Italy is a Mediterranean country located in southern Europe. It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea on the east coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west or Mediterranean coast, and the Ionian Sea to the south. In the north, Italy is bordered by the countries of France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.
â· If the most importnat thing for you is that the accommodation is located right next to the ski slopes and lifts, but you care more about good food, low prices, top ski instructors and snow, then ski resorts in Italy are for you.
Italy tends to be cheaper than its main European rivals France, Austria and Switzerland, and its laid-back ambiance makes it a natural for families and anyone who is more interested in just enjoying the snow rather than skiing faster, further and steeper than the next person
Dolomites
The Dolomites are a massive mountain range in the Italian Alps in northeastern Italy, stretching across the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. In 2009, these mountains were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering a total area of 141,903 hectares.Â
The Italian Dolomites are without a question one of the most dramatic alpine destinations in the world. Whether youâre out driving, cycling, skiing, or hiking, youâll be captivated by the sheer cliffs, vertical walls, craggy pinnacles, karst plateaus, idyllic valleys, and alpine pastures that define the unique landscape of the Dolomiti.
Here, mountain peaks slash the sky and light up in fiery shades of crimson and violet (Enrosadira). Below the soaring pinnacles, cattle graze on undulating alpine pastures, dotted with huts. This dazzling contrast between rocky mountains and silky meadows is what makes the Dolomites so cinematic. The most skiable terrain and the broadest range of opportunities are in the Dolomites, where 12 major ski areas total more than 1,200 kilometers of ski trails
â· The snowiest ski resort- Cervinia
Cervinia is at the head of the Aosta Valley, part of the Alps in northwest Italy. The resort lies on the border with Switzerland, close to the Swiss resort of Zermatt.Cervinia combines high, sunny, extensive, snowsure slopes with impressive scenery and a link over to Zermatt. The skiing is well suited to both beginners and intermediates, consisting of miles of long, gentle flattering runs, but experts will find few challenging pistes.
Recommended:
Cervinia Ski Resort Piste Maps
“Cervinia is an excellent place to learn to ski, with a high altitude giving it a good chance of reliable snow conditions, the wide variety of easy runs once youâre off the nursery slopes, and the compact resort centre which means that you wonât have to walk far when carrying skis.” by unknown skier from America
â· Ski resort known for good nightlife- Sauze d’ Oulx
At the northern end of the 400km Milky Way ski area in Italy, perched on a sunny plateau sits the vibrant mountain town of Sauze d’Oulx. It’s a magnet for those looking to most of their time both on and off the mountain! Intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders love it in particular thanks to the 212 runs.Sauze d’Oulx Apres ski is as lively or as quiet as you wish.Â
You’ll find bars that can offer exceptional wine for a cosy pre or after dinner drink through to more livelier bars with live music and DJ sets. Also Sauze has a good selection of restaurants and pizzerias that won’t break the bank.
Sauze d’ Oulx Ski Resort information
â· The best family ski resort-Â Champoluc
Champoluc is the largest resort in the Monterosa region, a huge ski area also known as Italyâs very own âThree Valleysâ. Surrounded by wooded terrain and based at one end of the Monterosa ski area (with Gressoney in the central valley and Alagna on the far side), Champoluc boasts spectacular views of the regionâs dramatic glaciers and peaks.
Those based here have access to the whole Monterosa circuit; renowned in particular for its uncrowded slopes and fabulous off-piste terrain.
Esprit ski
There are many reasons why staying with Esprit Ski in Champoluc is ideal for families, one being the proximity to the ski lift and slopes (ski in ski out is possible here). While the area is also home to a range of off-piste activities should you and the kids want time away from the slopes including a great apres-ski scene.
Combine that with the in-house childcare service for children from 3-12 years, including evening options, and the catered service which includes a buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and social evening meal (the littles ones get their own high tea service).
Look to : www.espritski.com
â· Ski resort known for its snow parks- Livigno
Its 115km of pistes are very snowsure, with most at well over 2000m and backed up by a comprehensive snowmaking system. They best suit intermediate skiers, but more advanced skiers will also enjoy the freeride options and beginners are well catered for on the gentle slopes at the edge of the valley.
How do you fly to Livigno?
The nearest airport to Livigno is Bolzano/Bozen (BZO) Airport which is 91 km away. Other nearby airports include Milan Bergamo (BGY) (102.7 km), Milan Linate (LIN) (136.8 km), Milan Malpensa (MXP) (149.4 km) and Zurich (ZRH) (156.7 km).
â· Famous ski resort among Italians- Madesimo
Madesimo Valchiavenna ski resort is a popular haunt for snow lovers from Milan. Located on the alpine frontier with Switzerland, Madesimo strikes a perfect balance between alpine villages, rifugios, ample piste terrain & interesting backcountry powder ski routes without breaking your budget.
And if you have never seen what a 13 metre high gilt bronze statue looks like up close & personal, juxtaposed against the Italian Alps, then you will have to visit Valchiavenna to find out. The imposing shrine to ‘Our Lady of Europe’ is quite the sight above Motta & one you are not likely to see in too many ski resorts across the globe.
Hotel Capriolo is great for families.
â· Ski resort near Turin and Geneva- Courmayeur
Courmayeur is located 150km north of Turin in the Valle dâAosta, Italy. The town and ski resort are on the âsunny sideâ of Monte Bianco 35km west of Aosta and 22km southeast of Chamonix via the Mont Blanc tunnel.
Closest international gateway airports are Turin (TRN), Milan (MXP) or Geneva (GVA). Turin airport is available to Europe or UK based Powderhounds. Those from further afield are best to use Milan Malpensa or Geneva in Switzerland.
Transport options to Courmayeur from wither airport include car rental, private transfers and public train/bus combinations.
â· Alta Badia ski resort
The mountain region of Alta Badia is located in the South Tyrolean Dolomites, in the southern part of Val Badia valley which divides from Val Pusteria valley at San Lorenzo.One of the five Ladin municipalities of the Val Badia is called Corvara, framed by mighty mountains such as the Sella Massif, the Fanes Group and the Puez Group with the eponymous nature park.
Of all the resorts in the worldâs biggest ski area, Corvaraâs one of the best-connected. Lifts branch out from the centre in every direction so you can explore as much of the 1,220km of piste as you like. Stick to the Alta Badia slopes to find your feet on the network of blues and reds, or venture further out to explore varied terrain around Val di Fassa or advanced runs in Arabba.
And if youâre keen to do the Sella Ronda circuit, you can easily take the gondola up to join the clockwise route, or catch the lift to neighbouring Colfosco to follow it anti-clockwise
| Snow range | 1,570-3,340m |
| Resort height | 1,570m |
â· Ski resort for begginers- Passo Tonale
Passo Tonale is arguably Italy’s most snowsure and perhaps one of it’s best value ski resorts, with access to 100km of well connected slopes. The main resort base sits at a lofty 1883m, which allied to an impressive snowmaking system gives Passo Tonale one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons in the Alps.
First-time skiers: This small resort is a great place to learn. It has wide nursery slopes and lots of gentle blues and reds where beginners can build their confidence. And all the runs lead right back to the edge of town, so it’s easy to find your way around and meet up with pals for lunch.