While Cervinia and Courmayeur are big, and getting bigger every season, Madonna Di Campiglio, situated on the shores of a scenic lake, has managed to retain the charm of a small alpine ski village. Four local ski resorts encircle the town, and it's quite possible to circumnavigate the entire area via the 57 lifts and 93 miles of trails. The biggest ski area is Groste, famous for the world's longest gondola ride (three miles) and correspondingly long cruising runs from a high point of 7,500 feet. You'll find tougher trails in nearby Spinale, among them rugged World Cup runs. If you've exhausted the central ski basin, ride the linked lifts to the Folgarida and Marilleva resorts for another 20 lifts and more than 30 miles of prepared trails.