The northern European countries like France and Switzerland are not the only areas of the continent with breathtaking mountains and great ski slopes. The Alps, Dolomites, and Piemonte make up some of the most beautiful Italian mountain regions. In such areas, you are sure to find some great ski resorts to stay at, especially in the wintertime. To help with your search of ski holidays in Italy, here are five resorts you should take a look at:
Madonna di Campiglio
Known as “the pearl of the Brenta Dolomites,” Madonna di Campiglio is nestled 1550 meters in altitude between the Adamello and Presanella glaciers. It is a well-liked ski resort in Italy, and possibly the most well-known at that. So much skiing is done here, that people can even start from the middle of town and return without removing their skis. There are slopes up to 2600 meters high, with various levels of difficulty.
Madonna di Campiglio is also an area that boasts many lakes, valleys, streams, and refuges right outside town for the nature lover. There is the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park as well, with 450 km of paths throughout the mountains on which you can get some exercise. There are a few restaurants and clubs for nightlife after a day of mountaineering, and even two spas to visit (winter sports can get very tiring!). Whether winter or summer, or in between, this resort has so many options for visitors to explore.
Cervinia
Cervinia is an alpine resort, located in the region of Valle d’Aosta, at the foot of the Matterhorn in Northwest Italy. Bordering Switzerland, it is one of Italy’s highest resorts, at 2,006 meters in altitude and ski lifts at 3,899 meters. At such a high altitude, snow is pretty much guaranteed.
The resort is great for beginners and families, as well as snowboarders, ski intermediates and experts. There is even a famous race from the Swiss border to Cervinia’s village at the end of April. If you want to stay indoors for the day, Cervinia offers swimming, fitness centers, squash, volleyball, saunas and jacuzzis, a climbing wall, and even bowling.
Livigno
Livigno is a fun, affordable place to travel, as it is a duty-free resort in the Alps region of Lombardy. It is located at one of the highest living altitudes in Europe. Skiing is separated into two sides, one closer to Switzerland, the other further into Italy. Both sides are useful for beginners, intermediates, and experts. Among the slopes, there are also some places for Italian architecture buffs to explore.
Saint Mary’s church, built in the 19th century, and the Caravaggio church, named for housing a picture attributed to Caravaggio, along with some interesting ex-voto paintings. Saint Rocco church is also a place to see, as it was constructed in the early 16th century and was used to protect villagers from the plague. Livigno is also known for its panorama, showing breathtaking valleys as well as high-peaked mountains.
Limone
The Limone resort is a lesser-known area in the Piemonte region, yet is one of Italy’s oldest ski locations. There is a 12th century church at the center of the old village, beautifully picturesque. It is right next to the border of France, but only an hour away from the sea. Thus, the place has a very Mediterranean atmosphere about it. It even has a theater and a cinema to attend during your stay!
As for the slopes, Limone has 80 kilometers of tracks, and you can ski from “December to Easter.” There is also a ski school that offers individual and group lessons. The Ski Club Limone has held some prestigious competitions in the area, such as the downhill women’s World Cup and the Italian Men and Soldiers’ championship race.
Alagna
Also located in the region of Piemonte, Alagna is a small commune in the Valsesia alpine valley. It is immediately south of Monte Rosa, and is internationally known for its off-piste or back country skiing. At 1,152 meters in altitude, Alagna has a cable car that reaches the Punta Indren Glacier, 3,260 meters above sea level. Alagna also provides heliskiing for people who love those verticals. It is a wonderland for advanced skiers for sure.
Beginners and early intermediates have their own separate area at a lower altitude of 500 meters. After a day of play, visitors of any level can experience authentic Italian wines and pastas, even though the area is infused with Swiss architecture, as Alagna lies at the border between Italy and Switzerland. It has a unique blending of cultures, which comes together because of the winter sports both European countries adore.
Where are your favorite places to ski in Italy?
Written by :Stephanie Photo Credits : Adam Sporka / Leo Setä / Anders L Jungberg / Tiziano Carviglia / Larsa