Italy has some of the finest ski slopes in Europe. Italy’s Alps, Dolomites and Apennine mountain ranges are some of the most beautiful parts of the country and have numerous ski resorts for you to choose from. In addition, the prices for accommodation, ski rental and eating out in a restaurant at Italian ski resorts is generally considerably cheaper than their counterparts in France, Switzerland and Austria.
FAQ About Skiing In Italy.
The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about skiing in Italy:
Which Is The Best Place To Ski In Italy?
It’s hard to say precisely where the best ski area is in Italy because all the top resorts have characteristics that make them unique. Even so, Cervinia is certainly the country’s finest luxury resort while Bormio has some of the highest quality, Olympic level facilities.
When Is The Best Time To Ski In Italy?
The best time to ski in Italy is during November and December, before Christmas when the big crowds arrive. During these months you’ll have great snow and the prices of accommodation are a little cheaper than later in the season when most of the tourists arrive.
Alternatively, after New Year and right through until Easter offers good snow and lower prices in Italy’s main ski resorts. Of course, if the price is no object then spending Christmas at an Italian ski resort is a magical time of the year to be in the mountains, especially if you’re visiting with your children.
Where Do The Rich Ski In Italy?
Wealthy Italians and rich tourists frequent numerous ski resorts in Italy but the most popular with jet setters is the Cervinia luxury ski resort. Sitting in the shadows of the Matterhorn mountain, known locally as ‘Monte Cervino’, the resort, in the Northern Italian Alps, has over 350 km of slopes, also making it one of the largest ski resorts in Italy.
Which Is Italy’s Biggest Ski Resort?
The biggest ski resort in Italy is the Via Lattea in Sestriere. This vast resort has over 400 km in slopes that include black, red and blue runs, making it suitable for people of all abilities and experience.
Via Lattea is located around 70 km West of Turin, in Piedmont, and is made up of 5 main resorts. The 5 areas include Claviere, Sauze d’Oulx, Pragelato, Sansicario and Sestriere.
Italy Is Cheaper Than France, Austria Or Switzerland.
Italy is considerably cheaper for skiing than either France, Austria or Switzerland. However, despite the savings that you can make you can still enjoy some of the finest slopes in Europe. It’s more affordable to ski in Italy because everything from the accommodation to the ski lift passes are cheaper than across the border in France or Switzerland.
The Best Italian Ski Resorts.
The following are the best ski resorts in Italy. They offer skiing for all levels. The Italian Association of Ski Instructors (AMSI) has three levels to evaluate the skills of each skier namely bronze, silver and gold. Within each level there are three sub-levels indicated by a number of stars (from one to three).
Alta Badia.
Situated in Italy’s Dolomite mountains, in the North of the country, the Alta Badia ski resort is a part of the legendary Dolomiti Superski area. The resort includes 6 villages, the largest of which are San Cassiano, La Villa and Cavara. The ski resort has over 130 km of ski runs and is a fantastic site for skiing, snowboarding and even cross-country skiing.
There is a great selection of runs at the Alta Badia ski resort, including a very challenging black run as well as others that are suitable for absolute beginners and intermediate skiers. You can also explore the off-piste runs, the most popular being the Val Mezdi which is nicknamed the ‘Valle Blanche of the Dolomites’, a 1,400 meter descent through some of the most spectacular scenery in the region.
The Alta Badia ski resort has a superb choice of accommodation and numerous small, independent restaurants, including several Michelin-starred establishments, where you can enjoy local dishes as well as all the usual international favorites.
Cervinia.
Cervinia is a genuine skier’s paradise at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn mountain in the Italian Alps. Cervinia is one of the highest altitude ski resorts in Europe and has slopes that are suitable for all ages and abilities. The majority of the slopes at the luxury resort are rated as red runs and are designed for mid-level intermediates but there are runs that are suitable for beginners too; so nobody needs to miss out on the fun.
During the evening there is a thriving après ski that is primarily based around a few bars and a number of local hotels. There are also tapas-style eateries, cozy cafes and an excellent choice of top quality restaurants and upmarket hotels, chalets and apartments. The Alpine resort is connected to famous Swiss resorts, such as Zermatt, by interlinking slopes and the Plateau Rosa glacier offers some incredible runs for more experienced skiers.
As one of Italy’s top resorts, Cervinia is the perfect winter destination for families with children as well as high-level, intermediate and beginner skiers. In fact, with an amazing 350 km of slopes, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes!
Bormio.
The Bormio ski resort is located in the very heart of Alta Valtellina, in the Italian Alps, and has runs that are suitable for all abilities. With incredible panoramic views, the resort is family-friendly and has several children’s play areas where younger guests can ski and play safely in the snow.
Bormio is an old Lombardia spa town that has wonderful hotels and restaurants that serve up regional cuisines as well as international food and fusion cooking. One of the highlights of the resort is the nighttime skiing under the stars on brightly lit runs. There is also an Olympic ski slope at Bormio which is just waiting to host the prestigious 2026 Winter Olympics.
The main skiing area in Bormio is on the slopes of the famous Cima Bianca that rises up into the sky from the Southern side of the town. At the huge slope’s mid-point there are restaurants and even hotels where you can stay right in the middle of the action. Most of the slopes at Bormio are classified as red runs and although off-piste skiing is forbidden there are several freeride zones at the resort.
Overall, this resort is perfect for mid-level and experienced skiers. However, there is a beginner’s skiing area too, so Bormio is still an ideal option if you’re new to skiing. There is also a fun snow park where you can work on your jumps and half-pipe techniques. The ski lifts at Bormio can take you up to a head-spinning altitude of 3,000 meters with a total vertical drop of nearly 2,000 meters from the top to the bottom.
If you’d like to relax and pamper yourself in the evening there are on-site spa facilities and a bustling après ski scene in the bars and nightclubs. The town also has a delightful historic center with gorgeous piazzas, fountains, chapels and churches to explore during your downtime on the slopes.
Cortina D’Ampezzo.
Cortina, located in Veneto, is widely considered to be the most beautiful town in the Dolomites and first hit the headlines when it hosted the 1950s Winter Olympics. The Cortina d’Ampezzo ski resort is still a major stop on the international ski circuit and has slopes that are suitable for everyone from professional-level experts to beginners who are just starting out on the slopes.
This historic ski resort is a surprisingly well-kept secret though and is often overlooked by people looking for a resort in Italy. Even so, the resort is one of the nation’s best ski areas and boasts some truly incredible winter scenery. The ski resort is located at over 1,000 meters altitude and its largest ski slope has a remarkable 1,600 meters of vertical descents.
The resort is separated into several different areas with the gentle beginner slopes of the Socrapes area and the off-piste areas that are set aside for more experienced skiers. Cortina d’Ampezzo also has an Olympic bobsleigh run if you want a real high-speed adventure!
In the town of Cortina, you can enjoy traditional Italian mountain cuisine and relax in the bars during the evening. The town has a good selection of hotels and welcomes families, couples and solo travelers each winter with accommodation suitable for all budgets.
Courmayeur.
This beautiful Alpine ski resort sits at the base of Mont Blanc in the Aosta Valley and boasts some of the finest views in Europe. This well-established ski resort is located opposite the lovely town of Chamonix where you’ll find superb hotels, restaurants and cafes.
The majority of the ski runs at Courmayeur are of moderate difficulty so there’s plenty for beginners and intermediate skiers to try during their time on the slopes. There are also some tougher slopes, such as the well-loved red run that takes you right down to Dolonne.
The resort has a beginners’ area at the top of the main ski lifts where you can practice your skills before taking on the steeper slopes below. While you’re skiing you can take in the marvelous views of the impressive mountain ranges around you as well as the tranquil glaciers that hug the slopes of Mont Blanc.
The town has a classic old-world feel but has all the modern facilities that you would expect at an upmarket ski resort including spas, luxury hotels, B&Bs, apartments, farmhouses and numerous restaurants that serve cuisine from all around the world. Chamonix has a great après ski scene which is made up of stylish lounge bars where you can eat canapes while sipping a cocktail or enjoy a more relaxed evening in one of the traditional cafes.
Italy’s Ski Resorts Offer Great Value For The Money.
While Italy’s ski resorts are considerably cheaper than comparable resorts in France, Austria or Switzerland, they are just as high quality and often have better views and scenery. Italy’s top ski resorts are suitable for people of all abilities and are family-friendly, have a great après ski atmosphere and plenty of superb restaurants and hotels to suit all budgets.
