Italian skiing is a feast for the senses. The jagged pink peaks of the Dolomites form perhaps the most beautiful mountain backdrop in the world, the long lunches are legendary, and the value — especially on food and drink — is excellent. From the Olympic glamour of Cortina d’Ampezzo to the vast Dolomiti Superski circuit, Italy combines wonderful skiing with unbeatable style and cuisine.
Skiing in Italy at a Glance
Italy’s skiing splits between the Dolomites in the northeast — home to the spectacular Dolomiti Superski area and the famous Sella Ronda circuit — and the western Alps bordering France and Switzerland, where resorts like Cervinia and Sestriere sit high and snow-sure. Italian resorts are renowned for sunny, well-groomed intermediate cruising, mountain huts serving outstanding food, and a relaxed, sociable approach to the ski day. Prices are generally lower than in France or Switzerland.
The Best Resorts
Cortina d’Ampezzo
The ‘Queen of the Dolomites’ and co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Spectacular scenery, Italian style, and superb intermediate skiing in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area. Read our full Cortina d’Ampezzo guide →
Livigno
Italy’s duty-free high-altitude resort — a glacial valley at 1,816m near the Swiss border, exempt from EU taxes (everything is 20–30% cheaper). World-class snowpark, reliable snow, and a growing international reputation backed by Ikon Pass inclusion. Italy’s answer to Andorra, with better skiing.
Courmayeur
Italy’s most elegant resort beneath the southern face of Mont Blanc — 100km of well-groomed intermediate and expert piste, spectacular scenery, and outstanding Valdostan cuisine. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car ascends to 3,466m for one of the Alps’ great mountain experiences. Connected to Chamonix (France) by the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Approximately 1.5 hours from Geneva Airport.
Read our full Courmayeur guide →
Sestriere
Italy’s highest resort village at 2,035m — purpose-built by Fiat founder Giovanni Agnelli and host of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympic Alpine events. Sestriere anchors the 400km Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, which links five Italian resorts and connects across the border to Montgenèvre in France. The altitude gives exceptional snow reliability by Italian standards; the Kandahar Olympic piste remains one of Italy’s finest ski runs.
Read our full Sestriere guide →
Quick Comparison
| Resort | Base altitude | Best for | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortina d’Ampezzo | 1,224 m | Intermediate / advanced | Dolomite scenery & 2026 Olympics |
How to Choose
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the showpiece of Italian skiing — stunning Dolomite scenery, elegant town, and excellent intermediate terrain, all part of the enormous Dolomiti Superski pass. For the iconic Sella Ronda circuit, base yourself in Val Gardena or Alta Badia; for high-altitude, snow-sure skiing linked to Switzerland, choose Cervinia beneath the Matterhorn. Italy is a paradise for intermediates and lovers of long, leisurely mountain lunches.
Season & Getting There
The Italian season runs from early December to mid-April, with the high western resorts (Cervinia, Sestriere) and the Dolomiti Superski area holding snow well thanks to altitude and extensive snowmaking. The Dolomites are famous for sunny, blue-sky ski days. Venice, Verona, Innsbruck, Milan, and Turin all serve as gateway airports depending on the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dolomiti Superski pass?
It is one of the largest ski passes in the world, covering 12 linked Dolomite areas — including Cortina, Val Gardena, and Alta Badia — with around 1,200km of piste accessible on a single ticket. It is the gateway to the famous Sella Ronda circuit.
Is skiing in Italy good value?
Yes — Italy is generally cheaper than France and Switzerland, particularly for on-mountain food and drink. Long, high-quality lunches in mountain huts are an Italian ski tradition and remarkably affordable by Alpine standards.
What is the Sella Ronda?
The Sella Ronda is a famous circular ski route around the Sella massif in the Dolomites, linking four valleys on lifts and pistes. It can be skied clockwise or anticlockwise in a single day and is a must-do for intermediate skiers visiting the region.
Is Cortina good for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Cortina d’Ampezzo is co-hosting the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which has driven investment in lifts and infrastructure. It remains a superb, scenic destination for recreational skiers, with terrain best suited to intermediates and above.
La Thuile
The Aosta Valley’s most underrated resort — part of the cross-border Espace San Bernardo with La Rosière in France, offering 160km of piste. Excellent intermediate terrain, world-class freeride on the Rutor glacier, and far fewer crowds than Courmayeur or Cervinia. Read our full La Thuile guide →
Sestriere
Italy’s Olympic resort — host of the 2006 Winter Games Alpine events — sitting at 2,035m in the Piedmont Alps with access to 400km of piste in the Via Lattea (Milky Way), a five-resort circuit stretching into France. One of Italy’s highest and snowiest resort bases. Read our full Sestriere guide →
Bormio
An ancient Lombardy spa town and home of the Stelvio — one of the World Cup circuit’s most demanding downhill courses, with 1,787m of vertical from the 3,012m Cima Bianca summit. Combine elite skiing with natural thermal baths and the combined Alta Valtellina pass including Livigno. Read our full Bormio guide →
Ski Lessons & Activities
Planning your trip? GetYourGuide offers ski lessons, guided tours, and winter activities across the region — from beginner group lessons to private coaching and off-piste adventures. Browse ski lessons and activities →