The List of Top Ski Resorts of Italy – Which One to Choose

Ski resorts of Italy are located in several regions of the country called Friuli, Venice, Trentino, Lombardy, Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta. Why choose Italy as a ski destination? First, local resorts has its own unique features, and tourists have a choice whether to ski in the Dolomites, on the slopes of Mont Blanc, or somewhere in between. Besides, each of the ski resorts of Italy has its own advantages and has its own unique characteristics, so the choice is up to travellers.

Table of Contents:

How to get to the ski resorts of Italy

Which ski resorts of Italy to choose

How to get to the ski resorts of Italy

Keep in mind, ski resorts of Italy are concentrated in the Northern regions of the country. It is conditioned mainly by the climate and mountainous landscapes. After some research, I decided to put together information I have previously found out and create a complete guide on how to organize a holiday in ski resorts of Italy. In fact, I figured out how to get to the resorts, where to stay & what to do there. That is why I really hope this detailed information will help you plan your trip to one of the ski resorts of Italy.

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How to get to the ski resorts of Italy by public transport

As a rule, there is no train station directly at the ski resorts of Italy, but tourists can use a combination of train + bus options. If you travel to the Dolomites, you can change to a transport in Trento or Bolzano; if you travel to Aosta Valley, you can change to a transport in Aosta town. Check the current train timetable at the Raileurope booking service. I use Raileurope regularly to check out the current train timetable for my upcoming trips to Europe. In my opinion, it is a very convenient service, because I can compare different routes, duration of the train journey, number of changes, prices, etc.

How to get to the ski resorts of Italy by taxi

Besides public transport, tourists often use such options as taxi or transfer service. It can be more preferable if you take ski equipment with you or arrive at night, when public transport is no longer available. Services for booking a private transfer are below. Based on my research, these online services have a lot of positive reviews that is why I can recommend them. For sure, there are a lot of other taxi services available at the airport.

• Kiwitaxi is a system for ordering taxi transfers from airports, train stations and hotels around the World;
• Intui.Travel is a system for self-booking tourist transfers to/from hotels via the Internet.

How to get to the ski resorts of Italy by car

Another option is using a rented car. Be sure, rental offices can be found at any airports listed above. To rent a car you need to have a passport, a driver`s license and a bank card. I would recommend booking a car in advance as it is a very popular option among tourists. You can book a car in advance via various international services. I check out different online services in advance and compare them. It helps me to find the best suitable option in terms of price and quality.

• Discover Cars is a service for searching, comparing and booking cars for renting;
• Economybookings is a search service for cheap car rentals around the Globe.

Which ski resorts of Italy to choose

There is our ultimate list of ski resorts of Italy, which contains different regions and describes available services, including winter ans summer activities. 

Val Gardena

Val Gardena is considered to be one of the most famous resorts in the Dolomites and consists of three ski villages called Selva Gardena, Ortisei and Santa Cristina. To begin with, all the villages are connected with a network of cable cars, and the ski slopes are united into one large ski area called Sella Ronda. The total length of ski slopes available for skiing reaches 175 km.

As a matter of fact, the resort also has extensive cross-country skiing facilities, and snowboarders can find comfort in the fun park in Pitz Sella. For relaxation after an active day spent in the mountains, Val Gardena offers several wellness centers, restaurants, discos, bars, cafes, and shopping promenades. As I found out, during the summer, the resort also operates and has great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, tennis and golf. More about Val Gardena—>

Val di Fassa

Val di Fassa is another large ski area in the Dolomites region and is also a part of the united Sella Ronda area. In fact, Val di Fassa consists of small resort villages such as Moena, Campitello, Canazei, which are united by a network of ski lifts and pistes. By the way, the length of all trails in this ski area is about 133 km.

In addition, in Val di Fassa you can find an excellent snow park for snowboarders, several health centers and spa areas for relaxation, sports centers with the opportunity to try tennis, football, baseball, volleyball, rock climbing, and minigolf. As far as I know, snowshoeing, sledding, tobogganing, paragliding, and cross-country skiing are also available. Be sure that in summer, the doors of the resort are open to all lovers of hiking, trekking and mountaineering. Read more about Val di Fassa—>

Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio is a resort that is considered to be one of the most fashionable and famous in the Dolomites. Undoubtedly, the name of Madonna di Campiglio is familiar to almost every skier. In fact, 120 km of ski slopes, 61 lifts, a snowboard park, heli-skiing, numerous wellness centers, restaurants, bars, discos – all this speaks of the developed infrastructure of the resort.

Morevoer, the famous status of the resort can also be judged by the fact that many sport competitions are held here. Indeed, there can only be one piece of advice for a holiday in Madonna di Campiglio and that is to book it as early as possible, because, given the characteristics, it is not surprising that the place is very popular among skiers. Read more about Madonna di Campiglio—>

Courmayeur

Courmayeur is one of the oldest ski resorts of Italy. Conversely, it is located in a completely different part of the country, away from the resorts of the Dolomites. You can find Courmayeur on the border with France. Therefore, it is one of the best points for viewing Mont Blanc. In total, Courmayeur has about 80 km of ski slopes of various difficulty levels. In addition, there are free ski areas, a snow park, forest trails and heli-skiing opportunities.

Additionally, after an active day, tourists can visit the wellness center in nearby Pré-Saint-Didier. Be sure, the variety of procedures delights even experienced tourists. For example, it includes hydromassage pools, artificial waterfalls, steam baths, various types of saunas, salt rooms and much more. Moreover, in summer Courmayeur offers a family-friendly rope park, marked hiking trails, tennis and golf opportunities. More about Courmayeur—>

Monte Rosa

Monte Rosa area units such famous ski resorts of Italy as Champoluc, Gressoney and Alagna. By the way, the total length of the trails is approximately 130 km. Besides, the highest point for skiing exceeds 3000 meters. In fact, activities available in Monte Rosa include freeride, heli-skiing, cross-country skiing, paragliding, ice skating, mountaineering, snowshoeing and sledding. It is worth noting that this ski region is family-oriented, so there is a year-round rope park and a children’s snow park.

Besides, you can also relax in the local spa center, and visit an excursion to the outstanding Savoy Castle. Based on my research, during the summer, the resort offers activities such as rock climbing, horse riding, golf, fishing, cycling, rafting, canyoning and much more. More about Monte Rosa—>

Cervinia

Cervinia is surrounded with 4 four-thousand-meter mountain peaks. Thanks to the climatic conditions, the ski season lasts here longer than at any other resort in Italy. To start with, Cervinia’s home ski area has 150 km of pistes. In addition, the home region is easily combined with a ski area of the Swiss Zermatt, which means that the length of the slopes increases to 360 km. For extreme sports enthusiasts, there is also glacier skiing, a snowboard park, a half-pipe, opportunities for free riding and heli-skiing. As for relaxation, many hotels have their own wellness centers, as well as a sports complex with a swimming pool, hydromassage, sauna, bathhouse, tennis court and climbing wall. Read more about Cervinia—>

Val di Fiemme

Val di Fiemme area is considered to be the “gateway” to the Dolomites, and its slopes are perfect for skiing of easy and medium difficulty levels. Firstly, in the Val di Fiemme valley, there are 11 resort towns, the largest of which are Cavalese and Predazzo. Secondly, the total length of the routes is approximately 100 km. Thirdlt, additional options include several snow parks, 2 half-pipes, forest and panoramic trails, night skiing, and artificial snowmaking. Finally, it is also believed that Val di Fiemme is perfect for all cross-country skiing enthusiasts, with more than 70 km of trails equipped for them.

Among the sports activities, Val di Fiemme will delight you with an ice stadium, a skating rink, indoor swimming pools and alpine slides (the so-called tobogganing). After examining a lot of information, I can say that the Val di Fiemme resort is a year-round resort; in the summer you can go rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, excursions, and fishing in local lakes. Read more about Val di Fiemme—>

Cortina D’Ampezzo

Cortina D’Ampezzo is one of the most prestigious ski resorts of Italy and in the Dolomites region. Among the others, developed infrastructure, excellent natural conditions for skiing, and a variety of entertainment for every taste make Cortina an extremely popular place. Keep in mind, the total length of the ski slopes at the resort is about 140 km, with another 70 km suitable for cross-country skiing. By the way, the resort has more than 30 lifts, a snowboard park, and free-riding opportunities. In addition, the longest piste at the resort stretches for a record 10 km!

If a home ski area of ​​140 km is not enough for you, then you can always purchase a Dolomiti superski ski pass, which will significantly expand your ski opportunities. After some research, I discovered that popular entertainment options in Cortina include ice skating, snowshoeing, and ice karting. In the summer, Cortina becomes a center for golfing. Read more about Cortina D’Ampezzo—>

Livigno

Livigno is one of the most remote ski resort in Italy, located almost on the border with Switzerland. To begin with, it is famous for its free-riding opportunities, and the total length of ski slopes is 115 km here. Moreover, the resort is served with 44 lifts. Besides, Livigno also has its own snow park with halfpipes and heli-skiing options are also available. Finally, about 30 km of trails are suitable for cross-country skiing.

Be sure, other winter activities are also available including ice skating, sledding and tubing. Livigno can safely be considered a family resort. For example, there is a water park with slides, which is a favorite entertainment for children. To illustrate, the local health center also features a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym, a steam room, a sauna, a salt room and much more. Undoubtedly, restaurants, bars, discos, and cafes can also be found at the resort. In addition, Livigno is a duty-free area. More about Livigno—>

Bormio

Bormio is another one among the ski resorts of Italy that is located quite remote from large cities. Nevertheless, it has two great advantages to stay in here. These are skiing and thermal springs. Bormio is a part of the Alta Valtellina ski region. The resort home ski area is 50 km, but in the united ski area of ​​Alta Valtellina the possibilities expand significantly to 230 km. Besides, Bormio provides skiers with free-ride areas, panoramic slopes, and a snow park.

After a busy day in Bormio, you can always relax in one of the thermal complexes. To name a few, swimming pools, Finnish sauna, panoramic lodges – all this can be found in the local thermal center. I examined some information and found out that, in total, there are 9 thermal springs on the territory of Bormio. Among other things, the resort offers interesting architectural sights, as well as restaurants and bars with local cuisine. More about Bormio—>

Kronplatz

Kronplatz is a resort located in Northern Italy. It is a part of the united ski area of ​​the Dolomiti superski region. Kronplatz home ski area includes 120 km of ski slopes, more than 30 lifts, 2 snow parks with halfpipes, cross-country skiing and sledding trails. The main place where all the skiers prefer to ski is the slopes of Mount Plan de Corones. Many small ski villages are located around the mountain. The most famous, perhaps, is Brunico. In Brunico, you can find, for example, a great spa center for relaxing. The center includes various types of saunas, Kneipp therapy and several swimming pools, incl. a pool for children.

I would also advise visiting the villages located nearby. The neighboring towns of San Vigilio di Marebbe, Valdaora, San Lorenzo, Falzes, Terenzo and others also have their own small wellness centers. In the summer, Kronplatz offers activities such as hiking, golf courses, bicycle and horse trails, climbing schools, and zip lines. More about Kronplatz—>

Pinzolo

Pinzolo is another resort town in the surroundings of the Dolomites. Its ski area is only 30 km, but it is possible to purchase a ski pass for the united ski area with Madonna di Campiglio, which is one of the most well-known ski resorts of Italy. There is a lift connecting the towns, called the Campillo Express. You can get to the united ski area by lift from Pinzolo in about 20 minutes. Pinzolo home ski area has all types of slopes including blue, red, black ones, as well as its own snow park and cross-country ski trails.

The town has an indoor skating rink, where you can learn to skate, as well as practice hockey and curling. Bars, discos and restaurants are also available in Pinzolo. In addition, many resort hotels offer spa services. In summer, hiking routes will take you to mountains, waterfalls and picturesque valleys. More about Pinzolo—>

Sestriere

Sestriere is a resort which is located on the opposite side of the Dolomites, on the border with France and is very popular among skiers due to its favorable climatic conditions and a vast ski area of ​​400 km. Most of the slopes, approximately 220 km, are reserved for red slopes for intermediate-level skiers. The resort is served with more than 60 lifts, and this is also an impressive figure, allowing you to avoid queues on the cable cars. Based on my research, three ski areas are available with a single ski pass, including Monte Sises, Monte Banchetta and Monte Fraiteve.

If you wish, you can also ski on the French side, in the Montgenevre ski area, but to ski there you need to purchase a separate ski pass. The resort has several snow parks for snowboarders. You can also practice cross-country skiing, but the mileage is modest and includes about 15 km. In the summer, you can enjoy trekking and hiking, mountain biking, golf, horse riding, tennis, swimming and much more. More information about Sestriere—>

La Thuile

La Thuile is a resort located in the Valle d’Aosta on the border of France. It differs from the other ski resorts of Italy as La Thuile home ski area is combined with the ski area of ​​the neighboring French resort of La Rosiere, and this significantly expands the possibilities. The general ski area is called San Bernardo, and the length of its slopes is about 160 km. As I discovered, there are more than 40 lifts here, 2 snow parks, heli-skiing, and if you wish, you can also try free-riding.

After a busy day, you can head to neighboring Pré-Saint-Didier, where a magnificent thermal center with various services is available. These include, in particular, a salt room, various saunas, steam baths, thermal water pools, mineral waterfalls, hydromassage, sensory showers, Kneipp baths and much more. In the summer, you can go hiking, trekking, rock climbing, horse riding, rafting, tennis, fishing, mini golf, and exploring local lakes and waterfalls. More about La Thuile—>

What else to do besides skiing

Undoubtedly, ski resorts of Italy is higly-demanded travel destination. But besides skiing, you can travel around Northen Italy regions to explore their architecture, gastronomy, natural landscapes, etc. For instance, the Dolomites region is best known for its breath-taking mountain lakes. Travellers come to the Dolomites to see Lago di Braies or Carezza Lake as well as to observe the stunning Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain range.

Among towns of the region, I would recommend visiting Trento or Bolzano with their medieval architecture. Merano or Tirano are also great for visiting because of the enormous number of castles preserved here. Rovereto and Bressanone are also worth visiting due to their unique natural and architectural sites.

The Aosta Valley region is famous for Mont Blanc views. Besides skiing, you can also discover other great activities to do here as well as observing magnificent natural and architectural attractions. The best starting point for exploring the region is Aosta town from where all the picturesque routes stretch around. In my point of view, Northern Italy is a unique region where mountains meet great architecture, where local gastronomy is pretty authentic, where sport activities are almost limitless, so I can totally recommend visiting local towns and ski resorts.

Photo above the article: Justin Clements