Top 10 Ski Resorts and Locations in Italy
It’s winter and if that means snow, then pick up your gear and hit the slopes with our tips for the best slopes this winter season.
Ski Resorts in Val D’Aosta
Courmayeur
Courmayeur is Europe’s highest mountain and if that is not reason enough for you to pick this location then consider the 100km of pistes with 18 lifts and the Courmayeur Cable car which is open ‘til midnight for a spectacular view of the mountain at night. Take your pick from the 31 slopes of which 10 are blue, 17 red and 4 black. Courmayeur is a favorite location for intermediate and advanced skiers. And just when you think the sky’s the limit, think again and try heli-skiing!
Tip: Courmayeur has become a preferred location for powder lovers; ask about itineraries along the canals of Chécrout, Arp Vieille, Cresta Youla and Arp Dolonne.
See price details here.
Cervinia
At a height of 3450 meters, Cervinia holds Italy’s best snow record, it is also one of Europe’s highest ski resorts. Cervinia offers 160km of runs across the Breuil-Cervinia Voltournenche and Zermatt area – one of the largest areas in the Alps. Here visitors can choose from fabulous long runs, cross country skiing, a snow park, three ski areas for children, ice climbing, skating, ice skating and more in a very friendly environment.
Tip: Take a break from the tracks and visit Europe’s highest museum at Plateau Rosà for a glimpse of how high-altitude lifts were created. Open from 10am to 4pm, free entry.
See price details here.
La Thuile
Also located in Val D’Aosta, La Thuile offers something for everyone, especially advanced skiers. With 37 ski lifts stretched over 150km of trails which 36 are blue, 31 red and 13 black all with interesting elevation drops. There are also two slalom stadiums, a free-rider zone, Wazimu Snowpark for snowboarders, snow kite and much more! And after a long day outdoors, try some of the many delicacies including boudin, motzettaor polenta concia.
Tip: Try the Vallée Blanche ski route in which Alpine guides will take you 24 km in the heart of the Mont Blanc for an unbelievable experience on the top of the world!
See price details here.
Ski Resorts in Piemonte
Sestriere
Sestriere is Italy’s 1st purpose built resort and was the main venue during the 2006 Winter Olympics. It is linked to the Milky Way skiing area (connected to nearby villages in France) and offers 400km of trails which include 24 blue, 15 red and 13 black. One of its peculiarities is the fact that visitors can enjoy skiing without waiting in (queuing) line for the lift. Sestriere also offers visitors a lively nightlife with pubs, karaoke bars and great dining.
Tip: Make the trip to the top of Mount Fraiteve for a spectacular view!
For shop and information, go here.
Bardonecchia
Also in Piedmont, Bardonecchia is one of Italy’s less commercial locations offering 100km of runs (16 blue, 18 red and 5 black) with 23 ski lifts without the crowds. It stretches across three areas: Colomion and Les Arnauds, Melezet and Jafferau, the latter with a height of 2800 meters is popular with snowboarders and offers breathtaking views. It has the Olympic half pipe from the 2006 Winter Olympics, a snow park, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, ice rink and ski and snowboard schools.
Tip: Ask about the Snowcat Safari offering daily departures up the slopes from 5:30pm for 1, 2 and 3-hour trips. Make the most of your experience and book at one of the many restaurants for a unique dinner out!
See price details here.
Ski Resorts in Veneto
Cortina D’Ampezzo
Dubbed the ‘Queen of the Dolomites,’ Cortina d’Ampezzo loved by snow sports aficionados is also one of Italy’s chicest ski destinations. Nestled at a height of 2788 meters in the picturesque Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site) it offers 115km of trails, which can be extended to 1220km thanks to the 12 nearby valleys of the Dolomiti Superski area, which is the world’s largest skiing carousel. And if you’d like to take a break from the trails, take a leisurely stroll (people watching) along Piazza Venezia or do some shopping along Corso Italia.
Tip: Expert skiers particularly like Cortina D’Ampezzo and will greatly enjoy a run down Vertigine Bianca one of the black runs along La Tofana ski area.
For information on activities and prices, go here.
Ski Resorts in Trentino Alto Adige
Madonna di Campiglio
Madonna di Campiglio is loved for its chic combination of sports, gastronomy (including three Michelin-starred restaurants) and relaxation. Choose from the 60 trails stretched across 150kms and 100 slopes of which 45 blue, 37 red and 18 black or one of the 5 snowboard parks. It is a favorite for intermediate skiers. This is also a great location for cross country skiing, ski mountaineering, paragliding, dog sledding, ice climbing and skating and other sorts of snow activities.
Tip: Relax with a stop at the thermal baths in Val Rendena or with cocktails at one of the many stylish bars, nightlife venues or a meal at one of the three Michelin-starred restaurants.
For details on experiences and prices, go here.
Corvara
Also known as Alta Badia, it is located in the upper Val Badia in the heart of the Dolomites and is one of the most prestigious ski race venues in the World Cup circuit. Corvara offers 130km of pistes divided into four main areas with numerous locations for a pit stop or drink (much preferred by young crowds).
Tip: Expert skiers should try a run down Gran Risa, the feared black trail with a 53% inclination which extends a little over a kilometer near La Villa.
See price details here.
Ski Resorts in Lombardia
Livigno
Off the beaten path, Livigno is known as skiers and snowboarders paradise with its 115km of slopes. Choose from 129 blue, 37 red or 12 black trails. If you’re not into skiing, take your pick from ski schools, alpine guides, heli-skiing. Livigno is a family-friendly choice with a fun park, kinder club lupigno, snow tubing, broader zoo and more. Vivid nightlife offering great food and drink venues. Shoppers be advised that Livigno is a duty-free area (that’s right you don’t pay Italian VAT) so take advantage of this.
Tip: Try Night Skiing on Thursdays from 8:30 – 10:30pm.
See price details here.
Madesimo
Popular with Milanese crowds, Madesimo offers a great ski opportunity just a stone’s throw from the Lombard capital. It is also a favorite location for families on account of their ‘realistic prices’. Although the ski area is much smaller, we recommend a run down the Canalone (2950 meters) for a rush with its many twists and turns and 1000-meter descent. Other activities available at Madesimo include ice climbing, snow kite, ice skating, heli-skiing, bobsleds and night skiing.
Tip: Take part in one of the many moonlight outings on snow rackets.
See price details here.
Article by Easy Milano Editorial Staff
Featured Image by Glade Optics
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[…] Many ski resorts are easily accessible from Milan including Pila, Madesimo and Foppolo and the 2026 edition of the Winter Olympics will take place near Milan. […]