The best ski resorts in Italy 🇮🇹 for beginners, families, experienced: reviews from tourists

The serious attitude of the Italian authorities to tourism already determines not only a good vacation on the beaches, but also in the mountains.

Excellent living conditions, high level of service and stunning views make Italian ski resorts one of the best, and therefore popular in the world.

If you prefer low prices, excellent food and a unique atmosphere than luxury and comfort, then the ski resorts in Italy are created for you. Here, unlike similar recreation centers in France, Switzerland and Austria, the organizers and animators focus on the festive mood and all kinds of entertainment events, and the sport itself and physical activity are left in the background.

Another nice advantage of Italian ski resorts is their relatively low prices that are significantly lower than those set in other European countries. Forget about Eastern Europe and even Andorra: for a small amount of money spent on a ticket to an Italian resort, you will get a lot of impressions and pleasant memories. Stunningly beautiful landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent. You can choose the ski area that you think suits you the most. And there are plenty to choose from: 12 zones that span thousands of kilometers.

We picked up Italy's top ten ski resortsthat are worth your attention, and also calculated the approximate cost of rest on each of them.

We recommend reading: winter holiday tips in Italy

Passo del Tonale for beginners

The small village of Passo del Tonale is located at an altitude of 1880 meters above sea level. Nearby is a mountain with a height of 3088 meters, from where tourists are invited to descend. This resort is one of the few where the snow lies from late October to May. It is for this reason that Passo Tonale has long been chosen by the Italian ski team. The slopes here are designed for both beginner skiers and mid-level athletes. And extreme and adventure seekers can get to the slopes of Ponte di Legno (Ponte di Legno). There are two schools in Passo Tonale where polite instructors in English teach skiing and snowboarding. The resort is usually quiet, life and fun come here during the holidays and weekends.

When relaxing in Passo Tonale, make sure you enjoy your lunch at Hotel Dimora Storica La Mirandola, dating back to around the 12th century, and fully enjoy the amazing atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Where to stay
The three-star Hotel Adamello is a clear favorite among tourists coming here, and this is not surprising: excellent food, friendly staff and a high level of service did their job. A room for seven nights will cost you about 720 euros.
Other options
Bardonecchia and Madesimo are favorite places of Italians themselves. At each of these hotels there are small slopes on which it is very convenient to learn skiing.
Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1885 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1120 to 3015 meters;
The slopes are 100 kilometers long, 17% blue (for beginners), 66% red (for experienced skiers), 17% black (for professionals);
Snow coverage 100%.

Official website of the Passo Tonale resort: passotonale.it

Corvara in Badia for the experienced

Corvara in Badia is a small, vibrant village, primarily for couples. It is located right at the intersection of two slopes for experienced athletes. Through the Alta Badia zone, you can easily reach the Sella Ronda area, where many trails have been created for both beginners and skiers of a higher level of skill. Here you can find many cozy restaurants where you can eat after a breathtaking descent. It is also worth saying that in Corvara you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets: at sunset, the slopes of the Dolomites are painted in different shades of red, which creates an indescribable play of colors. The landscapes around are so amazing that you completely forget to look at your feet.

There are several luxury hotels in this cluster. The four-star La Perla Hotel in Corvara invites tourists to enjoy not only skiing or snowboarding, but also the wonderful service and dishes of a local chef. Another four-star hotel, Posta Zirm, has gained popularity thanks to its award-winning restaurant and chic spa.

In San Cassiano, another hotel is located, the five-star Rosa Alpina. In each issue a unique design will open to your sight. The hotel has two upscale restaurants with two Michelin stars.

Where to stay
The 3-star La Plaza Hotel in Kowara is a great choice for those looking for a homely, cozy atmosphere away from home. Everything else you can use the services of a small spa. A week stay at this hotel will cost you about 1160 euros.
Other options
Hotel Kronplatz in South Tyrol (Sudtirol) with easy access to any of the nearby red and blue slopes.
The resort area of La Thuile in Aosta offers its guests to take advantage of the red and blue slopes, which are connected to the tracks of the French resort of La Rosière www.larosiere.net / where you can find even more breathtaking slopes.
Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1570 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1005 to 3270 meters;
The slopes are 433 kilometers long, 38% blue, 53% red, 3% black;
Snow coverage 90%.

Corvara official website: altabadia.org

Alanya Valsesia for professionals

The picturesque village of Alagna Valsesia with a stone church and small farm buildings is located in the huge ski area of Monterosa. The nearby slopes are sure to appeal to professional skiers and snowboarders: exciting trails with many challenging tasks will not let anyone get bored. This place is not suitable for those who have just recently learned or are still learning to ski. This is also not the place for nightlife lovers: the lights go out almost immediately after dinner. If you are planning a large-scale rental for tomorrow, then you just need to get a good night's sleep.

In Alanya, there are only 15 kilometers of slopes, but the village is connected to the nearby resorts of Gressoney and Champoluc, which offer tourists tens of kilometers on the slopes. The village itself is located at an altitude of 1212 meters, but fast funiculars will take you to the peaks of 3275 meters, from where stunning views.
Where to stay
Agriturismo Alagna is a beautifully restored old farmhouse, located close to the main funicular. The owners of the mini-hotel always welcome guests, offering their attention comfortable rooms with wooden and stone finishes. One night and breakfast in this place will cost about 80-100 euros for two.
Other options
Arabba is located in the Sella Ronda ski area, but it is from this place that it is best to start exploring the most amazing slopes. Here, not only one of the steepest slopes in all the Dolomites, but also here some of the most beautiful views in Italy open.
Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1200 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1200 to 3275 meters;
The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black;
Snow coverage 97%.

You can check the current state of the tracks on the official website: www.visitmonterosa.com

Breuil Cervinia for lovers of a safe holiday

Breuil-Cervinia (Breuil-Cervinia) - this resort, spread out at a great height, boasts the driest snow, which lies here from December to May. Cervinia provides tourists with more than 150 kilometers of descent.

Cableways connect this resort with the International Descent, the total length of which is 360 kilometers.
It is worth recognizing that Cervinia is far from the most beautiful Italian resort: there are often ugly buildings that spoil the whole view. However, this place has no equal when it comes to sports entertainment. Numerous races of skiers and snowboarders of various skill levels are constantly held here. Sometimes it seems that here they ride nonstop for lunch and sleep. In Cervinia, there is the famous red ventina Ventina with a height of 4000 meters.
Where to stay
You will come across true hospitality of the mountain inhabitants if you go to relax in the four-star Bucaneve Hotel. The staff here wears traditional costumes, and each room breathes antiquity. Another advantage of this hotel, of course, is its location: the nearest ski lift can be reached in less than 5 minutes. A week of living here will cost about 1160 euros.
Other options
The cozy towns of Livigno and Passo del Tonale.
Key facts:

The resort is located at an altitude of 2050 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1525 to 3480 meters;
Descent length of 160 kilometers, 30% blue, 59% red, 11% black;
Snow coverage 50%.

Cervinia website: cervinia.it

Cortina d'Ampezzo for romantics

The city of Cortina d'Ampezzo (Cortina d'Ampezzo) lies surrounded by mountains and on one of them, as well as in a chain of churches built many centuries ago. Despite the fact that Cortina d'Ampezzo remained occupied by foreign invaders for centuries, including the Austrians and Americans in 1945, the city managed to maintain its unique atmosphere that reigns here to this day in every corner. While residents of neighboring cities speak Italian and German, Cortinians prefer to communicate in the ancient Ladin language.

In Cortina, you will find many slopes for skiers and snowboarders of different levels of training. All of them are divided into several zones, between which the bus runs. In the village itself, despite the fact that it is the center of the resort, all life does not revolve around mountains, snow, skis and snowboards. On the main pedestrian street of Corso Italy (Corso Italia) there are numerous boutiques of fashion designers, as well as antique shops.

With dusk, Cortina comes to life. On the streets of the city there is almost a real parade of fur coats and other fur products, and closer to night, all owners of warming clothes move to nearby bars and restaurants where they discuss the day spent with a glass of fine wine.
In 1956, Cortina hosted the Winter Olympics, so there is no doubt about the quality of descents and equipment. However, in recent years, resort authorities have not denied the fact that Cortina’s funding has declined significantly. But this does not bother the inhabitants of Rome and Milan, who invariably go here to ski.
Where to stay
The four-star Ancora Hotel with its stunning interior has been attracting tourists for over four decades due to its very convenient location. In addition, there is the most amazing restaurant in the area. Seven days in one of the Ancora rooms will cost you about 1,120 euros.
Other options
The market town of Ortisei is surrounded by stunning peaks. Local slopes suggest a leisurely descent, during which you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The small quiet village of San Cassiano, located on three plains, has a unique atmosphere.
Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1225 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1225 to 2930 meters;
Descent length of 115 kilometers, 50% blue, 35% red, 15% black;
Snow coverage 50%.

Resort website: www.skicortinadampezzo.com

Sauze d'Oulx for party lovers

Since the beginning of 1970-80 of the last century, Sauze d'Oulx had the glory of a ski resort, where parties play a greater role than sport. Until noon in this district you would not meet a single soul on the slopes. The charming village has gone through several global changes, but, fortunately, has not lost its special "party" atmosphere. In the city center, houses of the last century turned out to be squeezed out by modern Art Nouveau buildings. It is here that the life of Soz d'Ulea is in full swing. The more you move away from the main streets, the denser the silence envelops you.

But despite all this, Sauze d'Oulse boasts some of the best slopes in Italy. They extend all the way to the resorts of Sansicario, Sestriere and French Montegenevre. The total length of the slopes is about 400 kilometers, which serve 66 lifts.
At the intersection of these many slopes there is a whole scattering of restaurants, hotels and other entertainment establishments. To dine here you do not have to have a fortune - the prices in this area are very affordable. Many bars often have live music, so you can enjoy a glass of wine and stunning scenery outside the window to the sounds of light jazz.
Where to stay
It is worth noting that most of the hotels in Sauze d'Oulse do not deserve special attention, but still it is worth highlighting the three-star Chalet Faure & Spa Hotel - an old house converted into an excellent hotel with a spa and its own wine bar. A week in one of the rooms will cost you from 770 euros.
Other options
The villages of Madonna di Campiglio and Cortina d'Amprezzo in the Dolomites offer their guests a more intense and vibrant nightlife.
Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1510 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1390 to 2825 meters;
Descent length of 400 kilometers, 25% blue, 55% red, 20% black;
Snow coverage 60%.

Official resort website: www.sauzeonline.com

Champoluc for families with children

The Monterosa mountain range is not as popular as it deserves. The lovely village of Champoluc has a typical Italian atmosphere: stunning landscapes, cozy bars and cafes, the lack of lines in shops and on the road. Moreover, there is a wonderful English ski school in which the instructors speak several languages. These are highly qualified specialists from Italy and England, ready to train everyone from small (from 4 years old) to great.

A special advantage of this resort is the childcare service. As a rule, Italians go on vacation as a family, not only leaving their children at home, but also their parents, so there is always someone to look at for the younger generation. However, if you decide to relax only with the children and give your parents the opportunity to relax from you in your own country, then you definitely should take care of the leisure of your kids. And the Italian ski school Scuola Sci Champoluc will do it for you.

Where to stay
The 4-star Relais des Glaciers boasts an excellent spa and great location: it is just a seven-minute walk from the main square of the village. Friendly staff will be happy to help you, as well as deliciously feed you and your children. A week of relaxation here will cost you about 1000 euros.
Other options Gressoney and Selva also provide baby sitting
Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1570 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1200 to 3275 meters;
The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black;
Snow coverage 97%.

Livigno for lovers of silence

Livigno is one of the most remote ski resorts in Europe. The road here from Innsbruck at best will be three hours. And we are not even talking about Italian airports located even further. However, a long trip to Livigno is well worth it due to its well-equipped trails, low prices and safe snow cover.
The village is located 10 kilometers from the mountain road, which ends at the foot of the 1816-meter mountain called Small Tibet, located on the border with Switzerland. Numerous slopes come from here, with stunning views. Each year, new lifts and slopes appear in Livigno, and new hotels open. Today, routes of medium difficulty prevail here.
It is also worth noting that in December a traditional ski marathon (35 kilometers) takes place in Livigno.
In addition to the many advantages of this resort, it is worth highlighting that it is duty free. It seems that prices have frozen at the level of the times of Napoleon. Often a bottle of milk is more difficult to find here than a box of whiskey.

Where to stayHotel Cristallo is definitely one of the best options for accommodation near Livigno in the town of Bormio, just 400 meters from the cable car. The cost of a weekly stay in this three-star hotel will cost about 1000 euros.
Other options

The huge Snowpark complex in Bardonecchia hosted sporting events on several occasions during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin (Torino). The huge descent 1100 meters high is divided into five zones depending on the destination and the complexity of the tracks. There is also an Olympic halfpipe. The freestyle zone of Indian Park in Cervinia is considered one of the best not only in Italy, but throughout the world.

Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1815 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1815 to 2795 meters;
Descent length of 115 kilometers, 38% blue, 47% red, 15% black;
Snow coverage 70%.

Official website of the city of Livigno: www.livigno.eu

Madesimo for lovers of beauty

Madesimo - This small but very pretty village is located right next to Lake Como, 2.5 hours drive from Milan and Bergamo. It is especially popular with those who are looking for the perfect balance of the concepts of “price-quality”.
The slopes here are mainly designed for skiers and snowboarders of an average level of training, but real professionals will not be bored in Madesimo. There are a dozen excellent slopes of different lengths, as well as different types of soil. At weekends, the village has an increased concentration of tourists, but throughout the week in Madesimo it is quite quiet.
This resort has a huge number of restaurants, pizzerias and bars, the prices of which are comparable to the same establishments, but in the French resort. Restaurant Dogana Vegia, which is located on the highest point of the city (about 25 minutes from the center), definitely deserves special attention. The stunning interior and wonderful dishes of the local chef will not leave anyone indifferent.
Where to stay
The 3-star Hotel Arlecchino has an amazing homely atmosphere and good food. A week of living will cost about 650 euros.
Other options
Livigno (see "For lovers of silence"), as well as the budget resorts Folgarida (Folgarida) and Marilleva (Marilleva).
Key facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters;
The height of the slopes is from 1500 to 2945 meters;
Descent length of 60 kilometers, 49% blue, 42 red, 9% black;
Snow coverage 65%.

Official Madesimo website: www.madesimo.com

Courmayeur for the weekend

Of course, when choosing a resort where you could drop in for the weekend, it is of great importance to have a nearby airport from where you could easily and quickly get to. Courmayeur is a two-hour drive from Turin and from Geneva. This traditionally mountainous village is located right on the slope of Mont Blanc.

As a rule, Italians flock to Courmayeur late Friday evening. They slowly walk along the pedestrian street Via Roma (Via Roma), where there are a huge number of designer boutiques and cozy cocktail bars. Contrary to the general trend, in the morning on the slopes there are not so many people who want to ride: everyone sleeps off after a great evening on Friday and Saturday.
Where to stay
The three-star Bouton d'Or offers its customers spacious rooms, ample parking, and also boasts a good location: there are a lot of restaurants for every taste near the hotel. The cost for a week in this place is about 840 euros.
Other options
The vibrant cities of Sauze d'Olux and the nearby Sestriere will not fool you: the service-location-price ratio is more than optimal.
Key facts