The country that stretches on the entire length of the Alpine arch offers amazing opportunities for snow lovers
The fan-shaped north of Italy follows the line of the highest and most extensive European mountain range, the Alps. Thus, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that, on top of the beautiful seaside location, breathtaking hill sceneries, and stunning art cities, the Belpaese boasts also amazing ski resorts. Listing them all would be impossible, but here are five of the best ones, from west to east:
Sestriere (Torino) – The Agnelli family, owner of Fiat, chose the highest municipality in Italy to create the first purpose-built ski resort in Europe. It is part of the area known as Milky Way, which has about 400km of pistes. Here beginners, as well as expert skiers, are bound to find their perfect run. And the most skilled of them can enjoy skiing also during the night on the illuminated Kandahar slope.
Cervinia (Aosta) – Thanks to the Monte Cervino glacier, this ski resort is open throughout the year. Sharing Europe’s highest ski area with the Swiss Zermatt, Cervinia gives access to 350km of pistes. Among its 72 runs there also long, wide, and brilliantly groomed ones that are great for beginners.
Livigno (Sondrio) – This spectacular town is in the heart of the Italian Alps between the Stelvio National Park and the Swiss National Park. At 1,816 meters above sea level, it offers great sceneries and natural beauty. The area includes 115 km of ski slopes, including many challenging ones, served by cableways, chairlifts, and ski lifts. Livigno’s snow parks offer all kinds of snow activities, including specific ones dedicated to children.
Canazei (Trento) – It is the gem of the Val di Fassa, nestled in the Dolomites. The Fassa/Carezza pass unlocks 230km of piste. However, with the pass for the Carosello Dolomiti Superski, pass it is possible to access over five times as much, including the majestic Sella Ronda. And after a lot of skiing, in Canazei, there is also a lot of partying.
Cortina d’Ampezzo (Belluno) – Often called simply Cortina, it is the best-known Italian resort as well as the most famous shopping and social life. Like Canazei, it is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomite. And its three ski areas, each with their unique characteristics, total 140km of pistes. But, it also gives access to the Carosello Dolomite Superski’s staggering 1248km of runs. In 2021, it will host the World Alpine Ski Championships and, in 2026, the Winter Olympics.
Ilona Catani Scarlett