over the years, including those of the noted skier/writer Dino Buzzati. Such appreciation of Madesimo appear to have no boundaries, demonstrated in no small way by the many thousands of foreign visitors who meet up on the slopes every year. Madesimo delights and convinces, not only for the quality of its runs, never boring and always immaculately tended, but also for the mix of geniality which it brings, putting itself forward as an alternative to the more chaotic and commercial destinations.

Perfect for families in search of a quiet and well-ordered spot where days are relaxing, and yet ideal for the young who enjoy off-piste sport and hang around for the après-ski at the end of an invigorating day. And if you ask a young skier what he enjoys most at Madesimo, don’t be surprised if he immediately responds: freeride. This discipline has really taken off over the last 10 to 15 years. New materials, new opportunities and a more responsible approach by those who practise it has managed to convince many winter resorts to open up places once unthinkable, reserving them for this demanding discipline. Freeride, as its name suggests, means freedom.

The freedom to move off-piste and through woodland, downhill on virgin slopes, leaving behind ones’ personal “signature” where no-one has previously been. It’s a discipline with neither constraints nor competition and which the young have really taken on board. It’s no accident that Swedish photographer Martin Söderqvist – whose work we feature in this edition of Valchiavenna Vacanze – often chooses Madesimo as the location to illustrate freeride.