Italy is a popular destination for countless tourists in summer. But in addition to a lot of culture and beautiful beaches, the country also offers many attractions in the cold season. Skiers and snowboarders will find the best conditions for winter sports on the countless ski slopes in the mountains. Italy is bordered by mountains around its northern border.
The Alps separate the country from its northern neighbours Austria and Switzerland and connect the countries equally. One of the most famous mountains, Mont Blanc or “Monte Bianco” in Italy, is located directly on the border between France and Italy. With its height of over 4,800 meters, it is the highest mountain both in the Alps and in the European Union. The most famous part of the Italian Alps are the Dolomites, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In this part of the Alps alone, 350 peaks with an altitude of over 3,000 meters await. It is therefore not surprising that some of the best ski slopes are located in the Italian mountains. In total, Italy attracts visitors in winter with over 5,000 kilometres of slopes and a number of more than 1,000 ski lifts. Everything from slopes for beginners to experts is included. In some places, World Cup downhill races take place regularly and the Winter Olympics have also used the well-developed slopes.
The Aosta Valley – Welcome to the highest ski area in Europe
The majority of ski resorts in Italy are located in the Aosta Valley, South Tyrol and Trentino. The Aosta Valley is located in the northwest and borders Switzerland and France. One of the largest ski resorts there is Courmayeur with its 100 kilometres of slopes. From an altitude of 2,200 m, the area offers guaranteed snow between November and April. The Breul-Cervinia ski area is located on the Matterhorn, which is part of the “Matterhorn Ski Paradise”. It is cross-border and belongs to Italy and Switzerland. Together with Zermatt , there are 322 km of ski slopes available, which are very variable with an altitude of between 1,550 and 3,900 metres. This makes it the highest ski area that can be found in Europe.
There are a good 160 kilometres of piste on the Italian side. Most of the slopes are intermediate. Downhill skiers experience particularly long skiing pleasure on a 25-kilometre-long slope. Skiing is also possible here in summer, as the basis of the area is a glacier. 38 km of trails also invite cross-country skiers into the snow.
Dolomiti Superski – World Cup slopes for everyone
Not far from the Austrian border is the Kronplatz ski area with its mountain of the same name. This peripheral area of the Dolomites is the most popular mountain for skiers in South Tyrol. Beginners, children and returners will find a large ski school and suitable slopes to gain confidence in the use of skis and snowboards. 32 lifts distribute the winter sports enthusiasts evenly over the 120 kilometres of slopes, which are located from an altitude of 900 metres upwards. The Val Gardena ski area, which is part of the Dolomiti Superski ski carousel with its more than 500 kilometres of slopes, attracts World Cup professionals as well as beginners and advanced amateur athletes.
The family-friendly slopes are complemented by a ski kindergarten and a 6-kilometre-long toboggan run. Cross-country skiers get their money’s worth here with 126 kilometres of well-groomed trails, as do downhill skiers. Val Gardena also includes the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high alpine pasture on the European continent. There is a snow park here. Like Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, Alta Badia is also part of the Dolomiti Superski network. Slalom on a real World Cup slope – this dream can come true in Alta Badia. On the Gran-Risa downhill, the riders of the World Cup in giant slalom usually go downhill. A free ski bus takes winter sports enthusiasts to the 53 lifts. 130 kilometres of slopes await beginners, advanced skiers and experts at an altitude of 1,400 to 2,800 metres.
The wooden giant and a touch of Olympia
The “Three Peaks” ski area in the Dolomites is named after the mountains of the same name. If you are looking for a change from skiing, you can climb the famous peaks on snowshoes with a guided tour. The most famous slope in this area is the “Holzriese”. With a gradient of 71%, it is the steepest of all ski slopes in Italy. In addition to the downhill skiers, cross-country skiers and hikers also get their money’s worth at the “Three Peaks”. Not far from here is the nearest World Cup resort: Cortina d’Ampezzo. In 1956, the Winter Games took place in this town. Skiers with a certain know-how appreciate the off-pistes of the winter sports resort, while advanced beginners will also find ideal conditions. A snow park offers snowboarders and skiers the opportunity to practice tricks and jumps. A special experience is offered by the “Passo di Giau”, where snow kiting behind a kite is possible.
Let’s go to Trentino – ski parks and combined ski areas
Trentino also has a World Cup location. Madonna di Campilio is a rather smaller area with 60 km of slopes, but it has cable cars that connect the area with the slopes of Folgarida, Pinzolo and Marilleva. This extends the possibilities for skiers to 150 kilometers of slopes. The Val di Fiemme, or Val di Fiemme, combines four ski areas and is part of the Dolomit Superski. 100 km of ski slopes await skiers here. The Val di Sole is also part of Trentino. There are 100 km of red marked ski slopes with a medium difficulty gradient of less than 40% in this area. On top of that, there is a large area for beginners. Snowboarders will find several well-equipped snow parks in Val di Sole.
Via Lattea – in Italy’s largest ski area
The largest Italian ski resort is “Via Lattea” in Piedmont, which is located at an altitude of 1,400 to 2,800 meters. It is located on the border with France in Claviere and unites 400 km on various descents. The slopes of San Sicario and Cesana became known worldwide in 2006 when they were part of the Turin Winter Olympics. Clafiere and Sestrière also belong to this area. Between the months of November and May, Via Lattea is snow-sure. Snow-making facilities are also available. For snowboarders, several snow parks open their doors in Via Lattea.
The most famous ski resorts in Italy
1. Cortina d’Ampezzo (Dolomites)
- Location: In the Dolomites, Veneto region
- Elevation: 1,224 bis 2,930 m
- Km of slopes: 120 km
- Lifts: 36
- Special features: Cortina d’Ampezzo is a sophisticated ski area, also known as the venue of the 1956 Winter Olympics. Not only does it offer excellent slopes, but it also offers world-class restaurants, shops, and après-ski options.
- Difficulty: Slopes for all levels of difficulty.
2. Val Gardena (Val Gardena, Dolomites)
- Location: South Tyrol, part of the Dolomiti Superski network
- Elevation: 1,236 to 2,518 m
- Km of slopes: 175 km
- Lifts: 79
- Special features: Famous for its fantastic panoramas and the Sella Ronda, a ski circuit around the Sella massif. The area is part of the Dolomiti Superski, one of the largest ski associations in the world.
- Difficulty: Very diverse, from beginner slopes to challenging World Cup courses.
3. Livigno
- Location: Lombardy, near the Swiss border
- Elevation: 1,816 to 2,798 m
- Km of slopes: 115 km
- Lifts: 31
- Special features: Livigno is known for its duty-free shopping, which makes it a popular destination for shopping lovers. In addition, the area offers excellent conditions for snowboarders and freestylers.
- Difficulty: Suitable for all skill levels.
4. Cervinia (Matterhorn)
- Location: Aosta Valley, on the border with Switzerland
- Elevation: 1,524 to 3,883 m (connection to Zermatt, Switzerland)
- Km of slopes: 150 km (together with Zermatt over 360 km)
- Lifts: 19
- Special features: The slopes lead to the famous Matterhorn (Cervino). There is a direct connection to the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt, which makes the area particularly attractive for cross-border skiing.
- Level of difficulty: Many long, gentle descents, ideal for beginners and advanced skiers.
5. Sestriere (Via Lattea)
- Location: Piedmont, part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area
- Elevation: 1,350 to 2,840 m
- Km of slopes: 400 km (Total Via Lattea)
- Lifts: 70
- Special features: Venue of the 2006 Winter Olympics, Sestriere is part of a large ski area that stretches all the way to France and offers excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
- Level of difficulty: Varied slopes for all skill levels.
6. Madonna di Campiglio
- Location: Trentino, Dolomiti di Brenta region
- Elevation: 1,522 to 2,504 m
- Km of slopes: 150 km (connected to Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva)
- Lifts: 60
- Special features: One of the most elegant ski resorts in Italy, popular with celebrities. It offers a great combination of skiing, luxury and lively nightlife.
- Difficulty: Wide variety of slopes, ideal for beginners, advanced skiers and families.
7. Bormio
- Location: Lombardy, Valtellina
- Elevation: 1,225 to 3,012 m
- Km of slopes: 50 km
- Lifts: 15
- Special features: Bormio is known for its long, challenging slopes and its thermal baths, ideal for relaxation after a day of skiing. It is also a venue for Alpine World Cup races.
- Level of difficulty: From easy to very demanding slopes, also for professionals.
Ski associations in Italy
1. Dolomiti Superski
- Km of slopes: Over 1,200 km
- Lifts: More than 450
- Special features: One of the largest ski associations in the world, which includes 12 ski areas in the Dolomites, including Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo. A single ski pass allows access to all areas.
2. Via Lattea (Milky Way)
- Km of slopes: 400 km
- Lifts: 70
- Areas: Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Pragelato and Claviere (cross-border with France)
- Special features: This area connects Italy and France and is a paradise for advanced skiers and skiers who love long descents.
Important information for skiers in Italy
- Best time to visit: The ski season in Italy usually lasts from December to April. High alpine areas such as Cervinia often offer excellent snow conditions until May.
- Ski passes: Most ski resorts offer ski passes for individual days, weeks and entire seasons. The Dolomiti Superski Pass allows access to a wide variety of ski areas with just one ski pass.
- Equipment: In most Italian ski resorts, there are numerous rental stations for skis, snowboards and other equipment.
Safety and tips
- Helmet requirement: In Italy, helmets are compulsory for children under the age of 14 on the slopes.
- Sun protection: Due to the sunny and high-altitude ski resorts, you should make sure you have sufficient sun protection (sunscreen and sunglasses).
- Ski schools: Italy has many highly qualified ski instructors and ski schools that offer lessons for both beginners and advanced skiers.
