A ski holiday in Italy usually entails two crucial things – fantastic food and even better skiing. A winter holiday in Italy is the perfect combination of relaxed, informal, and completely indulgent. Italians take their skiing extremely seriously, similar to how they treat their mealtimes. Take your pick of several excellent ski areas in the country, whether it be the Dolomiti Superski, the Milky Way ski area or the Sella Ronda, Italian ski regions have something for everyone.
Italy is home to the iconic Dolomite Mountains, which have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Make the most of the remarkable views as you tackle some of the longest ski runs in Italy. The ski resorts tend to have very reliable snow conditions and many of them are high-altitude locations. The ideal mix for any ski fanatic.
The many benefits of skiing in Italy are the friendly atmosphere, delicious food, uncrowded slopes, and the excellent varied pistes. It’s a great choice for families and groups alike. The skiing in particular, is some of the best in the Alps, with a terrific range of pistes suiting all abilities. For those looking for a real leg burner, discover some of the longest ski runs in Italy.
Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche – Cervinia (22km)
Technically, this run begins in Switzerland but finishes in Italy. It is one of the longest in Europe, stretching a huge 22km, and goes across the Swiss-Italian border, from Zermatt to Cervinia. It is the longest red run in the world and a great challenge for any intermediate. Travel to the Klein Matterhorn Glacier at 3,800m and take in the far-reaching views at the top before starting your descent.
Marvel at the magnificent Matterhorn Mountain and start heading towards Italy. Apart from one singular chairlift, the route is entirely skiable. The one-stop ski experience has a vertical elevation difference of 2,359m from start to finish. Enjoy one of the longest ski runs in Italy coupled with the best views in Europe.
Stay At:
Hermitage Hotel & Spa is a wonderful five-star property run by the Neyroz family since 1975. The beautiful Alpine accommodation has a friendly atmosphere, impeccable service and a well-deserved reputation for comfort.
La Longia – Val Gardena (10.5km)
Coined ‘the fairy tale ski slope’, La Longia is everything that a skier could want. The blue and red piste stretches 10.5km through the most beautiful route in Italy. Start at 2,518m, the top of the Fermeda chairlift, where you can see the impressive Odles peaks. Val Gardena has exquisite views and unforgettable scenery.
La Longia has a gradual gradient that is perfect for progressing turns. Skiers building their confidence will really enjoy this lengthy run. The path begins above the tree line and has lovely open pistes that are fantastic for carving. As you descend the route, the terrain will start to flatten out and curve through the trees. The steady pace is great for skiers who aren’t looking for a leg burner but after a memorable experience.
Val Gardena is a fantastic ski area for beginners and intermediates. New lifts and state-of-the-art facilities keep Val Gardena as efficient as possible, ideal for speeding up any lift queue. Spend more time exploring the Sella Ronda ski area and less time waiting in line. The terrain is immaculately kept and well-maintained by the dedicated piste bashers.
Stay At:
Hotel Oswald is a regal Alpine hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and great attention to detail. The hotel has a superb restaurant that is perfect for evening meals. After dinner, head to the hotel’s conservatory for a much-needed night cap.
Run 7 (Piste Ventina) – Cervinia (11km)
Located in Cervinia, Run 7 is a thrilling red slope starting at a mammoth 3,480m and descending to 2,006m. It is considered one of the most beautiful and famous tracks in Italy. The run starts from Plateau Rosà, a glacier located on the Italian-Swiss border, described as one of the most remarkable ‘balconies’ in the Alps. Take a moment and appreciate the extraordinary summits that surround the region.
The characteristics of Run 7 are suitably balanced, with several challenges. The slope has curves, flats, and a range of gradients. The variety gives skiers a chance to ski fast down sections and recover on the cruisy cat tracks.
Cervinia as a region has extremely reliable snow conditions due to its elevation. The ski resort sits at just over 2,000m and the highest elevation is where Piste Ventina sits. Cervinia is popular with British tourists for its magnificent snow record that stretches the long season. Skiers have the advantage of skiing here from November all the way until May. Plus, with the glacier easily reachable, summer skiing is available too.
Stay At:
The Sertorelli Sporthotel is a firm favourite with Ski Solutions clients. The hotel is in a fantastic position, just moments from the nearest ski lifts, bars, restaurants and shops.
La Bellunese – Arabba (12km)
At 12km, La Bellunese at Marmolada is the longest ski slope in the Dolomiti ski area. Skiers will experience a 1,800m altitude difference on the descent. To get there, take the lift up to Punta Rocca in Marmolada, near Arabba. The slope starts at 3,265m and is one of the longest runs in Italy, finishing at 1,450m in Malga Ciapela.
The slope itself is pure adrenaline. The route was first created more than 100 years ago for Alpine ski pioneers to travel through the Marmolada glacier. The glacier is the widest in the Dolomite UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing extraordinary views. The ski run is perfect for intermediates, with a medium gradient throughout the path. The scenery is some of the best in Italy, experience a range of landscape changes, from the Dolomiti Mountains to tranquil lakes, and wild forests.
Exploring Marmolada is a detour on the Sella Ronda from Arabba. The excursion involves a series of tricky slopes that require at least a level of intermediate skiing. Once in the ski area, you will be amazed by the terrific red slopes that await, especially La Bellunese.
Stay At:
Hotel Grifone is a brilliant luxury escape in the Dolomites. The hotel is grand, traditional and extremely cosy. Sit by the roaring fire in the evening and enjoy a well-earned drink after a thrilling day on the mountain.
To find out more about the longest ski runs in Italy, call our ski experts on 020 3797 0554.
