Non-trivial vacations in Italy: Skiing places to visit

Ski areas in Italy are not only an opportunity to ski or snowboard on various slopes but also to enjoy the beauty of the Alps and Dolomites, visit ancient towns and castles, taste national cuisine and wines, and relax in thermal springs and spa centres.

According to the level of difficulty, the pistes in Italy can be divided into four categories: green, blue, red and black. Green pistes are the easiest and are suitable for beginner skiers and snowboarders. Blue runs are a little more challenging but still accessible for beginners and children. Red runs are medium difficulty and are suitable for experienced skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy speed and maneuverability. The black slopes are the most challenging and dangerous and require a high level of skill and daring.

Here are the 15 best snow slopes for skiing in Italy in 2023 according to experts and tourists.

Livigno

Address: c/o Aquagranda, Via Rasia, 999, 23041 Livigno SO, Italy.

Phone: +39 0342 970613

Website: https://www.skipasslivigno.com/it/

Rating 4.5 ⭐

The town and resort area is located in the province of Sondrio in the Lombardy region of Italy. The place has the official status of a "Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio" due to its unique natural beauty and ecological purity. The park is located near the resort and extends over 13 thousand hectares. Tourists can enjoy not only the ski slopes but also the beautiful views.

Livigno has an excellent choice of hotels from expensive rooms to budget apartments, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

There are 78 slopes with a total length of 115 kilometres:

• 12 green;
• 37 blue;
• 24 red;
• 5 black.

The pistes are distributed in two zones: Carozello and Mottolino. Carozello has more green and blue runs, while Mottolino has more red and black runs. Livigno also has freestyle, freeride, boardercross and halfpipe areas and many hiking trails and snow routes for tourists who want to enjoy the magnificent nature of the Alps.

The resort of Livigno is a great destination for tourists looking for a first-class ski experience combined with the beautiful nature and culture of the region.

Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio is one of the main venues for the World Cup of Alpine Skiing. It is one of the three largest ski resorts in Italy in Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta, which covers more than 380 km of mountain slopes and about 150 cable cars. Madonna di Campiglio hosts many skiing competitions every year, including the Alpine Skiing World Cup finals.

The resort has a total of 154 kilometers of pistes:

• 33% green;
• 54% blue;
• 13% red;
• 5% black.

The pistes are distributed in four zones: Groste, Pradalago, Cinzano and Spinale. Each zone has different types of elevators: cable cars, gondolas, chairlifts and rope tow elevators. Ski pass prices depend on season, duration and ski area.

Web site: https://www.campigliodolomiti.it/en

Non-skiing tourists can stroll through the picturesque villages and guesthouses, where they can enjoy authentic Trentino cuisine and magnificent mountain views. You can also visit hiking trails that pass through streams, lakes and forests, all surrounded by the beautiful panorama of the Dolomite Alps.

Bormio

Address: Via Battaglion Morbegno, 25, 23032 Bormio SO, Italy

Phone: +39 0342 901451

Website:https://www.bormioski.eu/

Rating 4.5 ⭐

Bormio is one of the oldest and most famous Italian ski fields located in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border. Here, you can ski on 50 kilometres of slopes of different levels of difficulty, including the legendary Stelvio track, where the World Cup stages in alpine skiing are held. In total, Bormio has 78 pistes with a total length of 115 kilometres:

• 12 green;
• 37 blue;
• 24 red;
• 5 black.

The pistes are distributed in two zones: Carozello and Mottolino. Carozello has more green and blue runs, while Mottolino has more red and black runs. Bormio also has freestyle, freeride, boardercross and halfpipe areas.

The red Stelvio piste is over 3.5 kilometres long, has steep slopes and sharp turns, making it very challenging downhill and one of the most desirable places for alpine ski racing.

The resort is home to several springs of hot thermal water, which have been known since ancient times for their healing properties and are used to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system. These springs, located in the Bormio valley, are characterized by high temperatures and contain various minerals such as sulphur, calcium and magnesium, which are considered beneficial for the skin and health in general. Many resort guests come to Bormio not only to ski but also to visit the thermal springs and enjoy their healing properties.

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Address: Via Guglielmo Marconi, 15, 32043 Cortina d'Ampezzo BL, Italy

Phone: +39 0436 862171

Website: https://skipasscortina.com/

Rating 4.3 ⭐

Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the most famous and best Italian ski resorts located in the heart of the Dolomites. Here, you can ski on 140 kilometres of slopes, which are part of the Dolomiti Superski ski area. Cortina d'Ampezzo also attracts tourists with its architecture, shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

In terms of difficulty level, the pistes in Cortina d'Ampezzo can be divided into four categories: green, blue, red and black. There are 78 pistes with a total length of 115 kilometres.

The pistes are divided into four zones:

• Grotta (Groste);
• Pradalago;
• Cinzano;
• Spinale.

Each zone has different types of elevators: cable cars, gondolas, chairlifts and rope tow elevators. Ski pass prices depend on the season, duration and skiing zone.

The resort is also known for its chic restaurants and stores, as well as a rich history associated with the Olympic Games. In 1956, the first Winter Olympics in Italy were held here. And another one is planned for 2026.

It's also a place often used for filming movies due to its beautiful nature and unique architecture. Some famous movies that have been filmed here are "The Pink Panther" and the magnificent Bond films "For Your Eyes Only" and "Goldfinger". Cortina hosts the Marathi International Film Festival every year, which attracts celebrities from all over the world.

Cervinia

Address: 11028 Valtournenche, Aosta Valley, Italy

Phone: +39 0166 949136

Website: https://www.cervinia.it/

Rating 4.6 ⭐

Located at the foot of the Matterhorn on the border with Switzerland, the resort offers snow skiing in Italy on 160 kilometres of pistes of varying difficulty, including the longest piste in the country, Ventina, which is 22 kilometres long. Cervinia is also suitable for family vacations as it has many playgrounds, parks and attractions.

In total, Cervinia has 57 pistes with a total length of 115 kilometres.

• 6 black;
• 34 red;
• 17 blue.

As well as areas for freestyle, freeride, boardercross and halfpipe.

The main ski run, 22 kilometres long, connects two countries: Switzerland and Italy. It starts at an altitude of 3,480 metres above sea level and ends at an altitude of 1,524 metres, offering tourists an unforgettable experience with beautiful views and amazing skiing.

The resort of Cervinia is famous for its cuisine and offers many restaurants with traditional dishes of the Aosta region.

Courmayeur

Address: Strada delle Volpi, 17, 11013 Courmayeur AO, Italy.

Phone: +39 0165 846658

Website: https://www.courmayeur-montblanc.com/

Rating 4.5 ⭐

One of Italy's oldest and most famous ski resorts is located at the foot of Mount Mont Blanc. Here you can ski on 100 kilometres of pistes of varying levels of difficulty, including off-piste and heli-ski. Courmayeur also attracts tourists with its thermal springs, gastronomy and mountaineering.

In total, Courmayeur has 34 pistes with a total length of 42 kilometres:

• 3 green;
• 11 blue;
• 16 red;
• 4 black.

The pistes are distributed in two zones: Checrouit and Val Veny. Checrouit has more blue and red pistes, while Val Veny has more green and black pistes. Courmayeur also has freeride, heli-ski, snow park and ice-climbing areas.

Courmayeur Resort is also known for its après-ski: additional activities such as sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking in the mountains. Courmayeur also offers many restaurants, bars, and stores where you can enjoy varied and delicious cuisine, as well as buy souvenirs and winter sports goods.

Overall, Courmayeur is one of the best ski destinations in Italy and one of the most popular resorts in the Alps.

La Thuile

The resort is integrated into one of the largest ski areas in the world, which includes about 400 kilometres of mountain pistes and more than 100 cable cars. Here, you can ski on 160 kilometres of pistes connected to the French resort of La Rosière. La Thuille is also suitable for snowshoeing, ice skating and dog sledding enthusiasts.

Website: https://www.lathuile.it/

In total, La Thuille has 80 pistes with a total length of 160 kilometers:

• 8 green;
• 25 blue;
• 32 red;
• 15 black.

The pistes are distributed in two zones: Belvedere and San Bernardo. Belvedere has more green and blue runs, while San Bernardo has more red and black runs. La Thuile also has freeride, boardercross and snow park areas.

La Thuile is famous for its nature and the beautiful views that can be enjoyed while skiing. The northern part of the resort is located in the Grand Paradiso National Park, a 700 square kilometre area that is home to wildlife and birds.

A cosy and family-friendly Italy ski region in Valle d'Aosta, located on the border with France, La Thuile offers plenty of winter vacation opportunities for the whole family.

Pila

Address: Strada-route Ponte Suaz, 4, 11100 Aosta AO, Italy

Phone: +39 0165 521148

Website: https://pila.it/

Rating 4.4 ⭐

The resort is located at an altitude of 1,524 metres above sea level in the Lombardy region on the border with Switzerland, offering more than 60 km of ski runs of varying difficulty, suitable for skiers of all levels.

In total, Pila has 38 pistes with a total length of 70 kilometres:

• 4 blue;
• 29 red;
• 4 black.

The pistes are distributed in two zones: Grimondet and Chamole. Grimondet has more red and black pistes, while Chamole has more blue pistes. There are also freestyle, freeride, boardercross and halfpipe areas in Pyla.

Pila is famous not only a top ski spot in Italy but also for its additional entertainment such as concerts, events and various shows that take place within the resort. There are also many cafes, restaurants and bars where guests can relax and enjoy local food and drinks.

Monte Rosa

Monte Rosa is a massif of ten peaks above 4,000 metres located on the border with Switzerland. Here you can ski on the 213 kilometres of pistes that make up the Monte Rosa ski area. Monte Rosa is also connected to other resorts of Valle d'Aosta: Courmayeur, Cervinia and Pila. Monte Rosa attracts tourists with its panoramic views, off-piste, heli-skiing and ski-touring.

Web site: https://visitmonterosa.com/

Monte Rosa is a good ski resort in Italy. You can find slopes for every taste and level of training. There are both professional slopes for experienced skiers and slopes for beginners and children. In addition, the resort is famous for its panoramic slopes with stunning views of the Alps. In total, Monte Rosa has 78 pistes with a total length of 115 kilometres.

• 12 green;
• 37 blue;
• 24 red;
• 5 black.

The pistes are distributed in five valleys: Antagnon, Shampoluc, Brusson, Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Gressoney-La-Trinité. Each valley has different types of elevators: cable cars, gondolas, chairlifts and rope tow elevators. Ski pass prices depend on the season, duration and skiing area.

In addition to skiing, the resort offers:

• sledding;
• snowmobile riding;
• snow sculptures;
• dog sledding trips.

Monte Rosa is the highest mountain range in Western Europe. In addition, it has the highest ski elevator in Europe, which allows you to reach a height of more than 3 thousand metres.

Val Gardena

It is a valley located in the centre of the Dolomite Alps in the Trentino Alto Adige region.

Web site: https://www.valgardena.it/en/

Rating 4.8 ⭐

Here, you can ski on 175 kilometres of pistes of varying levels of difficulty, including the famous Sella Ronda circuit, which connects four valleys: Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia and Arabba. Val Gardena also includes three towns: Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva, each with its own atmosphere and infrastructure.

In total, this ski resort in Italy has 78 slopes with a total length of 115 kilometres:

• 12 green;
• 37 blue;
• 24 red;
• 5 black.

The pistes are divided into two zones: Carozello and Mottolino. Carozello has more green and blue runs, while Mottolino has more red and black runs. There are also freestyle, freeride, boardercross and halfpipe areas in Val Gardena.

Apart from skiing in Val Gardena, tourists can try other winter activities such as ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, as well as cross-country skiing and hiking in snowy landscapes.

The area is also famous for cooking: you can sample Tyrolean cuisine and locally produced wines.

Kronplatz

Address: Via Reiperting, 27, 39031 Brunico BZ, Italy

Phone: +39 0474 555447

Website: https://www.kronplatz.com/en

Rating 4.7 ⭐

One of the smallest but very popular places to ski in Italy is located in South Tyrol near Bruneck. Here, you can find more than 100 kilometres of slopes for all tastes and levels of fitness, as well as many areas for freeride and snowboarding.

The total length of the Kronplatz pistes is 114 kilometres:

• 21% black;
• 37% red;
• 42% blue.

In addition, the resort boasts a high-quality infrastructure including ski elevators, playgrounds and ski schools with experienced instructors, restaurants and bars to entertain those who prefer to take a break from the slopes.

This Kronplatz is also known for winter sports events such as social ski races, municipal biathlon competitions, snow sculpture festivals and other off-slope activities.

Kronplatz is an area that combines the age-old history of skiing with the trends of today, opportunities for modern skiing and unchanged traditional approaches.

Alta Badia

Address: Str. Col Alt, 36, 39033 Corvara in Badia BZ, Italy.

Phone: +39 0471 836176

Website: https://www.altabadia.org/it/

Rating 4.9 ⭐

This resort was the chosen venue for the International Winter Universiade in 2013.

Alta Badia is a top Italian ski resort in the South Tyrol region, offering more than 130 kilometres of ski and snowboard runs. This resort is located in the beautiful spiritual centre of the region and has a calm, cosy atmospheric breath.

Here you can ski on pistes of varying levels of difficulty, including the famous Sella Ronda circuit, which connects four valleys: Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia and Arabba. Alta Badia also includes several smaller resorts such as Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva, each with its own atmosphere and infrastructure.

The pistes on Alta Badia are 130 kilometres long:

• 45% blue;
• 45% red;
• 10% black.

The pistes are distributed in two zones: Carozello and Mottolino. Alta Badia also has freestyle, freeride, boardercross and halfpipe zones.

Alta Badia offers pistes to suit all tastes and levels of ability, including beginner to expert pistes. In addition, the resort is known for its high-speed ski elevators, allowing you to maximize your time. One of the main reasons for choosing Alta Badia for a winter vacation, is the giant "Sella Ronda" ski run, which has its own beautiful surrounding views.

Apart from skiing, other activities such as ice skating, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, hiking and snowshoeing are available in the resort.

Val di Fiemme

Address: Deutschnofen 39050, BZ, Italy

WEBSITE: https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/it/

Rating 4.7 ⭐

A beautiful valley destination for a ski trip to Italy is located in the province of Trento. This area offers more than 210 kilometres of ski and snowboard runs, 7 ski areas and 2 sky parks, as well as many scenic trails for hiking.

The resort of Val di Fiemme boasts a high-quality infrastructure that includes 82 ski elevators, staff as instructors, ski equipment and shoe rental facilities, and ski schools for those who want to learn the basics of skiing.

This resort specializes in a variety of skiing activities including freeride and freestyle skiing. Other winter activities such as sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, cross-country skiing and hiking are also available.

Val di Fiemme is the main centre of biathlon in Italy and often hosts international competitions in the sport. Tourists can take part in training and competitions organized at this resort.

Val di Fiemme is a popular vacation destination not only for skiers and snowboarders but also for those looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation in a mountain setting.

Sestriere

Address: Unnamed Road, 10058, Sestriere TO, Italy

Website: https://www.vialattea.it/

One of Italy's top ski resorts is at the heart of the ski disciplines, and is home to many Italian ski champions.

In total, Sestriere has 153 pistes with a total length of 400 kilometres:

• 27 blue;
• 94 red;
• 30 black.

The resort of Sestriere is also one of the oldest resorts in Italy and was chosen to host the Winter Olympics in 2006. The pistes have always been characterized by a high level of quality and level V-pistes, which attract many experienced skiers from all over the world.

Sestriere is also home to beautiful scenery, mountain views, restaurants and stores, and the quality of the ski elevators is always top-notch. It is also a great place for winter sports such as sledding, snowmobiling, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Sestriere is also a member of the Olympic Valley Consortium, which links five ski resorts including Sestriere, Praneone, San Siro, Sauze d'Oulx and Monte Seguros.

Cavalese

Address: Via Cermis, 2, 38033 Cavalese TN, Italy

Phone: +39 0462 340490

Website: https://www.alpecermis.it/home-inverno.php

Rating 4.7 ⭐

A famous Italy ski resort in the South Tyrol region, which offers more than 100 kilometres of varied pistes for skiing and snowboarding. The resort is located in the Fiemme Valley in the north and is the ideal place for a winter vacation with family or friends.

Besides the ski slopes, Cavalese offers many other activities such as sledding, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and other outdoor activities. The resort is also known for its cultural attractions such as ancient castles and beautiful churches that you can visit at your leisure.

Cavalese is also known for its Olympic slopes, which hosted the 1976 Winter Olympics.

The slopes are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all levels of experience, from beginners to professionals:

• 7 blue;
• 5 red;
• 2 black.

They are served by three gondolas and three chair elevators, as well as one rope tow. The most famous black piste is Olympia II, 3 km long with an altitude difference of 600+ metres.

Cavalese is known for its traditional carnivals, which take place in winter and bring a unique experience to tourists.

The best ski resorts in Italy are the perfect choice for those who want to combine active and passive vacations, cultural and nature tourism, traditional and modern.

Italy offers a variety of vacation options for every taste, budget and level of preparation. You can ski in Italy in any of the 15 best resorts. The main thing is not to forget to enjoy every moment of your stay in this amazing country.