The upcoming Winter Olympic Games won’t create world-class resorts. They simply remind us that the best places to ski are only a short flight away.
Kicking off on the 6th of February 2026, the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games will spotlight Italy’s exceptional Alpine skiing, but here’s what we’ve learned after years of sending skiers to these mountains: the Olympics are a highlight, not the story. Italian resorts have been honing their craft for decades, hosting World Cup races, training Olympic athletes, and delivering the kind of skiing (and aprés-ski) that keeps people coming back season after season.
Whilst February 2026 offers the unique thrill of watching Dave Ryding’s final Olympic race or Mia Brookes chasing snowboarding gold; the real opportunity is discovering Italian resorts that rival anywhere in the Alps, with fewer crowds, warmer hospitality, and exceptional value throughout the entire season.
We’re sharing a few of our favourite Italian resorts. Whether you are interested in skiing like an Olympian, or just love to spend winter in the snow, you won’t be able to resist the Italian charm.
Cortina Ski Resort: Where Elegance Meets Excellence
Cortina Ski Resort will be busy during the upcoming games, hosting women’s Alpine skiing, bobsleigh, luge, and curling. But this isn’t the first time Cortina has been home to major games – the resort hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and has been a regular World Cup stop for decades.
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.
Courmayeur: In The Shadow Of Mont Blanc
Situated at the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur is an iconic Italian resort has attracted skiers for generations. Close to Bormio, the host of the men’s Alpine skiing events, this is the place to get close to the action and try out some proper runs for those interested in a challenge. Offering over 40km of pisted slopes reaching altitudes above 2,500 metres, plus 100km of challenging off-piste including access to the legendary Vallée Blanche descent.
With green runs, wide cruisy blues as well as challenging black runs and off-piste, Courmayeur has options for all skiers. After a day on the slopes, head to the village for an authentic Italian dining experience, the village offers 13-course tasting menus made from local ingredients, or you can opt for more traditional fare in cosy Alpine huts. If you manage any time off the slopes, take the rotating Skyway Monte Bianco cable car for 360-degree views, visit the nearby Pré Saint Didier thermal baths, or explore the shops along Via Roma.
With so many incredible places to stay, like Hotel Le Massif for a luxury visit, the Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc as a peaceful break, and family-run gems like Hotel Pavillon, Courmayeur truly has something for everyone. The resort caters brilliantly to mixed abilities – beginners find gentle slopes, whilst advanced skiers enjoy serious challenges.
Just 90 minutes from Geneva airport, Courmayeur is perfect for weekend breaks or week-long adventures, any time from December through April.
Livigno: Your High Altitude Escape
Livigno will host all freestyle skiing and snowboarding Olympic events. But the Olympics are just highlighting what we have known for years, that 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. The freestyle Olympic events will be spectacular in February but visit in March and you’ll find the same excellent snow, spring sunshine, and fewer people.
Planning Your Italian Ski Season
Whether you’re targeting Olympic weeks or any other time this season, Italian resorts truly are a top destination to consider.
Outside of the Olympics, these resorts deliver world-class skiing. December is perfect for early-season enthusiasts. January offers quiet slopes and fresh snow. March brings spring sunshine and excellent value.
With most direct flights from the UK taking less than two hours, your ski holiday is practically on your doorstep. The question isn’t whether to visit – it’s when.
Skiing where Olympians compete doesn’t require an Olympic schedule. 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, call our experts on 0207 471 7700.
