Italian resorts in winter are great slopes, a unique atmosphere and delicious food! We tell you about the weather and skiing season, introduce you to the best ski resorts in Italy, slopes, prices for ski passes, rental, reviews and tips from tourists.
Winter resorts in Italy are located in the Dolomites and near the Italian-Swiss border and are distinguished by a high level of service, well-equipped slopes and breathtaking landscapes. Tourists at the best ski resorts in Italy combine skiing with relaxation at thermal springs, shopping and tasting dishes of national cuisine. It remains to choose the place that is right for you!
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Climate and weather
The north of the country is in the temperate continental climate zone. In the mountainous part, the weather is cool and snowy in winter. The amount of snow in the mountains is not the same. In some ski resorts in Italy, the average snow depth reaches 2.5 m, while in others it is 0.5 m.
The temperature depends on the altitude. The higher and closer to the glaciers the resort is, the colder it is. However, the Italian climate is incomparable with the Siberian frosts! In the coldest month of winter - January - the average temperature reaches + 4 ° С during the day, and drops to -5 ° С at night.
Ski season lasts from the end November - the beginning December in the middle april... It usually ends on a traditional Easter weekend. In the highlands, there are glacial zones for year-round skiing. For example, 25 km of trails were created on the Rosa Plateau (3489 m).
Ski resorts in Italy
Ski resorts on the map of Italy
The best ski resorts in Italy
Livigno
Lombardy is home to one of the fastest growing ski resorts in Italy - Livigno. It consists of three alpine villages. The name lawine is translated from German as "avalanche". As a center for winter recreation, the resort began to develop in the 70s of the last century, and a few years ago it was declared the best in Europe.
Trails... The ski area is divided into Carozello and Mottolino. The second one contains the most difficult slopes. Easy tracks stretch for 40 km, medium ones - 55 km, and difficult ones - 20 km. The resort has a large Mottolino Fun Mountain snow park. Due to the high avalanche hazard, freeriding is prohibited here.
Prices... A one-day ski pass costs 49 € for an adult, 44 € for seniors and 35 € for young people. Renting a ski kit for one day will cost € 21-45 for an adult and € 16-23 for a child. Hire of a helmet costs 5 €, a ski jacket 15 €, trousers 14 €.
Testimonials... The resort is ideal for snowboarders and beginner to intermediate skiers. Tourists love the wide, perfectly leveled trails and the many duty free shops. The disadvantages of Livigno are its remoteness from major cities. Transfer from Milan takes five hours and from Zurich takes four.
The scheme of the ski runs in Livigno (big size)
Bormio
Bormio is one of the most prestigious ski resorts in Italy. It is located in Lombardy, at an altitude of 1200 m. It is famous for its thermal springs, sports traditions and is considered a favorite vacation spot for Milanese. The Alpine Skiing World Championships have been held here twice. Where to stay in Milan →
Trails... The slopes of the winter center are part of the Alta Valtellina ski region. The length of trails for beginners is 20 km, for red trails - 25 km, and for difficult ones - 5 km. The longest trail of 8 km has a vertical drop of 1792 m. All slopes are located on the slopes of the picturesque peak Cima Bianca (3012).
Prices... During peak season, a daily ski pass costs 43 € for an adult, 36 € for youth, 41 € for seniors, and 22 € for children. Renting a set of alpine skis, helmets and poles for a day will cost 23-43 €. Snowboard kit - 27 €.
Testimonials... Snowboarders speak positively about the modern snow park with an area of 150 thousand square meters. In addition, the resort has an Ice Palace and a thermal center "Bormio Terme" with an indoor swimming pool. According to reviews, skiing in Bormio is more suitable for those who like long, interesting slopes.
Ski slopes in Bormio (big size)
Aosta
The ski resort of Aosta is located in the northwest of Italy. It is the capital of the picturesque Valle d'Aosta. Aosta is called the most French of all mountain towns in Italy, and you can often hear French speech on its streets.
Trails... The ski area is located in the suburb of Aosta - Pile, and they are connected by a funicular. The slopes for beginners stretch for 8 km. The upper slopes are the most difficult. Due to the northern exposure of the slope, the snow there is always in perfect condition. For fans of alpine skiing and intermediate snowboarding, the Liesse trail is popular, on which steep and gentle slopes alternate. The altitude differences in the resort exceed 900 m.
Prices... During the high season, a daily ski pass costs 45 € for adults, 40 € for young people and people over 65, and 31.5 € for children. You can rent a set of ski equipment for 20-35 €, and a set of snowboard, helmet and boots - for 20-25 €. A complete set of children's equipment costs 13-16 €.
Testimonials... Many tourists like to live in the civilized conditions of the city. They visit museums, theaters and historical sites in Aosta and easily reach the slopes on the lifts. The resort's advantages are illuminated trails, freeride opportunities, a snow park and a halfpipe.
Ski slopes in Aosta (big size)
Cervinia
The highest ski resort in Italy is located in Monte Cervinio. It is surrounded by majestic 4-thousanders and is considered a paradise for fans of off-piste skiing and heli-tours. Cervinia has a common ski pass and a single ski area with the Swiss ski resort of Zermatt.
Trails... Together with the nearby Valtournenche, 70 tracks are equipped in the Italian resort. The longest slope with a length of 20 km and a vertical drop of 2 km starts on the Swiss side. The resort has a popular snow park with border cross and two halfpipes.
Prices... During high season, a daily ski pass costs 46 € for adults, 41 € for youth and seniors, and 32.5 € for children. Renting a snowboard for a day will cost 25.5 €, and a boot - 8.5 €. Day rent of alpine skis costs 25.5-50 €, and ski boots 8.5 €.
Testimonials... Tourists note that at the beginning of winter, in December and the first half of January, windy and cold weather sets in here, due to which the connection with the Swiss resort may be closed for several days. Due to the climatic conditions in Cervinia, efforts are being made to install more wind-protected gondola lifts.
Scheme of the ski slopes in Cervinia (big size)
Resorts of the Dolomites region
The rating of the most prestigious ski resorts in Italy is headed by recreation centers in the Dolomites. Approximately forty resorts have a total of 1200 km of trails and 470 lifts.
Val di Fassa
This ski resort in Italy is well suited for children and beginners as well as experienced athletes. It is located in the center of the Dolomites and is surrounded by beautiful peaks. The winter resort consists of several villages with separate ski areas.
Trails... Equipped slopes stretch for 133 km. Easy tracks take 42 km, red ones - 73 km, and difficult ones - 18 km.
Prices here it cannot be called low. A one-day ski pass during peak season costs 61 € for adults, 55 € for skiers over 65 and 43 € for youth. Ski rental for 6 days - 45-117 €, set for cross-country skis - 48.6 €, helmets - 16.2 €, snowboard boots - 12.6 €, sledges - 13.5-16.2 €.
Testimonials... Tourists love that the resort has three snow parks and long forest trails.There are 28 km of hiking trails in the mountains around Val di Fassa. Here you can enjoy sledding and tobogganing, cross-country skiing, paragliding and relaxing at the modern Dòlaondes aquatic center.
Ski slopes in Val di Fassa (big size)
Cortina d'Ampezzo
One of the best ski resorts in Italy for beginners is located 44 km from the Austrian border and has the unofficial status of "Queen of the Dolomites". It lies at an altitude of 1224 m and is surrounded by the Cristallo and Sorapis mountains, which rise above 3200 m above sea level.
Trails for beginners they stretch for 61 km, tracks of medium difficulty - for 56 km, and difficult ones - for 23 km. The winter center has a snow park and a halfpipe.
Prices... A peak season lift pass costs 61 € for adults, 55 € for seniors 65 and 43 € for youth. In the case of buying any ski pass, children from 3 to 8 years old are allowed to use the lifts free of charge. Ski rental for 6 days costs 48.6-209.7 €, helmets - 20.7 €, snowboard - 48.6-95.4 €, snowboard boots - 22.5 €, sledges - 24 €.
Testimonials... According to tourists, people go to a winter resort of an urban type not so much to ride as to spend time with taste. The choice of après-ski entertainment is very rich. Vacationers stroll along the Corso Italia pedestrian promenade, go to the museum and shop, and relax in the saunas.
Ski slopes in Cortina d'Ampezzo (big size)
Conclusions and advice
pros ski resorts in Italy:
- Almost everywhere prices are lower than in other Western European countries, and the quality of service and infrastructure meet European standards.
- Italians have a very positive attitude towards tourists.
- Each resort has snowmaking cannons.
- In the largest ski region - Dolomiti Superski - there is a shared ski pass.
- Excellent après-ski program and opportunities for active recreation - sledding, trekking, cross-country skiing and paragliding.
It is better for families with children to relax in places with a well-developed infrastructure and modern lifts.
Don't forget about insurance! Submit it on Sravn.Ru or Cherehapa services. Cost - from 300 rubles per week.
