Going to ski to Italy
If you want to ski in Italy, February and March are indeed the months: snow is always abundant and daylight is longer. And, if your question is where to go, I can surely say you’re…
If you want to ski in Italy, February and March are indeed the months: snow is always abundant and daylight is longer.
And, if your question is where to go, I can surely say you’re spoiled for choice!
From the breathtaking Dolomites in the northeast to the staggering Monte Bianco, Europe’s largest mountain, in the northwest, dozens of beautiful resorts span the Italian Alps.
Expect excellent slopes and lively après-ski scenes—all combined with the great food and laid-back attitude…. that’s the mark of our Bella Italia!
Each resort has something specific to offer its guests… so here’s a list of some of my favourite ski resorts, depending on whether you’re looking for glamour or a family trip, are traveling with snowboarders or expert skiers.
Best for…glamour
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the James Bond of the Dolomites: glamorous, chic and always put together! In fact, its slopes were even used as the set for a stunt scene in For Your Eyes Only. Cortina is a classic Italian Alpine town, but draws a largely international crowd—many of whom come not necessarily to ski, but to shop in the fashionable boutiques and soak up the winter sun. Of course, the glamorous life comes with a glamorous price!
Best for… a weekend trip
Courmayeur is a quintessential Alpine village that sits under the imposing ridges of Monte Bianco. Here you won’t find the soft landscapes of the Dolomites, but the wild, Alpine scenery of the Valle d’Aosta. Something else you won’t find? Crowds! Less international (or expensive) than Cortina, Courmayeur is also less pretentious. Spend a relaxed weekend here to enjoy the slopes, Alpine food and inspiring views.
While Courmayeur has a lot to offer visitors, it has only 36km of predominately intermediate runs—so for more advanced skiers, it’s best for a short or weekend trip.
Best for… families with young children and beginner
Pila remains a relatively hidden gem among Italian ski resorts, and is not known much outside of Italy—but it offers quiet slopes and short lift lines, allowing beginners to get in a lot of practice! Pila has about 70km of slopes to offer all levels, but the little ones can try the Baby Pila and Baby Gorraz slopes, or take lessons from one of the multiple ski schools. The resorts’ miniclub caters to kids 12 and under, and children under seven get a free ski pass. Manageable, functional and relaxed, Pila is a fun, comfortable resort for both beginners and little ones!
Best for… snowboarders (and shoppers)
Livigno is often overlooked by non-Europeans in favor of fancy Cortina or traditional Courmayeur, but this remote resort has a lot to offer—and for cheap: Duty-free Livigno is one of the most budget-friendly resorts in Italy, both on and off the slopes!
It has 110km of slopes that range from beginner to black-diamond abilities. Its main attraction, though, is the Mottolino Snowpark, a terrain park with rails, half-pipes and professional-sized jumps. With a dedicated lift, Mottolino has areas for beginners to terrain park junkies. If the park isn’t your thing, Livigno’s wide slopes make great snowboarding runs for all levels.
