The serious attitude of the Italian authorities towards tourism already predetermines not only a good holiday on the beaches, but also in the mountains. Excellent living conditions, a high level of service and stunning views make Italian ski resorts one of the best, and therefore most popular, in the world.
If you prefer low prices, excellent food and a unique atmosphere over luxury and comfort, then the ski resorts in Italy are made for you. Here, unlike similar recreation centers in France, Switzerland and Austria, the organizers and animators place the main emphasis on the festive mood and all kinds of entertainment events, and leave sports and physical activity in the background. Another pleasant advantage of Italian ski resorts is their relatively low prices, which are significantly lower than those in other European countries.
Forget about Eastern Europe and even Andorra: for a small amount of money spent on a trip to an Italian resort, you will get a lot of impressions and pleasant memories. The stunningly beautiful landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent. You can choose exactly the ski area that you think suits you best. And there is plenty to choose from. 12 zones, which cover areas of thousands of kilometers:
- for beginners
- for experienced
- for professionals
- for lovers of a safe holiday
- for romantics
- for party lovers
- for a family holiday
- for lovers of silence
- for connoisseurs of beauty
- for weekend
How to get to northern Italy? We have selected the ten best ski resorts in Italy that are worth your attention, and also calculated the approximate cost of a holiday at each of them.
For beginners Passo del Tonale
This small village is located at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level. Nearby there is a mountain 3088 meters high, from where tourists are invited to descend. This resort is one of the few where snow lies from late October until May. It is for this reason that Passo Tonale has long been chosen by the Italian ski team. The slopes here are designed for both beginner skiers and intermediate-level athletes. And extreme and adventure seekers can get to the slopes of Mount Ponte di Legno. In Passo Tonale there are two schools where polite instructors teach skiing and snowboarding in English. The resort area is usually quiet; life and fun come here during holidays and weekends. While visiting Passo Tonale, make sure to enjoy lunch at the Hotel Dimora Storica La Mirandola, which dates back to around the 12th century, and enjoy the wonderful medieval atmosphere.
*Where to stay: The three-star Hotel Adamello is a clear favorite among tourists who come here, and this is not surprising: excellent food, polite staff and a high level of service have done their job. A room for seven nights will cost you approximately 720 euros.
*Other options Bardonecchia and Madesimo are favorite places of the Italians themselves. Each of these hotels has small slopes on which it is very convenient to learn skiing.
Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1885 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1120 to 3015 meters; The length of the slopes is 100 kilometers, 17% blue (for beginners), 66% red (for experienced skiers), 17% black (for professionals); Snow coverage 100%.
More information can be found here: www.passotonale.it.
For experienced Corvara
Corvara is a small, lively village mainly catering for couples. It is located right at the intersection of two ski slopes for experienced athletes. Through the Alta Badia area you can easily reach the Sella Ronda area, where there are many slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers. Here you can also find many cozy restaurants where you can have a snack after a breathtaking descent. It is also worth saying that Corvara offers some of the most beautiful sunsets: as the sun sets, the slopes of the Dolomites turn different shades of red, creating an indescribable play of colors. The landscapes around you are so amazing that you completely forget to look at your feet. There are several luxury hotels in this cluster.
- The four-star La Perla Hotel in Corvara invites tourists to enjoy not only skiing or snowboarding, but also wonderful service and dishes from a local chef.
- Another four-star hotel, Posta Zirm, has gained popularity due to its excellent restaurant and luxurious spa.
- In San Cassiano there is another hotel, the five-star Rosa Alpina. Each room will offer you a unique design. The hotel has two upscale restaurants with two Michelin stars.
*Where to stay: The three-star La Plaza Hotel in Kovara is an excellent choice for those looking for a homely, cozy atmosphere away from home. In addition, you can use the services of a small spa center here. A week's stay at this hotel will cost you approximately 1160 euros.
*Other options Hotel Kronplatz in South Tyrol (Sudtirol), with easy access to any of the nearby red and blue slopes. The resort area of La Thuile in Aosta offers its guests the use of red and blue slopes, which are connected to the slopes of the French resort La Rosière www.larosiere.net, where you can find even more breathtaking slopes. Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1570 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1005 to 3270 meters; 433 kilometers long slopes, 38% blue, 53% red, 3% black; Snow coverage 90%. More information can be found here: www.altabadia.org
For professionals Alagna Valsesia
This picturesque village with a stone church and small farm buildings is located in the huge Monterosa ski area. The nearby slopes are sure to please professional skiers and snowboarders: exciting slopes with many challenging challenges will not let anyone get bored. This place is not suitable for those who have only recently learned or are still learning to ski. This is also not a place for nightlife lovers: the lights here go out almost immediately after dinner. If you are planning a large-scale rental for tomorrow, then you just need to get a good night's sleep. Alanya has only 15 kilometers of downhill skiing, but the village is connected to the nearby resorts of Gressoney and Champoluc, which offer tourists tens of kilometers of downhill skiing. The village itself is located at an altitude of 1212 meters, but fast cable cars take you to the peaks at 3275 meters, from where stunning views open up.
*Where to stay: Agriturismo Alagna is a beautifully restored old farmhouse located near the main funicular. The owners of the mini-hotel always warmly welcome guests, offering them comfortable rooms with wooden and stone decoration. One night and breakfast in this place will cost approximately 80-100 euros for two.
*Other options The town of Arabba is located in the Sella Ronda ski area, but this is the best place to start exploring the most amazing slopes. Not only does it have some of the steepest descents in all of the Dolomites, but it also offers some of the most beautiful views in Italy. Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1200 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1200 to 3275 meters; The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black; Snow coverage 97%.
More information can be found here: www.monterosa-ski.com
For lovers of a safe holiday Breuil-Cervinia
This resort, located at a great altitude, boasts the driest snow, which lies here from December to May. Cervinia offers tourists more than 150 kilometers of descent. Cable cars connect this resort with the International Descent, the total length of which is 360 kilometers. It is worth admitting that Cervinia is far from the most beautiful Italian resort: there are often ugly buildings that spoil the whole view. However, this place has no equal when it comes to sports entertainment. Numerous races of skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels are constantly held here. Sometimes it seems that people are skating here without stopping for lunch and sleep. In Cervinia there is the famous red descent of Ventina with a height of 4000 meters.
*Where to stay: You will encounter the true hospitality of the mountain inhabitants if you go on holiday to the four-star Bucaneve Hotel. The staff here wears traditional costumes, and each room exudes antiquity. Another advantage of this hotel, of course, is its location: the nearest ski lift can be reached in less than 5 minutes. A week's stay here will cost approximately 1160 euros.
*Other options are the cozy towns of Livigno and Passo del Tonale. Key facts: The resort is located at an altitude of 2050 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1525 to 3480 meters; 160 kilometers long slopes, 30% blue, 59% red, 11% black; Snow coverage 50%.
More information can be found here: cervinia.it
For romantics Cortina d'Ampezzo
This city lies surrounded by mountains and on one of them, as well as in a chain of churches built many centuries ago. Despite the fact that Cortina d'Ampezzo remained occupied for centuries by foreign invaders, including the Austrians and Americans in 1945, the city managed to maintain its unique atmosphere, which reigns here to this day in every corner. While residents of neighboring towns speak Italian and German, Cortinians prefer to communicate in the ancient Ladin language. In Cortina you will find many slopes for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels. All of them are divided into several zones, between which a bus runs. In the village itself, despite the fact that it is the center of the resort, all life does not revolve around mountains, snow, skis and snowboards. The main pedestrian street, Corso Italia, is home to numerous fashion designer boutiques and antique shops. As dusk falls, Cortina comes alive. On the streets of the city there is almost a real parade of fur coats and other fur products, and closer to night, all owners of insulating clothing move to nearby bars and restaurants, where they discuss their day over a glass of fine wine. In 1956, Cortina hosted the Winter Olympic Games, so there is no doubt about the quality of the slopes and equipment. However, in recent years, the resort authorities do not deny the fact that Cortina's funding has decreased significantly. But this does not bother the residents of Rome and Milan, who invariably go here to ski.
*Where to stay: The four-star Ancora Hotel, with its stunning interiors, has been attracting tourists for four decades thanks to its very convenient location. In addition, there is the most amazing restaurant in the area. Seven days in one of Ancora's rooms will cost you approximately 1120 euros.
*Other options The market town of Ortisei is surrounded by stunning peaks. The local slopes require a leisurely descent, during which you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The small, quiet village of San Cassiano, located on three plains, has a unique atmosphere. Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1225 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1225 to 2930 meters; 115 kilometers long slopes, 50% blue, 35% red, 15% black; Snow coverage 50%.
More information can be found here: www.skicortinadampezzo.com
For party lovers Sauze d'Oulx
Since the beginning of the 1970-80s of the last century, Sauze d'Oulse has had the reputation of a ski resort, where parties play a greater role than sports. You wouldn't see a soul on the downhill slopes in this area before noon. The charming village has gone through several global changes, but, fortunately, has not lost its special “party” atmosphere. In the city center, houses from the last century have been pushed aside by modern buildings in the Art Nouveau style. It is here that Sauz d'Oul's life is in full swing. The more you move away from the central streets, the more silence envelops you. But despite all this, Sauze d'Oulse boasts some of the best slopes in Italy. They extend all the way to the resorts of Sansicario, Sestriere and the French town of Montegenevre. The total length of the slopes is about 400 kilometers, which are served by 66 ski lifts. At the intersection of these numerous slopes there is a whole scattering of restaurants, hotels and other entertainment establishments. You don't have to be a fortune to dine here - prices in this area are very reasonable. Many bars often have live music, so you can enjoy a glass of wine and the stunning scenery outside to the sounds of light jazz.
*Where to stay: It's worth noting that most hotels in Sauze d'Oulse don't deserve much attention, but the three-star Chalet Faure & Spa is worth highlighting - an old house converted into an excellent hotel with a spa and its own wine bar. A week's stay in one of the rooms will cost you from 770 euros.
*Other options The villages of Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina d'Amprezzo in the Dolomites offer a richer and more vibrant nightlife. Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1510 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1390 to 2825 meters; 400 kilometers long slopes, 25% blue, 55% red, 20% black; Snow coverage 60%.
More information can be found here: www.sauzeonline.com
For a holiday with family Champoluc
The Monterosa mountain range is not as popular as it deserves. The cute village of Champoluc has a typical Italian atmosphere: stunning scenery, cozy bars and cafes, no queues both in shops and on the road. Moreover, there is a wonderful English ski school where the instructors speak several languages. These are highly qualified specialists from Italy and England, ready to teach everyone from young (from 4 years old) to old. A special advantage of this resort is the childcare service. As a rule, Italians go on vacation with their whole family, leaving not only their children but also their parents at home, so there is always someone to look after the younger generation. However, if you decide to relax only with your children and give your parents the opportunity to take a break from you in their homeland, then you should definitely take care of your kids’ leisure time. And the Italian ski school Scuola Sci Champoluc will do it for you.
*Where to stay The four-star Relais des Glaciers boasts an excellent spa and a great location, just a seven-minute walk from the village's main square. The friendly staff will be happy to help you and will also provide you and your children with delicious food. A week's holiday here will cost you approximately 1000 euros.
*Other options Many hotels in the neighboring towns of Gressoney and Selva also provide childcare services. Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1570 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1200 to 3275 meters; The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black; Snow coverage 97%.
More information can be found here: www.visitchampoluc.it
For lovers of silence Livigno
Livigno is one of the most remote ski resorts in Europe. The journey here from Innsbruck will take three hours at best. And we’re not even talking about Italian airports, located even further away. However, the long journey to Livigno is well worth it due to the well-equipped pistes, low prices and safe snow conditions. The village is located 10 kilometers from a mountain road that ends at the foot of a 1816-meter mountain called Little Tibet, located near the border with Switzerland. Numerous slopes start here, offering stunning views. Every year new ski lifts and slopes appear in Livigno, and new hotels open. Today, trails of medium difficulty predominate here. It is also worth noting that in December a traditional ski marathon (35 kilometers) takes place in Livigno. In addition to the many advantages of this resort, it is worth highlighting the fact that it is duty free. It seems that prices have frozen at the level of Napoleon times. A bottle of milk is often harder to find here than a case of whiskey.
*Where to stay Hotel Cristallo is definitely one of the best options for accommodation near Livigno in the town of Bormio, just 400 meters from the cable car. A week's stay at this three-star hotel would cost approx. 1000 euros.
*Other options The huge Snowpark complex in Bardonecchia hosted sports competitions several times during the Winter Olympic Games in Torino in 2006. The huge descent, 1100 meters high, is divided into five zones depending on the purpose and complexity of the slopes. There is also an Olympic halfpipe here. The Indian Park freestyle area in Cervinia is considered one of the best not only in Italy, but throughout the world. Basic facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1815 meters; The height of the slopes ranges from 1815 to 2795 meters; 115 kilometers long slopes, 38% blue, 47% red, 15% black; Snow coverage 70%.
More information can be found here: www.livigno.eu
For connoisseurs of beauty Madesimo
This small but very cute village is located right next to Lake Como, 2.5 hours drive from Milan and Bergamo. It is especially popular among those who are looking for an ideal price-quality ratio. The slopes here are mainly designed for intermediate-level skiers and snowboarders, but real professionals will not be bored in Madesimo either. There are a dozen excellent slopes of varying lengths, as well as different types of soil. On weekends, the village experiences increased crowds of tourists, but Madesimo is fairly quiet throughout the week. This resort has a huge number of restaurants, pizzerias and bars, the prices of which are comparable to the same establishments, but in a French resort. The Dogana Vegia restaurant, located on the highest point of the city (about 25 minutes from the center), definitely deserves special attention. The stunning interior and wonderful dishes from the local chef will not leave anyone indifferent.
*Where to stay The three-star Hotel Arlecchino has an amazing homely atmosphere and good cuisine. A week's accommodation will cost approximately 650 euros.
*Other options for Livigno (see “For lovers of silence”), as well as the budget resorts of Folgarida and Marilleva. Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1500 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1500 to 2945 meters; 60 kilometer slopes, 49% blue, 42 red, 9% black; Snow coverage 65%.
More information can be found here: www.madesimo.com
For the weekend Courmayeur
Of course, when choosing a resort to visit for the weekend, it is of great importance to have an airport nearby, from where you can easily and quickly get there. Courmayeur is a two-hour drive from Turin and Geneva. This traditional mountain village is located right on the slope of Mont Blanc. Typically, Italians flock to Courmayeur late Friday afternoon. They leisurely stroll along the pedestrian street Via Roma, where there are a huge number of designer boutiques and cozy cocktail bars. Contrary to the general trend, in the morning there are not so many people wanting to ride on the slopes: everyone is sleeping off after a great Friday and Saturday evening.
*Where to stay The three-star Bouton d'Or provides its clients with spacious rooms, ample parking, and also boasts a good location: there are a lot of restaurants near the hotel to suit every taste. The cost for a week's stay in this place is approx. 840 euros.
*Other options The lively towns of Sauze d'Olux and nearby Sestriere will not disappoint your expectations: the service-location-price ratio is more than optimal. Key Facts The resort is located at an altitude of 1225 meters; The height of the descents ranges from 1210 to 2755 meters; The slopes are 36 kilometers long, 27% blue, 59% red, 14% black; Snow coverage 70%.
More information can be found here: www.courmayeur-montblanc.com
How to get to northern Italy? Since all ski resorts are located in northern Italy, the most rational option would be to fly to Milan. You can combine your vacation with shopping and, after a few days, go skiing in a rented car or by train.
Have a great descent!