Italy’s ski resorts boast sunny pistes, family-friendly facilities and world-famous Italian cuisine. That’s not to mention the breathtaking panoramic views from the ski slopes, a good number of which are located in the Dolomites. Whether you haven’t been to Italy yet or whether you’re dying to go back, it’s worth looking into which ski resorts will suit you best. Are you an après-ski fanatic or are you planning a family holiday? Whatever your fancy, discover our picks for the 15 best ski areas in Italy this year, spread across the picturesque Italian regions of South Tyrol, Trentino, Valle d’Aosta and Piedmont.
The Espace San Bernardo ski area is situated in the Aosta valley straddling France and Italy. The ski area comprises a French resort, La Rosière, as well as an Italian one at La Thuile. Skiers can enjoy 160km of pistes in a dramatic setting on the national border. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, try out heliskiing, which offers a way to explore some challenging and exciting off-piste terrain at La Thuile.
With its 110km of slopes, Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the most renowned ski resorts in Europe. A former Olympic host city, the resort has maintained its dedication to snow sports and now offers wide, varied slopes for beginners and intermediates as well as fantastic off-piste possibilities for more advanced skiers.
Via Lattea is one of Europe’s biggest ski areas, with around 400km of pistes and several attractive villages. Today, Via Lattea has made a name for itself as a modern ski destination in the region of Piedmont. The terrain is suitable for everybody from beginners to experts and snow is guaranteed from November to May.
The Val di Sole ski area placed twelfth on our list of the best ski areas in Italy this year. With over 100km of red pistes for bolder intermediate skiers as well as plenty of easy nursery slopes for beginners, Val di Sole is a winter sports paradise. This Trentino ski area is also known for its snowparks and its animated après-ski scene.
Eisacktal is the perfect choice for your next ski holidays with the family. Kids will love it, and parents will appreciate the wealth of daycare options. Brixen, nestled right in the centre of this ski area, is one of the top family-friendly ski resorts in the Gitschberg Jochtal valley.
The Val di Fiemme ski area comprises four smaller areas : the Ski Centre Latemar, the Alpe Cermis, the Alpe Lusia and the Jochgrimm-Oclini. Spacious, well-groomed pistes have earned this ski area a spot in tenth place on our list of the top 10 Italian ski areas. As an added bonus, this Dolomitan ski area with its 100km of pistes is linked with 11 other ski areas in the Dolomiti Superski.
One of Italy’s best-kept secrets, the Arabba-Marmolada ski area is nestled at the foot of the Marmolada glacier. The ski area boasts 60km with endless snow that reach up to an altitude of 3269m, where you’ll have panoramic views of the Sella-Massif. The 3342m-high Marmolada, highest summit in the Dolomites, watches benevolently over the ski area.
The Wipptal ski area is made up of the Grossensass and Sterzing resorts, among others. It’s a cosy, welcoming ski area with 50km of pistes, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy sunny pistes for every level. Wipptal is especially sought-after for its distinctive landscape and for its peaceful atmosphere.
Sulden am Ortler is one of Italy’s most snow-sure resorts. The ski area starts at 1900m altitude and rises up to 3250m, with skiing on the glacier. 40km of skiing welcomes beginners and intermediate skiers, and experts are not forgotten as there are some excellent off-piste routes. Stunning views of the 3905m-high Ortler reward those who make the trek to this ski area.
As its German name indicates, the 3 Zinnen ski area is located in the midst of three high peaks in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the Sextner Dolomites ski area in the Dolomiti Superski, the 90km of slopes at the 3 Zinnen cater especially to beginner skiers.
Nearly at the border with Switzerland you’ll find Livigno, one of the most famous ski areas in Italy. The ski area reaches up an altitude of 2800m and is nicknamed a “mini-Tibet” thanks to its extremely cold and snowy winters. This is a good resort for beginner snowboarders and the tax-free village enjoys a lively après-ski scene.
The Val di Fassa-Carezza ski area accommodates skiers and snowboarders at every ability level with 200km of picturesque tree-covered slopes. Snowmaking facilities cover 80% of the ski terrain, meaning guaranteed snow even during dry seasons.
Kronplatz is one of the most popular ski areas in the Pusteria Valley, despite being rather low-lying at 2275m. Snowmaking facilities cover an impressive 100% of the ski area, and because there are absolutely no trees, a high proportion of the slopes lie in the sun. This is a good choice for families and skiers of all levels.
Alta Badia is first and foremost a gastronomic ski area, with dozens of mouthwatering options for on-mountain dining. The ski area has earned second place thanks to its never-ending terrain suited to every level of skier, and for its gorgeous panoramic views of the Dolomites.
And the winner is... Val Gardena! In the heart of the Dolomites, the Val Gardena ski area is a skiing paradise for beginners and intermediates, with dozens of blue and red pistes to choose from. Most of the accommodation is ski-in, ski-out. Don’t miss the Stella Ronda, a magnificent ski tour that will take you around the Stella Massif while you enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
