The Best Ski Resorts in Italy

The best ski resorts in Italy are those that take advantage of everything the nation’s northern mountains have to offer. Dolomite views that take the breath away and sensational cuisine as exciting as the highest slopes are what make Italian ski resorts rank amongst the best ski resorts in Europe. Whether you’re a family making their first descent or a band of intermediates daring to take on higher pistes, there are ski resorts across Italy to suit every skill level.

If you’re craving an Italian ski escape but are unsure where to look, The Snow Centre are here to point you in the right direction with ten of the best ski resorts in Italy. From the best family-friendly ski destinations to those offering the higher altitudes, we’ve got it all.

We spoke with our experts at The Snow Centre, and in this guide to the best ski resorts in Italy, you'll discover:

Pila
Livigno
Passo Tonale and Ponte di Legno
Courmayeur
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Sauze d’Oulx
Madonna di Campiglio
Bormio
Cervino
La Thuile

1. Pila

Nestled in the Aosta Valley, Pila reaches heights of up to 2,700 metres and offers 70km of slopes for skiers of all skill levels. Beginners can find their snow legs in the Baby Gorraz, while the daring can race down the Chamolé, Couis, and Platta of Grevon. Views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn make Pila a must-visit for those dreaming of a Dolomite escape. When skiers reach the bottom, the Roman town of Aosta is just a short gondola journey away, offering abundant après-ski options and restaurants to enjoy classic Italian cuisine.

Slopes for both beginners and those seeking a challenge.
70km of slopes.
Peaks reaching as tall as 2,700 metres.
Exceptional views of Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, and the Matterhorn.
The town of Aosta offers après-ski and restaurants.
Open from late November to mid-April.

2. Livigno

Spanning an area of 100km and 115km of slopes, Livigno is the perfect Italian ski resort for those looking to get some quality ski time while soaking up incredible mountain views. With several ski schools and experienced instructors, Livigno has the expertise to help skiers of any level get the most out of their trip. Descending the slopes of the Mottolino or Carosello 3000, visitors can push themselves and their skills before a visit to the panoramic terrace for a sunlit afternoon drink. With plenty of gondolas, chairlifts, and ski lifts too, navigating Livigno couldn’t be easier.

115km of slopes.
Slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers.
Offers ski schools and experienced instructors.
The panoramic terrace offers the perfect spot to admire the scenic views.
Open from late November to the start of May.

3. Passo Tonale and Ponte di Legno

With 46 total runs, the slopes between Passo Tonale and Ponte di Legno provide the perfect ski conditions. These resorts share a ski area of between 1,121 and 3,000 metres, meaning beginners and experts alike can find the perfect slope. Sailing through lush forests of pine and spruce or open tundras that stretch on as far as the eye can see, skiers will find these resorts to be both thrilling and beautiful. Featuring plenty of ski lifts and a free ski bus service, these resorts are accessible for all, and they also offer a range of activities to complete the perfect day on the slopes, from après-ski to a visit to the health spa.

A total of 46 slopes between two resorts.
Altitudes ranging from 1,121 to 3,000 metres.
Beautiful forest and mountain scenery.
Free ski bus service.
Apres-ski and on-ski activities.
Open from late November to early May.

4. Courmayeur

Sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur makes a strong case for being the most picturesque Italian ski resort. With 100km of pistes in what is a relatively small ski area, Courmayeur offers both open and forested slopes for skiers to descend how they like. Most runs are tailored to intermediate skiers, and those looking to venture off-piste can do so with the help of dedicated guides. The Helbronner cable car grants impeccable views of Mont Blanc, and lunchtimes become classic Italian feasts with the resort’s sensational restaurant offering.

Picturesque resort at the base of Mont Blanc.
100km of pistes for intermediate skiers.
A range of open, forested, and off-piste slopes.
Delicious Italian cuisine available.
Open from late November to early April.

5. Cortina d’Ampezzo

Famed for staging the Winter Olympics back in 1956, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of Italy’s most popular resorts, and it’s no surprise as to why. Though not located near an airport, this resort can be found in the southern Dolomites, allowing skiers to soar down peaks of up to 1,611 metres in altitude. Across its different ski areas, beginners can find nursery slopes in Tofana–Socrepes, while those looking for a piste with a hint of attitude can take the cable car up to the advanced Faloria–Cristallo slopes. Aperitivo and après-ski opportunities make this resort a delight for all.

Host of the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Reaches skiing altitudes of 1,611 metres.
Offers nursery slopes and advanced slopes across its diverse ski areas.
Abundant aperitivo and après-ski opportunities.
Open from late November to early May.

6. Sauze d’Oulx

Families looking for the best ski resort in Italy will find Sauze d’Oulx to deliver in all the ways that matter. Found in the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, this resort grants access to 100km of ski runs and easy travel to France’s Montgenèvre. While offering adventurous routes across Kandahar, Sauze-Joux, and Melezet, Sauze d’Oulx is tailor-made for families looking to learn the ropes. The Sauze d'Oulx Snow School offers special programmes for parents and children, and the pedestrianised town centre grants safe access to playrooms, restaurants, and winter activities.

Provides access to the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area.
100km of pistes.
Perfect for families looking to enjoy quality time on the slopes.
Safe and child-friendly town centre.
Open from early December to late April.

7. Madonna di Campiglio

Offering 150km of slopes, Madonna di Campiglio is the perfect Italian ski resort for new or developing skiers to build confidence and skill. These forested slopes located in the Brenta Dolomites are outstanding for beginners, with top-tier nursery slopes just a short bus ride away at Carlo Magno and gentle slopes found across the open Grostè area. The resort itself is built with traditional Alpine charm, making exploring its après-ski and culinary scene a joy.

Stunning views of the Brenta Dolomites.
150km of slopes.
Ideal for developing skiers looking to improve their basic skiing skills.
Traditional alpine resort with plenty of après-ski opportunities.
Open from late November to mid-April.

8. Bormio

Challenge, thrills, satisfaction – it’s all at Bormio. With slopes climbing as high as 3,000 metres, this Italian resort is known for being the perfect testing ground for advanced skiers looking to take on the long, vertical drop. With 50km of slopes in total, Bormio takes skiing to the extreme while also offering something for families and inexperienced skiers to get in on the action. Its historic town also features three internationally renowned spas and a rustic charm ripe for exploration.

Thrilling slopes climbing up to 3,000 metres.
Ideal for advanced skiers looking for a serious challenge.
Immense vertical slopes.
50km of slopes.
Rustic town with famous spas.
Open from early December to mid-April.

9. Cervino

Also known as Cervinia, Cervino boasts a network of slopes that connects it with Switzerland’s Zermatt and the famous Matterhorn (Monte Cervino). As one of the highest ski resorts in the Alps (and the highest in Italy) at 2,050 metres, Cervino offers 150km of pistes with diverse options spread throughout its different areas. The Laghi Cime Bianche area provides steep runs to the more experienced, while Plan Maison is ideal for new skiers to build confidence. Packed with historic beauty, this resort offers plenty of après-ski options and an abundance of places to appreciate the surrounding mountains.

150km of slopes.
The highest ski resort in Italy at 2,050 metres.
Accessible for skiers of every skill level.
Historic resort with unique charm and scenery.
Open from late October to early May.

10. La Thuile

Offering 152km of runs across 80 slopes, La Thuile can be found in the Aosta Valley and is connected to France’s La Rosière as part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area. With fresh investment, this resort is only getting better, with new chairlifts making Mont Valaisan more accessible than ever. The Aosta Valley is known for its snow quality, and La Thuile takes full advantage with its intricate network of slopes for every level of skier. The incredible scenery makes these descents even better, and the resort itself is a relatively quiet retreat, making for ideal après-ski trips.

Part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area.
152km of slopes.
Recent investments mean ever-improving facilities.
Its location in the Aosta Valley makes it a relatively quiet resort.
Open from late november to mid-April.

Get Ski Holiday Ready at The Snow Centre

When you take your pick of any of these excellent Italian ski resorts, you will be sure to have an incredible time out on the slopes. If you’re looking to learn to ski before heading on your holiday or just shake off some of the rust, our ski lessons at Manchester and Hemel Hempstead cater for all ages and abilities, from beginners to experts and kids to adults. You can find the perfect lesson out on our slopes.
If you have any questions about our ski lessons, be sure to contact us, and a member of our team will be happy to help. Fancy finding out more about the best skiing resorts for those new to skiing? Why not check out our guide to the best ski resorts for beginners?