There are nearly 300 recognised ski resorts in Italy with over 200 of them in the Alps. So, it should come as no surprise that most tourists visiting skiing centres in Italy are Italian! Italy has uncrowded slopes, wonderful food, spectacular scenery and a laid back, friendly vibe. Therefore, it’s no wonder that the Italians choose to stay and ski in their own country. However, many of the most popular ski resorts are on the border with other countries, for instance, France and Switzerland. This means the Italians can just pop over and ski in another country! If you are curious to know where Italians go skiing, read on.
Where do Italians go to ski?
1. Valle d’Aosta, Italy
Valle d’Aosta, in northwest Italy, is bordered by France and Switzerland and it is where you’ll find the resorts of Champoluc, Gressoney, Pila, and Cervinia, which is one of the biggest ski resorts in Italy. Located in the Western Alps, Valle d’Aosta is known for its iconic views of the snow-capped peaks of famous mountains, for instance, the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso. Italians love skiing here as the food is wonderful and there are castles and cultural hotspots dotted all around the region.
2. Olympic Milky Way, Italy and France
The famous Milky Way, or La Vialattea, lift-linked ski area extends 400 kilometres and straddles the Italian-French border. Three of the most popular resorts here are Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere and Claviere. Italians love skiing here, as there is just so much terrain to cover and The Milky Way lift pass covers you for all the resorts on the Italian side of the border. From the Italian village of Claviere, the magnificent ski domain at Montgenevre is literally a few steps just across the border in France. So, you can have breakfast in Italy, lunch in France and be back in Italy in time for apres-ski.
3. Dolomiti Superski, Italy
The exceptionally scenic Dolomites is a very popular destination with Italians who want to go skiing amongst jaw-dropping scenery. But it’s not just the views that are big here. Comprising 12 ski resorts and a total of 1,246 km of slopes, Dolomiti Superski is the biggest ski area in the world. Two of its most famous resorts are Cortina d’Ampezzo and Selva-Gardena.
4. Livigno, Italy
A firm favourite with Italians, especially families, is the duty-free resort of Livigno which has an attractive combination of great value for money and fantastic skiing. Located in the Alta Valtellina in Lombardy, there are 115km of slopes and the winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,816 and 2,798 meters. With such a high elevation, it is one of the most snow-sure resorts in Italy.
5. Espace San Bernardo, Italy & France
Located on Mont Belvedere, the slopes of La Rosière in France and those of La Thuile of the Aosta Valley in Italy, cross each other here. Espace San Bernardo has 160 kilometres of slopes and 80 descents that provide stunning views of snow-covered Mont Blanc. Again, from this resort, you can ski over the border into France.
6. Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Italy and Switzerland
The crossing into Switzerland takes place at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which has a top height of nearly 3,900 metres. On the Italian side, is the lively resort of Cervinia. On the Swiss side, is Zermatt. By staying in Italy and skiing over the border, Italians can visit one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. By doing so, they avoid the hefty price tag that comes with staying in Zermatt.
7. Kanin-Sella Nevea, Italy and Slovenia
The Sella Nevea is located in a remote mountain valley at the northeastern tip of Italy. It really is a secret, local spot. Italians come here to beat the crowds, and to pay a visit to beautiful Slovenia. Though small, the ski area provides some incredible scenery and the villages in both countries are full of charm. For instance, Sella Nevea on the Italian side is very authentic. It has retained its features and originality.
