Cesana  Torinese​

Latest page update: 26 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Cesana Torinese
Cesana Torinese has a well-established hotel offering, supported by its position on the Via Lattea ski circuit and its role as a gateway to nearby resorts such as Sansicario, Sestriere and Claviere. Most accommodation is located close to the village centre or the main road links, allowing easy access to lifts, ski buses, walking routes and local services. The best-reviewed hotels focus on comfort, practicality and welcoming alpine hospitality suited to year-round stays.
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Among the leading options, Hotel Sansicario Majestic provides extensive facilities, spacious rooms and steady guest feedback for its services and access to the slopes (€€€). Hotel Chaberton in the centre offers comfortable accommodation with friendly service and a convenient location for shops, buses and lifts (€€). For those seeking a quieter base just outside the village, Hotel Edelweiss combines traditional styling with well-kept rooms and reliable standards, making it a practical choice for both winter sports and summer hiking (€€).

Where is

Where is Cesana Torinese?
​The ski resort of Cesana Torinese is situated within the Metropolitan City of Turin province. It stands at an elevation of 1,354 metres above sea level and has a population of 940.

​Places of interest nearby include Claviere, Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx and Bardonecchia while the recommended accommodation for Cesana Torinese is the Hotel ​Chaberton.
Comune di Cesana Torinese
Province: Metropolitan City of Turin

Region: Piedmont

Population: 893​ (in 2024 - source)

Size: 121 km²

​Elevation: 1,354 metres​​​​​

​Close by: Claviere, Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, Bardonecchia​

What People Ask About Cesana Torinese

Is Cesana Torinese worth visiting?
Yes, Cesana Torinese is a popular alpine village in the Via Lattea ski area, offering access to both Italian and French slopes. It's also a good base for hiking and cycling in summer.
What can you do in Cesana Torinese?
In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main activities, with direct access to the Via Lattea slopes. In summer, visitors enjoy mountain biking, trekking routes, and walking along old military roads and alpine passes.
How do you get to Cesana Torinese?
Cesana Torinese is about 95 km west of Turin and is best reached by car. The nearest train station is in Oulx, around 15 km away, with bus or taxi services connecting to the village.
What is Cesana Torinese known for?
Cesana Torinese is known for its location in the Via Lattea ski area, linking resorts like Sestriere and Claviere. It was also one of the venues for the 2006 Winter Olympics, hosting bobsleigh and luge events.
When is the best time to visit Cesana Torinese?
December to March is best for winter sports, while June to September is ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying the alpine scenery in warmer weather.
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Discover

Discover Cesana Torinese
Cesana Torinese is a town in the province of Turin, set in the Susa Valley close to the French border. Surrounded by the Cottian Alps, it has long been a crossing point on routes linking Italy with France, and today it forms part of the Via Lattea ski area. The centre combines alpine houses, churches, and small squares with the facilities of a modern mountain resort.
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The parish Church of San Giovanni Battista stands in the historic core, while the surrounding mountains provide direct access to ski lifts and hiking trails. The area hosted events during the 2006 Winter Olympics, reinforcing its role as an international resort. Road links connect Cesana Torinese with Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, and Briançon across the border, while also linking down-valley towards Turin.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Cesana Torinese
  • Centro Storico consists of narrow streets, stone houses, and alpine architecture that reflect the town’s origins as a medieval transit point between France and Italy. Landmarks include old chapels, fountains, and traditional inns. The town retains a quiet charm even during the ski season. Small shops and cafés are dotted throughout the centre.
  • Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is the parish church of Cesana, dating to the 12th century and later expanded in Baroque style. It features a bell tower with Romanesque foundations and a richly decorated interior. Frescoes, wooden sculptures and marble altars reflect centuries of artistic influence. The church occupies a prominent position in the town centre.
  • Ski Area Cesana-Sansicario connects the town to the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski circuit, offering direct access to over 400 km of slopes shared with resorts like Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx. Lifts depart from just outside the centre. In summer, the area transforms into a network of hiking and biking trails.
  • Ponte delle Meraviglie is a historic stone bridge crossing the River Dora Riparia, offering views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Its name—Bridge of Wonders—reflects local folklore and its scenic setting. The bridge is part of an easy walking route that links parts of the old town. It is especially photogenic after snowfall or in spring.
  • Forte di Fenil is a small fortification located above the town, built in the 19th century as part of the Alpine defensive system. Though not open to the public, it can be reached via a trail offering views over the Cesana basin. The site serves as a historical marker and resting point for walkers exploring the hillside.

Tours and Activities

Cesana Torinese Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

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4. ​Turin
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8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. ​Barolo

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Cesana Torinese
By Rail: Cesana Torinese does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Oulx, about 15 kilometres away, on the Turin–Modane line operated by Trenitalia and TGV services. From Turin, trains to Oulx take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, and from there Cesana Torinese can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, taxi, or local bus.

By Road: Cesana Torinese is located in the Susa Valley, near the French border and at the heart of the Via Lattea ski area. From Turin, the distance is about 95 kilometres, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A32 motorway and SS24 road. From Sestriere, the journey is approximately 10 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes. Parking is available near the ski lifts and throughout the village.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Turin Caselle Airport: About 100 kilometres from Cesana Torinese, with a drive of around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the closest airport, offering domestic and European connections.
  • Milan Malpensa Airport: Approximately 220 kilometres away, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 40 minutes. A major hub with long-haul and European flights.
  • Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport: Roughly 215 kilometres from Cesana Torinese, taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car via the Frejus Tunnel. Provides extensive European and international services.

Private Transfers

Cesana Torinese Private Transfers
A private transfer is the easiest way to travel to or from Cesana Torinese, providing a direct journey without the need to manage bus links or drive the winding alpine roads yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable service.

From Cesana Torinese, the nearest hub is Turin, which can be reached in about 1 hour 20 minutes, a distance of 95 km. Turin Caselle Airport is around 1 hour 30 minutes away at 105 km, while Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in about 2 hours 30 minutes, covering 220 km. A transfer to Milan Linate Airport usually takes close to 3 hours with a journey of 240 km. For those travelling further afield, Lyon Airport in France is around 3 hours away, a distance of 230 km.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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