The most beautiful ski resorts in Italy: a definitive guide to winter in the Alps and Dolomites

The Italian winter landscape offers a sophisticated tapestry of jagged limestone peaks, high-altitude glaciers, and alpine villages where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary luxury. For the discerning traveler, skiing in Italy is not merely an athletic pursuit but a profound cultural immersion—a harmonious blend of technical excellence, breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage scenery, and a world-renowned gastronomic heritage.

From the dramatic, pink-hued spires of the Dolomites to the towering 4,000-meter giants of the Aosta Valley, the Italian Peninsula provides some of the most diverse and high-quality winter sports experiences in the world. This comprehensive guide explores the premier skiing destinations that define the Italian winter, focusing on locations that offer a seamless integration of:

• World-class infrastructure: high-speed lift systems and impeccably groomed runs.
• Authentic local character: historic mountain villages and Ladin or Piedmontese traditions.
• Luxury hospitality: premier wellness retreats and Michelin-starred dining on the slopes.
• High-altitude certainty: reliable snow conditions across the Alps and the Apennines.

Whether you are seeking the challenging World Cup runs of the South Tyrol region or the chic, sun-drenched terraces of the Brenta Dolomites, understanding the nuances of each valley is essential for planning a bespoke Italian ski itinerary. This article provides the expert analysis and technical detail required to navigate the best ski resorts in Italy, ensuring an experience that balances alpine adventure with the timeless elegance of the dolce vita.

1. Cortina d’Ampezzo: the queen of the Dolomites

Commonly referred to as the "queen of the Dolomites," Cortina d’Ampezzo represents the pinnacle of Italian mountain glamour and alpine tradition. Located in the heart of the Ampezzo Valley within the province of Belluno, this world-class resort is framed by the most iconic limestone peaks in the Italian Alps, including the Tofane, Cristallo, and Sorapiss massifs.

The skiing experience

As a central hub of the Dolomiti Superski—the world’s largest interconnected ski carousel—Cortina provides seamless access to 1,200 kilometers of slopes with a single integrated pass. The terrain is strategically divided into three distinct areas that cater to diverse technical abilities:

• Tofane: this area is home to the legendary Olympia delle Tofane run, a prestigious fixture on the Women's Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. It is highly recommended for those seeking sun-drenched, technical slopes and high-speed descents.
• Faloria-Cristallo: offering some of the highest altitudes in the valley, this sector is known for its extended ski season and breathtaking panoramas. The steep "canali" (couloirs) of Monte Cristallo provide an exhilarating challenge for expert skiers.
• Lagazuoi-5 Torri: widely considered the most scenic sector, it serves as the starting point for the Great War Ski Tour. This unique itinerary connects the pristine downhill runs of the Dolomites with open-air museums documenting the high-altitude battles of WWI.

Atmosphere and culture

Beyond the technicality of the slopes, the allure of Cortina d’Ampezzo lies in its sophisticated social fabric. The center of town is defined by Corso Italia, a prestigious pedestrianized thoroughfare lined with high-fashion boutiques, world-class art galleries, and historic cafés that serve as the epicenter of the Italian après-ski tradition.

The town’s global prestige is currently reaching new heights as it prepares to co-host the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. For the independent traveler, this ensures continued investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure and luxury services. The culinary landscape is equally formidable, boasting several Michelin-starred restaurants and refined rifugi (mountain huts) where guests can sample authentic Ampezzo specialties such as casunziei—hand-crafted beetroot pasta served with melted butter and poppy seeds.

2. Val Gardena: technical excellence and Ladin heritage

Situated in the heart of South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Val Gardena—known as Gröden in German—is frequently cited by industry experts as one of the best-managed ski resorts globally. Comprising the three primary villages of Selva (Wolkenstein), Santa Cristina, and Ortisei (St. Ulrich), the valley is a bastion of Ladin culture, an ancient Rhaeto-Romanic ethnic group celebrated for its unique language and world-class wood-carving traditions.

The Sellaronda circuit: a bucket-list ski tour

The primary draw for global travelers is the Sellaronda, a legendary circular ski route that circumnavigates the massive Sella massif. This 40-kilometer (25-mile) circuit seamlessly connects four Ladin valleys—Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, and Val di Fassa—and can be completed in a single day without ever repeating the same slope. It represents the pinnacle of the Dolomiti Superski experience, offering a fluid transition between modern lift systems and high-altitude scenery.

Technical slope highlights: from Saslong to Seceda

For the independent traveler seeking technical variety, Val Gardena provides some of the most iconic terrain in the Italian Alps:

• Saslong: located in Santa Cristina, this is one of the most famous downhill courses on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. Expert skiers can test their skills on the "Camel Humps" (Gobbe del Cammello), a section where professionals can jump up to 80 meters (approx. 260 feet).
• Seceda: accessible via a cable car from Ortisei, this mountain features a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) descent—the longest in the South Tyrol region. The run provides unparalleled views of the Odle (Geisler) peaks, a dramatic limestone formation protected by UNESCO.
• Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): spanning 56 square kilometers (over 13,000 acres), this is Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow. It offers gentle, wide slopes and refined sun terraces, making it the ideal destination for those seeking a relaxed pace amidst a postcard-perfect Dolomite landscape.

3. Alta Badia: the epicenter of alpine gastronomy

Contiguous with Val Gardena and nestled within a sun-drenched basin, Alta Badia is widely considered the most "gourmet" ski destination in Italy. This valley, centered around the upscale villages of San Cassiano, La Villa, and Corvara, has carved a prestigious niche for travelers who prioritize epicurean experiences as much as pristine, world-class slopes. As a central part of the Dolomiti Superski area, it offers a refined atmosphere that balances the rugged beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage peaks with a high concentration of Michelin-starred excellence.

The "taste for skiing": a fusion of sport and fine dining

Alta Badia pioneered the revolutionary concept of Sciare con Gusto (a taste for skiing), a seasonal initiative that elevates the mountain experience through a collaboration between world-renowned chefs and local mountain huts.

• Gourmet rifugi: throughout the winter, skiers can traverse from one rifugio to another, sampling signature appetizers designed by Michelin-starred chefs using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
• Sommelier on the slopes: this exclusive experience allows independent travelers to participate in guided wine tastings held at high-altitude huts, showcasing the finest labels of the South Tyrol (Alto Adige) viticulture region.
• Sun-exposed terrain: the valley’s unique topography ensures that many of its terraces remain bathed in sunlight, making it the premier location for long, sophisticated lunches overlooking the Sella massif.

Notable runs: from technical challenges to scenic wonders

For the meticulous planner, Alta Badia offers two of the most distinct skiing experiences in the Dolomites:

• Gran Risa: located in La Villa, this is one of the most technical and demanding Giant Slalom tracks on the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit. The run descends steeply through dense pine forests, offering a high-adrenaline challenge for advanced skiers.
• Armentarola: frequently cited as the most beautiful ski run in the world, this hidden gem leads skiers away from the main lift systems into a silent, frozen landscape of waterfalls and dramatic peaks. The run concludes with a unique, traditional horse-drawn ski lift, where a team of Noriker horses pulls skiers across the flat valley floor—a quintessential authentic travel experience.

4. Breuil-Cervinia: high-altitude glaciers and the Matterhorn

In the northwestern corner of Italy, within the rugged Aosta Valley, Breuil-Cervinia offers a starkly different aesthetic from the limestone spires of the Dolomites. Here, the landscape is defined by the sheer scale of the "big four": Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, the Gran Paradiso, and the unmistakable, pyramid-shaped Cervino (Matterhorn). This is a destination for travelers who prioritize snow certainty and the raw, majestic power of the high Alps.

International connectivity: the Matterhorn Alpine Crossing

Cervinia’s most significant technical asset is its extreme altitude. Reaching up to 3,480 meters (11,417 feet) at Plateau Rosa, it is one of the most snow-sure ski resorts in Europe, offering one of the longest winter seasons in the world.

• The Zermatt link: the resort is internationally connected with Zermatt in Switzerland, allowing travelers to cross the border on skis. This interconnected domain, known as the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, provides access to 360 kilometers of impeccably groomed runs.
• The Matterhorn Alpine Crossing: thanks to the fully operational Matterhorn Glacier Ride II, a state-of-the-art triple-cable gondola, visitors can now experience a seamless, year-round crossing between Italy and Switzerland. This is the highest international border crossing in the Alps, offering a luxury transit experience even for non-skiers.

Terrain characteristics and the legendary Ventina run

The skiing in Cervinia is characterized by its expansive, wide-open slopes located primarily above the treeline. This topography is ideal for high-speed carving and long, uninterrupted descents that are rare in other parts of the world.

• The Ventina run: this legendary 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) descent is a highlight of the Aosta Valley. Dropping from the glacier at Plateau Rosa down to the town center at 2,050 meters, it offers a varied technical challenge with a spectacular vertical drop.
• Snow: due to the resort's southern exposure and high elevation, the snow quality remains exceptionally dry and "powdery" throughout the winter, providing a consistent surface for technical skiing.
• Atmospheric luxury: while the terrain is vast, the village of Breuil-Cervinia has evolved into a hub of boutique hospitality, featuring high-end hotels that emphasize alpine wellness and panoramic views of the Matterhorn's southern face.

5. Courmayeur: chic elegance at the foot of Mont Blanc

Located at the Italian terminus of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, Courmayeur is a sophisticated luxury alpine destination that has successfully preserved its authentic medieval heart. As a long-standing favorite among the Milanese elite, the resort offers a refined balance between challenging high-altitude skiing and a vibrant, upscale social scene. It remains one of the most accessible yet exclusive gateways to the Aosta Valley.

SkyWay Monte Bianco: an engineering marvel

Even for non-skiers, the SkyWay Monte Bianco is an essential stop. This state-of-the-art rotating cable car ascends to Punta Helbronner (3,466m), providing a 360-degree panoramic view of the "roof of Europe."

• The gateway to adventure: for expert skiers and mountaineers, this is the access point for the Vallée Blanche, a world-famous 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) off-piste glacier run that descends into Chamonix, France.
• Luxury at altitude: the station features high-altitude wine cellars and the Feltrinelli bookshop—the highest in Europe—catering perfectly to the culturally curious traveler.

The resort vibe: a fusion of tradition and luxury hospitality

While Courmayeur’s ski area is relatively compact, its primarily north-facing slopes ensure excellent snow retention throughout the season. However, the town itself is the primary draw for many independent travelers.

• Via Roma: the heart of the village is the pedestrianized Via Roma, a narrow cobbled street dedicated to luxury shopping, historic architecture, and prestigious art galleries.
• The aperitivo ritual: the traditional Italian aperitivo culture is at its peak here. Following a day on the slopes, the bars along Via Roma become hubs of sophisticated socializing, where local wines from the Aosta Valley are paired with artisanal cheeses.
• Authentic architecture: unlike purpose-built modern resorts, Courmayeur is defined by its historic stone buildings and slate-roofed houses, offering a sense of historical continuity that mass-market destinations lack.

6. Madonna di Campiglio: the pearl of the Brenta Dolomites

Nestled in the heart of the Trentino region, Madonna di Campiglio is situated in a dramatic glacial valley between the Brenta Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the towering Adamello-Presanella glaciers. This resort is a destination of immense natural beauty and deep historical significance, having famously served as the preferred summer retreat for the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sissi. Today, it remains the ultimate destination for those seeking understated alpine elegance.

The Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta ski area

Madonna di Campiglio serves as the focal point of a massive, fully interconnected ski area that includes the slopes of Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva. This expansive network provides skiers with over 150 kilometers (93 miles) of diverse runs, accessible with a single integrated lift pass.

• Canalone Miramonti: this is one of Europe’s most historic slopes, home to the prestigious 3Tre Night Slalom World Cup. For advanced skiers, it offers a steep, technically demanding, and exhilarating challenge under floodlights.
• The Brenta Dolomites backdrop: unlike the pale limestone peaks of the Eastern Dolomites, the Brenta group is characterized by vertical towers of dark, jagged rock. This creates a unique, imposing backdrop for high-altitude winter sports and spectacular photography.
• DoloMitica run: for those seeking endurance, the DoloMitica is the longest and steepest run in the area, offering two technical variations that descend into the valley floor.

Lifestyle and wellness: the art of the alpine retreat

What truly distinguishes Madonna di Campiglio is its focus on the "après-ski lifestyle" and holistic well-being. The resort is renowned for its high concentration of five-star luxury wellness hotels, many of which feature world-class spas that utilize local alpine herbs and thermal spring waters.

• The evening passeggiata: the social heart of the resort is the pedestrianized center, where the ritual of the evening stroll (the passeggiata) around the frozen lake and through the boutique-lined streets is essential.
• Gourmet excellence: the dining scene is highly sophisticated, featuring Michelin-starred restaurants that reinterpret Trentino’s mountain traditions with contemporary flair.
• Winter trekking: for the independent traveler, the resort offers extensive snowshoeing trails through the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, providing a quiet, authentic connection with the alpine wilderness.

7. Livigno: Italy’s "little Tibet" and a duty-free haven

For travelers seeking a secluded, high-altitude sanctuary, Livigno offers an exceptional microclimate in the Lombardy region, situated along the mountainous border with Switzerland. Famously known as "little Tibet" due to its remote plateau location and consistently cold temperatures, the resort ensures one of the longest and most reliable snow seasons in the European Alps, with the village itself sitting at a high elevation of 1,816 meters (5,958 feet).

Duty-free status and luxury retail

Livigno holds a unique duty-free status, a historical tax-exempt privilege originally granted due to its winter isolation. This has transformed the town into a premier destination for luxury shopping in the Alps.

• Tax-free shopping: the pedestrianized town center features over 250 boutiques, where independent travelers can find high-end fashion, prestigious watch brands, and premium liquors at significantly lower prices than elsewhere in the European Union.
• Authentic alpine architecture: despite its retail prominence, Livigno has maintained its charm through traditional wooden "baiti" houses, offering a rustic aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with its contemporary luxury services.

Technical excellence: freeride and the Olympic legacy

As a host venue for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, Livigno has cemented its reputation as the European capital of freestyle and snowboarding. The ski area is split across two distinct mountains, providing a combined 115 kilometers (71 miles) of high-altitude terrain.

• Mottolino Fun Mountain: world-renowned for its award-winning snow park, this area is the heartbeat of freestyle skiing in Italy. It offers a vast network of technical features for professionals and extensive freeride zones for backcountry exploration.
• Carosello 3000: situated on the opposite side of the valley, this mountain is celebrated for its wide-open, "highway-style" slopes located entirely above the treeline. It is the perfect terrain for high-speed carving and enjoying the expansive, sunlit alpine plateaus.
• Active winter lifestyle: beyond alpine skiing, the valley’s flat floor is a world-class destination for cross-country skiing and fat-biking, catering to the active, health-conscious traveler.

8. Bormio: the Stelvio slope and ancient thermal traditions

Located in the heart of the Valtellina valley within the Lombardy region, Bormio is a premier alpine destination where world-class athletics and millennia-old wellness traditions are inextricably linked. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Ortler Alps, this historic town is currently in the global spotlight as a primary host venue for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, specifically for the men’s alpine skiing events.

The technical challenge: the legendary Stelvio slope

Bormio is synonymous with the Stelvio slope, widely regarded as one of the most difficult, icy, and technically demanding downhill courses on the FIS World Cup circuit.

• The vertical drop: Bormio boasts one of the most impressive vertical drops in Italy, descending from Cima Bianca (3,012m) to the town center (1,225m). This creates a continuous 1,787-meter (5,862-foot) descent that is a "bucket list" challenge for expert skiers.
• Snow reliability: due to its high altitude and advanced snow-making infrastructure, the resort offers exceptional snow certainty from early December through April, making it a reliable choice for the independent traveler.

Ancient thermal heritage: wellness at the foot of the glaciers

What truly distinguishes Bormio from its Alpine rivals is its ancient thermal heritage, dating back to the Roman era. For the culturally curious traveler, the opportunity to combine high-altitude skiing with a visit to historic thermal baths offers an unparalleled level of relaxation.

• QC Terme Bagni Vecchi: the "Old Baths" feature a spectacular Roman tunnel that leads to a panoramic outdoor pool carved directly into the rock. It offers 360-degree views of the snowy valley, providing a quintessential authentic Italy experience.
• QC Terme Bagni Nuovi: the "New Baths" (dating to the 19th century) offer sprawling gardens and grand neoclassical architecture, emphasizing the luxury wellness aspect of a Valtellina winter holiday.
• Gastronomy of the Valtellina: after the slopes and the spas, the experience is completed by the local culinary scene. Travelers should seek out pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta with alpine cheese and greens) and the region’s prestigious Nebbiolo-based red wines, such as Sforzato di Valtellina.

9. Sestriere and the Via Lattea: the Olympic legacy

Situated in the Piedmont region, the Via Lattea (the Milky Way) represents one of the most expansive international ski areas in Europe. At its heart lies Sestriere, a resort with a unique historical pedigree: it was purpose-built in the 1930s by the Agnelli family, the founders of FIAT, as a dedicated mountain retreat for their workers and the Italian elite. Later, this high-altitude hub gained global fame as the primary alpine site for the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.

A vast international ski domain: from Italy to France

With over 400 kilometers (250 miles) of interconnected slopes, the Via Lattea is a paradise for explorers who enjoy cross-border skiing. One of the most alluring features for the independent traveler is the ability to ski from Italy into Montgenèvre, France, using a single integrated lift pass.

• Interconnected villages: the network links several distinct resorts, including the high-altitude towers of Sestriere, the charming larch-filled slopes of Sauze d’Oulx, the tranquil village of Sansicario, and the frontier town of Claviere.
• Technical terrain: for advanced skiers, the Kandahar Banchetta run is a must. This Olympic-standard downhill course offers a significant vertical drop and a sustained technical challenge through the woods.
• Intermediate cruising: the area is particularly celebrated for its vast network of "red" runs, which are ideal for intermediate skiers who enjoy traveling long distances between different alpine valleys in a single day.

Altitude and atmosphere: high-altitude reliability

One of Sestriere’s primary advantages is its elevation. Sitting at 2,035 meters (6,676 feet), the village itself is one of the highest in the Alps, which ensures excellent snow quality and a long winter season.

• Dining and social scene: while Sestriere offers a vibrant Piedmontese culinary scene—heavy on truffles, hearty stews, and Barolo wines—Sauze d’Oulx provides a more relaxed, tree-lined setting with sun-drenched terraces perfect for an afternoon aperitivo.
• Olympic infrastructure: the legacy of the 2006 Games means the resort benefits from high-capacity lifts and professional-grade grooming standards, making it a top-tier choice for a luxury winter vacation in Piedmont.

10. Roccaraso: the crown jewel of the Apennines

While the Alps often dominate the global winter narrative, Roccaraso—situated in the Abruzzo region of Central Italy—serves as the definitive destination for travelers seeking an authentic, high-caliber experience outside the northern ranges. As the heart of the Alto Sangro ski domain, it is the largest and most technologically advanced resort in the Apennine chain, offering an infrastructure that rivals prestigious Alpine stations in both variety and quality.

The skiing experience in the Alto Sangro domain

For the meticulous planner, Roccaraso represents a discovery of vast, high-altitude terrain. The area encompasses over 110 kilometers (68 miles) of interconnected runs, linking Roccaraso with the neighboring villages of Rivisondoli and Pescocostanzo under a single lift pass.

• Aremogna and Monte Pratello: these sectors offer wide, sweeping glacial bowls and technical descents that reach altitudes of 2,141 meters (7,024 feet). The terrain is surprisingly varied, featuring steep "black" runs for experts and extensive off-piste opportunities following the heavy, characteristic Apennine snowfalls.
• Modernized infrastructure: as of the 2025/2026 winter season, the resort has finalized major upgrades, including state-of-the-art high-speed gondolas and expanded snow-making capabilities. This ensures a consistent and reliable season even during milder Mediterranean winters.
• Proximity to the capital: its location makes it the premier choice for skiing near Rome, allowing travelers to transition from the historic center of the Eternal City to the snow-covered peaks of Abruzzo in under three hours.

Atmosphere and the "authentic Italy" of Abruzzo

What distinguishes Roccaraso from the more commercialized northern resorts is its profound connection to Italian heritage and the wild beauty of the Majella National Park.

• Pescocostanzo: located just minutes from the slopes, this village is officially recognized as one of the Borghi più belli d’Italia (Italy’s most beautiful villages). It is a Renaissance gem of stone-carved portals and artisan shops famous for traditional lace-making and filigree jewelry.
• The Trans-Siberian of Italy: for a truly exclusive experience, travelers can board the Ferrovia dei Parchi—a historic rail line that traverses the snowy plateaus of the Abruzzo highlands. It is widely considered one of the most scenic winter train journeys in Europe.
• Abruzzese gastronomy: the local culinary scene is robust and authentic. After a day on the mountain, travelers can enjoy arrosticini (hand-cut lamb skewers) and maccheroni alla chitarra, paired with the bold, high-altitude red wines of the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo region.

Planning your Italian ski vacation: essential timing and travel logistics

Planning a seamless winter escape requires a nuanced understanding of Italy’s regional geography and seasonal shifts. For the independent traveler, balancing the timing of the visit with efficient logistics is the key to transitioning from a bustling metropolitan airport to the tranquility of a high-altitude rifugio.

When to plan your Italian ski vacation: a seasonal overview

The Italian ski season generally commences in early December and extends through mid-April, though high-altitude resorts like Breuil-Cervinia and Passo Tonale often enjoy much longer windows.

• December: festive charm and the "Immacolata": early December is defined by the Immacolata holiday (December 8th), which officially kicks off the season. While some slopes may rely on advanced snow-making technology, the atmosphere is unparalleled due to the traditional Christmas markets and festive lighting in villages like Ortisei and Cortina.
• January: the connoisseur’s choice: generally the coldest and quietest month, January offers the best snow quality and "dry" powder conditions. It is the ideal period for those seeking empty slopes and maximum technical performance.
• February: peak season energy: this is the busiest month, coinciding with European school holidays and the Carnival season. Expect a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere, but ensure that boutique hotel reservations and restaurant tables are booked months in advance.
• March and April: the "spring skiing" experience: characterized by longer days and milder temperatures, this period is perfect for the "lifestyle" skier. The focus shifts to sun-drenched terrace lunches and afternoon aperitivi in the sun, with the best snow conditions found in the early morning hours.

Logistics and accessibility: navigating the Italian mountains

Italy’s premier ski resorts are well-connected to major international hubs, but the final leg of the journey often requires specialized planning for a truly bespoke experience.

• The North (Alps and Dolomites): travelers should utilize Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), or Venice Marco Polo (VCE) as their primary gateways. From these hubs, private cars or private chauffeur transfers are the most efficient way to reach the Dolomites or the Aosta Valley. For a more authentic experience, the "Freccia Neve" (high-speed rail) provides seasonal connections to mountain hubs like Oulx and Bolzano.
• Central Italy (The Apennines): for those looking to combine a cultural tour with winter sports, Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is the strategic choice. Roccaraso is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from the capital, making it a viable and sophisticated weekend addition to a Roman itinerary.
• Cross-border travel: when staying in resorts like Breuil-Cervinia or Sestriere, ensure your ski pass (Skipass) includes the international extension. This allows for seamless cross-border transit into Switzerland or France, provided you carry the necessary travel documentation on your person.

Conclusion: embracing the Italian winter philosophy

Skiing in Italy is a multi-sensory experience that extends far beyond the technical quality of the snow or the speed of the lifts. It is a philosophy that balances athletic rigor with the dolce vita—an approach to the mountains that prioritizes authentic cultural immersion alongside world-class sport.

This unique spirit is found in the following elements:

• Natural wonders: the geological marvel of the Enrosadira—the phenomenon where the Dolomites turn a fiery, ethereal red at sunset.
• Regional diversity: the silent, ancient larch forests of the Aosta Valley and the rugged, sun-drenched plateaus of Abruzzo.
• Gastronomic heritage: the unparalleled warmth of a high-altitude mountain rifugio serving slow-cooked polenta and local wines by a crackling fire.

For the independent traveler seeking an alternative to the mass-market resorts of the northern Alps, Italy provides a rare combination of cutting-edge infrastructure and a deeply rooted sense of place. Whether descending the Olympic runs of Cortina d’Ampezzo or exploring the historic villages of Pescocostanzo, the Italian winter offers a sanctuary where history, luxury, and nature converge. To choose an Italian ski resort is to choose an experience that nourishes the soul as much as it challenges the body.

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