Sestriere

Sestriere

Latest page update: 27 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
A mountain resort town in the Piedmont region, Sestriere is located in the province of the Metropolitan City of Turin.

​With a population of 907 in 2025, the town covers 26 km² and sits at an elevation of 2,035 metres. Key highlights include the Olympic Village, ski centres, shops, and restaurants. It is located approximately 100 km west of Turin, the regional capital.
Sestriere is an official comune with a population of 922 inhabitants as of January 2021. During 2006 it was one of the main venues of the Winter Olympics and there are numerous reminders of this around the resort such as the modern Olympic Village complex. Sestriere is one of a group of resorts that makes up the Via Lattea (Milky Way in English), along with the likes of nearby Sauze d'Oulx, Pragelato and Claviere among others. 

What People Ask About Sestriere

What is Sestriere known for?
Sestriere is known as one of Italy’s most prominent ski resorts and part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area. It was a venue for the 2006 Winter Olympics and offers extensive slopes, modern lifts, and high-altitude skiing.
Is Sestriere good for skiing?
Yes, Sestriere is excellent for skiing, with access to over 400 km of slopes shared with resorts like Sauze d’Oulx and Claviere. It offers pistes for all skill levels and reliable snow thanks to its high altitude and snowmaking systems.
Can you visit Sestriere in summer?
Yes, Sestriere is a popular summer destination for hiking, cycling, and golf. The surrounding mountains offer scenic trails and road routes that attract both walkers and competitive cyclists during the warmer months.
How do you get to Sestriere?
Sestriere is accessible by car or private transfer from Turin, which is the nearest major city and airport. The closest train stations are Oulx and Bardonecchia, both with bus or taxi links to the resort.
What altitude is Sestriere?
Sestriere is located at an altitude of 2,035 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest ski resorts in Italy. This elevation contributes to its long ski season and consistent snow coverage.
Related links
Sestriere • Piedmont • Alpine Ski Resort
Sestriere, located in the Piedmont region, is a popular ski resort town situated in the heart of the Italian Alps. Known for its stunning views, charming atmosphere, and prime location within the Milky Way Ski Area, Sestriere attracts winter sports enthusiasts from around the world. The town itself features a mix of modern and traditional alpine architecture, with a selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes offering a lively après-ski scene.
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Sestriere is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding facilities, with over 400 km of slopes available for winter sports lovers. As part of the Milky Way Ski Area, Sestriere offers access to a vast network of interconnected slopes and lifts, making it one of the largest ski areas in Italy. During the summer months, the region transforms into a hub for hiking and mountain biking, with numerous trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. For those seeking relaxation, Sestriere also features a variety of spas and wellness centres, ideal for unwinding after a day of outdoor activities.
Must-see and do in Sestriere:
  • Sestriere Ski Resort: One of Italy’s most famous ski resorts, Sestriere offers extensive slopes and modern ski lifts, making it a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort is part of the larger Milky Way ski area, which includes access to nearby resorts in France, offering a wide range of skiing opportunities for all levels.
  • Monte Motta: A popular peak for skiing and snowboarding, Monte Motta offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountains. In addition to winter sports, the mountain is a great spot for hiking and mountain biking during the summer months, providing a variety of activities year-round.
  • Piazza Fraiteve: Located in the centre of Sestriere, Piazza Fraiteve is the heart of the town, where visitors can relax, shop, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. It’s surrounded by cafes and restaurants, offering a great place to unwind after a day on the slopes or explore the local alpine culture.
  • Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista: This small but charming church in Sestriere offers a glimpse into the region’s history and religious heritage. With its simple yet elegant design, it’s a peaceful spot to visit, reflecting the town’s alpine character.
  • The Sestriere Golf Course: Located at a high altitude, the golf course in Sestriere offers a unique experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Open during the summer months, it provides an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the sport in a beautiful alpine setting.
Comune di Sestriere
Province: Metropolitan City of Turin

Region: Piedmont

Population: 907​ (in 2024 - source)

​​Size: 26 km²

Elevation: 2,035 metres​​​

Highlights: Olympic Village, ski centres, shops, restaurants

​Close by: Pragelato, Cesana Torinese, Claviere, Sauze d'Oulx
My recommended accommodation options for Sestriere:
  • Hotel Sestriere Located in the heart of Sestriere, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with views of the surrounding mountains, a wellness centre, and a restaurant serving traditional Alpine cuisine. Guests appreciate the central location, the excellent service, and the proximity to the ski lifts and local attractions. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Biancaneve Situated near the town centre, this well-regarded hotel offers cozy rooms with modern amenities, a wellness area, and a restaurant serving local dishes. Visitors enjoy the friendly service, the relaxing atmosphere, and the easy access to the ski slopes and the town's main attractions. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B La Comba Set in a peaceful location just outside the town centre, this cozy bed and breakfast features modern rooms, a relaxing garden, and a homemade breakfast served each morning. Guests appreciate the personal touch of the hosts, the tranquil environment, and the easy access to Sestriere’s ski resorts and hiking trails. €€ (mid-range)
  • Hotel Principi di Piemonte Located near the ski lifts, this luxury hotel offers spacious rooms with panoramic mountain views, a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a restaurant serving regional and Mediterranean dishes. Guests enjoy the luxury amenities, exceptional service, and the proximity to the ski slopes and surrounding nature. €€€ (high-end)
  • Residence Alouette Set near the slopes, this well-regarded residence offers self-catering apartments with modern amenities, a wellness centre, and a restaurant. Guests enjoy the flexibility of apartment living, the convenient location near the ski lifts, and the proximity to Sestriere’s shops and attractions. €€ (mid-range)
My recommended restaurants in Sestriere:
  • Ristorante Don Chisciotte: Located in the heart of Sestriere, Ristorante Don Chisciotte offers a refined dining experience with a focus on traditional Italian and Alpine cuisine. Known for its hearty mountain dishes such as polenta with wild boar, risotto with truffle, and roasted meats, the restaurant combines regional flavours with a welcoming atmosphere. The elegant setting and attentive service make it perfect for a special meal. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante La Tavola Rotonda: Situated just outside Sestriere, Ristorante La Tavola Rotonda offers a sophisticated menu with an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu includes dishes such as risotto with mushrooms, grilled meats, and homemade pastas. The modern decor, along with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, makes it a great choice for a refined dining experience. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Il Capricorno: A charming family-run restaurant located in Sestriere, Ristorante Il Capricorno offers traditional Italian and Piedmontese cuisine. The menu includes local favourites like ravioli with butter and sage, wild game dishes, and grilled meats. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service create a warm, welcoming environment for a satisfying meal. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)
  • Ristorante La Muda: Situated in the nearby town of Cesana Torinese, Ristorante La Muda offers a creative approach to traditional mountain cuisine. The menu features dishes such as risotto with saffron, venison with polenta, and homemade pastas. The chic interior and professional service make it an excellent choice for a special occasion or romantic dinner. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Al Bottegone: Located in the nearby town of Sauze d’Oulx, Ristorante Al Bottegone offers a rustic, cosy setting with a menu focused on hearty Alpine and Italian dishes. The restaurant is known for its traditional risottos, roasted meats, and fresh pasta. The warm atmosphere and generous portions make it a great spot for a laid-back, authentic meal after a day of skiing or hiking. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable)

Sestriere​​  Gallery

Close  to  Sestriere

  • Cesana Torinese (approx. 10 km west of Sestriere): A charming village located in the Susa Valley, Cesana Torinese is known for its beautiful mountain views and excellent skiing opportunities. It is part of the larger Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, offering easy access to numerous slopes and winter sports activities. In the summer, the area is perfect for hiking and mountain biking, with scenic trails leading through the surrounding Alps.
  • Sauze d'Oulx (approx. 10 km southeast of Sestriere): A popular ski resort and lively town, Sauze d'Oulx is known for its vibrant après-ski scene and wide range of slopes, making it a favourite destination for skiers and snowboarders. The town’s historic centre is full of traditional alpine architecture, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities in both winter and summer, including hiking, cycling, and exploring the nearby natural parks.
  • Cesana-Clavière (approx. 15 km west of Sestriere): Located near the French border, Cesana-Clavière offers a tranquil atmosphere combined with excellent skiing in the winter. It is part of the Via Lattea ski area and is well-known for its cross-country skiing tracks and mountain trails. The town is also a great base for exploring nearby villages and the stunning landscapes of the Susa Valley.
  • Oulx (approx. 15 km southeast of Sestriere): A picturesque town in the Susa Valley, Oulx offers a peaceful alpine setting with easy access to the larger ski resorts of the area. It is also home to historic sites such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista and provides access to hiking and biking trails in the summer months. Oulx is well-connected by train and is a convenient stop for those visiting the surrounding mountains.
  • Briançon (approx. 25 km west of Sestriere, in France): A historic town located just across the French border, Briançon is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved fortifications, including the Fort du Chateau and the Fort des Salettes. In addition to its rich history, Briançon offers excellent skiing in the winter and a variety of outdoor activities in the surrounding mountains, making it a popular destination for both history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Sestriere  Travel

By Rail: Sestriere does not have its own train station. The nearest station is in Oulx, about 17 km away. Trains from major cities like Turin (around 1.5 hours by train) and Milan (about 2.5 hours by train) connect to Oulx. From the station, you can take a bus or taxi to Sestriere, which takes around 30 minutes.

By Road: Sestriere is approximately 90 km from Turin, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours via the A32 motorway. From Cesana Torinese, it’s about 10 km, and the drive takes around 15 minutes. There are several car parks near the town centre, though parking can be limited during peak ski seasons.

Nearest International Airports: The nearest international airport to Sestriere is Turin Airport (Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle), located about 100 km away. The drive takes around 1.5 hours. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle directly to Sestriere, or alternatively, take a train to Oulx and then transfer to a bus to Sestriere.

Another alternative is Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano Malpensa), about 180 km away. The drive takes around 2.5 hours. From Milan, you can take a train to Turin and then transfer to a local train to Oulx, followed by a bus to Sestriere.

Additional Transport Options: During the ski season, there are shuttle buses and private transfers available from Turin and Milan airports directly to Sestriere, providing a convenient and direct way to reach the resort.

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