There are more than 200 ski areas in Italy and the choice is so great that the eyes are scattered. And if you do not study in advance which are better suited to you, there is a risk of spoiling your vacation, because they are all different: some are more suitable for family vacations, and some for a raucous nightlife.
For 10 years of annual skiing in Italy with friends and family, we have prepared a rating of the top 10 best ski resorts so that you can plan your next perfect vacation.
And of course, we recommend booking hotels in advance to get the best option.
Best italian ski resorts
- ๐ The most prestigious: Cortina d'Ampezzo
- ๐ For beginners: Alta Badia
- ๐ช Best for families: Courmayeur
- ๐ Best for extremists: Livigno
- ๐ธ With the best views: Cortina d'Ampezzo
- โจ For a night out: Livigno
Ski resorts in Italy: ranking of the 10 best places
The Alps stretch along the whole of northern Italy. The mountainous and therefore popular with skiers regions include: Valle D’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
I have tried to present examples of italian ski resorts in different parts of the country, guided in my choice by personal experience and friends’ stories.
1. Cortina d’Ampezzo
- ๐ Skiing season: December – April
- ๐ฟ Pistes: 150 km, Lifts: 52
- ๐ Altitude: from 1100 m to 3200 m above sea level (altitude difference 2100 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 150 km from Marco Polo Airport, Venice
- ๐จ Average price per night: โฌ 220 (Read more โ)
The queen of Italian winter resorts, host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and the upcoming 2026 Winter Games, Cortina d’Ampezzo has been defending its position as an iconic ski vacation destination for decades.
Cortina is actually three ski resorts: Tofare, Faloria and Cristaglio (one ski pass is valid for all of them). The 150 km of pistes have different levels of difficulty (blue, red and black) and are located at different altitudes (1224-2990 m).
It is important to remember that Cortina d’Ampezzo has a reputation as a luxury resort, aimed in particular at “upper class” tourists.
Therefore, it is worth taking care of accommodation in advance to be able to book the most attractive options.
Accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Luxury hotels:
- Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d'Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotelย – a hotel with a history, offering luxurious rooms and high-class service.
- Rosapetra Spa Resort – a hotel with modern design and a wide range of spa treatments.
Hotels of medium price category:
- Hotel Menardiย – a cozy hotel in a quiet location with a good restaurant and friendly staff.
- Hotel Olimpiaย – an excellent choice for those looking for comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price, close to the elevators.
- Hotel Pontechiesa – a family-run hotel with traditional alpine design and a homely atmosphere.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Alaska Cortinaย – a simple and clean hotel, ideal for active travelers.
- Hotel Piccolo Pocol – a budget option with basic amenities and friendly service.
All hotels in Cortina d'Ampezzo โ
2. Livigno
- ๐ Skiing season: November – April
- ๐ฟย Pistes: 115 km, Lifts: 30
- ๐ย Altitude: 1816 m – 3000 m above sea level (altitude difference 1184 m)
- ๐ซย Nearest airport: 230 km from Milan Malpensa airport.
- ๐จย Average price/night: โฌ 160 (Read more โ)
In second place was Livigno, popular with both families with children and experienced skiers who love a challenge. This town is also called a little Tibet because of its climate and location, which are reminiscent of the Himalayas.
Livigno is located between two valleys: the Swiss Engadine and the Italian Alta Valtellina. The conditions here are ideal for winter sports. It’s dry, cold and heavy snowfalls mean that the ski season lasts from late fall until the end of April.
Around 80 pistes of varying levels of difficulty are located mainly on the slopes of Vetta Blesaccia, Carosello and Mottolino. Two types of ski passes are offered: the Livigno (for this town only) and the Alta Valtellina, which has a larger range.
It’s also a duty-free zone, so it’s worth considering preparing free space in your suitcases in advance.
Accommodation in Livigno
Luxury hotels:
- Hotel Lac Salin Spa & Mountain Resort – A luxury resort with a great spa and fine dining.
- Hotel Sonne Livigno – A hotel with elegant rooms and a wide range of spa treatments.
- Montivas Lodge – a modern and stylish hotel with beautiful mountain views.
Hotels of medium price category:
- Hotel Amerikan – a comfortable hotel with a good location and excellent service.
- Hotel Astoria – cozy family hotel with traditional alpine design.
- Hotel Concordia – an excellent choice for those looking for quality accommodation at a reasonable price.
Budget Hotels:
- Baita Luleta – simple and cozy hotel, ideal for active tourists.
- Chalet Li Mina – an inexpensive option with basic amenities and friendly service.
- B&B Via Vai – a great choice for budget travelers, offering clean and comfortable rooms.
3. Madonna di Campiglio
- ๐ Ski season: December – April
- ๐ฟ Pistes: 150 km, Lifts: 62
- ๐ Altitude: from 1524 m to 3016 m above sea level (altitude difference 1492 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 160 km from Milan airport
- ๐จ Average price per night: โฌ 170 (Read more โ)
Let’s move to a region on the border of Italian and German-speaking cultures, namely Trentino Alto Adige, where one of the most beautiful and recommended ski resorts is Madonna di Campiglio.
The resort is located between the Brentine Dolomites and the Adamello and Presanella glaciers.
The ski resort is famous for its regular world slalom competitions and snowboarding competitions. As for the first sport, the most famous is the 3-Tre slope, where the competitions take place.
The resort is located more than 1,500 meters above sea level and offers more than 40 slopes accessible by more than 50 elevators.
Most of the pistes are easy, so beginner skiers and families with children will find this resort ideal. There is also a snow park and Nordic skiing pistes.
Accommodation in Madonna di Campiglio
Expensive Hotels:
- Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf: A luxury hotel with unique rooms, spa and golf.
- DV Chalet Boutique Hotel & Spa: Elegant place with luxurious services, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
- Hotel Hermitage Relais & Chateaux: A hotel with luxurious rooms, spa and upscale services.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Garni La Soldanella: A traditional place with cozy rooms and close proximity to the ski elevators.
- Residence Marilleva 1400: Apartments with outdoor facilities, elevator access and restaurants.
All hotels in Madonna di Campiglio โ
4. Val Gardena
- ๐ Skiing season: December – April
- ๐ฟ Pistes: 175 km of slopes, Elevators: 83
- ๐ Altitude: 1236 m – 2518 m above sea level (altitude difference 1282 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 130 km from Bolzano airport and 195 km from Marco Polo, Venice
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 180 (Read more โ)
We stay in the Trentino-Alto Adige region to explore the surroundings of Val Gardena, a valley in the Dolomite Alps, home to three towns: Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina Valgardena.
It is interesting to note that the locals here speak Ladino, one of the three official languages of the Trentino Alto Adige region.
As the area is part of the complex known as Dolomiti Superski, it is the perfect place for real ski maniacs. By buying the eponymous pass, you can use the Dolomiti elevators and the best ski runs.
The slopes here are at different altitudes, some even above 2,000 meters above sea level, but easy and very easy runs predominate. This does not change the fact that this is where the Alpine Skiing World Cup competitions are held.
Restaurants in Val de Fassa offer a diverse culinary experience. You’ll find everything from traditional Italian dishes to local Ladino cuisine.
Accommodation in Val Gardena
Expensive Hotels:
- Alpenroyal Grand Hotel Gourmet & Spa: A luxurious place with unique rooms, spa and luxury services.
- Hotel Gardena Grรถdnerhof: Elegant place with luxury services, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
- Hotel Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort: Hotel with luxurious rooms, spa and mountain views.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Continental Dolomites: Traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurants and spa.
- Hotel Genziana: Cozy place with restaurants, spa and access to the slopes.
- Residence Granvara: Apartments with facilities for outdoor activities, ski elevator access and restaurants.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Garni Snaltnerhof: A simple and cozy place with basic amenities and close proximity to the slopes.
- Garni August: Comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, breakfast and ski elevator access.
5. Val di Fassa
- ๐ Ski season: December to April
- ๐ฟ Pistes: 220 km of slopes, Elevators: 59
- ๐ Altitude: 1320 m – 2518 m above sea level (altitude difference 1198 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 44 km from Bolzano airport and 176 km from Venice.
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 160 (Read more โ)
The next resort in Trentino is Val di Fassa, a valley in the heart of the Dolomite Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are two mountain ranges nearby: the Sella and the Marmolada. The amusingly named Marmolada is the highest mountain range in the Dolomite Alps.
There are 7 resorts in this area and we can choose from as many as 9 ski resorts. They are all part of the aforementioned Dolomiti Superski complex. There are more than 100 pistes, which gives us more than 220 km. They are at different heights and have different degrees of difficulty. But each descent is unforgettable.
In addition, here you can go snowboarding and cross-country skiing. If you are planning a long ski vacation and can’t imagine winter without it, the heart of the Dolomite Alps will be your best choice.
Accommodation in Val di Fassa
Expensive hotels:
- Ciampedie Luxury Alpine Spa Hotel: A hotel with luxurious rooms, spa and upscale service.
- Hotel Sassongher: An elegant place with luxury services, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
Mid-range hotels:
- X Alp Hotel: Traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurants and spa.
- Sport Hotel Passo Carezza: A cozy place with restaurants, spa and access to the slopes.
Budget Hotels:
- Chalet Queen: Simple and cozy place with basic amenities and close proximity to the elevators.
- Garni Ciamorc Enrosadira: Basic place with comfortable rooms, breakfast and easy access to the ski elevators.
All hotels in Val di Fassa โ
6. Courmayeur
- ๐ Skiing season: November – April
- ๐ฟ Pistes: 180 km of slopes, Elevators: 62
- ๐ Altitude: 1224 m – 3482 m above sea level (altitude difference 2258 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 80 km from Turin airport and 200 km from Milan airport.
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 170 (Read more โ)
Now we move on to the opposite (western) side, to the Valle d’Aosta ski region. After all, it is here that the highest peak of the Alps, Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian), is located, and at its foot is the ski resort of Courmayeur and one of the oldest resorts in Italy.
The pistes vary in difficulty, but intermediate and advanced skiers will have more choice here. The town is also very charming and the atmosphere is very pleasant.
It is also a great base if, in addition to Italy, you want to visit the French Alps. The Mont Blanc Tunnel, located nearby, will take us to the French territory.
We can also take the opportunity to climb to the top of the Aiguille du Midi, where the panoramic railroad will give us the most spectacular views.
Accommodation in Courmayeur
Expensive Hotels:
- Grand Hotel Royal & Golf: A luxurious place with unique rooms, golf and spa.
- Hotel Lo Scoiattolo: An elegant place with luxury services, spa and gastronomic restaurants.
Mid-range hotels:
- Villa Novecento Romantic Hotel: Traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurants and close proximity to the slopes.
- Hotel Bouton d'Or - Courmayeur: Cozy place with restaurants, spa and ski elevator access.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Dei Camosci: Budget hotel with spacious rooms, breakfast and a convenient location.
- Hotel Dolonne: Simple and cozy place with basic amenities and access to the ski slopes
7. Alta Badia – perfect for beginners
- ๐ Ski season: December – April
- ๐ฟ Pistes: 130 km of slopes, Elevators: 53
- ๐ย Altitude: 1324 m – 2550 m above sea level (altitude difference 1226 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 170 km from Venice airport
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 150 (Read more โ)
Head back east to the Dolimites, this time to the Bolzano area. Alta Badia is one of the most famous and oldest ski resorts and often hosts World Cup alpine skiing stages. It is especially recommended for beginner skiers.
Easy pistes make up the vast majority of the 130 kilometers. They are part of the Dolomiti Superski complex. It also has a snow park, so it’s ideal for families and groups of friends of all levels.
The surrounding villages, where tourist life is centered, are very charming. Wooden mountain huts are a typical sight, and visitors are treated to excellent local specialties and award-winning restaurants.
Accommodation in Alta Badia
Expensive Hotels:
- Hotel Alisander: An elegant place with luxury services, spa and mountain views.
- Hotel Gran Ander: A hotel with luxurious rooms, spa and traditional atmosphere.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Rezia: A traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurants and close proximity to the elevators.
- Hotel Conturines Posta: Cozy place with restaurants, spa and access to the slopes.
- Hotel Garni Ciasa Urban: Comfortable hotel with breakfast, bar and guest room.
Budget Hotels:
- Garni Tofana: A simple and cozy place with basic amenities and close proximity to the elevators.
- Garni Reutlingen: Simple and comfortable place with cozy rooms and breakfast.
8. San Martino di Castrozza – comfortable atmosphere
- ๐ Skiing season: December – April
- ๐ฟ Pistes: 60 km of slopes, Elevators: 23
- ๐ย Altitude: 1402 m – 2514 m above sea level (altitude difference 1112 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 155 km from Verona airport
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 130(Read more โ)
The last town from the Trentino Alto Adige region featured on this list is San Martino di Castrozza, located in the southern part of the Dolomiti Superski complex. There are plenty of great pistes and other tourist attractions here.
The alpine town is very charming and the surrounding scenery is really impressive. There are two snow parks here, and the slopes will particularly appeal to less experienced skiers and night skiers.
The slopes are also close to Passo Rolle, and the same ski pass applies here as in San Martino di Castrozza.
A definite plus here is the climatic conditions. The unique location means it’s relatively warm and sunny, but snow falls in abundance. It’s worth traveling here if you want to avoid the most touristy and crowded resorts.
Accommodation in San Martino di Castrozza
Expensive Hotels:
- Hotel Regina: A luxurious place with unique rooms, spa and mountain views.
- Hotel Colbricon Beauty & Relax: An elegant place with luxurious services, restaurants and spa.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Europa: A traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurants and ski slope access.
- Hotel Vienna: Cozy place with restaurants, spa and close proximity to ski elevators.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Garni Suisse: Simple and cozy place with basic amenities and close proximity to the elevators.
- Hotel Colfosco: Simple and comfortable place with breakfast and convenient location.
All hotels in San Martino di Castrozza โ
9. Sestriere
- ๐ Ski season: December to April
- ๐ฟย Pistes: 320 km of slopes, Elevators:ย 92
- ๐ย Altitude: 1350 m – 2823 m above sea level (altitude difference 1473 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 92 km from Turin airport
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 160 (Read more โ)
Piedmont is not yet on our list, and that’s where you’ll find Sestriere, one of the most frequently recommended and important ski resorts in Italy. It’s located 100km from Turin, right on the border with France, and its history dates back to the 1930s.
The skiing area is impressive: it has as much as 320 kilometers. They are of varying degrees of difficulty, and while many of them are easy and designed for intermediate skiers, there are also more challenging runs for expert skiers who are not afraid of the steep slopes of the Sises and Monte Motta peaks.
Via Lattea (or Milky Way) with a very developed infrastructure, one of the largest ski areas in the world, is definitely worth a visit. Using some elevators, we can move to the French territory.
The different resorts are not very far apart and it is easy to move between them.
Accommodation in Sestriere
Expensive Hotels:
- Hotel Shackleton Mountain Resort: Hotel with luxury rooms, restaurants and ski services.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Lago Losetta: Comfortable hotel with restaurant, bar and panoramic views.
- Hotel Banchetta: Traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurants and access to the ski slopes.
- Hotel Sciatori: Cozy place with restaurants, spa and close to the ski elevators.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Biancaneve: Budget hotel with spacious rooms, breakfast and convenient location.
10. Bormio (Lombardy)
- ๐ Skiing season: November – April
- ๐ฟย Pistes: 50 km of slopes,ย Elevators: 16
- ๐ย Altitude: 1225 m – 3012 m above sea level (altitude difference 1787 m)
- ๐ซ Nearest airport: 200 km from Milan Malpensa Airport
- ๐จ Average price/night: โฌ 150 (Read more โ)
Last on the list is Bormio, a resort that is part of the Alta Valtellina complex near Livigno. The resort is located at the foot of the Valtellina mountain, periodically hosts world alpine ski championships and has been popular with tourists since the time of the ancient Romans.
This resort has something for beginners, but intermediate skiers will definitely be more satisfied. Some of the pistes are of a higher level of difficulty, but there are also some where you can enjoy leisurely skiing combined with admiring the views.
An additional attraction are the thermal springs where you can relax after an active day. Most of the baths, built in ancient times, are still available to tourists.
The Italian ski resort of Bormio also offers traditional cuisine, blending the flavors and aromas of Italian cuisine with the mountain heritage of the Alps. This makes a vacation to Bormio not only an exciting sporting experience, but also a culinary journey for restaurant lovers.
Accommodation in Bormio
Expensive Hotels:
- QC Terme Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi: A luxurious place with unique rooms, spa and thermal springs.
- Hotel Bagni Vecchi: A hotel with luxurious rooms, spa and thermal baths.
Mid-range hotels:
- Hotel Rezia: A traditional place with cozy rooms, restaurants and access to the ski slopes.
- Hotel Cristallo: Cozy place with restaurants, spa and close to the ski elevators.
- Hotel Nevada: Comfortable hotel with restaurant, bar and ski room.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Baita Dei Pini: Simple and cozy place with basic amenities and access to the slopes.
- Hotel Stelvio: Budget hotel with spacious rooms, breakfast and a convenient location.
- Hotel Genzianella: Simple and comfortable place with cozy rooms and restaurant.
Ski holidays in the Dolomite Alps: our recommendations
Let’s now gather some practical tips and relevant information for those who are going to ski in Italy.
As for the beginning of the season, in most resorts it falls in November and lasts until spring. Everything depends, of course, on the climatic conditions of the season.
We remind you that since recently all those who use slopes and elevators in Italy, whether skiers or snowboarders, must have an insurance policy for third parties. Failure to have such insurance carries a hefty fine. You can read more about ski insurance here.
When buying, don’t forget to think about which ski pass is best to buy. A cheaper local pass may be right for you, as there will still be plenty of attractions on site.
How do I find insurance for a ski trip to Italy?
Now that you’ve researched the top 10 ski resorts in Italy, you can choose the perfect destination. However, before you pack your suitcase and hit the road, you need to prepare properly. It’s not just the gear or special thermal clothing that matters.
Winter sports are always associated with risk. It is easy to have an accident on the ski slopes, which can lead to more or less serious injuries. Treatment abroad is particularly expensive, so it is important to invest in a suitable insurance policy when planning such a vacation.
Ski insurance should cover at least medical expenses (and rescue operations), third party liability in sport and personal life, and accidents and injuries (NNW).
It’s also a good idea to add luggage and sports equipment insurance. Assistance can also come in handy, providing support in the event of various problems.
Planning to visit any of the top 10 ski resorts in Italy that we have described? Don’t forget to prepare well for such an active vacation. Take care not only of the sights, but also of your safety and the safety of your loved ones!
Seasonal calendar of ski resorts in Italy
When planning your winter vacation in Italy, it’s important to know when the various ski resorts are open. Here’s a quick overview of the seasons for popular Italian ski destinations:
– Early Start (late November):
Bormio opens the season early, starting to welcome skiers on November 20.
– Main season (early December through mid-April):
Most resorts, including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Sestriere, Livigno, Madonna di Campiglio and Sauze d’Oulx, open Dec. 1 and run through mid-April.
– Late Start:
Aosta Valley begins its season on Dec. 15, and Monte Bondone is the latest start, opening only on Jan. 1.
– Earliest Closing:
Pila closes earlier than the others, on March 20.
– Extended season:
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio, Sauze d’Oulx and Monte Bondone offer the longest season, operating until April 15.
It is important to note that dates may vary slightly depending on weather conditions and snowfall. It is recommended that you check the official websites of the resorts for up-to-date information before planning your trip.
FAQ
Where is the best place to ski in Italy?
The best ski resorts are Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno and Bormio.
Do ski resorts in Italy rent special equipment for children?
Yes, ski resorts in Italy usually offer special equipment rentals for children. This includes children’s skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and other necessary accessories.
Is there a possibility to learn skiing or snowboarding at resorts in Italy?
Yes, many resorts in Italy offer ski and snowboard instruction. There are schools offering individual and group lessons with experienced instructors. In addition, many ski resorts offer children’s programs and special lessons for kids.
What activities besides skiing can I do at resorts in Italy?
In addition to skiing, resorts in Italy offer a number of other activities: snowboarding, hiking, snow shoeing, biking, ice skating, dog sledding, thermal springs and much more.
