Italy ski holiday facts
Italy was traditionally the cheap option for those wanting to ski the Alps. This is still true, but increasingly Italy is having to earn its spurs for the calibre of its skiing not just its value. Italy's skiing spreads from the French border in the west to the stunning Dolomites in the east. Overall, Italy has some great skiing and apres-ski, in a more laid-back fashion than elsewhere in the Alps. It is still good value but to continue to compete it will need to invest heavily in more state-of-the-art equipment to maximise its terrain.
Skiing Courmayeur - Courmayeur, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc is a resort that has grown in popularity with skiers from all over the globe. The resort is 2 hours from Geneva, Switzerland (via the Mont Blanc tunnel), and 2.5 hours from Milan, Italy. The French resort of Chamonix is just over the border and lift-linked to one of Courmayeur's ski areas. Courmayeur offers skiing for all standards, including famous runs such as the resort's World Cup Downhill and the International, a 6 km (4 mile) run which drops 1000 metres (3300 feet) as it descends. Many runs are covered by snowmaking facilities and the resort has a very good snow record. Courmayeur is a legendary ski and climbing resort, rich in tradition and natural ambience. Heli-skiing is also popular here with skiers and snowboarders particularly those coming over the border from France (where heliskiing is illegal).
Livigno skiing - Just south of the Swiss Border, and one of the largest and highest ski areas in the region, Livigno is based on three original villages spread out along 3 miles of road. It is 4 hours from Milan, Munich and Zurich airports. The resort offers excellent intermediate skiing on sunny and wide open 'motorway' slopes, but is perhaps most famous for being duty free, due to its historical remoteness. There are over 200 shops, mostly selling alcohol, cigarettes and perfume. Livigno is an Italian resort with a fantastic European following.
Sestriere ski chalet holidays - Built by the Fiat car company in 1934, Sestriere is one of the earliest and still one of the highest purpose-built ski stations. Sitting on a sunny plateau, snow cover is guaranteed thanks to both altitude and one of the world's most extensive snow making operations. The local ski area, well lift linked to Sauze d’Oulx is one of the most extensive in Italy. The area forms one end of the Milky Way circuit, with 400km (250 miles) of trails over the border to Montgenèvre in France.
Ski Sauze d'Oulx - Sauze d'Oulx is one of the biggest resorts in the Milky Way, and has access to almost 400km of runs. It needs little introduction to the many British skiers who return there year after year for the superb range of skiing, long hours of sunshine and wide range of après ski entertainment. Sauze’s own skiing is largely on intermediate level slopes below the tree line so there is thick forest all around, but Italy’s original high-altitude purpose built centre at Sestrière is just over the mountain. Snow boarders will have a great time with the wide pistes, famous snowpark and good off-pistes.
Cortina skiing - Cortina is one of the top Italian ski destinations and sits in the same exclusivity bracket as Courchevel, St Moritz and Lech/Zurs. This is where affluent Italians head and is the location of many a second home. But why is it so highly regarded? There is some of the most awesome scenery anywhere in the ski world, with great ambience in a classically Italian context, with shops, cafés, restaurants and hotels to rival the very best. Cortina is also a genuinely pretty town, with lots of activities for non-skiers. This is indicated by the fact that two out of every three Italian visitors don't even ski.
Italy ski and Snowboarding - On the skiing and boarding side of things, there are superb, well-groomed pistes for beginners and intermediates, but experts will find less to challenge them. The pistes are fairly uncrowded except on holidays and, if being on the snow is your major priority, get up early to dodge the late-starter brigade.
Cervinia ski breaks - Based on the Italian side of the Matterhorn, Cervinia is lift-linked to Zermatt, with 200km of its own runs. Because of its high altitude, it has a long season, great snow and is an absolute haven for intermediates. The slopes are superb for cruising and mileage skiing, while beginners will find masses of coverage. Advanced skiers will need to head over into Switzerland for extended challenges, although you'll have to pay extra to cross to Zermatt.
Bormio skiing - When you think of Italian ski resorts, Bormio is usually one of the first to spring to mind. This is a really Italian resort, with off-snow activities just as important as the skiing. You'll experience the traditional early evening promenade through the lovely town centre, with loads of shops, cafés, bars and restaurants from which to watch the world pass by.
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