There are certain aspects of a ski holiday we all love- the feel of snow underfoot, a well-earned glass of wine at the end of the day and copious amounts of cheese to name a few. However, some are perhaps more endured rather than enjoyed (over-priced mountain restaurants and seemingly endless airport transfers to name two).
What if we told you there was a magical place where you could keep all the nice parts and dispense with the less so? Well there is, in fact it isn’t just one location but a whole country, and no it isn’t a new kid on the skiing block, but Italy. Purveying not only enviable snow and iconic peaks but also an incredible variety of mountain restaurants, an Italian ski holiday provides a truly unique ‘ski-gastronomy’ experience at quite unbelievable value.
We have added a diverse selection of hotels to our Italian repertoire, allowing you to try out a new skiing experience, or just find your way back to an old favourite. Here are five ski hotels in Italy, each with their own compelling reasons to make them your destination for an Italian ski adventure…
1. Hotel Kolfuschgerhof, Colfosco
We shall start our journey with the Hotel Kolfuschgerhof in Colfosco. Four stars and newly renovated in 2020, this hotel has a lot to offer, in a resort with a historical Austrian influence.
The Hotel Kolfuschgerhof is a fantastic option for families and couples looking for luxury with direct access to the Sella Ronda (100m to the lifts). After the short journey back from the slopes, you will find an extensive wellness area complete with a large pool, multiple saunas, Turkish bath and chill out rooms.
Much like all hotels of a certain calibre, a restaurant and bar are found within. However, in the case of the Hotel Kolfuschgerhof there is also the chance to dine on the mountain, in the hotel’s own gourmet hut amongst the trees.
Hotel Kolfuschgerhof view
2. Hotel Gran Paradiso, San Cassiano
Next on the list is the Hotel Gran Paradiso in San Cassiano, residing in a beautiful position in the Armentarola area of San Cassiano, just 100 metres from the lifts.
Not only will you have great access to the lifts, but the shops and bars are only a 10-15 minute walk away. If this is too far worry not, the hotel offers a free shuttle service. Being a charming 4-star property, you can expect the normal high quality wellness centre and spacious bright rooms. The Hotel Gran Paradiso again has an especially friendly and homely atmosphere.
In this quiet fairy-tale village you are well placed to take on the hidden valley ski tour, an 8 km red run culminating in a horse drawn return the resort.
Hotel Gran Paradiso- Garden Suite
3. Hotel Table, Corvara & Colfosco
If we make a diversion over to Corvara, another stop well worth mentioning is the Hotel Table. This cosy 3-star hotel enjoys a strategic position in the picture perfect town.
Both the town centre and the lifts are around 500m away, with a hotel shuttle service just outside the door. The gondolas- Boe, Borest and Col Alt are therefore easily accessible, giving you a variety of options on where to start your Italian exploration.
Our theme of great food and service of course continues here. The half board option includes fine wines and fresh local ingredients, mouth-wateringly transformed into culinary delicacies. After dinner, simply retreat into the homely lounge with log fire and plan the next day’s skiing in peace.
If the muscles need a little more help recovering from your excursions into the snow, the Hotel Table spoils you with its sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and infrared cabin.
Hotel Table Bedroom
4. Hotel and Apartments Evaldo, Arabba
Now if you’re all about the skiing, make sure this one is on the bucket list. The Sella Ronda contains some of the best and most challenging black runs in the Dolomites.
Immersed in Italian skiing heritage, Arraba provides easy access to the Sella Ronda whilst capturing the Italian ski experience at its finest. This picturesque village lets you experience the distinct architecture, excellent dining and plentiful aperitivo those in the know will have come to expect.
Both the Hotel Evaldo and Apartments Evaldo can be found in Arraba. With the apartments being ski-in/ ski-out and the hotel enjoying 4-star quality, there’ll be something for everyone.
The Apartments Evaldo features a sauna, hammam and Jacuzzi as well as massages (extra cost). These along with lockable ski storage, including heated boot rack, make the apartments fantastic value for money. The Hotel Evaldo, with its aforementioned 4-stars welcomes you with a bar and lounge, after you have finished recuperating in the relaxing leisure area with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and fitness room that is.
Hotel Evaldo Restaurant
5. Chalet Eden in La Thuile
Last on our list is the Chalet Eden in La Thuile. Perfect for those looking for quiet slopes and quality food. Another 4-star hotel, the Chalet Eden is an ideal choice for families (2 and 3 person rooms). A 200m stroll gets you to the main lifts and a 10 min walk will take you to the centre of resort.
Over in La Thulle the locals only really get on the slopes at the weekend. Meaning during the week you will have the place mostly to yourself. The ones to highlight on the piste map would be Number 5 (Black) and Number 6 (red) taking you back to resort, both are uncrowded, with the lower section guiding you through the trees. If you fancy a late/ long lunch, take Number 7 (red) down to Lo Riondet and thank us later. If this wasn’t enough, the ski area is linked with the French resort of La Rosiere.
The Chalet Eden itself features a bio restaurant and ‘cave’ wine cellar. You can look forward to tucking in with a local product tasting and selection of fine wines.
Chalet Eden Restaurant
Italy offers some of the best and most exciting skiing in Europe, as well as some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Teamed with the warm hospitality and delicious food and you’re onto a winner. Say goodbye to industrial scale, self-service ‘restaurants’ and motorway pistes and say hello to exquisite mountain dining, pristine slopes and adventure abound on an Italy ski holiday.
Other articles you may like:
Our Favourite Insta-Worthy Chalets
9 Picturesque Traditional Resorts for Family Ski Holidays