Embark on a journey to the Italian Alps, a region that matches the grandeur of its French counterpart with majestic mountains and varied ski resorts for all skill levels. Explore the Italian Alps from the iconic western resorts like Courmayeur and Cervinia to the sunlit slopes of the eastern Alps in Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto. Each region offers a distinct skiing experience, from legendary peaks to expansive areas ideal for mountaineering and off-piste adventures. This guide is structured around Italy's primary ski regions – Western, Central, and Eastern Alps – highlighting their unique features. It includes overviews and essential information for planning your next ski holiday, covering the best resorts to ski in Italy, the best skiing times, and necessary travel documentation.
The Western Italian Alps, stretching from Aosta to the Cadibona Pass, feature high peaks like Monte Viso (3,841 m) and Gran Paradiso (4,061 m), the highest mountain entirely in Italy. Renowned ski resorts in this region include Courmayeur and Cervinia, offering challenging slopes and scenic beauty, attracting skiers of all levels.
The Central Italian Alps extend from the Western Alps to the Brenner Pass, leading into Austria and the Trentino Alto Adige valley. This region boasts significant peaks such as Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), Monte Cervino (Matterhorn), Monte Rosa, and Mount Ortles. Key ski resorts celebrated for their excellent skiing conditions include Bormio, Livigno, and Madesimo in Lombardy, near the Swiss border.
The Eastern Italian Alps, stretching from the Brenner Pass to Trieste, encompass the renowned Dolomites and Monte Marmolada. This region is famous for its picturesque landscapes and includes top ski resorts like Selva di Val Gardena, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Alta Badia, and Kronplatz.
Madonna di Campiglio is an elegant ski resort located in the Brenta Dolomites, offering a lively atmosphere and excellent skiing. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,078 meters and has a total of 60 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,600 meters. The nearest international airport is Verona, which is located approximately 150 km away. Other nearby airports include Bergamo and Milan Linate Airport, both of which are approximately 220 km away. Madonna di Campiglio offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition, with a vibrant après-ski scene and modern lift systems.
Canazei is a picturesque ski resort, set in the heart of the Dolomites and offering access to the extensive Val di Fassa ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,500 meters and has a total of 1200 km of pistes as part of the Dolomiti Superski area, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,950 meters. The nearest airport is Bolzano Airport, which is located approximately 50 km away.
Campitello di Fassa is a charming ski resort located in the Val di Fassa of Italy, offering access to the vast Dolomiti Superski area with 1,200 km of slopes. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,037 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,485 meters. The nearest airport is Bolzano Airport, which is located approximately 50 km away.
Selva di Val Gardena is a vibrant ski resort that provides a cozy atmosphere and great après-ski options. Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, it offers skiing on 175 km of pistes as part of the Val Gardena ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,495 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,518 meters. The nearest airport is Bolzano Airport, which is located approximately 40 km away. Selva di Val Gardena offers a mix of groomed slopes, freeride terrain, and snow parks, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts seeking a variety of skiing options.
Sauze D'Oulx is a lively ski resort, part of the expansive Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area. The resort boasts 400 km of interconnected slopes, making it a perfect destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The maximum vertical drop is 1,314 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,823 meters. The nearest airport is Turin Airport, which is located approximately 90 km away. The resort offers modern lift systems, ski schools, and an array of off-slope activities to enjoy.
Livigno is a high-altitude ski resort near the Swiss border, known for its snow-sure slopes and duty-free shopping. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 982 meters and has a total of 115 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,798 meters. The nearest airport to Livigno is Innsbruck Airport, which is located approximately 180 km away.
Cervinia is an iconic ski resort situated at the base of the Matterhorn, offering access to the extensive Cervinia-Valtournenche-Zermatt ski area. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 2,359 meters and has a total of 150 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 3,883 meters. The nearest airport is Turin Airport, which is located approximately 120 km away. Cervinia is known for its high-altitude skiing, reliable snow conditions, and breathtaking views.
Ortisei is a charming ski resort located in the Val Gardena, offering access to 175 km of slopes. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,282 meters, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,518 meters. The nearest airport is Bolzano Airport, which is located approximately 40 km away. Ortisei is known for its stunning alpine scenery, family-friendly atmosphere, and vibrant après-ski scene.
Courmayeur is a picturesque ski resort nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,531 meters and has a total of 100 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,755 meters. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport, which is located approximately 100 km away. Courmayeur offers a charming alpine village atmosphere, fine dining, and a range of winter sports activities.
Cortina D'Ampezzo is a historic ski resort, known for its glamorous atmosphere and world-class skiing. The resort boasts a maximum vertical drop of 1,700 meters and has a total of 120 km of pistes, with the highest lift reaching an elevation of 2,932 meters. The nearest airport to Cortina D'Ampezzo is Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is located approximately 150 km away. Cortina D'Ampezzo offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition, with a vibrant après-ski scene, stunning mountain scenery, and modern lift systems.
The best time to visit Italy for a ski holiday is between December and early April. These are the months when you will be able to maximize your time on the slopes with good snow conditions and fewer crowds. Italy has over 300 ski resorts, with more than 6,000 kilometers of ski slopes, so you can easily find your perfect ski paradise. Just avoid the peak season, which typically falls between Christmas and New Year's, as well as during the February half-term.
British citizens traveling to Italy for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period) do not require a visa for tourism purposes. However, since the UK has left the European Union, there have been changes to the entry requirements for British nationals.
Here are some important points to consider when planning a trip to Italy:
Please note that entry requirements and travel regulations can change over time. For up-to-date passport and visa information, feel free to visit the British government's travel advice website before planning your trip.
