The low-down on skiing in Italy

• The highest resort altitude is Sestrière at 2035m
• Italy has a reliable snow record (particularly at altitude) and an excellent reputation for snowmaking
• The main resorts in Italy include Sauze d’Oulx, Sestrière, Livigno, Arabba, Corvara and Badia
• Italy is home to some enormous ski areas including the 400km Milky Way and the world’s biggest, the 1220km Dolomites Superski area
• Typically, the season in Italy runs from December to April
• Italy is known for good value ski holidays compared to its mainstream rivals
• Flights to Turin (for Sauze d’Oulx and Sestrière) are available from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham
• Flights to Innsbruck (for Livigno, Arabba, Corvara and Badia) are available from Gatwick and Manchester

Sauze d’Oulx, renowned for coming alive at night, is a charming Italian ski village, which provides the perfect base for those looking to explore the impressive Milky Way ski area. Straddling the Italian/French border, the area presents an impressive 400km of pisted runs, stretching from Sauze d’Oulx over to the high altitude base of Sestrière, before crossing the border into Montgenèvre – one of the oldest ski resorts in France. 

Beginner skiers are very well catered for in Sauze d’Oulx but the area really comes into its own for intermediate skiers, with a brilliant selection of blue runs to cruise and more challenging reds. Advanced skiers looking to notch up the kilometres won’t be disappointed either… challenge yourself to enjoying an Italian espresso at breakfast followed by tartiflette for lunch in France! To get to Sauze from Turin is a one hour 30 minute transfer.

Corvara and Badia are two of the five villages that make up Alta Badia, a ski area that nestles under the dramatic rock formations of the UNESCO protected Dolomites mountain range. The valley is steeped in history with its own culture, language and local traditions all still very much a part of everyday life. This authenticity is coupled with fine food. Take your pick from nearly 400 mountain refugios and no less than three Michelin starred restaurants.

The local ski area boasts 130km of perfectly prepared slopes plus provides direct access to the huge Dolomiti Superski area with 1220km of slopes, which includes the 40km long Sella Ronda circuit - a winter wonderland for every mountain enthusiast out there. It takes two hours 30 minutes to get from Innsbruck airport to Corvara and Badia by coach transfer.

Set at the heart of the breathtakingly beautiful Dolomites mountain range, Arabba provides the perfect gateway to the steepest pistes in the otherwise relaxed Sella Ronda ski area. The 40km Sella Ronda loop is a great challenge and don’t forget to check out the views from the top of the Marmolada glacier. Arabba provides just a tempting glimpse of the 1220km of glorious pistes, which make up the Dolomiti Super Ski area (accessible via a mix of lift and bus links). 

With the wealth of skiing, coupled with inviting, high-quality family-run hotels and a relaxed approach to après-ski, it’s clear to see why Arabba is a firm favourite with so many. To get there, fly into Innsbruck and it’s a two hour 30 minute coach transfer. 

Referred to as the capital of the Milky Way ski area (400km of pistes straddling the Italian/French border) the purpose-built Italian ski resort of Sestrière provides the highest altitude skiing in the region. 

It’s the best resort from which to explore the wider ski area, with quick access to Sauze d’Oulx and relatively quick routes across to Montgenèvre on the French side of the Milky Way. It also benefits from having played host to world championship events and the Winter Olympics (back in 2006) with some challenging downhill runs on which to put your skills to the test. Fly in to Turin and it’s a one hour 30 minute coach transfer.

Livigno is the perfect place to combine pistes and parties, with reputedly more bars than any other ski resort in the world. Don’t go too wild on the après-ski front though as Livigno is also a great location to discover skiing or snowboarding, or develop your love for the slopes - without breaking the bank.

It has duty free status, high altitude pistes, and an impressive snow record across its 115km of pistes. Plus, there are excellent ski schools and a friendly, cosmopolitan vibe. Livigno is particularly well suited to beginner and intermediate skiers but if you’re looking to really put your skills to the test, there’s some of the best free ride terrain in the world plus the impressive Mottolino snow park. Fly into Innsbruck and it’s then a two hour 30 minute transfer across to Livigno.

Italian après-ski is as relaxed or as lively as you want it to be. Some resorts will offer you the opportunity to dance in your ski boots to your heart’s content after a great day on the slopes. Others will encourage you to take full advantage of the more relaxed side of life with a spot of ice-skating, a spa visit or of course the chance to indulge in the very best of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!

The skiing and snowboarding is of course the most important factor when choosing your ski holiday in Italy but you can’t go far wrong when fuelled by Italian pasta, pizza and coffee. Traditional resorts with cobbled streets spring into life in the evenings with lively bars, excellent restaurants and good value pizzerias. Traditional dishes include pasta (obviously), wide selections of antipasto, cured meats and ‘Canederli’ (dumplings with a variety of fillings).

There are many rustic mountain refugios and resort eateries in Italian ski resorts and the specialities vary by region. If you’re looking for recommendations, check out Marcos (Livigno) for the best fresh pasta, created daily by the chef Fiore, Utia Boconara (Dolomites) for spectacular views, food and service or Orso Bianco (Sauze d’Oulx), a waiter-served mountain restaurant offering great Piemonte specialities. Across in Sestrière head up the Motta to Raggio di Sole, a traditional wooden refuge with an amazing terrace and delicious homemade food.

P.S Don’t miss ‘Aperitivo time’…. lots of mouth watering snacks alongside your favourite post-ski tipple. We recommend the Aperol Spritz!

A ski holiday in Italy will encourage you to enjoy a much more laid back approach to life both on and off the slopes. The atmosphere is one of fun and relaxation, as well as making the most of the snow. As a result, beginners and intermediates will particularly enjoy the Italian approach to skiing.

Italy is an ideal skiing choice for a family ski holiday. The Italians express a genuine delight in welcoming young children to the slopes and the excellent ski schools revolve around having fun on the snow at the same time as learning new skills.  

Off the slopes, families can also take full advantage of the fact children are positively encouraged to make the most of the Italian cuisine. Young guests are welcomed into even the chicest of restaurants and encouraged to enjoy tasty local and regional specialities, including pizza of course!