Italy is a popular tourist destination not only among admirers of ancient architecture and beach lovers. Due to the fact that it is a country with a varied topography, it offers many opportunities for exciting pastimes. In particular, Italy is famous for its ski resorts, which annually attract a huge number of tourists from different parts of the planet. In this material we will highlight the 10 most famous Italian resorts, which are the most popular among connoisseurs of relaxation among the mountains of colorful Italy.
Bormio
Bormio is a great place for a family holiday. Located at the crossroads of Austria, Italy and Switzerland, in the very center of the Alps, it combines the beauty of snow-capped mountains and the comfort provided by modern service. The elevation difference is from 1203 to 3017 meters. The total length of the slopes is 100 kilometers, there are 43 lifts, among which the majority are rope tows (25), and in the minority are chairlifts, with small and large cabins. There are trails for beginners, and for the youngest tourists there is a special escalator lift. One of the key features of the resort in question is the Italian thermal baths located here, where you can warm up thoroughly after skiing. The developed infrastructure is complemented by historical buildings, which is why walking along the streets of Bormio will provide a lot of impressions. Shopping lovers will also like it here thanks to the numerous shops. There is a ski school at the resort, where anyone can learn the intricacies of mountaineering, snowboarding and other sports. Individual and group lessons are provided for both adults and children. International level competitions are periodically held, which makes this location attractive for fans of professional alpine skiing. They usually get to Bormio from Bergamo or Milan airports by train or bus. An extensive selection of housing will allow you to choose an option to suit any budget.
Breuil-Cervinia
The Breuil-Cervinia resort may not be the most beautiful among all the ski resorts in Italy, but it is definitely one of the most suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. In this area, snow cover is about 50%. It is located at an altitude of 2050 meters, and the descents are at an altitude of 1525 to 3480 meters. Cervinia is home to Ventina, the famous red slope that rises to 4,000 meters. Therefore, it is not surprising that this place attracts a huge number of snowboarders and skiers of completely different skill levels. One gets the impression that they skate here without a break - both day and night. Due to the fact that the alpine resort is surrounded on all sides by large mountains, the valley is reliably protected from cold winds. Using the lift, you can go up and find yourself in the thick of the snow-white clouds. Families with children feel good in Cervinia due to the fact that on its territory there is a kindergarten for children from 3 years old and a ski school for students from 5 years old. It won’t be difficult to find instructors for individual lessons, as there are several hundred of them working here. The resort town has several comfortable hotels and gourmet restaurants, the terraces of which offer breathtaking views of the snow-capped cliffs. Cervinia is also famous for its highest pendulum lift in all of Europe, which allows you to easily reach the glaciers of Valle d'Aosta.
Champoluc
Champoluc is part of the Monterosa mountain range, which is the hallmark of the Pennine Alps. This is a small, cozy, cute village where families with children and advanced skiers can find hobbies. A truly Italian atmosphere and amazing tranquility reign here, so lovers of noisy and stormy festivities may get bored in Champoluc. Beautiful panoramas are complemented by small cafes, bars, all kinds of shops and hotels with a high level of service. A big plus of the resort is the presence of an English school, where instructors are ready to teach their students of different ages (including children from 4 years old) skiing in several languages. Parents will be able to resort to babysitting services. Due to the fact that the snow coverage is 97%, the elevation difference is impressive in its diversity (from 1212 to 3275 meters), and among the numerous slopes there are red, blue and black, the resort is a good place for people with different levels of training. Champoluc attracts many who love the mountains and skiing. In addition, these places are considered one of the best solutions for freeride. Different options for apartments and hotels will allow you to find a good deal for both large families with children and those traveling alone.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d'Ampezzo is the capital of the Olympic Games, which were held here in 1956. This magnificent city is located surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Dolomites right on one of them. The settlement is interesting not only for its unusual location, but also for its history and striking architecture, the hallmark of which is a chain of churches built many centuries ago. For several centuries this area was occupied by invaders, but despite this, Cortina d'Ampezzo was able to maintain an authentic atmosphere. The few residents of the city (there are about 6 thousand in total) communicate in Ladin, an ancient language. Tourists, whose total number significantly exceeds the number of local residents, bring revitalization to the life of the resort settlement. Thanks to its special location, protection from cold wind currents is provided, and the sun shines about 7 hours a day. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that lovers of various types of recreation prefer to come here. Fans of extreme sports can expect 86 trails with a length of 120 km (among them there are those intended for beginners), a gradation of altitudes from 1224 to 3000 meters, and the opportunity to engage in ski mountaineering, mountain skating, and freeride. Cortina d'Ampezzo has four ski schools with a total of 300 instructors. Fans of shopping and relaxing pastime will be able to visit numerous boutiques, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Those who come to enjoy the nightlife will find what they want in the clubs and bars.
Livigno
The relatively young Italian ski resort of Livigno is located at the foot of the Little Tibet Mountain near the direct border with Switzerland. They get here during the season by bus from Zurich, Milan, Verona, Bergamo or Innsbruck, where they usually arrive by plane. It is one of the most remote, so lovers of a calm, measured holiday and those who like to drive on the mountain slopes like to come here. The tracks, of which there are 76 with a total length of 115 km, are well equipped, and the snow cover is as safe as possible. The elevation difference varies from 1800 to 2900 meters. This is a real paradise for experienced snowboarders and freestylers! However, there are also activities for beginners in alpine skiing. The peak of Corosello is ideal for them, where you can reach it by rope tow. And if you get tired of driving on snowy roads and want to warm up, you can go to nearby Bormeo and bask in its hot thermal waters. Livigno is worth a visit if only for its breathtaking views, which can be enjoyed on walks and ski lifts. Numerous options for hotels and apartments for different budgets will allow you to choose a suitable place to stay at an affordable price. In December, participants in the 35-kilometer ski marathon or those wishing to become spectators of this exciting event flock here. For travelers and residents of Livigno there are 7 schools where professional instructors teach skiing.
Madesimo
If you want to spend time away from the noise of the city, surrounded by mountains and other natural beauties in a romantic atmosphere, with the opportunity to go skiing, the resort of Madesimo in the Lombardy region is happy to welcome every such traveler. A small village with picturesque landscapes is located very close to Lake Como, literally on the border with Switzerland. Snowboarders and skiers with an average level of training mainly practice on the slopes, but professionals will also be interested here. Madesimo has trails of varying lengths and heights. The resort is quite lively on weekends, but weekdays are usually much quieter. Its big advantage is the ideal ratio of quality and price. Many cafes, pizzerias, restaurants, and bars will allow you to have a pleasant time enjoying delicious dishes and your favorite drinks without spending exorbitant amounts of money. Despite the fact that Madesimo is a very small town with a population of 600 people, celebrities who love skiing and mountain panoramas often come here. Therefore, there is no doubt about the quality of service and infrastructure development. In recent years, large financial investments have been made into the resort, thanks to which improved ski lifts, a comfortable funicular with eight-seater cabins and the first underground cable car in Italy have appeared here. Madesimo continues to develop rapidly, opening up even more prospects for an excellent holiday for every taste.
Courmayeur
Courmayeur is one of the most fashionable ski resorts in Italy, located at the foot of the highest point in Europe - Mont Blanc. Located at the intersection of the borders of France, Switzerland, Italy and part of a single system with Verbier and Chamonix, it is the most ambitious skiing area. This is truly a luxurious location for a comfortable and varied pastime. First of all, Courmayeur attracts tourists from different parts of Italy and many countries of the world with its enormous opportunities in terms of skiing.