10 Best Ski Resorts In Italy

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

Are you planning a ski trip to Italy and looking for the best ski resorts in Italy to hit the slopes? Look no further! Italy is home to some of the most breathtaking ski resorts in the world, nestled in the heart of the Alps. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, there's a resort that caters to your needs.

With over 300 ski resorts to choose from, we've narrowed down the top 10 ski resorts in Italy that offer the best skiing experience. From the sophisticated alpine town of Cortina d'Ampezzo to the picturesque slopes of Cervinia, you'll find a resort that suits your preferences and skill level. Each of Italy's ski resorts offers unique slopes, ranging from groomed black trails to off-piste skiing, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable ski adventure in Italy!

1. Cortina d'Ampezzo

If you're looking for an Italy ski resort that offers world-class skiing and breathtaking mountain views, then Cortina D'Ampezzo should be on your list. Located in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cortina D'Ampezzo is the most upmarket ski resort in Italy. It will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, which is a testament to the quality of the resort.

Cortina D'Ampezzo has superb on-piste skiing, with over 120 km of slopes catering to all levels of skiers. The resort has a total of five ski areas, including Tofane, Faloria-Cristallo, Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi, and San Vito-Auronzo-Misurina. The slopes are well-groomed, and the lift system is modern and efficient.

Apart from skiing, Cortina D'Ampezzo offers a range of other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and tobogganing. You can also take a break from skiing and explore the town's culture and history during your ski holiday. The town has a rich heritage, and you can visit museums, churches, and landmarks.

Cortina D'Ampezzo is located in Northern Italy, and it's easy to get there by car or public transport. The resort has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to chalets and apartments. You can also enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in the resort's many restaurants and cafes.

2. Livigno

When in search for an affordable ski resort that offers a low-key atmosphere, Livigno is one of the best places to ski in Italy. Located near the Swiss border, Livigno is known for its duty-free shopping and lively après-ski scene, making it a popular destination for skiers and non-skiers.

Livigno offers 115 kilometers of conventional slopes, as well as freeriding and fun parks, making it a great choice for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. However, beginners will also find plenty of runs to enjoy, as Livigno is generally promoted as an ideal destination for those just starting out.

One of the best things about Livigno is that it's a budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for those who want to save money on their ski trip. The ski resort offers a quality experience on the ski terrain without breaking the bank, making it an attractive option for those on a tighter budget.

3. Cervinia

If you're a fan of freestyle skiing and want to visit one of the highest ski villages in the Italian Alps, Cervinia is one of the top ski resorts to visit. Located in the Aosta Valley, Cervinia is a modern resort with snow-sure slopes and cross-border skiing into Switzerland. The Matterhorn is also visible from the slopes, making it an excellent place to ski with stunning views.

Cervinia is ideal for beginners and intermediates on early or late-season trips. The slopes rise to 3,480m, and there are plenty of wide-open slopes perfect for groomer cruisers. Ski-in/ski-out accommodation is also available, making it convenient for skiers.

The town of Cervinia, originally known as Breuil-Cervinia, is not the prettiest but contains plenty of cozy cafes, excellent restaurants, and surprisingly upmarket hotels. It's also considerably cheaper to stay here than in Zermatt, where Breitling and Rolex stores sit side-by-side with ski shops on the high street.

One of the highlights of skiing in Cervinia is the opportunity to ski across the border into Switzerland's Zermatt. The Swiss border is only a few kilometers away, and with the Matterhorn in the background, it's a breathtaking experience.

Here are some key facts about Cervinia:

• Altitude: 2,050m
• Slopes rise to: 3,480m
• Ski-in/ski-out accommodation available
• Wide open slopes perfect for groomer cruisers
• Cross-border skiing into Switzerland's Zermatt

Cervinia is undoubtedly one of the best ski resorts in Italy and should be on your list if you're planning a ski trip.

4. Val Gardena

Val Gardena, situated in the heart of the Dolomites, is a world-renowned ski resort that offers a unique cross-country skiing experience. It is part of the Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski area in the world, with over 1200 km of ski slopes. Val Gardena is made up of three villages: Ortisei, San Cristina, and Selva Val Gardena. Each village has its own charm and character, and all offer excellent skiing opportunities.

One of the highlights of Val Gardena is the Sella Ronda, a 26 km ski circuit that takes you around the Sella Massif. The Sella Ronda is suitable for intermediate skiers and offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites. If you're an advanced skier, you can try the La Longia, a challenging black run that is over 10 km long.

Val Gardena is also home to the Dolomiti Superski, which offers a vast network of ski slopes that cater to all levels of skiers. With over 1200 km of ski slopes, you can ski for weeks without ever getting bored. The ski area is well connected, and you can easily ski from one resort to another.

Selva Val Gardena is the largest village in Val Gardena and is situated at the foot of the Sella Massif. It is an excellent base for exploring the Dolomites and offers a wide range of skiing opportunities. The village has a lively Italian atmosphere and is home to many bars, restaurants, and shops.

Ortisei is a picturesque village that is known for its traditional Tyrolean architecture. It is an excellent base for families and beginners, with many gentle slopes and ski schools. The village also has a good selection of restaurants and shops and après ski opportunities.

5. Alta Badia

For a ski resort that offers both challenging runs for advanced skiers and a family-friendly atmosphere, Alta Badia might be the perfect destination for your next ski holiday. Located in the Südtirol region of the Italian Dolomites, Alta Badia is a collective name for an area covering several villages, including Corvara, San Cassiano, and La Villa.

With 130 km of its own runs and access to the vast Dolomiti Superski area, Alta Badia is a great place for intermediate skiers to explore. The resort also offers plenty of challenging runs for advanced skiers, including the famous Gran Risa, which hosts the Men's Giant Slalom World Cup race every year.

But Alta Badia isn't just for experienced skiers. The resort has plenty of gentle slopes for beginners and families, including the Pralongià plateau, which is perfect for children and beginners.

In addition to skiing, Alta Badia is known for its gourmet food festival, which takes place every year in December. The festival, called "A Taste for Skiing," features local chefs preparing traditional dishes in mountain huts and restaurants throughout the resort.

6. Bormio

Bormio is an Italian resort that offers a mix of skiing and relaxation. Situated in the Lombardy region of Italy, Bormio is a charming town with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of spas to unwind in after a day on the slopes.

Bormio's ski area is divided into two separate areas, Bormio Ski and Bormio 2000, which together offer 50km of slopes. As one of the best in the Alps, the majority of the slopes are intermediate level, making it perfect for skiers who want to improve their skills. However, there are also a few beginner and advanced level slopes for those who want to challenge themselves.

One of the highlights of skiing in Bormio is the opportunity to ski down the legendary Stelvio piste, one of the longest and most challenging runs in the Alps. The piste starts at an altitude of 3,450m and descends over 1,800m, providing an unforgettable skiing experience.

In addition to skiing, Bormio also has a beautiful old town with plenty of historic buildings to explore. The town is also famous for its spas, which offer a range of treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate during your ski vacation.

7. Courmayeur

For any advanced skier looking for a challenging and exciting skiing experience, Courmayeur is the perfect place to go skiing. Located in the scenic Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is one of Italy's best ski resorts and offers a range of skiing opportunities for all levels of skiers.

Courmayeur is situated at the foot of Mont Blanc, which is the highest mountain in Western Europe. This location provides an excellent opportunity for heli-skiing, which is an exhilarating way to explore the mountain. You can take a helicopter to the top of the mountain and then ski down the untouched slopes. It is an experience that you will never forget.

If you are an advanced skier, Courmayeur has a lot to offer. The resort has a variety of challenging runs, including some of the steepest in Europe. The resort is also renowned for its off-piste skiing, which offers an opportunity to explore the mountain away from the crowds.

Courmayeur is also an excellent destination for leisurely intermediates who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Aosta Valley. The resort has a local ski area that is best suited for intermediates, and the charming old village is full of character and offers a range of dining and shopping options.

8. Madonna di Campiglio

If you're looking for a world-class ski resort in Trentino-Alto Adige, Madonna Di Campiglio is definitely worth considering. This Italian ski resort is one of the most famous and fashionable in the country, and it's easy to see why.

With its stunning location beneath the Brenta Dolomites, Madonna Di Campiglio offers some of the best skiing in Italy. The resort has over 60 lifts and 150km of ski runs, catering to skiers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you'll find plenty of runs to enjoy.

Madonna Di Campiglio is also known for its lively après-ski scene, with a range of bars and restaurants to choose from. The town itself is charming, with a mix of traditional and modern architecture, and plenty of shops to explore.

One of the highlights of Madonna Di Campiglio is the Spinale Express lift, which takes you up to the resort's highest peak at 2,100m. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

9. Val di Fassa

If you prefer a ski resort with a variety of slopes, Val Di Fassa is a great option. Located in the Dolomiti Superski area, Val Di Fassa offers access to over 1,200 kilometers of piste skiing.

Val Di Fassa is made up of several resorts, including Canazei, Campitello di Fassa, Sen Jan di Fassa, and Moena. Each resort has its own unique character and amenities, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.

One of the highlights of Val Di Fassa is the long black run down to Pozza di Fassa from Buffaure. If you're not up for the challenge, there's also a long red run that leads down to an easy stretch along the valley floor.

For those looking for a snowier experience, Vigo di Fassa - Catanaccio - Ciampedie is the destination with the most snow guaranteed during the season.

Here's a quick overview of what you can expect at Val Di Fassa:

10. Monterosa

If you're looking for a ski resort that offers a vast area to ski and snowboard, then Monterosa is worth checking out. It spans across three valleys and is situated on the border of Italy and Switzerland. Monterosa is not technically a resort in its own right but rather the name of a massive massif.

Monterosa offers a great variety of runs for all levels. The resort is mostly lift-linked, and you can find several villages scattered across the area. Champoluc, Alagna, and Gressoney-La-Trinité are the most popular villages in the area. Champoluc is the largest of the three villages and is a perfect base for families. Alagna, on the other hand, is known for its off-piste skiing and is popular among advanced skiers. Gressoney-La-Trinité is a charming village with a traditional feel and has a good mix of runs for all levels.

One of the highlights of skiing in Monterosa is the incredible scenery. The resort offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains, and you can even see the glacier from some of the runs. The resort also receives an average snowfall of 5-10 meters, making it a reliable destination for snow.

Monterosa has a total of 20 lifts, including a funicular and three cable cars. The lifts are mainly in Champoluc, Alagna, and Gressoney-La-Trinité. With a Monterosa ski pass, you can access all the lifts in the area, including those in Brusson, Antagnod, and Champorcher.