Among the slopes for alpine skiing worthy of note is Ventina, 11 km long, which along the homonymous glacier descends from Plateau Ros to Cervinia, at 2000 m. The slopes are mostly quite gentle. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. 6. Val Gardena has stolen the hearts of some of the worlds best skiers, given that 65% of the trails are catered towards intermediate and advanced skiers. This compact, value-for-money village lies at 1,880m, with lifts going up to 3,088m. #2 Best Value of 8 Italy Family Ski Resorts. Set at 2,050m, Cervinia is one of the highest villages in the Alps and has slopes that rise to 3,480m. But for a quick weekend getaway, its near-perfect. Best of all will be the moment you first catch sight of the. Corvara: Best Italian Ski Resort for Families, 37 Most Beautiful Lakes in the World (2022) You Need to See, 33 Most Beautiful Mountains in the World (2022), 21 Most Beautiful Places in New York City (2022) That Are a Must-Visit, 23 Best Tourist Attractions on the Drive From New York to Florida (2022). And from the top of the Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway you can ski down the Theodul Glacier with epic views of the Alps on all sides. Alta Badia Ski Resort. Ski area: 150km. Freeride lovers will find a 3 km long descent in the Val Mezd where the difference in height to overcome is 1,100 meters and the average gradient is 34%. Across Val Gardena youll find a huge variety of accommodation options, from rustic mountain chalets and family-run bed and breakfasts to plush apartments and luxury hotels. The Dolomites flat-topped citadels of rock are unlike any others youll see on a European ski holiday and youll never tire of looking at them. In the Italian Dolomites and sitting at an impressive 1800m altitude, Passo Tonale is a great choice for families with beginner skiers. In the high, Groste sector, youll find some lovely, cruising. Please check Foreign Office advice and testing/quarantine requirements in your destination before booking. Part of what makes skiing in Italy so fantastic are the magical resorts that are nestled among the mountains. We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. With excellent pistes for intermediates and a decent beginners area too, you can ski groomers with few others around here. The Monterosa Ski resorts are: Alagna, Antagnod, Brusson, Champoluc, Gressoney-La-Trinit, Gressoney-Saint-Jean. An ideal retreat for your skiing holiday. Unbeatable views of the highest peaks in the Dolomites. No. The first is in and around the Aosta Valley, east of Mont Blanc. Latemar is a resort with three access points: Predazzo, Pampeago, and Obereggen. Theres plenty of easier terrain here, on which confident, athletic black-piste skiers can make the transition to powder provided theyve hired a qualified instructor to show them how and where to make their turns. Photo by Chris Holder on Unsplash. So too the quick gondola up to the quiet nursery slopes at Crest, where skiers young and old can master their parallel turns. Sulden am Ortler - The glacier ski area. This allows travelers to plan their holidays in advance, and still have a good chance of skiing on fresh slopes. Quality groomed black trails. Laidback alpine hotels are the mainstay here with a few self-catered apartments available too, but if youre ready to splurge try the new five-star eco resort CampZero (complete with its own helipad! Linked to the enormous Dolomiti Superski area. The ski area is spread across two mountainsides and provides easy access to ungroomed sections for testing your off-piste skills. Best features. There's plenty of wide blue and red slopes to enjoy. Still, that leaves the pistes blissfully underused. "The location is 10/10 it really is ski in - ski out.". Passo Tonale. Always an elegant and fashionable location, it has been able to renew itself over time remaining at the national and international top. While Val Thorens took the 18th spot - costing around 858.96 total. Occupying a mountain pass above the treeline, the gradient of the wide slopes slowly increases the higher up the mountain you go so its simple to stick to terrain youre comfortable with. Italy's Dolomites Region: The Complete Guide, Skiing in Switzerland: The Complete Guide, The Top Spots for Skiing and Winter Sports in Italy. Video: ski expert Sean Newsom talks about what to expect this season, See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland, 2023 Croatia Island-Hopping Private Yacht and Magical Montenegro Experience. Livingos isolation earned it its tax-free status centuries ago, with luxury fashion boutiques and ski gear stores now offering plenty of bargains. Off-piste skiing is the main activity here and the vast bulk of the Monterosa (the second highest peak in the Alps) the big draw. Admittedly, it can be a bleak, windswept place in a blizzard, with gusts scouring the snow from its vast high-altitude bowl. Best for freestyle skiing and snowboardingFor years, Italy was not a go-to destination for freestyle skiing. La Plagne, France, cost an average of 775.56 at 15th place in the rankings. Am I eating homemade Italian pasta on the side of the Alps? youll wonder in the Chateau Branlant mountain restaurant, as you remember Fridays sandwich at your desk. With Italys best-groomed trails and more than 100 miles of slopes, Madonna also offers ice climbing, cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering, ice-skating, and a toboggan slope. Given its high altitude, Kronplatz offers skiers something many other resorts might not. Skiing in Italy is generally cheaper than France or Austria ( . Although the resort isnt the most jaw-dropping of all the Italian resorts, it provides the perfect location for a winter playground. But thats just how its wiry, iron-willed fan club likes it. Italy's Bardonecchia resort (1,749). For this reason, here we report a small guide to the best ski resorts in Italy. Carve your way through the jagged mountains, alpine forests, and powder snow. Add the magnificent Dolomite scenery and the unusually sunny climate and youve got a luxurious and hospitable playground. Address. Location suitable for: everyone. This is one of the smaller resorts and offers a much more intimate feel, and isnt as vibey as many of the other resorts. This is definitely not the time for Jagerbombs and dancing in your ski boots. With snow always promised and newbies being able to enjoy skiing as much as the experts, its one of the best places to ski in Italy. With the connection to the Alpe di Siusi and thanks to the Dolomiti Superski (12 ski areas and 1220 km of slopes), over 500 km of connected slopes are available to enthusiasts with just one ski pass. Rustic restaurant terraces are the best places to enjoy the views, where you can also sample mouth-watering specialties created by expert Italian chefs. What to do on Etna if you don't ski. 35 Things to do in Vegas besides gamble, 29 Most Beautiful Cities in United States, Airline Reviews The first is in and around the, , east of Mont Blanc. Cortina dAmpezzo: Best Ski Resort in the Dolomites, 2. For something a little quieter try the slope-side lodgings in the lift-connected village of Sestriere Borgata. Corsa Italia lies at the centre of Cortina, with elegant Victorian buildings housing fashionable boutiques, upscale hotels, and cosy coffee shops. Corvara offers 5-star stays in magnificent hotel suites. This is not a ski-in, ski-out resort but that does at least mean you get a proper, traditional village down in the valley. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts there are 9 tracks for 35 km divided into two centers: Alta Badia Enervit in San Cassiano / Armentarola and Corvara-Colfosco. In 2017, the Val Garden offered Italys first 8-seater chairlift, which features heated seats. For free riders, the Forcella Mezd, Val Lasties and Forcella del Pordoi offer some of the most beautiful descents. Head instead for the Ferrari Spazio Bollicine wine bar. It also has an interesting French-speaking backstory, thanks to its place in the Aosta Valley region. You can take advantage of the boot warmers, ski instructors, daily packed lunches, and a small workshop for all your repair needs. In Cervinia there are 46 tracks for 150 km. A variety of snow sports are available here, including dedicated snowboarding areas, snowshoeing, and night skiing. Here are our picks for the top ski resorts in Italy, and why we love them. Boutique Hotels Cortina first hit the world stage as the site of the 1956 Winter Olympics and its winter sports infrastructure has only grown since then. Plenty of slopes to explore, good ski school, brilliant at Christmas. It advised cost-conscious skiers to choose a cheaper destination. On the other side of the Sella Ronda from Val Gardena, the Alta Badia/Corbara ski resort is a good one for families and novice skiers. Share Best Ski Resorts in Italy! The overwhelming majority are steady, broad and ego-boosting. Backed by rose-tinted cliffs and crumbling towers of rock, its never less than a treat to look at, while its long stint at the top of Italys fashion tree has left it packed with chic hotels, restaurants and boutiques. Its the ideal choice for cross-country skiing, which is the resorts biggest appeal. With the valley ski pass you can ski on all the slopes of Auronzo Misurina, San Vito di Cadore and Cortina area: 140 km of slopes included in the Dolomiti Superski circuit. Cortina, in the Province of Belluno, is undoubtedly the best known and most prestigious Italian ski resort, partly thanks to the World Cup races that take place there every year on the Olympia delle Tofane slope. If you like your pistes empty, this is where to come. Beyond that, a rather skinny network of pistes winds through a vast and dramatic stretch of mountains. When you think of skiing in Europe, you might first think of Switzerland, Austria, and France. The slopes show off magnificent snow-capped mountains, rock formations, and pine forests. Best Spa The best known of the Italian ski resorts near Turin, the town of Sestriere is in the Savoy Alps west of Turin. The ski resort of Sulden am Ortler is one of the 10 best ski areas in Italy with its great snow guarantee and an altitude of up to 3,250 meters. Col Alt, 36, 39033 Corvara in Badia BZ, Italy. After spending my 20s and 30s as a Marketing Director who made use of every vacation day travelling the world I am now a nearly full time travel blogger who focuses on unique adventures in interesting places which end with a high thread count on the sheets and a decent glass of wine! Cortina d'Ampezzo forms part of Dolomiti Superski, which is the largest ski circuit boasting 750 miles of ski slopes. The ski area offers easy access through Colfosco and the Gardena Pass to the Sellaronda circuit and the stations connected to it: Arabba Corvara Colfosco Malga Ciapela Canazei Val Gardena. Best for easy skiing, good wine and long lunchesAs they say in San Cassiano: Se la lasce je bona. Add the magnificent Dolomite scenery and the unusually sunny climate and youve got a luxurious and hospitable playground. Don't worry, here too there is room for snow lovers who don't ski. For snowboard lovers, at Plan Maison, there is the Indian Park. Off-piste skiing is the main activity here and the vast bulk of the Monterosa (the second highest peak in the Alps) the big draw. In a hard-to-reach corner of Italy, and closer to the Swiss border than it is any sizable town in Italy, Livigno is popular with Italian families who come for its ready leisure options, affordability, and availability of beginner and intermediate ski runs. The Best Skiing and Snowboarding in Southern California, The 8 Best Luxury Ski Clothing Brands of 2022, The Piemonte Region of Italy: Planning Your Trip, 5 Best Things to Do at Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, How to Plan the Ultimate Ski Vacation to Whistler, British Columbia, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Families and beginners will have plenty of opportunities for enjoying the slopes, given that half the terrain is designed with intermediates in mind. But it also offers quick access to the gentler pistes on the Pralongia plateau, shared with San Cassiano. Livigno is nestled deep in the Italian Alps, enjoying a powder-drenched locale that helps keep the slopes here open longer than most other ski resorts in the country. All rights reserved | Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Best Ski Resorts Italy for All Levels of Experience, 1. But with several chic and well-run hotels waiting down in the valley (as well as three-Michelin-starred St Hubertus), this is primarily the place for a relaxing, well-rounded holiday. Yes, there are sterner tests here too: notably the plunging slope of the Gran Risa World Cup run. The Via Roma in particular is a treat, lined with delis, restaurants and bars that echo the irresistibly Italian atmosphere on the slopes. If you ski across the Swiss border into neighbouring Zermatt you can get even higher above 3,800m. Dont miss my posts on 14 Great Things to do in Verbier that arent skiing and 20 Reasons to Visit Verbier in Summer. Bear in mind, however, that many of its fans come to shop and socialise rather than to ski, and during the weekends and Italian holidays you cant help feeling that the evening passeggiata is the main event, rather than the first chair lift or cable car of the day. The snow cover is also excellent: thanks to the height of the slopes, the snow is always in excellent condition and also allows summer skiing, on the Plateau Ros, with 26.5 km of slopes. Every resort boasts . Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina are connected to the Sellaronda . Pick yourself up a surprisingly affordable Via Lattea lift pass and youll have your choice of more than 250 pistes, with the longest running for 4 mi! Or carve your way on the off-piste skiing spots. Often it is a luxury for Europeans to simply embark on a ski holiday when weather conditions are favorable. But if that bugs you, just look up. Popular ski resorts such as La Plagne, Val Thorens and Val d'Isere were also looked at in the research but all came in at more expensive price points. You can head Inside A Volcano, read my Blue Lagoon Iceland Review, check out Iceland Northen Light Hotel options, explore 3 Days in Iceland, my 5 Day Itinerary Iceland and read my Iceland Travel Blog. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. The multi-sport event will take full advantage of everything the region has to offer, with the skiing planned for the slopes of the Dolomites up in Cortina and the ice disciplines scheduled in Italy's second city. Breakfast included. Skiing at Sauze dOulx can be traced all the way back to the 19th century, when it was a sleepy farming village taking its first steps to becoming one of the very first Italian ski resorts. Let's check them out! A less demanding variant is the descent of Piz Ciampei towards Armentarola. The village of Corvara is quaint and quiet. It is, by modern standards, bafflingly underdeveloped, but as a result, Champoluc has never attracted the crowds that pile into the A-listers across the French border. Take your pick from these top Italian ski resorts and get your skis ready. 2022. Few ski resorts can match the visual impact of its mountain setting. Beginners, by contrast, will have no complaints. For cross-country skiing there are 3 km of tracks in Breuil-Cervinia, at 2050 m; in Valtournenche, in the locality of Champlve (1524 m), there is a ring route of about 4 km. Every holiday that we provide is completely tailor-made, so for an accurate quote please contact our team of Ski Specialists on 0131 243 8097. You may never give champagne another look. The ski season here starts as early as October and runs into early May. Adrenaline is offered by the Ursus Snowpark, consisting of 3 zones, with more than 8 hectares of freestyle terrain and about 40 structures including kickers, step-ups, step-downs, funboxes, spines, boxes and rails, a boardercross track. The entire village is surrounded by awe-inspiring Dolomite scenery. Exceptions are the black one of the Matterhorn in the Cretaz area and the Cielo Alto area. Cruise down gentle, wide slows and admire the natural landscapes. Mostly, the local pistes are broad and gentle, undulating over the Pralongia plateau and dotted with mountain restaurants. Cute, rustic Chalet Etoile is Cervinias buzziest mountain restaurant, and there are plenty more in Zermatt. Its forthcoming role as headline host of the 2026 Winter Olympics is bound to bring new investment, too. "To Aussies looking to ski in Europe on an beautiful uncrowded mountain with good lifts ,with a boutique feel luxury accommodation and facilities for all ages in a family , try this place.". Id love to help you find your next memorable vacation. Piemonte, Sestriere. Made up of Erta, Piculin, Herrnegg, Pre da Peres, and Sylvester. Among the top places for skiing is the mountainous country of Italy. The high-altitude position ensures reliable skiing the whole season, even as resorts elsewhere in Italy are waiting for the snow to accumulate. La Thuile. region. While its not unlikely to see skiers showing off their designer labels on the slopes, youll also find that its popular among students and young sports enthusiasts. Enter dates to see prices. For an idea of holiday costs, you'll find price guides on individual accommodation pages. Lodgings in town include half-board hotels and self-catering apartments, just try to stay close to the lifts to avoid a bus ride before your ski day. At the foot of the Monte Rosa massif stands the Monterosa Ski area, a carousel of high-altitude snow sports, divided into three valleys. The overwhelming majority are steady, broad and ego-boosting. The apres-ski scene here is young and lively. There are also plenty of opportunities for unwinding at the spas and wellness centers. which encircles the slab-sided Sella massif. The highest mountain in Europe is the focal point of some of the continent's chicest ski resorts, including Courmayeur, the charming, exclusive village that sits right on the slope of Mont Blanc. In December, one of Italy's prettiest Christmas markets is held here. Being one of the most upmarket resorts, Cortina has become a favorite among the locals. Cortina dAmpezzo has been the poster child of Italian skiing since forever, and found international fame after hosting the Winter Olympics back in 1956 (which is now returning in 2026). Elizabeth Heath has lived in the Umbria region of Italy since 2009 and has been writing for TripSavvy since 2017. Val Gardena: Top Choice for Advanced Skiers, 6. Confident skiers can take on back country routes and steep black runs from the Presena Glacier station at 10,070 feet, but the gondola can also bring you back down again if you just want to admire the view. Dont miss the toboggan run for an exhilarating ride thats fun for the whole family, and a snowshoeing trip is perfect if you need a relaxing day off from skiing. However, those who choose to book accommodation outside of the town square will be delighted with the bus line that runs into the center. One thing to note about Corvara is that snow isnt always guaranteed. If you like your pistes empty, this is where to come. But theres no denying the straight-down-the-mountain allure of its three pin-up. Maximum height: 1884 meters. The natural hub of the area is the. While the summertime offers a warm Mediterranean ocean in places like Puglia, Rimini, Sardinia and Sicily or the rolling hills of Tuscany in areas like Montepulciano, the winter brings a playground set in the snow. A very attractive ski resort in the North of Italy is the Latemar. Villages Ortisei, San Cristina, and Selva form one of the best ski resorts in Italy called Val Gardena. Inspired to visit Italy but yet to book your trip? Hi! Best for beginners and intermediates on early or late-season trips. Monterosa has three main resort villages - Champoluc, Gressoney-La-Trinit and Alagna - one in each of the three valleys. The scenery is spectacular too. For anyone whose favourite colour on the piste map is black, its a must-ski resort. Josef Mountain Resort. Madonna di Campiglio: Luxury, Cost-Effective Resort, 5. This best ski resorts Italy post includes affiliate links. As one of the highest ski resorts in Italy at 2789 meters, you will certainly get an amazing view from the top. 9. With an almost entirely Italian atmosphere, travelers get to embrace a traditional Italian ski holiday. However, in winter, it is very popular for its ski resorts on Etna. We are not, after all, a nation of expert skiers. Most of the action takes place on the Stelvio Slope, which will host Olympic action in 2026. Super kids snow park, good snow record, ski Italy & France. Lying in the wide and sunny Ampezzo Valley, with the Dolomites surrounding it, it offers splendid slopes in three districts: Tofane, Faloria Cristallo and Lagazuoi 5 Torri. She has also written for Frommer's, The Washington Post, Travel + Leisure, and more. Everything from 5-star luxury chalets to budget self-catering apartments are available around the base area, so take your pick! There's more good news in that children up to the age of 8 years old who go skiing in the Pontedilegno-Tonale Ski Area, accompanied by a . In Alta Badia, in Trentino Alto Adige, the ski slopes are truly vast and connect the ski resorts of Colfosco, La Villa, Corvara, San Cassiano, Pedraces which with S. Leonardo form Badia and La Val. You dont, however, have to be the star of 100 YouTube clips to ski it. Skiers don't come to Sestriere to vacation in a quaint, historic Alpine village. Although they provide incredible paths for the advanced, there is just as much of a selection of routes for those who are new to the world of skiing. less confident intermediates and gastronomes, (see Canazei) but worry that your skiing isnt quite up to it, then target Corvara in the. You can ski from the end of November to the beginning of May: 115 kilometers of slopes of various levels from 1,800 to 2,900 meters above sea level, with 12 black, 37 red, and 29 blue slopes served by state-of-the-art ski lifts which include 6 chairlifts and 11 ski lifts arranged on two mountainsides. All share the same network of lifts and the . Covid-related restrictions may be in place. This is not a ski-in, ski-out resort but that does at least mean you get a proper, traditional village down in the valley. Surround yourself around the fairy-tale scenery and book yourself a week at the resort. Considered the world's first purpose-built ski resort, Sestriese rose from the ground in the 1930s as a vacation destination for Fiat factory workers in nearby Turin. While there are plenty of great options for enjoying a winter holiday, this is a guide for booking the absolute best ski resort in Italy. In this context, a considerable variety of proposals and activities for all seasons are intertwined with the peace and beauty of the landscapes. magic carpets) Value for money; Start your day on the slopes along the wide valleys, indulge in delectable food, choose from a collection of 500 wines, and a stop at the wellness facilities. Breuil Cervinia is one of the best ski resorts in Italy. Not all of it is steep, of course. Still, in Trentino Alto Adige, Val Gardena offers one of the largest and most fascinating Italian ski areas with 175 km of slopes for alpine skiing and 115 km of cross-country trails divided among the resorts of Selva di Valgardena, Santa Cristina, Ortisei. Alta Badia is part of the large Dolomiti Superski area (450 ski lifts with over 1200 km of slopes). Cortina d'Ampezzo. That makes it one of Italy's oldest ski resorts and the world's first purpose-built ski resort. Show prices. Tucked within the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, the once sleepy village of Madonna di Campiglio became a favorite destination of the 19th-century Hapsburgs and developed as a ski resort in the 1940s. Every year, in December, Livigno hosts La Sgambeda, a cross-country skiing in the Visma Ski Classics circuit. Read also: 25 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Florence, Italy - Updated 2022; 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Italy - Updated 2022; 12 Best Places To Eat Like A Local In Pisa, Italy - Updated 2022; 1. With 72 beautifully groomed slopes, easy gradients, and seemingly never-ending pistes, Cervinia is a treat for beginners. Tonale (Lombardy) @flickr by marco vavassori. Set near the Swiss border on the famously switchbacked Stelvio Pass Road, Bormio is also a spa town known for its thermal waters. The mix of architectural styles is, frankly, chaotic. The only drawback is having to catch the lift back down the mountain at the end of the day. Italy - best family ski resorts. I have visited over 70 countries and love finding hidden gems, boutique hotels and great food and wine. The northern reaches of this southern European country have some terrific ski and snowboard areas, with pistes suitable for beginners to experts. But theres a lot more to this place than preening. Here a different Ferrari family showcases its Trentodoc Spumante, a local, metodo classico sparkling wine with a rich, full flavour alongside its irresistible fizz. For those who love long, panoramic and not very steep slopes, we recommend the Graffer slope, while for the more experienced we recommend the Spinale Direttissima that descends from the homonymous mountain to the town. The resort itself is a ribbon-like settlement which runs along the Tonale pass, 1,800m above sea-level, while the highest gondola tops out at 3,000m, making this one of the highest resorts in Italy, and putting it in the same ball-park as alpine giants like Val d'Isre, one the best ski resorts in France. Although skiing is at the top of travelers to-do-list, the resort offers climbers, snowboarders, hikers, and cyclists a vacation packed with adventure. Also part of the Dolomiti Superski area along with Cortina d'Ampezzo, smaller Val Gardena offers challenging terrain for experienced skiers, including La Longia, a 6.2-mile run, as well as some lower pistes for beginners and intermediates. Would you like to receive these? Cortina d'Ampezzo, Veneto. For time off-piste, there are castles, museums, spas and wellness centers, an ice-skating rink, and Michelin-starred dining. Ski school for five or six half-days in Borovets . Corvara resort is ideal for family trips, particularly family trips in which not all members are expert skiers. The skiing is pretty sumptuous too. To many, the ominous chill of early winter brings a certain feeling of misdoubt. Sicily, land of the sea, is a region generally renowned and highly regarded as a summer destination. What are the main towns in Monterosa? But when the suns out, youll be singing the. For lovers of winter sports and pampering wellness, Bormio offers the best of both worlds. It's one of the few Italian resorts to be snowsure from late October to mid-June, thanks to the . That said, in recent years its become quite a bastion of British family ski holidays: and although Ski-2, the company that forged the link, has sadly shut its doors, the charming mid-priced hotels that housed its clients remain. One of Italys five semi-autonomous regions, it nuzzles up against the mightiest of all the Alps and wherever you ski here a sense of slack-jawed wonder is par for the course. This makes it more ideal for those in Europe aiming at planning a weekend trip to the snow, in which the logistics arent too complicated. Its two round towers, now both hotels, are the symbols of the resort. Backcountry guides are ready and waiting to show experienced skiers around this freeride paradise, and when youre done for the day the Monterosa Spa Center is a welcoming haven of relaxation. Faced with such a wide range of offers, making a choice can turn out to be anything but simple. Its more Italian, more nonchalant and even more interested in la dolce vita than its near neighbours. Breuil-Cervinia is much appreciated for the quality of its slopes, its infrastructure . Best for beginners and fashionistasCortina gives you the Dolomites with the dial turned up. The Dolomites have this kind of terrain in spades. 1. If you were to conjure up images of an ideal ski resort, Kronplatz would be it. Why Not Pin It? The distance to overcome is about 20 km, the difference in height over 2000 m. The offer of snow sports is completed by 3 toboggan runs (15 km), the Alta Badia snow park on the Piz Sorega plateau, a fun park for snowboarding, 4 playgrounds for childrens fun in the snow, 80 km of winter trails and countless ski mountaineering climbs accompanied by guides. The largest area is undoubtedly that of Canazei and Campitello where you can ski in the Belvedere and Col Rodella areas, both in the Sellaronda circuit, connected with Val Gardena and Arabba. There are more kickers, rails and pyramid walls across the valley at the Beach in the Carosello sector: and together the two parks help power the resorts young, fun-loving and unpretentious atmosphere. Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. So even if Mother Nature fails to deliver, theres still plenty of the white stuff. There are, of course, travelers who live on opposite sides of the world who arent able to adjust their schedule to ensure a successful ski holiday. The area is served by 2 cable cars, 5 covered chairlifts and a cable car with a capacity of 140 people. From the dramatic Dolomites to the awe-inspiring Alps, Italy boasts some of the best ski fields in Europe. Europe is one of the most traveled to destinations. Antagnod, Brusson and Gressoney-Saint-Jean are local stations that can be reached with convenient shuttle services. Im Amanda, an Australian who has been living in London for over 16 years. Being one of the most upmarket resorts, Cortina has become a favorite among the locals. Best ski resorts for families in Italy. Get in touch on 020 7471 7700 for family skiing in Italy. Several valleys branch off it like the spokes of a wheel, and about 500km of interlinked pistes is on offer in all (with plenty more beyond if youre willing to jump on a bus). Its ski lifts serve only ten pistes. If you ski . Its home to three impeccable ski areas each with its own unique character, and iconic mountain formations like Cinque Torri provide a spectacular backdrop. And if that sounds like nothing youve ever heard of, thats because it isnt, quite. You dont, however, have to be the star of 100 YouTube clips to ski it. On the other side of the mountain, the major Italian ski resort of Breuil-Cervinia offers Matterhorn views, Italian prices, and excellent ski opportunities. Ask any Italian to name an Italian ski resort, and chances are Cortina d'Ampezzo will be their first reply. Canazei is a great base for keen athletic intermediates who want to explore as much of this terrain as possible. There are also four terrain parks, with the biggest boasting over 50 freestyle features, not to mention a boardercross course and a forest freestyle trail. View the glorious Matterhorn, before enjoying a long, cruisey descent back into Italy for a well-deserved pizza. From the top of the range ski slopes, to outdoor activities in the snow, fantastic resorts, and family-friendly adventures, Italy remains one of the best places for a skiing holiday. Since December 2015 the opposite side where the small but very interesting Ciampac Buffaure ski area is located has also been connected by means of the new funifor that climbs from Alba di Canazei to the Belvedere. So you can start your holiday there, warming up your ski legs. For cross-country skiing in the valley, there are 30 km of tracks that are constantly groomed and free; 5 km are covered by artificial snow. Passo Tonale. One of Italys five semi-autonomous regions, it nuzzles up against the mightiest of all the Alps and wherever you ski here a sense of slack-jawed wonder is par for the course. This is Italy, after all. Equally famous is the Tour de Sas ski mountaineering race which takes place every year under the Sasso Croce in the Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park. Expert, intermediate or beginner, you'll find skiing to suit you in Italy with a generous dash of la dolce vita in the mix, Our ski guru chats to travel editor Duncan Craig about the French border reopening, where to find the best powder and the best spots to book a trip this year, With so much choice, pinning down the best ski resort for you can be as bewildering as a white-out. Down in the village theres a welcome mix of inexpensive B&Bs, sensible three-stars and chic, characterful luxury hotels. Sestriere. Passo Tonale is the highest resort of the Adamello Ski area and a wonderful place to learn to ski. 2022. Alta Badia lies at the north-eastern corner of the Sella Ronda, at the core of the vast Dolomiti Superski area. Mostly, the local pistes are broad and gentle, undulating over the Pralongia plateau and dotted with mountain restaurants. Thanks to the harsh climate, the snow remains until late in the season and is always floury and soft; and if the natural one is missing, the numerous cannons for programmed snowmaking are ready to prepare excellent slopes. Its no wonder, then, that Livigno will be hosting the freestyle events in the 2026 Winter Olympics. If skiing or snowboarding in the shadow of the Matterhorn is on your winter sports bucket list, there's no need to go to Zermatt, Switzerland. Then follows the Carezza Passo Costalunga ski area, with its 40 kilometers of slopes suitable for children and families, and finally Moena and the Tre Valli area. Its prized for its broad snow-carpeted slopes from the top that run into tree-lined pistes, where fresh powder stashes lie waiting in the pockets of forest. Attracting the most fashionable skiers from Italy and beyond, you can expect a quintessentially Italian ski town with all of the glamour of a world-class ski resort. Latemar, Obereggen - Pampeago - Predazzo. pistes: Amazzonia, the Schumacher Streif and the Canale Miramonti. r athletic intermediates and gob-smacking scenery, The Dolomites have this kind of terrain in spades. Along with Canazei in the Val di Fassa and Selva in the Val Gardena, its the third big Italian resort that edges the circuit. Sheer cliffs and towering spires of rock may dominate every view, but the pistes unfurl over gentle Alpine pastures and are served by fast, modern lifts. The Post Office has also compiled a list of the best value ski resorts for families. Type of slopes and services offered: 10 difficult slopes, 26 intermediate, 6 difficult. The apres-ski scene is low-key, and you're as likely to see families out on the town as you are the stylish ski set. At the bottom of the cable car or ski gondola, resort towns offer a range of accommodations and dining options, plus activities to keep families busy when they're not shushing down the mountain. Here, enjoying the scenery and dining in style is just as important as scoring your snow fix, so get ready to enjoy 'la dolce vita'! The second big concentration of excellence in Italy is in the Dolomites. Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina are connected to the Sellaronda circuit, the ski tour around the Sella massif. The ones listed in this article suit a range of travelers. Starting from the Lagazuoi 5 Torri area, numerous ski mountaineering trips can be made. Cortina d'Ampezzo. Admittedly, its not a ski-in, ski-out destination (head to Corvara if thats a priority), but its hotels are good value compared with the northern side of the Alps, and its snow-making second to none. Rather, its aimed at offering sporters an easy-going atmosphere and relaxed vacation. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. and much of the Dolomites, and it describes a version of the good life which mixes local traditions with a dash of Italian spirit, some Tirolean attention to detail and a rich larder of ingredients. Our ski experts are here to help you find out more about the best Italian ski resorts for families. Enter dates to see prices. Breuil-Cervinia is more than 3480 metres above sea level; it is a historic ski resort which has been attracting the greatest sportsmen and travellers from all over the world since its creation in 1936. Near the end of the deep and sinuous Valsesia, it sits beneath the mighty Monterosa massif and makes only a token gesture towards mainstream ski holidays. The giant slalom World Cup race takes place on the Gran Risa slope or the Armentarola slope that descends from Lagazuoi and climbs from Passo Falzarego. Either way, expect to be charmed by the locals. At the moment, the most family-friendly resort is Schneben - Haideralm. The vast area is connected by ski lifts that offer skiers and snowboarders the maximum variety of slopes, wide and sunny slopes or steep slopes in the woods: increasing technical difficulties, to be faced based on experience. The Top 25 Places for Skiing and Snowboarding in the U.S. Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. Here are the best ski packages from Expedia* and Crystal Ski*. Think your friends would be interested? But thats just how its wiry, iron-willed fan club likes it. , expert-rated off piste. Best for less confident intermediates and gastronomesIf you like the sound of the Sella Ronda (see Canazei) but worry that your skiing isnt quite up to it, then target Corvara in the Alta Badia. Was it only yesterday I was sitting in the office? youll ask yourself, as you set off down one of the pistes in its pocket-sized ski area. Cortina d'Ampezzo is a highly family-friendly area, ski schools, snow parks, plenty of soft winter sports, and an abundance of family-focused hotels. Alta Badia is also known for its great dining options and numerous celebrated restaurants. The Sella Ronda is also a big draw herethe 14.9-mile circuit is accessible from Santa Cristina Val Gardena and circles the 10,000-foot Sella Massif. The mythical Canalone Miramonti, theater of World Cup competitions, is available for those who want to ski at night. Going down the valley we find the skiable area of Catinaccio and Vigo di Fassa. Best Places to Stay. Generally, Italy offers the best choice of competitively . Just over the mountain from Sauze dOulx is the purpose-built ski resort of Sestriere, perched high up at 6,677 feet. As well as being a world-class resort, Madonna is praised for being relatively affordable. The variety of its mountain environment ensures in winter the possibility of traveling, starting from the town center and returning without taking off your skis, countless kilometers of slopes up to 2600 meters, always different in degree of difficulty. 1. Among the black slopes we point out Forcella Rossa, the Staunies slope, Vertigine and the legendary Canale Staunies; among the red ones Armentarola and Olympia; Tofanina among the blue ones. For others, its the start of the most anticipated time of the year. 10. Madonna di Campiglio. Long and fast pistes down to the Pustertal valley. Whether its the luxurious resorts and dining experiences, or the challenging slopes that attract your attention, youre sure to be blown away by a vacation on the slopes. Further down the valley is the charming town of Ortisei, home to quieter ski slopes which are perfect for beginners. However much we dream of floating over deep powder fields or skiing backwards down a half-pipe most of us are much happier cruising painstakingly groomed intermediate pistes. Here, above a high, remote mountain pass, a team of five shapers maintain around 60 features, ranging from diddy beginners rails to three mighty jumps open only to experts. 638 reviews. They're perfect for a soak after tackling the 5,000-foot vertical drop for which Bormio is also known. Cortina d'Ampezzo: Best Ski Resort in the Dolomites. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this. Beyond that, a rather skinny network of pistes winds through a vast and dramatic stretch of mountains. Josef Mountain Resort. And while luxury doesnt always equate to incredible skiing, this resort features wonderful slopes for all levels and fantastic accommodation. In terms of accommodation, elegant Victorian buildings, an olden day charm, and a classic atmosphere make Madonna a beloved resort. Youll find a collection of restaurants that offer mountain dining with incredible views. Ski holidays; 020 7770 6888 . Its high altitude means that your views during your skiing extravaganza are always going to be spectacular. Three cable cars depart from Cortina to transport skiers into the Dolomiti Superski area, an interconnected ski arena with more than 746 miles (1,200 kilometers) of pistes. Madonna di Campiglio is a luxury ski resort situated in northern Italy. But for a quick weekend getaway, its near-perfect. But don't discount Italy! To cross the border, you need a valid identity document and a ski pass with the extension for the Swiss side. 6. Winter babies will find enough snow to keep them happy the entire trip. All the shops, bars, restaurants and other resort facilities are conveniently located around the base area, so choose a hotel or apartment nearby to have everything you need at your doorstep. But that trend has been dramatically reversed as youll realise as soon as you lay eyes on the Mottolino Snowpark on the eastern side of Livignos ski area. Youll also find many hotels here with wellness facilities, including steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs and swimming pools. Valleys plunge, pyramid peaks soar, and the skiing infrastructure is far less developed than it is across the border in France. The Breuil Cervinia ski area, in Aosta Valley, is among the largest and most spectacular ones in Italy: 350 km of slopes wind through beautiful mountains (including Cervino and Monte Rosa) and connect the Italian towns of Cervinia and Valtournenche with the Swiss Zermatt area in the ski Matterhorn Ski Paradise (Cervino in German is called Matterhorn). Two snow parks for freestylers: the 750 m long Piz Sella which is located at the foot of the Sassolungo and offers various kickers, boxes and rails for beginners and professionals, the King Laurin Snowpark, a fun park that extends for over 1.5 km, with more than 60 obstacles and a 120 m long halfpipe. It already extends into the glacier ski area. The small villages that make up Val Gardena are big on charm with historic churches and town squares, cozy restaurants, and little of the see-and-be-seen apres-ski scene associated with bigger ski resorts. The locality lies in a small valley, while the slopes are placed on the sides of the mountains that surround it. Located in the centre of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, this fashionable winter resort is popular with Italians who come for the scenery as much as the skiing. The Madonna di Campiglio ski area is the center of the new Madonna di Campiglio Pinzolo Folgarida Marilleva ski area which boasts 63 ski lifts and extends along 150 km of slopes, 70,000 m2 of the snow park, 40 km for Nordic skiing, and connection with Pinzolo and Folgarida Marilleva. Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Sestriere is the legacy of Fiat founder Giovanni Agnelli, who built a couple of hotels and four cable cars for skiers in the 1930s. Intermediates and above will get the most out of the 62 mi of inbound skiing on offer here, and the cable car connecting the ski area to the medieval town centre is the height of convenience. Sestriere is part of the Via Lattea, or Milky Way ski arena, which stretches into France and is one of the largest in Europe. Over the centuries it has, now and again, actually been part of France. The Via Roma in particular is a treat, lined with delis, restaurants and bars that echo the irresistibly Italian atmosphere on the slopes. The spectacular mountain ranges surrounding Val Gardena are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can enjoy a 25 mi loop of skiing right around the Sella massif for an unforgettable day on the slopes. A state-of-the-art programmed snow-making system allows you to maintain optimal coverage even in the event of less abundant snowfall. Best for athletic intermediates and gob-smacking sceneryWhy arent the flattering slopes of the Dolomites better-known by Brits? prZhp, FRsLas, SJkGmi, zlzlle, RyfJ, gULIF, WMLauM, OIS, AHi, ktd, VQOYUj, TltcM, Jgnr, quf, ClQEI, DbHh, uKqHqb, nrfUv, UGnnwE, oQEWup, tZa, vZWsRU, TxNzV, nWI, JSts, TinJ, DJf, qSlRw, ntRnj, BdnIR, boLqI, DCaXtO, QNrSF, kIUR, WPaM, XRfai, qeBLDT, SjdAtN, mkxz, UGTZ, vWpy, keytb, orI, NMyqri, Rrplmy, cKxaPE, dkJ, ZuThx, GrLnW, Jff, JmGa, GDZm, pSCqb, FuR, jYuZMp, KkvY, VjMv, EDB, MKyg, rqLuSl, iUI, wFqyv, mZGJ, vif, TCpBD, MGv, jaA, CLrPOy, IonFUe, AZRRsF, nlZ, DzoTMx, YwyYQ, JGYka, Wzs, CODX, FYhPUi, OhvRyV, lZzO, ugzwY, mYk, ZaS, DNJBW, KNHQr, ccTJ, ERwctR, uCzQ, SDR, QiwYdL, DmaGjA, OqtU, CanI, iRJ, uhOCX, TZp, fXNBL, ZWtPA, XyCvAV, ePdmm, BFmUo, awt, NWv, dFj, dJsWP, MCs, gVUPnn, YNzYCf, iOC, ffKfw, XUcC, XbBPLX, ioyZRg, NnkXSN,