Italy is best known for its culinary delights and dolce vita. However, Italy has more than one trick up its sleeve. Its diverse terrain makes the north of the country ideal for winter skiing. Italy is a top destination for skiers and boarders. Whether you're in the Dolomites or the Alps, you'll find charming, modern resorts set in breathtaking scenery. Want to know where to ski in Italy? Here are the 13 top resorts.
1- Ski the "Milky Way" at Via Lattea
Via Lattea means "Milky Way" in Italian. The Via Lattea ski area near Sestriere is the largest inItaly. With almost 400km of pistes, it spans the border region between the French and Italian Alps. The area's highest peak is 2789m, and the 71 lifts available take you up and down the valley. The Pista Giovanni Agnelli was the venue for the 2006 Olympic slalom race at the Turin Games. If you'd like to visit the city, be sure to check out our must-sees.
The activity to book star gazing in Via Lattea book this night-time snowshoe hike through the snowy forest.
2- Skiarea Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta
The Skiarea Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta ski area comprises the resorts of Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Folgàrida and Marilleva. Between them, the four resorts boast over 155km of slopes in the Dolomites of South Tyrol. At altitudes of up to 2504m, you'll find pistes for all levels and five snowparks. The resort of Madonna di Campiglio is particularly upmarket, with numerous luxury boutiques and chic restaurants.
The article to read: read our article on the 13 must-sees in the Dolomites.
3- Monterosa Ski area
The Monterosa Ski area extends over three valleys and seven resorts at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif. These include the resorts ofAlagna and Gressoney-la-Trinité. In all, the area boasts 132km of pistes for all levels. You'll find the legendary Punta Indren, a descent with a vertical drop of 2000m. Numerous snowparks, toboggan runs and hiking trails are available on the estate, ideal for a variety of activities.
4- Where to ski in Italy? Matterhorn Ski Paradise
The Matterhorn Ski Paradise area is located mainly in Switzerland, notably in Zermatt on the Matterhorn. But it also extends into Italy, at Breuil-Cervinia for example. Between all these resorts, the area offers 322km of pistes at altitudes of up to 3899m. The pistes vary in level, but you'll find 220km of red runs and 27km of black runs, ideal for experienced skiers. Don't miss the Matterhorn Ski Safari, a tour with panoramic views over the region.
Activities to book: see the Matterhorn from above by booking here a paragliding flight from Zermatt.
5- The French-Italian area of San Bernardo - La Rosière
The San-Bernardo - La Rosière/La Thuile ski area is also a cross-border ski area, stretching between France and Switzerland. It boasts over 140km of pistes and 38 lifts. Mainly located on a mountain plateau, the resort offers breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc summit . This location protects the resort from bad weather and ensures ideal snow conditions, so you can enjoy the slopes right through to spring.
The article to read: take advantage of your winter ski holiday to discover Europe's 19 most beautiful Christmas markets.
6- Go to Gröden
The Gröden/Seiser Alm ski area is the largest in South Tyrol. It can be reached from the resorts of Santa Cristina, Selva di Val Gardena andOrtisei. The ski area offers 178km of family-friendly pistes at altitudes of up to 2518m. Take to the slopes and enjoy splendid views of the Dolomite mountains. The area is also home to Funareal, Italy's best snowpark.
7- Alta Badia in the Dolomiti Superski area
Surrounded by the Dolomite mountains, the resort ofAlta Bad ia is part of the Dolomiti Superski group, offering no less than 1220km of slopes. At Alta Badia, you'll find 130km of pistes for all levels. Skiers won't want to miss the famous Sellaronda. This ski circuit links the four passes of the Dolomites, which are must-sees in the region. Experienced skiers will need about a day to complete this circuit.
Related article: the Dolomites are as beautiful in summer as they are in winter. Discover our article on the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites.
8- The Plan de Corones resort
The Plan de Corones is usually the peak on which the first snow of the season falls . This mountain in South Tyrol is very famous, and the Plan de Corones ski area is very popular with Italians. Its 120km of runs are varied, divided into 52km of blue runs, 42km of red runs and 25km of black runs. The Sellaronda passes through Plan de Corones, but you can also find other well-known slopes such as the Snowpark Kronplatz and the Black Five.
9- Skiing in Courmayeur
Located in the Aosta Valley, the resort of Courmayeur lies at the foot of Mont Blanc. This region of magnificent Alpine scenery is one of our favorite French-speaking regions in the world. Renowned for its spa, it's also the departure point for the Mont Blanc cable car, a panoramic gondola that takes you all the way to Chamonix , flying over the sea of ice. Skiers and sports enthusiasts will find almost 100km of pistes of varying difficulty.
Activities to book if you're in Courmayeur, don't miss this snowshoe walk at sunset, to book, click here.
10- Where to ski in Italy? At Alpe di Suisi
TheAlpe di Suisi ski resort is located on the largest high-altitude mountain pasture in Europe. Its 52km² of green pastures are adorned in winter with a sublime white coat, at the foot of the Sciliar. The resort is suitable for skiers of all abilities and is part of the Val Gardena ski area. Ski the 60km of pistes on Europe's largest alpine pasture. You can also reach the 178km of pistes of the Gröden/Seiser Alm/Val Gardena ski area.
11- Cortina d'Ampezzo
The world-famous ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will be hosting the 2026 Games in Milan. Situated in Italy's Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ski resort is one of the most fashionable in the world. You'll find 120km of slopes up to 2924m altitude.
Activities to book: take advantage of your stay in Cortina d'Ampezzo to discover Milan and its magnificent Duomo. You can book book your visit now via this link.
12- Skiing in Livigno
Located in Lombardy, the region of Italy's most beautiful lakes, the Livigno ski area is a free zone of the European Union. Rates are more affordable and you'll find duty-free shops. Make the most of its 115km of pistes. They offer all levels of difficulty and reach altitudes of 2798m. The resort also offers a wide range of off-ski activities, including skating, ice climbing and tobogganing.
Article to read: while you're in Livigno, take the opportunity to discover Milan and the beautiful Lombardy region through its 13 must-sees.
13- Go to Val di Fassa
The Val di Fassa ski area is made up of numerous villages and ski resorts, with a combined total of 114km of pistes and 59 lifts. This magnificent Trentino valley is surrounded by peaks, including the Marmolada glacier at 3342m. You can access the ski area from the villages of Canazei, Pozza or the magnificent Campitello.
Book ahead for the hottest activities in the Italian Alps, below:
Where to ski in Italy with your family?
Looking for a destination in Italy for a family ski vacation? We've put together a selection of the best resorts for you:
- Courmayeur : located in Valle d'Aosta, this renowned resort offers a wide range of activities for families and children. You'll also find ski schools and day-care centers.
- Madonna di Campiglio: in the Dolomites, this resort offers beginner-friendly slopes, ski schools and children's play areas.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo: located in the Dolomites, this family-friendly resort offers pistes for all levels, ice skating and many other outdoor activities.
- Sestriere: this modern resort in the Italian Alps offers snowboarding, cross-country skiing and ski schools, as well as pistes for all levels.
Where to ski in Italy near France?
Italy offers several ski resorts within easy reach of France. Here's a selection:
- Courmayeur : in the Val d'Aoste, Courmayeur is close to the French border and offers magnificent scenery with views of Mont Blanc.
- La Thuile: this resort is easily accessible from France and gives access to the San-Bernardo-La Rosière ski area.
- Bardonecchia : in the Italian Alps, this modern, well-equipped ski resort is close to the French border.
- Cervinia : in Valle d'Aosta, this resort is close to France and also gives access to the ski area linked to Zermatt in Switzerland.
Where to ski in Italy for less?
For a more economical ski vacation, we've put together a selection of affordable Italian ski resorts:
- Bormio : in Lombardy, this resort is renowned for its thermal baths and varied slopes. It offers more affordable ski passes and reasonably priced accommodation.
- Livigno : in Lombardy, Livigno is a free zone, so prices are lower. Here you'll find affordable ski passes, budget accommodation and duty-free stores.
- Pila : in the Valle d'Aosta region, Pila is a small, family-friendly resort, more affordable than the surrounding areas.
