Italy’s Alpine resorts have been a well-kept secret among savvy skiers for decades. Here’s what we’ve learnt after years of sending skiers to these mountains: Italian resorts rival anywhere in the Alps, often with fewer crowds, warmer hospitality, and exceptional value throughout the season.
These aren’t just pretty destinations. Italian resorts have been hosting World Cup races, training elite athletes, and delivering the kind of skiing (and après ski) that keeps people coming back season after season. Whether you’re an intermediate looking to improve your technique on professional-grade slopes, or an advanced skier chasing untouched powder, Italy offers world-class terrain with authentic Italian charm.
We’re sharing a few of our favourite Italian resorts that combine exceptional skiing with la dolce vita..
Cortina Ski Resort: Where Elegance Meets Excellence
Cortina Ski Resort regularly hosts major international ski competitions and has been a fixture on the World Cup circuit for decades. This isn’t anything new, the resort has a long heritage of elite-level skiing dating back to the 1950s and continues to attract the world’s best athletes.
What makes Cortina an exceptional ski holiday destination? The skiing covers 75 miles of pistes, with about 80% rated blue or red – perfect for intermediates looking to improve on the slopes where Olympic athletes train.
When you aren’t skiing, make sure to stroll down Corso Italia. The well-known street offers boutique shopping and beautiful dining options, a lively centre to the resort that you won’t see in many Alpine destinations. Cortina is the kind of place where you ski in the morning, lunch on rifugio terraces with panoramic views, and sip Aperol Spritz whilst watching the sunset paint the Dolomites pink.
One of our favourite places to stay here is Grand Hotel Savoia, located in the centre of Cortina. This five-star hotel has been fully renovated and boasts stunning mountain views of the dramatic Dolomites.
Livigno: Your High Altitude Escape
Livigno is known as Italy’s freestyle capital, regularly hosting international competitions for both skiing and snowboarding. But what competition organisers have known for years is what keeps bringing us back. Livigno offers some of the most reliable snow conditions in the Alps due to its high-altitude location at 1,815m.
The skiing spreads 115km across two mountains: Mottolino, known for terrain parks and off-piste fun, and Carosello 3000, with perfectly groomed intermediate runs. Modern lifts mean queues are rare, and the high altitude almost guarantees good snow throughout the season – from November through April.
Livigno has lively bars and restaurants, making it ideal for groups and families who want a fun trip away. Hotel Lac Salin is perfect for families, and we have numerous apartments available for flexible self-catering – a great option for friend groups. Visit in March and you’ll find the same excellent snow, spring sunshine, and fewer people.
Planning Your Italian Ski Season
Italian resorts truly are a top destination to consider, and the beauty is that they deliver world-class skiing throughout the season.
January offers quiet slopes and fresh snow. February brings excitement with major international competitions if you’re interested in watching elite athletes. March brings spring sunshine and excellent value. April delivers long sunny days and relaxed end-of-season atmosphere.
With most direct flights from the UK taking less than two hours, your ski holiday is practically on your doorstep.
Skiing where professionals compete doesn’t mean you need to win in the qualifying rounds. It just requires knowing where to go, and our experts are on call to help.
Speak to our team of experts to start planning your Italian ski adventure on 0207 471 7700.
