We have previously established Italy has world-class skiing- read our handy Q&A with the Italy ski expert if you missed it. But for those who haven’t skied the area, the top ski resorts in Italy may not be obvious.
As with all countries and ski areas, there will be particular resorts that will be ideal for you, whatever ski holiday you’re after.
So if your requirements include copious amounts of bars with free-flowing rosé, or unlimited off-piste routes, we’ll show you the way. Read on to discover the top resorts in Italy.
La Thuile – For the Adventurous
Both a fantastic place to start and a fantastic resort in many ways. La Thuile is the only resort in the programme with a lift pass allowing you to ski in two countries. With the full area pass, you can ski the entire Espace San Bernado, including the Aosta valley and the pistes of La Rosiere.
The adventure level only increases when you look closer at the slopes on offer. These are steeper than most and best suited for intermediates and experts. Not to mention the truly excellent off-piste options. However, there are of course beginner areas for those needing a quick refresher.
You will also find the pistes surprisingly quiet, making the exploration even more enjoyable. Feeling even more adventurous? Get yourself booked into the heli-skiing, ski-touring and paragliding.
Being Italy, the quality of the food available is unparalleled. If there’s one restaurant you can’t miss it would be Lo Tata, with traditional Italian dishes and amazing value.
La Thuile
Corvara – Beautiful Views, Pistes and Cuisine
If you’re looking for top-class skiing, good looking scenery and amazing food you’ve come to the right place. Adjoined to the smaller neighbouring resort of Colfolsco we have Corvara.
Renowned for gourmet dining, food in Corvara is more of a pastime than just a meal. The atmosphere is lively all over, but one spot to look out for would be the lovely mountain hut Utia Boconara.
The panoramic views are just as appetising as the dishes and will certainly take your breath away. The resort is based at the foot of Mount Sassongher and gives stunning views of the Dolomites.
Lovely views aside, what about those whose eyes are pointed only at the pistes? Worry not, these are just as exhilarating. Skiers can access the Sella Ronda circuit from both Colfosco and Arabba– with the Dolomiti Super Ski pass opening up a huge 1,200km of runs and 450 ski lifts.
Alta Badia, Dolomites – copyright IDM Südtirol – Alex-Filz – 3
Courmayeur – High Altitude Skiing in a Top Quality Resort
Is getting up into the clouds is your idea of a good time? if so, your head for heights will be tested here for sure. Courmayeur is situated at the top of the Aosta valley and boasts 14 peaks higher than 4000m.
All this altitude adds up to more world-class skiing for those looking to test their skills. There is plenty to keep you occupied on the pistes, and even more off. Just head over to Entrèves and ride the gondola up, you will reach the peak of Punta Helbronner at 3,462m and have the off-piste of Mont Blanc at your disposal.
The resort of Courmayeur has a historic feel and the centre of the village is car-free, making the Italian charm immediately obvious as you walk down the cobbled streets.
Courmayeur
Cortina – Glitz and Glamour in the Mountains
Fancy adding a bit of VIP feel to your next trip? The small mountain town of Cortina has a history filled with the rich and famous.
The skiing on offer isn’t so bad either. Cortina itself provides 120km of cruisy runs and gives a glamourous base to explore further afield. The Sella Ronda is on your doorstep and a quick bus will whisk you to the other villages of Alta Badia, including San Cassiano and Corvara.
Cortina has a more classic Italian vibe in comparison to the other Tyrollean villages nearby. However, as with the other Italian resorts, you won’t be surprised to hear the food is second to none. If it’s a special occasion (or even if it isn’t), head over to Trivoli and indulge in the Michelin star food.
Cortina Resort
Madonna di Campiglio – The Whole Package?
The final stop on our list, and another super-classy destination. Madonna di Campiglio may well have it all, making it a winner for those with a diverse group or anyone who is new to skiing. The 150km of pistes are suitable for beginners and intermediates, as well as those with more ski experience under their belt.
The perfectly groomed pistes are supported by a modern ski lift system and play host to the ‘3Tre’ FIS World Cup slalom event. If freestyle is more your game, there are 3 runs through the huge snow park, each more demanding than the last.
As you can imagine with a resort that has it all, the restaurants are superb (Michelin-starred Stube Hermitage is a good place to start) and the activities endless. A few non-skiing pastimes to look into would include ice climbing, dog sledging and ice skating.
Madonna di Campiglio Resort
A ski holiday in Italy is a fantastic option for anyone after amazing skiing and glorious food. If you are tired of crowded pistes and poor service, then Italy will be a breath of fresh air.
Each part of the country has a unique culture, meaning wherever you travel there will be new and exciting experiences (and menus). So start perusing and lock in your Italian ski holiday for the coming winter.
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