Best places to ski in Italy

When it comes to skiing, northern Italy is often overlooked, with many tourists instead opting to visit neighbouring countries such as France, Switzerland, and Austria. Despite this, Italy boasts some of the most pristine slopes in Europe, making it the perfect destination for both experienced skiers and newcomers alike. As the long summer days of Italy’s peak season come to an end, the ski season is just beginning, with thousands of holidaymakers taking to the slopes between November and April every year. With so many breath-taking resorts to choose from, it may seem daunting, so here are a few of our personal favourites which we woud consider to be the best places to ski in Italy.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Less than three hours’ drive North from Venice, Cortina is widely regarded as one of the best Skiing villages in Europe. It first became a popular holiday destination in the 1950’s, when celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn began to visit the resorts surrounding the village. This is relatively unchanged today, as George Clooney is known to frequent the area during the winter months. While the upscale town centre combines traditional alpine architecture with designer brands, the pristine slopes surrounding the village boast UNESCO world heritage status and offer a variety of different slopes that cater to all levels of ability. It won’t take you long to realise that this is definitely not just on of the best places to ski in Italy but also in Europe’s extensive alpine area.

The town is also set to co-host the next winter Olympics in 2026, with prestigious events such as alpine skiing and bobsleigh being held in the region. If extreme sports aren’t quite your thing and you fancy a break from the slopes, Cortina has plenty more to offer. Art, music, and film festivals often inhabit the town, due in part to the region’s rich cultural history and picturesque landscape. While many restaurants still serve authentic Italian dishes, its reputation as a tourist destination has attracted world-class international cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned skier looking for a place to perfect your craft, or a beginner heading out on the slopes for the first time, Cortina d’Ampezzo caters to everyone.  

Val Gardena

Located in South Tyrol, Val Gardena is made up of three quintessential alpine towns surrounded by breath-taking scenery. The valley is situated within the Dolomiti Superski area which, in total, contains over 1,200 kilometres of picturesque ski slopes. Val Gardena itself is perfect for any ability level, boasting 175 kilometres of immaculate ski trails. The region’s main attraction is its authenticity. All three of the main towns; Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva Val Gardena host traditional restaurants serving a mix of Italian and Tyrolean cuisine. Alpine specialties such as dumplings and Gröstl (a mix of potatoes and meat), are often commonly served, and can be the perfect energy boost after a long day on the slopes.

While Val Gardena may not host prestigious art festivals in the same way Cortina D’Ampezzo regularly does, it is still widely regarded for its cultural scene. Many museums in the region display artifacts from the region’s isolated past; for thousands of years those living in the dolomites were almost completely cut off from the rest of civilisation. Wood carving, originally started over four hundred years ago by farmers as a means to kill time during the cold winter months, has grown into one of the region’s main cultural attractions. Many galleries and exhibitions showcase the artwork, and carvings from the region have become highly sought after in the global collector’s market. The authenticity and traditional charm of the region often sway potential visitors over some of the country’s other resorts, and its surrounding ski slopes are among the best in the world.

Courmayeur

At the foot of the Italian face of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is just two hours’ drive from Milan-Malpensa airport and is widely regarded as one of the best off-piste ski resorts in Europe. For experienced skiers, the Vallée Blanche route begins at over 3800m above sea level, boasts a vertical decent of 2700m, and is bucket-list off-piste experience. At over 20km long, it is one of the longest ski runs in the world, and a round-trip to the route can take upwards of six hours to complete.

The town’s Après-ski scene is also arguably one of the best in the region, with various different ways for visitors to wind down after a long day of skiing. Most notably, its thermal baths are famous within the region, the most popular being the Pré-Saint-Didier thermal spa, which has been in operation for over two hundred years. The high-end market town of Chamonix can be reached in under half an hour from Courmayeur, perfect for a short break from the slopes. While Courmayeur undoubtedly has some of the best ski-slopes in the region, its popularity among both families and young people comes from its vibrant Après-ski scene that accommodates for everyone. The region’s proximity to the design hub of Milan also makes Courmayeur the perfect weekend getaway.

Livigno

Often described as a ‘hidden gem’ among ski resorts in northern Italy, Livigno is located just meters from Italy’s border with Switzerland and can be reached by car from either Bergamo airport in Milan, or Innsbruck airport in Austria. Despite being slightly more challenging to reach than many of the other ski resorts in the region, it is well worth the journey. Aside from the family-friendly ski slopes, the town has become a popular shopping destination as it is situated within the region’s tax-free area; status which the town has held for centuries. Because of this, the town is perfect for those wanting to make the most of Italy’s ski season on a budget, or for those looking to take advantage of the discounted shops. The region also often offers free ski passes, regularly saving potential tourists hundreds of euros.

The region is best suited to both beginner and intermediate skiers; over 150 certified ski instructors work in Livigno, and the gentle slopes at the edge of the valley offer the perfect place to learn the sport. Livigno also boasts guaranteed snow, somewhat a rarity in northern Italy, and its ski season extends into late April, making it popular among enthusiasts. Even for experienced skiers the region has plenty to offer, as Livigno is well-known for its extensive freeriding options. Whether you’re just trying out skiing for the first time, or if you’re a veteran on the slopes, northern Italy has a wealth of options to choose from. From the upmarket boutiques of Cortina d’Ampezzo to the vibrant Après-Ski scene of Courmayeur, the region truly has something for everyone. The dolomites and the Italian Alps offer not just pristine skiing conditions, but also rich cultural history, and incredible cuisine. This is why we consider them to be the best places to ski in Italy. While often overlooked by many potential tourists in favour of France and Switzerland, the proximity of many resorts to large cities such as Milan and Venice makes the region a very attractive alternative.