Ski Resorts of Italy
Latest page update: 12 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The best ski resorts of Italy can be found in the northern regions among the Italian Alps and the Dolomites.
Perhaps most famous of all is Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Veneto region while Madonna di Campiglio is one of a large number of ski resorts in Trentino Alto-Adige South Tyrol. Breuil-Cervinia in Valle d'Aosta faces the imperious Matterhorn mountain peak while the best known ski resort in Piedmont is Sestriere which hosted the 2006 Winter Olympics. The major resorts in Lombardy are Livigno, Ponte di Legno and Bormio. |
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Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomite Mountains of northeastern Italy, is one of Europe’s premier ski resorts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best visited from December to March for skiing or summer months for hiking, it boasts breathtaking alpine scenery, over 120 km of ski slopes, and charming après-ski spots. Highlights include the Faloria and Tofana ski areas, chic boutiques, and gourmet dining. Accessible via Venice or Treviso airports, followed by a scenic drive or train to Calalzo di Cadore. Nearby attractions include Lake Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, offering year-round activities and natural beauty. |
Madonna di Campiglio
Madonna di Campiglio, located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy, is a top-tier ski resort in the Dolomites' Brenta group. Best visited from December to April for skiing or summer months for hiking and mountain biking, it offers over 150 km of ski slopes connected to neighboring resorts.
Key attractions include the Grostè and Spinale slopes, luxury boutiques, and vibrant après-ski options. Reachable via Verona or Milan airports, with train connections to Trento and onward shuttles. Nearby, explore the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, charming mountain villages, and crystal-clear lakes, creating a perfect alpine retreat for all seasons. |
Breuil - Cervinia
Breuil-Cervinia, nestled in the Aosta Valley at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, is one of Italy's highest and most popular ski resorts.
Best visited from late November to early May for skiing or summer for hiking and mountain biking, it offers over 350 km of slopes linked to Zermatt, Switzerland. Key highlights include skiing on the Plateau Rosa glacier, panoramic cable car rides, and vibrant après-ski. Accessible via Turin or Milan airports, followed by a scenic drive or train to Châtillon and a bus to the resort. Nearby attractions include the Matterhorn, Valtournenche, and charming Alpine villages. |
Sestriere
Sestriere, located in Italy’s Piedmont region near the French border, is part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, offering over 400 km of interconnected slopes. Ideal for visits from December to April, it provides excellent skiing for all levels and hosts World Cup races.
In summer, it transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing at Europe’s highest 18-hole course. Reachable via Turin airport, with train connections to Oulx and shuttle services to the resort. Nearby, explore the charming villages of Sauze d’Oulx and Pragelato or venture into the scenic Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Nature Park. |
Ponte di Legno
Ponte di Legno, located in Lombardy’s Val Camonica, is a picturesque ski resort combining charm with excellent slopes.
Linked to the Tonale Pass and Temù, it offers over 100 km of runs, ideal for skiing from December to April. The resort boasts scenic wooded slopes, a lively village center, and access to the Presena Glacier for year-round skiing. In summer, it transforms into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. Reachable via Milan or Verona airports, with train connections to Edolo and bus services. Nearby, visit Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, charming mountain villages, and historic World War I trails. |
Ortisei
Ortisei, nestled in Italy's South Tyrol region in the Val Gardena valley, is a picturesque ski resort within the Dolomiti Superski area.
Best visited from December to March for skiing or summer months for hiking, it offers access to over 1,200 km of slopes, including the famous Sella Ronda circuit. The town features charming alpine architecture, artisan woodcarving shops, and vibrant après-ski. Reachable via Bolzano airport or train to Ponte Gardena, followed by a short bus ride. Nearby attractions include Alpe di Siusi, Seceda Mountain, and the Puez-Odle Nature Park, making Ortisei ideal for year-round alpine adventures. |
Livigno
Livigno, located in Italy’s Lombardy region near the Swiss border, is a resort renowned for its extensive slopes and tax-free shopping.
Best visited from late November to early May for skiing or summer for hiking and mountain biking, it features over 115 km of slopes and modern lifts. The resort offers a vibrant après-ski scene, snow parks for freestyle enthusiasts, and scenic trails. Reachable via Milan or Zurich airports, followed by a train to Tirano and a bus ride. Nearby, explore the Stelvio National Park, Bernina Express train route, and traditional alpine villages for a diverse mountain getaway. |
Canazei
Canazei, located in the Trentino region within Italy's Val di Fassa, is a popular ski resort in the Dolomiti Superski area.
Best visited from December to March for skiing or summer for hiking and climbing, it offers access to the Sella Ronda circuit and over 1,200 km of interconnected slopes. The resort is known for its picturesque alpine village, vibrant après-ski scene, and thermal spas. Reachable via Verona or Venice airports, with train connections to Trento and local buses. Nearby attractions include the Marmolada Glacier, Pordoi Pass, and stunning trails in the Dolomites, ideal for year-round adventure. |
Courmayeur
Courmayeur, situated in Italy’s Aosta Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, is a premier ski resort blending charm and sophistication.
Best visited from December to April for skiing or summer for hiking and climbing, it offers diverse slopes, excellent off-piste opportunities, and stunning views of Europe’s highest peak.The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car provides panoramic vistas, while the village boasts luxury boutiques and gourmet dining. Accessible via Turin or Geneva airports, nearby attractions include the Mont Blanc Tunnel leading to Chamonix, the thermal baths of Pré-Saint-Didier, and the Gran Paradiso National Park. |
Sauze d'Oulx
Sauze d’Oulx, in the Piedmont region, is a lively ski resort within the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, offering over 400 km of slopes.
Best visited from December to March, it is known for its sunny pistes, vibrant après-ski, and picturesque old town with cobbled streets and rustic charm. The resort caters to all levels, with excellent beginner slopes and challenging off-piste terrain. Accessible via Turin airport, followed by a train to Oulx and a short transfer. Nearby attractions include the historic town of Cesana, the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Nature Park, and the neighboring Milky Way resorts. |