Slope 3-tre in Campiglio
Madonna di Campiglio, a renowned alpine ski resort, is home to a particularly famous one among its more than 60 kilometers of slopes: the 3-Tre slope, nicknamed the "Ladder of skiing".
The original name comes from the contraction of "Three races in Trentino", an event in 1950 that closed three days of competitions in the Trentino mountains. Since then, this track has been the scene of spectacular winter sports competitions, becoming one of the most famous in Europe.
The track winds through the Canalone Miramonti area, starting from an altitude of 1,725 meters and ending directly in the center of Madonna di Campiglio.
Its construction is part of a 1940 project conceived by Bruno Detassis, a well-known mountaineer and ski instructor, renowned for having opened more than 200 routes in the Brenta Dolomites. The war delayed its development, and it was only in 1949 that the project saw the light of day, creating a selective route destined to appear among the international tracks. Detassis had seen a long way: measuring himself against the 3-Tre has become a ritual for world-famous skiers. However, its challenging track has not always rewarded everyone, causing difficulties for several athletes.
With an elevation gain of 180 meters over 470 meters in length, the 3-Tre is among the most challenging slopes in the world. It has an average gradient of 27%, which in some places reaches 60%, making it perfect for special slalom races. His path requires considerable technical skills to deal with sudden changes of direction. Great champions, such as Zeno Colò, have triumphed here; and since 1967, with the start of the international World Cup circuit, it has remained in the circuit until 2005. The first world competition saw the triumph of three French skiers: Perillat, Jauffret and Lacroix. Afterwards, Piero Gros, Gustav Thoeni, Alberto Tomba and Giorgio Rocca shone on this track.
In December 2012, the 3-Tre returned to host biennial world competitions in men's special slalom, in addition to the return of the Christmas Parallel in Madonna di Campiglio.
The 3-Tre slope, of great difficulty, is classified as red and is recommended only for very experienced skiers. Thanks to perfect lighting, it also offers the possibility of exciting night descents. With sudden changes in slope and direction, it requires great attention, but the feeling of following in the footsteps of the "greats" of skiing is unparalleled.
If you prefer to avoid the demanding route and enjoy the arrival of the races, whether they are World Cup or European Cup, it is important to know that the area for the public has been expanded. There are now three ticket offices from which you can directly access the finish line. In addition, nearby, Village 3 has been set up, an area dedicated to collateral events and, during the Christmas period, enlivened by the characteristic markets.
