A Comprehensive Guide to Skiing in Italy

Full of mountains, Italy offers an excellent variety of skiing locations, making it a popular destination for enthusiasts of the sport. From the stunning Alps to the majestic Dolomites, there is something for everyone in Italy, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro.

If you’re unsure where’s best to go for your next Italian skiing holiday, then this is the guide for you. We’ll go through some of the best places to ski in Italy, so you can make the most out of your next trip.

Top Italian Ski Resorts

#1 Livigno

Located in the heart of the Italian Alps, Livigno, also known as ‘Little Tibet’, is a delightful town that’s ideal for skiers of all skill levels. Although its secluded location means travel time is often higher and visits require more planning, it’s more than worth the extra effort.

With 115km (roughly 70 miles) of terrain, two separate ski areas, a long snow season that typically runs from late November into May, and slopes that are suitable for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike, this is one of the best Italian ski resorts for families.

On top of the excellent conditions, the whole town is tax-free, meaning you can treat yourself to plenty of duty-free shopping while you’re there.

#2 Sestriere

Situated at the foot of the Alps on the French-Italian border, Sestriere is part of the famous Milky Way ski area and offers a range of diverse slopes spanning over 400km (just under 250 miles). Perfect for beginners and those with some ski experience, the high altitude makes it a reliable destination for snow. Added to this, as it’s home to one of the country’s best après ski bars, it’s as lively at night as it is during the day.

#3 Cortina d’Ampezzo

Moving to the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the highest ski resorts in Italy, and was made popular thanks to its excellent facilities and stunning scenery. There are over 120km (around 75 miles) of slopes here, with plenty of options for both beginners and more advanced skiers. Having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and being chosen again for 2026, this is a well-established resort that anyone will enjoy.

Cortina d’Ampezzo also has the advantage of being easily accessible by car. You can hire a car from Venice Airport and drive to the resort in just over two hours.

#4 Val Gardena

Also in the Dolomites is Val Gardena, a vast and interconnected ski area featuring over 175km (almost 110 miles) of slopes. As part of the Dolomiti Superski region, it’s one of the largest ski areas in the world and caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. With mesmerising views of the Dolomites and a number of charming villages, it’s one of the best places to ski in Italy if you’re looking for a classic Alpine experience.

#5 Madonna di Campiglio

In Trentino lies one of the largest ski resorts in Italy – Madonna di Campiglio. Known for its high-quality coverage and elegant atmosphere, the resort has around 150km (a little over 90 miles) of pistes and boasts some of the most breathtaking mountain views. With limited access to off-piste terrain, this resort is more suited to intermediate skiers and is one of the best Italian ski resorts for families.

Best Ski Towns in Italy

#1 Aosta

A small yet charming town, Aosta is known for its ancient Roman ruins and close proximity to ski areas such as Pila and La Thuile, both of which offer excellent slopes without the immense crowds. With plenty of shops and historical monuments to explore and an annual craft fair held at the end of January, Aosta is one of the best ski towns in Italy and is the perfect destination if you’re looking to combine skiing with an immersive cultural experience.

#2 Ortisei

A beautiful spot in the centre of Val Gardena, this friendly town is well known for its stunning Alpine scenery, excellent range of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and welcoming residents. This is one of the best ski towns in Italy as it offers excellent skiing access, with lifts directly connecting you to the larger Val Gardena ski area, as well as cable cars to Rasciesa and Seceda. This makes it ideal for both hiking and skiing enthusiasts.

#3 Bormio

To achieve the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, Bormio is a must-visit destination. This ski town sits at the foot of a circle of mountains, offering extensive ski slopes along with a rustic charm thanks to its cobbled streets. And with three spas facilitated by natural hot springs, it’s also perfect for those looking to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or skiing.

Top Ski Mountains in Italy

#1 Sellaronda

As one of the most renowned ski circuits in the world, Sellaronda offers a 40km (approximately 25 miles) ski tour with well-marked, varied slopes. It’s suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and takes around six hours to complete. With the chance to witness some truly unbelievable scenery, this is a must-do for anyone visiting the Dolomites.

#2 Monte Rosa

As the second-highest massif in Europe, Monte Rosa is one of the best places to ski in Italy. It offers an adrenaline-filled skiing experience with panoramic views and is renowned for its reliable snow conditions and challenging terrain. The 180km (around 111 miles) of slopes are great for intermediate to advanced skiers.

#3 Marmolada

Also in the Dolomites is Marmolada, the highest peak within the mountain range. With 3,343 metres of altitude, the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular, and with slopes ranging from easy to difficult, it’s suitable for almost anyone.

The Best Places to Ski in Italy: A Summary

Italy is an ideal location for those who enjoy winter sports. With plenty of ski resorts, towns, and mountains that cater to beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers, along with plenty of après ski, Italy is truly a ski lover’s paradise.

Whether you opt for Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the highest ski resorts in Italy, or Madonna di Campiglio, which is one of the best Italian ski resorts for families, Italy is the perfect country for skiing.

However, one thing to bear in mind when booking your next ski trip to Italy is the travel. Most ski resorts in Italy are fairly rural and getting by without a car can be difficult. Renting a car with a ski rack is the simplest way to get to your desired location, and means you can explore the rest of what Italy has to offer with ease.

So, pack your bags, grab your skis, and prepare for the ultimate Italian skiing experience!

If you are interested in hiring a car for your skiing holiday, then call us on +44 (0) 113 2899281, email us on [email protected], or use our chat function at the bottom of the page to discuss your requirements.

Having working solely in the car hire industry since leaving school, car hire/travel is a huge part of my life and something that gives me great satisfaction and enjoyment. I love coming across new products/locations and sharing these details with our customers via our online platforms.