"Skigarden Val di Sole": the first Neveplast center in Trentino

In Mezzana, at the heart of Val di Sole, where skiing is an intrinsic part of the region's identity, a new project has been launched: “Skigarden Val di Sole.” This is the first project in Trentino where you can ski, even in the middle of summer, on two synthetic Neveplast slopes. The operational setting is a space immersed in greenery, featuring a ski slope for experienced skiers and a beginner slope for those who have never skied before. In addition to skiing, Skigarden also offers a Tubing track with parabolic curves and a well-stocked snack point for spending days filled with sport, fun, and relaxation.

The Opening Event

On June 26-27, the opening event took place with the participation of Marco Melandri and many ski champions. The project was born during the Covid emergency from the initiative of two professionals in the field, Matteo Taller and Diego Redolfi, who bet on Neveplast to expand the summer tourist offerings in Val di Sole.

Interview with Matteo Taller and Diego Redolfi

1. How did the Skigarden experience come about?

"In September 2020, Diego and I were on vacation and reflected on how to use our skills and passion for alpine skiing in a project related to summer tourism. We wanted something innovative for the summer, possibly a first in Trentino.

Initially, we thought about grass skiing. However, we soon abandoned this idea because grass skiing does not use traditional skis, which was important for us. Neveplast was the answer we were looking for. The Bergamo-based company specializing in synthetic ski slopes had piqued our interest, especially after the slope on the roof of the waste-to-energy plant in Copenhagen.

The first step was to find a location, a green area where we could build the ski slope. Once we found it, we contacted the company. Within a week of the first phone call, Diego and I were already in Bergamo, skis on our feet, testing the Neveplast slope in the city center. The feedback after the first runs was immediately excellent."

2. What convinced you to bet on Neveplast?

"Diego and I are both professionals in the field; alpine skiing is our life. The challenge was for Neveplast to convince us with the material's performance. Diego had previously tested another synthetic material and was disappointed by the lack of grip, which did not provide the sensation of skiing on natural snow.

However, after just two runs in Bergamo, we both realized that Neveplast could be an excellent tool not only for introducing people to skiing but also as an alternative for those who want to have fun skiing in their free time, even after work or school."

3. How did you choose the location? What are its strengths?

"Skigarden Val di Sole is located in Mezzana, a place that thrives on winter tourism and is increasingly popular in summer. The chosen area is in a very scenic environment, with the Noce River flowing nearby and easily accessible on foot from many hotels in the area.

One of the location's strengths is its accessibility: it can be reached from the bike path that passes right in front of our center, by train from Trento, or by car, with plenty of parking nearby. Guests can bring their own equipment or rent skis and boots directly from our well-equipped Ski rent."

4. Do you organize ski courses? How is the teaching activity structured?

"The project is a novelty for our region, so we involved specialized instructors from various Trentino areas to offer professional and fun teaching services. Those who already know how to ski or prefer to ski independently can do so without an instructor."

5. Your project is conceived with great attention to environmental sustainability. The Neveplast material is regenerated. What other measures have you taken towards environmental sustainability?

"As professionals in the mountain sector, sustainability is crucial for both of us. We are fortunate to be born in a beautiful natural environment, and we live and work in the snow, surrounded by nature. Therefore, environmental protection is in our DNA. We designed Skigarden to harmoniously integrate with the surrounding natural landscape.

The environmental impact had to be minimized, which is why we chose Neveplast, a special, eco-friendly, completely regenerable plastic material that has received positive environmental impact certification and does not contain harmful substances. Our slopes, in particular, are made from regenerated Neveplast material, derived from old Neveplast slopes that, after a regeneration process, are ready for use again.

Skiing at Skigarden on Neveplast also means reducing electricity and water consumption, which are normally associated with mountain skiing."

6. What do you expect from this project? How do you see Skigarden in five years?

"Our goal is for Skigarden Val di Sole to be successful. There is a lot of curiosity from local hoteliers, ski instructors, and summer tourism associations in Val di Sole. We are tired because we wanted to take care of every detail of the project ourselves, but we are also enthusiastic and optimistic!

We are awaiting feedback from the first and second seasons, but we don't intend to stop. Our idea is to open Skigarden in other locations in Italy, possibly as a franchise. We have already received some inquiries and hope to announce more exciting news soon!"

7. How is the layout of Skigarden structured?

"Skigarden has two ski slopes. The main slope, 'Temrex Ski Slope,' with a 15% gradient, is for more experienced skiers. It allows skiing in any season, improving technique independently or with advice from our instructors. This slope is also ideal for ski club training.

The 'Podhio First Steps' slope is dedicated to young children and beginners taking their first steps on skis in a safe and fun environment.

In addition to skiing, Skigarden also features a Tubing track, 'Acqua del Sole Tubing,' where visitors can have fun speeding down the track with parabolic curves. We tested it recently: pure adrenaline!

The 'Termex Ski Slope' and 'Acqua del Sole Tubing' are served by a conveyor lift."

8. The opening weekend of June 26-27 will be a grand event with special guests from the sports world and beyond. Can you give us a preview?

"It will be a two-day festival in complete safety, where visitors can preview our facilities. The special guest list includes Marco Melandri, who lives in Trentino and is a testimonial for the region.

He will be joined by many friends and ski champions who enthusiastically responded to our invitation and will do their best to attend. We will also have many friends from the ski world who have supported us from the beginning."

9. What is your target audience?

"Skigarden Val di Sole is primarily designed for children, both residents and tourists, who find a sports oasis where they can learn to ski all year round. They can have fun on the Tubby track while their parents relax at the kiosk, keeping an eye on their kids.

The Neveplast slopes are also perfect for adult beginners who want to take their first steps or improve their skiing technique even in summer, to be ready for the mountain when the snow arrives.

We have also considered local ski clubs. They can book the slope for training, especially for slalom. The slope is not very long, but it can accommodate about 20 gates for slalom training. We are convinced that for young athletes, it is an excellent alternative to glacier training before the ski season starts in the mountains. We have already received positive feedback from local ski clubs, with many including training sessions on our slope in their calendar, alternating with glacier outings."