Ski Holidays Italy

Pasta, pizza, Peroni and pistes, Italy gives you some bang for your buck compared to the alternative Alpine nations. Italy may not be the first country that people think of when you mention skiing but it is home to some of the largest and most beautiful resorts in the world. The Western Italian Alps tend to feature higher altitude skiing, resorts such as Cervinia, Champoluc, and Pila. However, Italy’s jewel in the crown is situated on the eastern side of the country where the majestic Dolomites proudly rub shoulders with their Austrian neighbours. These traditional resorts of charm include Selva, Corvara, and Arabba. Hotel options vary from simple and affordable 2 star pensions (bed and breakfasts) to 5 star luxurious half board lodging options. As one would expect, food is a main focus in the Italian mountains with incredible dining options. The Altia Badia ski region features more Michelin starred restaurants than any other in the skiing world. In fact, just above the resort of Corvara there is a mountain restaurant that specialises in fish cuisine and having eaten there I can highly recommend it.

Italy is also an ideal choice for beginners to go to as there are so many smaller resorts that are more affordable. It staggers me the amount of time beginners will request from me a resort such as Verbier or Val d’Isere. That is like a learner driver asking for a lamborghini for their lessons. The Italian resorts such as Livigno, Kronplatz, Pila, drei Zinnen would be far better suited to their requirements and would ultimately lead to a much more enjoyable experience.

Travel to Italy from the UK is possible by car using the Mont Blanc tunnel to access the Val d’Aosta and surrounding regions. Most clients tend to fly though and whilst Geneva can be used as a gateway airport more often than not clients will fly into Turin, Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate, Bergamo, Venice, Innsbruck or Verona. As an added bonus flights into Italy can often be less expensive than other ski airport destinations and car hire options or transfers are readily available.

The charming Monte Rosa ski area of Italy. Resorts include champoluc, Gressoney, and the off-piste mecca of Alagna. Some may bemoan the size of the ski area but it’s not all about that, the skier density is extremely low meaning more area for yourself. Upstairs for thinking, downstairs for dancing.