- Main Ski Destinations
Skiing in Italy
Resorts in Italy tend to fall into two categories; very quaint villages like Courmayeur and Selva, to more manufactured high altitude resorts such as Sestriere and Cervinia.
With this in mind, there is something to suit most tastes. Italians are generally much more relaxed in their winter sports pursuits, with great food and wine just as important as freshly groomed pistes and powder.
Ski areas in Italy
Italy has the following ski areas: Sella Ronda, Mont Blanc Massif, Milky Way (Via Lattea) and Aosta Valley.
Sella Ronda Ski Area
The Sella Ronda has every right to be classed as a major ski area. With over 460km of pistes, the ski route is paradise for beginners to intermediates. What sets it apart from its competitors is the natural terrain. Being in the Dolomites, rather than Alpine, the geological structures are nothing short of breathtaking. Being further south, the Dolomites tend to enjoy more sunny weather than most and have an impressive array of snow making facilities to counter-act the warmer weather. If you haven’t skied Italy before, this should be your first destination! The Sella Ronda ski route combines the Italian resorts of Canazei (Val Di Fassa), Selva and Arabba.
- Canazei (Val Di Fassa) Ski Resort
- This is the place to be if you are beginners to intermediates, most of the runs in and around the resort itself are quite easy. The main areas are accessed by the Gondola that takes you into the heart of the Sella Ronda, be prepared to ride the same gondola back at the end of the day as the only run back to resort has a tendency to close later in the season. Canazei has a lively scene after the skiing and arguably the best night life in the area.
- View collection of Canazei Chalets »
- Selva Ski Resort
- Set in the stunning Dolomites mountain range, Selva Val Gardena enjoys the best of Italian tradition and is a world-renowned ski area, set in the spectacular Dolomites in northern Italy. The scenery is awe-inspiring, with incredible views from every vantage point. Selva is popular for families but is equally as good for intermediate skiers.
- View collection of Selva Chalets »
- Arabba Ski Resort
- At 1600m, Arabba is the highest resort in the Sella Ronda. If you are looking for steep runs and breakneck speeds, this is the area for you. The access to the rest of the ski area is better from here than any other part of the Sella Ronda, so if your main priority is accessing this huge area and getting most mileage possible without having to take buses or taxis, then this is where you should try and base yourselves. If you are looking for other activities after the skiing, then you should try Selva as there is relatively little to do after the lifts close.
Mont Blanc Massif Ski Area
The Mont Blanc Massif lies between the regions of Aosta Valley in Italy and Haute-Savoie in France, separated by the dominance of Mont Blanc itself (4,808 metres), the highest mountain in Western Europe. The two most famous ski resorts in the region are Courmayeur, in Aosta Valley, Italy, and Chamonix, in Haute-Savoie, France - the site of the first Winter Olympics. The Mont Blanc Tunnel runs through the mountain between these two resorts, and it is possible to cross the mountain from Chamonix to Courmayeur by cable car.
- Courmayeur Ski Resort
- Whilst relatively small in terms of ski area (100km only), Courmayeur has some great high altitude skiing and is one of the most charming resorts in Europe. The car-free village centre is not only stunning, but a great place to relax in the sun after a day on the slopes. The in-resort off-piste is very good, and for those looking for something a bit more ‘off the beaten track’ Courmayeur has plenty of heli-skiing options. Chamonix (in France, accessible through the Mont Blanc tunnel) is also a short bus or car ride away for those looking for more mileage.
Milky Way (Via Lattea) Ski Area
The 400km of pistes that is the Via Lattea spans from Montgenevre (in France) all the way over to Sauze d’Oulx and passes through Claviere and Sestriere en route. It is a monstrous ski area with enough to keep you busy for a few months, let alone a week! All abilities are catered for, lots of flattering greens and sweeping blue runs make it an ideal first ski holiday destination. For the more experienced, the off piste potential is enormous. The only negatives are the lack of resort charm and the ski area can only be best explored if you have access to a car or are willing to take a bus between some of the lifts.
- Claviere Ski Resort
- Claviere is a very small village, 5 minutes drive from Montgenevre in France (you can walk there in 30 minutes on a pedestrian piste). We would recommend Claviere for those looking for a quieter location with good access to the huge ski area. Claviere is very small and quiet so it is not a great destination to look for nightlife or other activities after skiing.
- Sauze d’Oulx Ski Resort
- Not the most charming of Italian resorts, BUT Sauze d’Oulx has excellent skiing, right in the heart of the Via Lattea. There are plenty of tree runs for heavy weather that extend into the wide open ski terrain that suits all levels of skiers fantastically well. The resort itself is excellent fun, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Sauze d’Oulx is generally very good value, both in the resort and when it comes to the accommodation itself.
- Sestriere Ski Resort
- One of the highest resorts in Italy. The resort itself nestles at 2000m and offers excellent skiing for all abilities with plenty of blues and greens easily accessible from the resort. There is also a great selection of more challenging pistes for the experts. The village itself is by no means attractive, and there isn’t a great deal to do after the lifts close; Sestriere is all about the ski area, great for winter sports enthusiasts but skiers looking for a more rounded holiday should try elsewhere.
Aosta Valley Ski Area
The Aosta Valley ski area includes a number of Italian resorts with a combined total of 130 pistes. The Aosta Valley Lift Pass allows you to ski in any of the ski resorts of Breuil-Cervinia, Courmayeur, Alagna Valsesia, Crévacol, Etroubles, La Thuile, Pila and Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses.
- Cervinia (Breuil-Cervinia) Ski Resort
- Cervinia lies at 2,000 metres on the Italian side of the foot of the Matterhorn (locally known as Monte Cervino). The extensive ski area connects Cervinia with Valtournenche, and Zermatt in Switzerland. The long, open pistes such as the 10 km run down from Plateau Rosa, are ideal for intermediates, and more advanced skiers enjoy the 22 km run from the Klein Matterhorn in Switzerland to Valtournenche. Access to the slopes from the village centre has been greatly improved with the development of new lifts on the Cretaz slopes. The centre itself offers a good selection of shops, lively bars and restaurants.
Ski Holidays in Italy
Italy is not as a popular destination for British winter sports enthusiasts when compared with the more illustrious resorts that Austria and France have to offer, which is a great shame as Italy offers something quite different to the standard resorts that many British skiers flock to each year. The resorts shrouded by the Dolomites are simply astounding and the more relaxed attitude to skiing in general, make Italy a very attractive destination for those skiers who want to take things easy!
Italy Ski Deals
Transfers
Transfers
Italy Ski Holiday Facts
- Language
- Italian
- Currency
- The Euro
- Flight Times
- The majority of flights go to Innsbruck, Verona or Turin. All take 2 hours
- Ski Season
- Early Dec - late April, although summer skiing can be enjoyed on the high glaciers in some resorts
- Weather
- Typically alpine conditions in the winter - be prepared for extreme cold (-20°C) but Spring conditions can typically see very bright and sunny conditions, so remember to apply the sunscreen
Map of Ski Resorts in Italy
Click a resort below to see the full details
