Italian Ski Resorts : 7 Great Spots to Relax on Vacation

Covered with a thick layer of snow, the Italian Alps is a recognized paradise for alpine skiers who come there from all over the world. Italy's ski resorts offer well-groomed slopes, excellent service, well-developed infrastructure and many activities besides skiing - from dog sledding rides to outdoor thermal spas overlooking the snow-capped peaks of the Alps.

That’s why the white resorts in Italy are so often chosen for winter holidays. You will find the right place for any budget, mood and the percentage of adrenaline in the blood. Those who have just started skiing will be able to relax on light tracks in the Dolomite Alps valleys, cross-country skiing fans will like Kronplatz, and extreme sportsmen will find where to ski on the expanses of Cervinia’s black tracks.

Wherever you go, a great vacation awaits you, and with the exotic car rental in Lucca you can’t only get to your favorite resort, but also see many amazing sights along the way.

So, where to go and what to expect from Italian ski resorts?

Dolomites

This is the largest, the most crowded and the most popular ski region in Italy. There are about 15 valleys and more than 1,500 km of slopes of any complexity - from ‘green’ tracks for a leisurely walk to dangerous ‘black’ tracks. You can relax in small alpine villages – there are many of them on the slopes. The villages have everything you need for relaxation: restaurants of Italian cuisine, spas, as well as very beautiful nature presented with pine forests and picturesque frozen waterfalls.

The main resorts of the region are Val di Fassa, Marmolada, Val Gardena, Val di Fiemme, Arabba, Kronplatz, Zolda, San Martino di Castrozza, Sappada, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Alta Pusteria, Civetta Valle Isarco, Alta Badia, and Tre Valli.

Dolomiti di Brenta

The resort is especially popular among young people. Dolomiti di Brenta offers 260 km of various tracks and no less diverse atmosphere filled with chic, pomposity and fun. Local activities include discos featuring famous DJs, a medieval carnival, and dog sleigh rides. Add the proximity to the city of art of Verona and the opportunity to visit the beautiful Bolzano and Trento.

The main resorts of the region are Madonna di Campiglio, Val di Sole, Pinzolo, Andalo, and Passo Tonale.

Alta Valtellina

This is a resort for professionals and those who just try to become an advanced skier. The focus on Alta Valtellina is not massive, so the prices here are significantly lower than in the regions mentioned above. However, if you wish, you can also find uncomplicated routes - though rather ‘blue’ than ‘green’ tracks.

There is not much social life there, as the resort is oriented more to athletes than to holidaymakers. It’s here, in the resort of Bormio, that one of the best thermal centers in the Italian Alps is located.

The main resorts of the region are Bormio, Valdidentro, Madesimo, Livigno, Santa Caterina and Aprica.

Val d'Aosta

Val d’Aosta is the most expensive ski region in Italy, and the outstanding level of service corresponds to these high prices: ultra-modern hotels and lodges, a wide selection of non-sports activities - cafes, restaurants, bars and disco. 

It’s also the highest mountain region of the Alps - you can start the descent from the height of 3,500 meters. From Val d'Aosta you can drive to France and Switzerland - there are well-known ‘black’ tracks for extreme sportsmen, where international competitions are often held.

The main resorts of the region are Courmayeur, La Thuile, Cervinia, Pila, Monte Rosa and Aosta.

Val di Susa

This is the western ski region of Italy with a vertical drop from 2,800 to 1,300 meters. Most of the tracks are ‘red’, but you can find something for any level of skiing. As for entertainment, there are indoor pools, many restaurants and bars with live music. 

Also, from here you can go to Nice by train. The scenery outside the window is very beautiful. 

The main resorts of the region are Sestriere, Limone Piemonte, Sauze d'Oulx and Bardonecchia.

Trento

Trento is the best ski resort in Italy for those who want to avoid huge crowds: there are few skiers there, but a rich excursion program has been developed.

This is facilitated by the abundance of medieval fortresses and castles and the picturesque surroundings of alpine lakes. Trento is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Mostly, travelers from European countries have a rest there.

The main resort of the region is Terlago.

Alta Badia

Alta Badia ski resort is located in the southeast of South Tyrol, which is 1,300 meters above sea level, in the center of the Dolomiti Superski ski run. This place is perfect for exploring the Dolomites. The ski season is open from late November till mid-April, during this period it’s impossible to find a better place for skiing and snowboarding.

The resort is equipped with modern ski lifts and prepared ski slopes. Alta Badia is especially popular with experienced skiers, but there’s also a small ski area for children and beginners.