We have just returned from a weeks Ski trip to Ponte Di Legno where we stayed in the time share apartments called Residence Palace and wanted to share a few of our experiences with you.
We had a great week albeit the ski conditions were not at its best. We flew into Milan Malpensa Airport and it takes about 2.5hrs to drive to the resort (weather conditions pending). Car hire is highly recommended as Ponte Di Legno is a large town. Ski runs in Ponte Di legno are limited and although there is a Gondola that stretches across to Passo Tonale it takes quite a long time to get there and use of the car is quicker and easier. Passo Tonale offers better and varied ski runs, ski school and entertainment for all ages. Our accommodation at Residence Palace is situated about a mile out of town, on the mountain slopes, surrounded by Forest so please ensure you have a printed map available to locate the Hotel as Ponte di Legno is much bigger than you expect. Nearest Supermarket is about a mile away and the walk down the steep winding road is not for the faint hearted. New Parking facilities have been built but were out of use. Instead parking is available below the hotel with about 40 steps to climb. Parking is allowed at the Restaurant for 60 minutes when loading or unloading cars. Views are minimal due to the forest. The facilities themselves are very clean and well maintained. Check in is only after 17h00 which is rather late after having arrived into Milan at 10.00am. The accommodation is not serviced during the week, however please note that 40 Euros is charged at the end of the week for cleaning service of your Laundry and the apartment. The apartments are inspected prior to departure before your breakage deposits are returned. We were travelling with a two year old and found having no kettle or microwave very difficult when it came to warming up bottles and food quickly for a hungry infant. The apartment we had, had no toaster, oven or grill. Only hot plates, however adequate pots, pans, crockery and cutlery were provided. Please note unlike other timeshares we have stayed in, no cleaning agents were provided, nor dish sponges. One tea towel was provided, one roll of toilet paper, and linen and towels were provided. TV was available in the lounge. Cot bed was provided for the infant, however we had to request bedding for the cot. A cot-like double bed was provided for my sister which took over the living area as it could not be folded away each day and did not form a sofa-bed, but at least we were not spending our day in the apartment so did not mind. Entertainment at the Apartments starts at 22h00 and consisted of Kareoke, Bingo and Dancing lessons. A warning to others, the sound travels and the entertainment was very loud and did run until sometime after midnight, although the rules book asks for quiet from 23h00. Ski lockers are provided for each apartment. A great place to get Pizza Take Away is the Sporting Club (opposite the public pool), only 5 Euros per large pizza which were wonderful. However, only opens from 19h00. Ski and Boot Hire is available from both Ponte Di Legno and Passo Tonale for about 70 Euro for the week. All in all a great week, ideal location for access to Passo Tonale ski resort and warm and comfortable enough to enjoy an affordable ski break.