Italy is a fantastic destination to go skiing with its amazing views and terrain, plus the incredible food you can eat. You don’t have to go to the major resorts to have a great time either. There are small Italian ski resorts that have a lot to offer ski enthusiasts who want to try a different setting. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful setting or a new adventure, there’s something for everyone. Our ski experts have created a guide for small Italian ski resorts.
Bardonecchia
Bardonecchia is a charming small Italian ski resort that is perfect for families, beginners and intermediate skiers. It was put on the map when it hosted the 2006 Winter Olympic snowboard events and has since built up a great reputation. It has 100km of pistes to enjoy, with mostly gentle terrain but there is a couple of challenging black runs to enjoy too. If you’re a keen freestyle skier, the snowpark has excellent jumps and rails to try tricks on.
The village itself is mostly quiet during the week and towards the end of the season. At the weekend bars get a bit livelier with locals bringing a party atmosphere. For a small resort, there is a great selection of restaurants. Stella Alpina is a must-visit for the best Italian menu in town. The British-owned Colomion di Cipo is a brilliant spot to enjoy a drink or two when you have finished on the mountain.
Where you should stay
The Hotel Rive has excellent ski-in ski-out access to the slopes, which means you can spend as much time as you want on the slopes. The centre of town is only a 15 minute walk away or a short bus ride. In addition, the hotel also has a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym within the building to enjoy. You can also request massage and beauty treatments during your stay.
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Hotel Rive enjoys ski-in ski-out access to the slopes, the nearest lift is just 50m away.
Kronplatz
Although Kronplatz is part of the Dolomiti ski area, it’s actually a small Italian ski resort. You can ski a total of 119km of slopes around the ski resort and the town is mostly quiet throughout the season. It is considered a hidden gem within the Dolomiti ski area. The terrain is suited to all levels of skiers with a good amount of blues, reds and blacks. If you’re an advanced skier you can venture off to other ski resorts in the area too with a full lift pass.
The village has a traditional alpine vibe with a beautiful church in the town centre. There are also plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to visit too. We recommend heading to the Alpinn mountain restaurant for excellent food on the slopes, with modern décor and incredible mountain views. The area isn’t known for its nightlife but there are some nice bars to enjoy a drink or two after a day on the slopes.
Where you should stay
White Deer Lodge is a luxurious retreat in the quiet part of the Dolomites. This four-bedroom lodge has everything you need to unwind after you’ve been on the slopes. It has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna and delightful log fire. In addition, the accommodation comes with a private wine cellar with the best Italian wine.
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Lovingly restored, this stunning 4 bedroom retreat is perfect for families or groups seeking that extra special experience.
Pila
Located in the Aosta Valley, Pila is a small Italian ski resort with 70km of pistes to enjoy. The ski area is mostly suited to intermediate to advanced skiers with mostly red runs dominating the ski resort. Pila has an excellent snow record with its reasonably high altitude and location bringing great powder to the terrain. You will rarely see a lift queue in the area, so you’ll be able to get around the mountain easily.
For a small ski resort, there are great choices to enjoy a meal at several restaurants. Trattoria dei Maestri has a delightful menu with Aosta Valley specialities. Brasserie de Grimod is another great place to visit for the best quality pizza in town. Pila has a lively nightlife scene, especially at weekends. Gallagher’s Pub is a great bar for drinks and live sport. La Niche is a bar and nightclub and is the main spot to dance the night away.
Where you should stay
Hotel La Chance is in the heart of Pila and has great access to the slopes. It is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of town too. In addition, the wellness facilities include a relaxation area, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a large jacuzzi, a cold reaction shower, and a hot emotional shower. You can also request a massage or an onsite beautician during your stay.
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Formerly a mountain barn, this family-run hotel was renovated in 2010 into a boutique hotel with 35 rooms.
To find out more about small Italian ski resorts, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
