The best ski resorts in Italy

Italia: home to Europe’s highest mountain (Monte Bianco) and world-class riding. Plus, you’ll find long seasons here stretching from November to April, and pretty dependable snow coverage thanks to more than 12 Dolomite peaks reaching above 9,842 feet – sheesh! As well as being dizzyingly high, the Dolomites are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

But the Dolomites aren’t the only mountains you’ll find in Italy. There are also the Italian Alps, which include the Val d’Aosta/Aosta Valley region, and the Apennines. And one of our favorite things about Italy? The price tags are often way kinder on the wallet than other European ski resorts. High altitudes don’t have to mean high prices here. 

So, where should you hit up first? Don’t stress – we’ve got everything covered in our guide to the best Italian ski resorts. And no worries if you’re planning to travel with pros, non-riders, or the whole fam – our top picks have something for everyone. So, close those other tabs and start scrolling – it’s time to destroy pizza, pistes, and backcountry in the boot-shaped country!

Skiing in Italy: top locations

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Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort

You’d think the vertical faces and mind-blowing scenery would be enough to put somewhere like Cortina d’Ampezzo on the map. But while this ski resort has been the epitome of rad Italian riding since the first day it opened, it took the 1956 Winter Olympics to make Cortina world-famous. And, man, did they blow it into the stratosphere. 

Today, Cortina d’Ampezzo is probably the most well-known of the Dolomites’ ski resorts – and for good reason. Honestly, the setting is like something out of a movie. And that’s all thanks to the UNESCO-listed Cinque Torri: five towering peaks that provide awe-inspiring scenery alongside some hella-fun top-to-bottom runs across multiple ski areas. 

To expand your horizons (and mileage), buy the Dolomiti Superski lift ticket to access and conquer the 11 other Dolomite ski resorts. It gives you access to over 750 miles of rideable terrain! And if you’re cruising with beginners or intermediates, they’ll definitely appreciate Cortina d’Ampezzo. That’s because it offers plenty of suitable trails (over half of its rideable terrain is marked as intermediate). Skiing with advanced riders, though? There’s also enough here to keep them occupied. Take them down Olympia delle Tofane, which hosted the 2019 Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup. Alternatively, show them the off-piste. Our top pick is definitely Sci 18, one of the most iconic backcountry routes in the area, or the Bus de Tofana, commonly labeled as one of the best off-piste spots in the whole of the Dolomites. Now, that’s a statement. 

And you don’t even have to unclip to reach Corso Italia, the flashy, cobble-stoned center of Cortina. This ski resort is designed to take you from your hotel door to the upper snowfields with minimal walking. But, if you want to stretch your legs away from the slopes, there’s plenty to do: check out gourmet restaurants, cafes, and chic hotels; shop at the boutiques (think classic Italian high fashion); or chill out at a spa. 

It’s worth knowing that most people take their passigare (lunch with afternoon shopping) more seriously here than skiing / snowboarding. But while the crowds are racking up their spending, you can rack up the mileage on the hill with zero queues and plenty of pistes to yourself. Bellissimo! 

Top tip: Make sure you’re in town to witness history at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Tofane area will hold the Alpine skiing events while luge, curling, skeleton, bobsleigh, and biathlon events will take place throughout Cortina. If you want a taste of the Olympics beforehand, aim for the floodlit Olympic bobsled run for night sledding and the Olympic-sized rink for ice skating. Yep, Cortina doesn’t do things small – everything is Olympic-sized! 

Cervinia ski resort

If you’re an avid reader of Dope Mag (and why wouldn’t you be?), Cervinia might ring a bell. That’s because we mentioned it in our guide to the best ski resorts in Switzerland. Yep, Cervinia shares the Matterhorn massif (Monte Cervino) with Zermatt, making it the host to Europe’s highest pisted ski area at 3,480 meters/11,417 feet. What an accolade. 

Its lofty heights don’t exclusively mean expert terrain, though. Cervinia’s ski area is actually made up of mellow beginner and intermediate trails that branch out into two sections. One section extends to the iconic Theodul Pass ridge, marking the Italian-Swiss border – meaning you can ride straight into Swiss territory. The other area takes you to the glacial Plateau Rosa, shared with Zermatt to make the impressive Matterhorn Glacier Paradise ski area. 

Yep, Cervinia is a ski paradise with 140 trails spread over 217 miles (when paired with Zermatt), Europe’s highest terrain park (9,816 feet), loads of sunshine (it’s south-facing), and plenty of accessible off-piste between Cervinia and Zermatt. And glacier heights do equal reliable snow. So the white stuff is almost always guaranteed here from December to late April. And don’t forget about those epic high-altitude views, too! 

When you’re done stomping the mountain, it’s time to stomp on tables. We’re talking about après, baby! And, just when you thought the prospect of après couldn’t get any better, Cervinia ups the ante with two words: free snacks. Gorge on free tapas-style food in pubs and bars, such as Lino’s Bar, Umbrella Bar, and Thistles Pub. 

Another Cervinia surprise is that it's a cheaper alternative to Zermatt! Yep, this place is perfect for experiencing the Matterhorn without having to re-mortgage your house to do so …

Top tip: Merge riding with oh-my-god-this-can’t-be-real views by taking the Klein Matterhorn Aerial Tramway and charging down the Theodul Glacier. Insane views of the Alps will hit you from all sides, so be prepared to get your phone out or have your GoPro or Insta360 rolling. 

Courmayeur ski resort

Ah, to live in Courmayeur, perched on Monte Bianco’s shoulder near the Mont Blanc Tunnel and the French border. This is where chic meets cragginess, rich meets rad – and we’re here for it. 

There might be glitz and glamor in spades, but there’s also rad terrain – and maybe even radder scenery. So if you’re into expert and off-piste terrain, take the Skyway Monte Bianco to soak up the expert-only and unmarked trails from the Arp (and killer views). Pray for the right conditions, though, as if the weather’s in any way sketchy, you can’t bring your gear up the lift. 

It’s also 100% worth hiring a guide for those runs – and the miles and miles of big-mountain off-piste available, including Chamonix’s iconic Vallée Blanche on the border’s French side. With a Mont Blanc Unlimited lift ticket, you can drop into neighboring France and the Espace San Bernardo, as well as Italy’s La Thuile, giving you access to a combined total of 220 miles of runs across three ski resorts. You’ll also quickly understand why the Freeride World Tour featured a stop here. The terrain is nothing short of epic. 

While most of Courmayeur’s terrain is suited to intermediate and advanced riders, there are some gentler slopes for beginners. Just head to the ‘suburb’ of Dolonne for mellower terrain at the valley level. However, there’s probably not enough gentle terrain to keep you occupied for an entire week. So why not make Courmayeur a weekend trip instead (it’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Turin and Geneva)? 

If you’re more into cross-country skiing, you’ll be laughing here. There’s a 13-mile network that begins in Val Ferret and offers insane scenery. Down in town (which you have to get a lift to), you’ll suddenly realize how close Courmayeur is to Chamonix. You’ll find the same luxury hotels, shopping, and fancy restaurants, all down cobbled streets. This means everything’s a bit more expensive in Courmayeur than in other Italian ski resorts. However, the charm and character of this place are hard to beat. Once you visit, you’ll forever be requesting another trip to Courmayeur.  

Top tip: Head to Caffè della Posta for a post-shred wine and canape. Okay, that’s probably not the après vibes you’re used to. However, Courmayeur is a different affair, with Milan’s well-to-do hitting sophisticated bars for their aperitivo. Don’t worry, there are also places like Pizzeria Christiania at Plan Checrouit if you’re after something more laid-back – and their pizzas and carbonara are as expected. Darn delicious!

Madonna di Campiglio ski resort

The secret’s out: Madonna di Campiglio is awesome! And who can dispute that statement with its award-winning groomers across four villages, lifts that take you straight from the town center to the peaks, and sophisticated yet classic Italian vibes (it’s had a lengthy association with Ferrari and Fiat)? Okay, its location in the Brenta Dolomites is a bit trickier to get to than the other Dolomite ski resorts. However, the effort is 100% worth it. And being tricky to get to means this ski resort is still pretty unspoiled. 

Honestly, once you’re here, you’ll probably never want to leave. And who can blame you? Madonna di Campiglio has 38 miles of rideable terrain but offers access to ‌97 miles of interconnected runs across three ski areas that make up the Ski Area Campiglio: Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, and Folgarida-Marilleva. Plus, if you buy a Superskirama Pass, you have a whopping 236 miles at your finger – and ski – tips. 

Intermediates in your crew will ‘yew!’ at the cruisey blues and reds while park rats will go nuts for the Ursus Snow Park, considered by many as Europe’s best terrain park (which is a pretty big claim!). And let’s not forget the 4-mile-long Dolomitica run with a 70% gradient to challenge the most experienced riders among you. And, if your legs can take it, try the equally tricky Canalone Miramonti, perfectly lit for night skiing. 

Freeriders among you might get a touch frustrated, but seek and you shall find. All you have to do is head for nearby Passo del Tonale (included in the Superskirama lift ticket). Grab a lift to 3,000 meters/9,842 feet and experience some of the Dolomites’ most epic ski-touring terrain. You’re welcome. 

Adventuring with non-riders? There’s plenty for them to do, such as ice skating, mountaineering, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice climbing, and dog sledding. And if you’re a massive fan of Christmas (like the kind who countdown from August), you’ll love Madonna di Campiglio. Yep, for the entirety of December until the 6th of January, Madonna di Campiglio becomes a winter wonderland with fairy lights, decorations, and a Christmas market full of cute cabins selling Bombardino and local foods. You can’t visit without grabbing a cannoli! 

Top tip: Sip Trentodoc Spumante at the Ferrari Spazio Bollicine wine bar. Okay, this local champagne isn’t the Jägerbombs you’re used to (both in taste and price tag). But when in Rome (or Madonna di Campiglio), right? And no worries if you’re after something livelier. Head to the legendary Après-ski Mau or Des Alpes Mood Club afterward. 

Livigno ski resort

If riding park and entering rail jams are your jam, lock in Livigno. Why? Well, many consider its terrain parks (yes, plural) to be some of the best in Europe – and Shaun White is among them. And, because of its more remote location, you won’t have to elbow anyone out of the way or queue for your favorite feature. Plus, Livigno has super reliable snow coverage and low prices. So the real question is: what doesn’t this ski resort have? 

Livigno is one long valley providing 71 miles of trails and something for everyone. Aim for the western Costaccia-Carosello side for the best beginner and intermediate slopes. For those terrain parks we were talking about, you’ll want to go east to the Mottolino area. 

There, you’ll find the main terrain park that’s also the winter training base for the British Freestyle Ski & Snowboard team – so keep an eye out for Mia Brookes among others! Expect an airbag and over 60 features for all levels of park riders, including three super-sized expert-only kickers. 

More into pow than park? Livigno still has you covered. Just check out the boat-load of off-piste routes. Dipping your toes (and ski or snowboard) into powder for the first time? There are tons of easily accessible ungroomed trails – perfect for nailing that technique before taking on anything gnarlier. 

If you’re with someone more into hiking up their credit card balance than hiking up to earn their turns, they’ll still sing Livigno’s praises. That’s because this is a duty-free haven with around 250 VAT-free shops. You can thank its position just below the Swiss border for that.

Top tip: You know what’s also duty-free? Après. So, fill your boots with our top picks, such as Kosmo and Tea del Vidal. The latter is where Bombardino, a famous Italian brandy drink, was said to be invented. 

Val Gardena ski resort

If you’re after something a bit more intimate and laid-back than the likes of Cortina D’Ampezzo, then try Val Gardena. This group of villages – San Cristina, Selva, and Ortisei – offers 109 miles of trails and 78 lifts. However, they also connect with other villages to form the gigantic Dolomiti Superski area, providing over 750 miles of interconnected trails across 12 different ski resorts!  

Advanced and expert riders will find their fill here, too, because roughly 65% of the rideable terrain is suited to their skills. Plus, advanced riders can cruise, charge, and jib on one of the tricky circuits starting from the villages. Our fave? It’s got to be the world-renowned 15-mile Sella Ronda route. 

Or how about attempting the four trails used for the men’s and women’s downhill and giant slalom races in the 1970 World Championship? Each has an average thigh-burning gradient of over 25%. And‌ there’s also the experts-only La Ria, accessible from the Dantercepies cable car. This has an incline of 52% in places. Sharpen your edges for that! 

If you want to go gnarlier, though, try Pilat. This former off-piste terrain from the Seiser Alm to Ortisei is now a long and winding 15,322-foot-long downhill run featuring gradients as hair-raising as 58% in places!

Okay, so this isn’t the place to come for crazy après or to show off your skills and act like a poser. Val Gardena is way more chill, offering easygoing, relaxed vibes, preferring long, lounging lunches over anything too outrageous. If you’re keen for a post-shred tipple, though, head for La Stua – and definitely reserve the balcony to experience live music, a fireplace, heated seating, and a private bartender! 

Top tip: You’ve just got to try La Longia, South Tryrol’s longest ski slope. It’s over six miles long and features awesome and varying terrain, such as a frozen waterfall and a natural canyon. It also drops 4,176 feet! 

Sestriere ski resort

Fly into Turin, and you’re already super close to Sestriere in the Savoy Alps. If Sestriere rings a bell (and you’re a petrolhead), that might be because this ski resort is Fiat founder Giovanni Agnelli’s legacy. Yep, he set to work building hotels and cable cars for skiers back in the 1930s, making Sestriere one of Italy’s oldest ski resorts and the world’s first-ever purpose-built ski resort. Double whammy! 

Much like some other ski resorts on our list, the Winter Olympics gave this ski resort a boost – the 2006 Games, to be exact. All facilities and infrastructures were renovated and updated, focusing specifically on making the Via Lattea (Milky Way) the star of the show. 

Sestriere offers 91 miles of rideable terrain on its own but over 198 miles of trails as part of the Via Lattea. And these runs are for all abilities – over half are marked as intermediate, around 40 for beginners, and 30 for advanced/experts. And altitudes here reach 9,186 feet, meaning Sestriere is where you can depend on for reliable snow coverage. Well, it is Via Lattea’s highest-altitude ski resort. 

From the Milky Way, you can access other rad Italian ski resorts, such as Claviere (with France’s Montgenèvre next door) and Sauze d’Oulx. If you want to stay more local, though, head for the beginner-friendly wide-open snowfields at the foot of Monte Sises or the advanced-only World Cup and Olympic slalom piste at the top. For a winding red and summit-to-valley black, aim for the top of Monte Motta. 

Fair warning; the town of Sestriere isn’t the most beautiful ski resort you’ll ever lay your eyes on. However, the surrounding mountains are enough to give you all the feels. And, if you’re after a bit more life, visit Sestriere over the weekends with the Turin locals. Join them in their pilgrimage to Pinky’s, an après bar slash pizzeria. Pints and pizza? That’s heaven right there.

Top tip: Test yourself on the historic Kandahar Banchetta. This World Cup and Olympic downhill course presents one hell of a drop-in before twisting and turning for a mile and a half. To finish, this advanced-only run shoots you down into the trees for a steep stretch that’ll have your legs crying for mercy. 

Alta Badia ski resort

Where better to learn your Pizza from your French Fries than in the land of pizza, right? Yep, if you’re planning to ride with your family and/or beginners, have Alta Badia in your sights. This ski resort covers six villages, serves up mellow terrain perfect for beginners, and marks around 50% of its trails as intermediate. And Alta Badia is also at the heart of the dizzying Dolomiti Superski area, offering over 750 miles to progress from beginner to boss. 

But it’s not all bunny slopes and magic carpets here. Every December, La Vila (Alta Badia’s main village) hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup because – believe it or not – it’s home to the Gran Risa, one of the Alps’ most technically challenging runs. And the experienced riders among you are welcome to have a crack at it throughout the season. 

There’s also the Gardena Ronda Express. This day-long circuit tests advanced riders’ stamina with 24 lifts and 22 miles of ski runs. Okay, advanced riders won’t be pushed that intensely here. But there is more than enough off-piste to try – especially the Val Mezdi, known as the ‘Vallée Blanche of the Dolomites’, with a 4,593-foot descent. 

And when it’s time to refuel, nowhere comes as well prepped as Alta Badia. In fact, they almost have more restaurants than riders here, with two Michelin-starred restaurants and a host of fine-dining eateries to choose from. 

And gourmet food isn't only at ground zero. Stop by the on-hill mountain huts (rifugios) to indulge in delicious food. Our favorite is Rifugio Ütia de Bioch. You have to try the lobster pasta or simply dip in for an espresso kick! 

Top tip: For après-ski, it’s got to be Utia Club Moritzino. Come 2 pm, the DJ beats will lure you to the massive terrace. From there, it’s time to order a beverage from the Ice Bar. Yep, a bar made entirely from snow and ice – fresh! 

Monterosa ski resort

Everyone’s tempted to ride one of the world’s largest ski networks, right? In that case, say hello to Monterosa Ski, offering 112 miles of rideable terrain in Italy’s Aosta Valley. 

Champoluc, Alagna, and Gressoney make up this sprawling area, all linked by ski lifts. Think of it as an Italian version of France’s Three Valleys, except without the crowds and with slightly better terrain (don’t come at us, France!). 

Looking to go bigger? Check out the Aosta Valley Pass system. Yep, Monterosa is also part of this area that covers a whopping 497 miles of rideable terrain, 200 lifts, and over 10 different ski areas. That’s almost unlimited variety on your doorstep! 

But, if heading off-piste is your vibe, you’ll go crazy for Monterosa – this place provides acres of powder fields just waiting for you to lay fresh tracks. Plus, the rideable terrain reaches nearly 9,842 feet and serves up insane views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Monte Rosa. That’s Europe’s three tallest mountain peaks in one frame – if your lens is wide enough. 

Monterosa ski resort is generally appreciated the most by expert riders. However, for beginners or beginners/intermediates in your crew, take them to Wold in nearby Alagna. This separate area is perfect for riders looking to sharpen their skills and one day have their eyes set on that sweet off-piste. Just make sure you avoid Goat with any beginners, a narrow, mogul-filled, steep red leading into Champoluc. This is where you’ll find some mellow après-ski, though. Our top pick is the cozy Atelier Gourmand by the Champoluc gondola. 

Top tip: Check out the world’s largest lift-served verticals from Col d’Olen. To do this, climb around 2,788 feet via cable car from Alagna. Take a second cable car to Col d’Olen at 9,452 feet. You can then access technical off-piste trails and lots of powder fields through the Punta Indren glacier, offering a rare 6,562 feet of vertical drop from the station to the village! 

Wrapping up

Well, Italy certainly delivers the goods: well-groomed trails, epic off-piste, sophisticated ski resorts, and affordable prices! What more could you need? 

Honestly, you’ll be guaranteed good times with whichever Italian ski ski resort you choose. And while you’re gorging on pasta, park, piste n’ pow, don’t forget to tag us on your socials via @dopesnow. We can’t wait to see how it’s done! Ciao for now! 

Related reading:

• The best ski resorts in France
• Women's ski clothing / Men's ski clothing
• How to plan the perfect ski trip