Have you ever woken up on a Saturday morning with a craving for snow, but the mere thought of dealing with Valassina traffic or looking for parking put you off? If you live in Milan, you know that skiing often means stress even before you put on your boots.
What if I told you that there is a way to get directly to the slopes while saving money and enjoying the view? Stop dreaming: the solution is called Piani di Bobbio and Valtorta. This beautiful resort, straddling the provinces of Lecco and Bergamo, is a favorite destination for those seeking maximum fun with minimum effort.
And the best news is that you can get there with the “Snow Bus,” a special service that turns your day in the mountains into a totally relaxing experience.
Why all the Milanese choose this very valley (even if they don’t have a car)
If you think you need hours of travel time to find spectacular slopes, Piani di Bobbio will make you think again. With more than 35 kilometers of skiable areas, this ski area is a true jewel of the Orobie. But what makes it so special?
First and foremost, the variety. If you’re a beginner or want to enjoy quiet skiing, the Bobbio side offers wide, sunny slopes perfect for improving your technique. If, on the other hand, you feel the call of adrenaline, the Valtorta slope challenges you with more technical runs and slopes that have nothing to envy from the big Alpine resorts.
There is also no shortage of areas dedicated to children and an exceptional snowpark for those who love jumps and evolutions.
And the snow? No worries: a state-of-the-art snowmaking system guarantees perfect slopes from December to March, even when the skies don’t cooperate.
Forget the queue on State Highway 36: here’s the trick to get fresh at altitude
How to get there from Milan? Getting to Barzio, the starting point of the gondola to Piani di Bobbio, is super easy.
If you decide to use your car from Milan, take the SS36 to the Ballabio exit and follow the signs for Valsassina. In less than an hour you are at your destination.
However, if you really want to forget about stress, you have two fantastic alternatives:
- The Snow Train: a Trenord option that allows you to arrive in Lecco by train and then board a dedicated shuttle that takes you straight to the cable car.
- The Snow Bus: the “top” choice for those leaving from the heart of Milan or Sesto San Giovanni. You sit, chat with friends (or take a nap) and arrive at your destination without worrying about chains, ice or traffic jams.
The secret of the combination ticket: how much you really save with “Snow Bus” + ski pass
The Snow Bus is not just transportation, it is a true all-inclusive package that allows you to save significantly compared to buying individual services.
It operates every Saturday and Sunday, taking you directly to Barzio, where the modern gondola will project you into the heart of the ski area in just a few minutes.
In addition to convenience, there is the environmental aspect: by sharing the trip with other enthusiasts, you will drastically reduce your ecological footprint.
A gesture of love for those mountains we love so much.
Available packages (Prices 2026)
- Adult Bus + Day Ski Pass: €65 (the most loved option, all inclusive!).
- Adult Bus + A/R gondola lift: 45 € (ideal for those who just want to walk or eat at the lodge)
- Child 0-12 years Bus + Skipass: 45 €
- Child 0-12 years Bus + Roundtrip gondola lift: 35 €
Note: There is a fee of only €1 for online booking fees.
Only 6 dates not to miss the opportunity: signal in your diary now!
Are you ready to go? The service is active on the key dates of the winter season. Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t get stranded:
2026 departure calendar
- January: 17, 18, 24, 25, 31.
- February: 1.
Meeting points and times
- Milan Piazza Lanza (Foro Bonaparte): departure at 7:30 a.m. (next to Piccolo Teatro). Be on time, the bus does not wait!
- Sesto San Giovanni (FS Station): departure 8:00 am at the bus stop in Piazza 1° Maggio.
- Return: bus departs from Barzio cable car parking lot at 5:30 p.m. (meet at 5:15 p.m.).
How to book the “Snow Bus” in 3 easy steps
- Choose the date: connect to the official website pianidibobbio.com, select the Snow Bus service and fill in your details.
- Pay online: you will receive a confirmation email with your QR-Codes.
- Get on board: show up at departure with the codes (on your smartphone or printed). Once you arrive in Barzio, the staff will hand you your ready-made ski pass or gondola ticket.
A little expert advice: seats are limited (minimum 20 participants to activate the bus) and tend to sell out quickly, especially if the weather forecast promises sun and fresh snow. Don’t wait until the last minute!