Aprica Skiing & Snowboarding
There are four different sectors on the mountain at Aprica, reflecting the different lift companies as the ski resort evolved. The ski area was only fully interlinked in 2008/9, and even now, regardless of piste trail connectivity, are quite physically separate.
To get a sense of the lifts & terrain, see the Aprica ski trail map.
Aprica Ski Areas
From west to east, the four parts of the resort are:
Magnolta (846m vertical). Comprises an 'old school' gondola & double chair, plus a few surface conveyors. The gondola is cramped and does not have exterior slots for snowboards or skis wider than 90cm & twin tips. The Magnolta inferiore run (piste trail C) is an awesome fall line screamer that runs 600m vertical to the bottom. Hang on to your helmet.
Palabione (1,119m vert). The middle of the mountain has the most terrain to offer. Natural terrain off the top of G (Benedetti trail) is fun for jumps and yips and avoids the need for the resort to waste time and money on a terrain park. Skinning will reward the adventurous with ample fresh lines in the high alpine.
Campetti is the lowest elevation area at town level. A wide but short learn to ski area with a nest of 6 lifts comprising conveyors, T-bars and a chairlift. Provides a range of safe terrain & fun elements for beginners plus safe activities for children (tubing etc). A traditional restaurant at the top of the area makes a pleasant alternative to the busy row of eateries at the base.
Baradello (810m vert). A modern hooded quad chair provides a huge vertical and some long trails for all levels with the Superpanoramica for improving beginners being a standout. The advanced Valscesa Ovest trail turns into the Direttissima for a steep 800m vertical rollicking run that will test your nerve and edges as it gets bony down low. Yee har!!
Intermediate piste trails exist in all the areas. They are as fun and varied as any good European ski resort.
Lift Pass
The lift passes at Aprica are affordable and provide great value. Passes are around €5 more expensive on Saturdays & Sundays (the busiest days of the week at Aprica) and during the high season periods (Christmas/New Year & mid-Feb to Mid-Mar). For children under 8 years old (classed as 'Baby'), lift passes appear more expensive than at other resorts, however the fine print reveals that a 'Baby' skis for free if a parent buys a pass of 3-days or more duration.
All passes pre-purchased online are now dynamically priced, but unlike many ski resorts with dynamic pricing, the maximum price is very clear and easy to understand. Savings of up to 30% can be made if passes are bought online.
Passes of 4 or 6-days duration are able to ski a day or two at Pontedilegno-Tonale for a minor additional fee.
Off-Piste Freeride at Aprica
Understand that if seeking a freeride powder paradise, nearby Diavolezza-Lagalb (in Switzerland via the train toward St Moritz - a sensational ride), Tonale or Santa-Caterina (a Powderhounds gem near Bormio) are the juice. Aprica is a wonderful on-piste leg stretcher, but the off-piste is limited to some small areas up high. The heavily forested slopes lower down the mountain are generally too tight & bereft of snow to be skiable.