There comes a moment in life when the definition of “free time” shifts. While younger years often center around chasing non-stop adrenaline, priorities evolve over time toward a more deliberate, relaxed pace. Nature becomes the ultimate ally in this journey—whether it’s walking through deep pine forests, unwinding in an alpine meadow, or going for a long ride, time outdoors helps us recharge and reconnect.

For those living and working in the fast-paced cities of Northern Italy, the ideal escape is just a short drive away: Folgaria and the Alpe Cimbra plateau.

Located just an hour and a half drive from the Brenner Pass and easily accessible via major highways—well away from the heavy traffic that often slows down lakeside towns—the Alpe Cimbra is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for a second home. It is a peaceful sanctuary offering a superior quality of life, not just for winter sports enthusiasts, but for anyone looking to enjoy the mountains year-round.

A Haven for Gravel & E-Biking: Riding Through History

For cycling lovers, the Alpe Cimbra offers a backdrop unique in Europe. Thanks to its natural terrain, the plateau is a dream destination for gravel biking and modern e-bikes. The area is crisscrossed by a dense network of former military roads dating back to World War I. These wide, well-maintained gravel tracks feature smooth, gentle gradients that rarely exceed 7 to 8 percent.

Today, these historic routes have been transformed into hundreds of kilometers of scenic cycling trails—such as the famous 100 Km dei Forti—connecting majestic stone Austro-Hungarian fortresses with breathtaking viewpoints. Thanks to pedal-assist e-bikes, cyclists of all fitness levels can experience the authentic spirit of the mountains, tackling elevation gain without overexertion. Exploring the landscape in a stillness broken only by the wind through the larch trees is an experience accessible to everyone.

Golf Club Folgaria: Sport & Relaxation at 1,200 Meters

When summer heat makes lowland cities stifling, the perfect relief can be found on the greens of the Costa basin at Golf Club Folgaria.

Set at an altitude of 1,200 meters, this stunning 18-hole course (Par 72) is a masterpiece of alpine sports architecture. The layout glides over predominantly flat terrain, flanked by dense spruce forests and natural ponds that challenge your precision on every shot.

Playing at Golf Club Folgaria means benefiting from an ideal microclimate: the cool, crisp mountain air enhances focus, while the low humidity makes a day of sport deeply refreshing. An inviting clubhouse and a restaurant with an elegant panoramic terrace overlooking the green make the club a favorite gathering place for professionals and entrepreneurs.

ModaSport Center: Outdoor Padel in the Peaks

The plateau’s sports offerings expanded a few years ago with a modern addition: also in Costa, just a short distance from the Golf Club, the ModaSport center features a beautifully maintained outdoor padel court.

Inaugurated in 2021 as the first padel court in Trentino—and the first in Italy above 1,000 meters in elevation—the facility includes an advanced lighting system for evening matches.

Playing padel surrounded by alpine peaks while breathing pure mountain air is a refreshing alternative to standard indoor city courts. It’s the perfect spot for a casual match with friends, a friendly tournament, or informal networking surrounded by nature.

Microclimate & Longevity: An Open-Air Wellness Retreat

The positive impact of altitude on sleep and physical recovery is often underestimated. Staying in Folgaria feels like a natural wellness program. According to scientific studies, altitudes between 1,100 and 1,400 meters are ideal for cardiovascular health and relieving chronic stress.

Cool, quiet nights encourage deep, restorative sleep, while the clean mountain air—free from urban pollutants—helps reoxygenate the body after long, demanding workweeks.

Alpine Culinary Traditions

The Alpe Cimbra also boasts a rich culinary culture built on farm-to-table traditions. From historic cheeses like Vezzena di Malga (a Slow Food Presidium) to fine Trentino wines and contemporary mountain dining, every weekend becomes an opportunity to discover authentic flavors that nourish both body and mind.

Folgaria: Authenticity & Active Longevity

The Alpe Cimbra plateau, and Folgaria in particular, prove how a mountain destination can evolve with elegance while keeping its rich heritage intact. It is an exclusive refuge designed for an active, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle.