When you think of Italy, the first things that come to mind are probably art, architecture, and delicious Italian cuisine. But if you’re thinking of visiting during the winter months, you need to know that Italy is actually one of the best destinations in Europe for skiing.
Its western borders are home to the Swiss, Savoy, and French Alps, which are renowned for alpine culture and outdoor sports. The Dolomites also form a mighty spine of sedimentary limestone peaks in Italy’s north, offering stellar skiing during the winter months.
For ski bums looking to experience Italian ski culture, including storybook scenery, splendid cuisine, and plenty of off-piste endeavors, here are the best places to go skiing in Italy.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Stats: Cortina d’Ampezzo has around 45 ski lifts, including cable cars, chair lifts, and drag lifts. The cost for a day pass can vary greatly depending on the time of the season and any ongoing promotions. Prices generally range from €40 to €50 for adults. Discounts are usually available for children, seniors, and multi-day passes. The resort lies at an elevation ranging from about 1,224 meters to 2,930 meters and offers a total of about 120 kilometers of ski slopes, suitable for all levels of expertise.
Season: The ski season typically runs from late November or early December until April, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF), which are about a 2- to 2.5-hour drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Located in the southern Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is arguably the crown jewel of the Italian skiing world. The ski resort and town itself go by the same name, which is synonymous with world-class alpine skiing.
Cortina forms part of the Dolomiti Superski, a vast region of skiable terrain encompassing 1,200 kilometers and 16 different ski resorts. And as if that wasn’t enough of a pedigree, the town will be hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 120-kilometer resort is especially renowned for its groomed pistes, mountain rifugio huts, multi-level terrain, and expert-level black diamond pistes and couloirs. These advanced runs are courtesy of some of Italy’s most spectacular mountain scenery, so you’re guaranteed great views. Après-ski culture is also alive and well around town, with great dining, drinks, and uber-fashionable Italians whose style proves that ski fashion is alive and well.
Arabba
Stats: Arabba has around 26 ski lifts, which include chair lifts, cable cars, and surface lifts. A typical day pass for adults can range between €40 and €55. The resort is situated at elevations ranging from around 1,600 meters to 2,500 meters and offers 47 pistes with a total length of 62 kilometers.
Season: The ski season in Arabba generally extends from late November or early December until mid-April, weather permitting.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF), both roughly a 2.5- to 3-hour drive from Arabba.
Another member of the Dolomiti Superski area, Arabba provides access to the stellar skiing on the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. It’s also a starting point for the Sella Ronda, an extremely popular ski circuit that encircles the Sella massif.
The resort has a reputation for delivering some of the best and most reliable snow in the Dolomites. Among its other accolades, Arabba is home to the highest lifted point in the Dolomites at 3,342 meters, the longest ski trail and vertical run in the Dolomites, and the only skiable glacier in the region. While the sheer slopes of the Marmolada make for great expert terrain, Arabba also has a wonderful assortment of beginner and intermediate pistes.
As a smaller resort and town, this is a great choice for avoiding crowds and long lift lines while still having access to spectacular skiing and cozy après-ski offerings.
Canazei
Stats: Canazei has a total of 38 ski lifts, including gondolas, chairlifts, and surface lifts. These lifts provide access to over 127 kilometers of slopes, making Canazei one of the largest ski resorts in the Dolomites. The cost for an adult day pass typically ranges from €45 to €55. The resort has elevations ranging from around 1,450 meters to 2,400 meters.
Season: The ski season at Canazei generally starts in early December and runs until mid-April.
Closest Airports: The nearest international airports are Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF), both of which are about a 2.5- to 3-hour drive away from Canazei.
If you’re looking for a quiet, laidback ski holiday without the crowds heading to other major resorts in the area, the quaint village of Canazei is just the ticket.
One of the main skiing areas in the Val di Fassa, it offers 127 kilometers of groomed beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes on different sides of the valley and varied lift options. It also has cross-country trails. Another plus is that the Sella Ronda can be accessed from Canazei. When not skiing, in town, you’ll be charmed by the traditional architecture, hearty dining, and warming drinks.
Courmayeur
Stats: Courmayeur has approximately 18 ski lifts, which include 8 chairlifts, 6 gondolas, and 4 drag lifts. Day pass prices for adults usually range from €40 to €50. The resort is situated at elevations ranging from 1,205 meters to 2,765 meters and provides access to over 41 kilometers of slopes.
Season: The ski season in Courmayeur typically starts in early December and runs until late April, weather permitting.
Closest Airports: The closest international airport is Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland, which is approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour drive away. Turin Airport (TRN) in Italy is also a relatively close option, about a 2-hour drive.
Situated in the scenic Aosta Valley of the Western Alps, Courmayeur offers top-of-the-world ski terrain where the views are as good as skiing. The vista alone is enough to make you want to ski here, as the area is home to such iconic peaks as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
The idyllic town of Courmayeur sits at the base of Mont Blanc, with the resort’s skiable terrain located further up the slopes. For adventurous skiers, Courmayeur is a dream come true with its off-piste runs, ski touring, backcountry routes, and dramatic drops. After heart-pounding runs down the mountain, partake of the town’s special brand of alpine hospitality and après-ski delicacies, from aperitivo cocktails featuring local liqueurs to oysters to heaps of pasta.
Breuil Cervinia
Stats: Breuil-Cervinia has approximately 20 ski lifts, which provide access to over 160 kilometers of slopes. Adult day passes typically range from €42 to €52, depending on the time of the season.
Season: The ski season usually starts in late October or early November and can extend until May, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The nearest international airport is Turin Airport (TRN), which is about a 1.5- to 2-hour drive from the resort. Another option is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is approximately a 2- to 2.5-hour drive away.
If you’re a newbie skier who wants to ski the Matterhorn but avoid the crowds at Zermatt, this Italian resort on the iconic peak’s southwestern slopes offers high-alpine skiing for beginners and intermediates.
Its 20 lifts service 56 runs over 160 kilometers of terrain, which are kept well-groomed. Above it all looms one of the most famous mountains on Earth, providing a dramatic backdrop for your snowy adventures. With more famous resorts and towns elsewhere on the Matterhorn, Breuil Cervinia offers affordable accommodations and ski packages as well as plenty of dining and après options.
Livigno
Stats: Livigno has around 32 ski lifts, including chair lifts, gondolas, and drag lifts. The cost for an adult day pass generally ranges from €45 to €50. The resort operates at elevations ranging from about 1,800 meters to 2,800 meters and offers around 115 kilometers of ski slopes, catering to a range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
Season: The ski season at Livigno typically runs from late November to early May, weather permitting.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria, which is approximately a 3-hour drive, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy, roughly a 3- to 3.5-hour drive away.
Escape the crowded slopes by retreating to the remote alpine enclave of Livigno. A paradise of deep, plentiful snow and off-piste runs in the Alta Valtellina, Livigno is sometimes referred to as “Little Tibet” due to its remote location, sky-high peaks, and high-quality snow. Located in the Lombardy region close to the Swiss border, here a state-of-the-art lift system ferries skiers up the slopes to some of the best off-piste, freeride, and backcountry terrain in Italy.
With a terrain park and ungroomed runs, Livigno is also popular among snowboarders. With a multicultural après-ski scene, a free bus system, and duty-free shopping, it has plenty to entice skiers apart from the slopes.
Champoluc
Stats: Champoluc has around 10 ski lifts, providing access to over 180 kilometers of slopes. The cost for an adult day pass ranges from €40 to €50.
Season: The ski season in Champoluc generally starts in early December and goes through mid-April, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Turin Airport (TRN), about a 1.5-hour drive away, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), approximately a 2-hour drive from the resort.
Located in the Aosta Valley in the shadows of the Monte Rosa massif, Champoluc is a scenic resort surrounded by forests, glaciers, and peaks. Despite being the biggest resort in the Val d’Ayas area with 180 kilometers of pistes, Champoluc flies under the radar of many ski enthusiasts, meaning emptier slopes for you. While it’s an ideal place for beginner and intermediate skiers thanks to its groomed pistes, it’s also fantastic for more extreme off-piste skiing and even heliskiing.
Madonna di Campiglio
Stats: Madonna di Campiglio has approximately 58 ski lifts and 150 kilometers of ski slopes, catering to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. The price for an adult day pass usually ranges from €45 to €55. The resort is located at elevations ranging from 1,550 meters to 2,500 meters.
Season: The ski season at Madonna di Campiglio typically begins in early December and runs through mid-April, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), which is about a 2-hour drive away, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), approximately a 3-hour drive.
Surrounded by the serrated peaks of the Brenta Dolomites in Italy’s far north, Madonna di Campiglio sits alongside Cortina as one of Italy’s most chic, high-end ski destinations.
While luxury shopping and dining abound in town, skiers flock here for the legendary alpine and downhill skiing. The area has hosted multiple World Cup events in alpine skiing, so adrenaline junkies can get their fix zooming down the slopes. The resort has 150 kilometers of pistes combined with neighboring resorts, with beautiful lift views, all-level terrain, and even tree skiing routes.
Alpe di Siusi
Stats: Alpe di Siusi has approximately 21 ski lifts, which include chair lifts, gondolas, and drag lifts. Adult day pass prices generally range from €40 to €50. The resort is situated at elevations ranging from 1,680 meters to 2,350 meters and offers around 60 kilometers of ski slopes, suitable for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts.
Season: The ski season at Alpe di Siusi usually starts in early December and extends through early April, weather permitting.
Closest Airports: The closest international airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria, which is approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour drive. Another option is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) in Italy, about a 2-hour drive away.
While slope skiing in the Dolomites has amazing views, there’s nothing to beat skiing around an alpine valley with dramatic peaks rising up all around you. Stretching 56 square kilometers, Alpe di Siusi is the largest mountain plateau in Europe, and come winter, it’s transformed into a winter wonderland of deep, white snow crisscrossed by gondolas, lifts, and happy skiers.
As a relatively flat plateau, cross country is king here, but there are some gentle downhill slopes. As such, it’s popular with families, beginners, and cross-country enthusiasts. There’s even a connection to the Sella Ronda as well. The plateau is also sprinkled with mountain huts, offering warmth and refreshment.
San Martino di Castrozza
Stats: San Martino di Castrozza has approximately 23 ski lifts, including chair lifts, gondolas, and surface lifts. Adult day pass prices typically range from €45 to €55. The resort is located at elevations ranging from 1,404 meters to 2,357 meters and offers approximately 60 kilometers of ski slopes, suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
Season: The ski season at San Martino di Castrozza usually starts in late November and runs through early April, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which is about a 2.5-hour drive away, and Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), approximately a 3-hour drive.
Skiing in the Dolomites always offers stunning vistas, but how about skiing inside the pure, untouched natural serenity of a protected nature park? That’s what you’ll find at Dolomiti Superski member San Martino di Castrozza.
Located in the upper Primiero Valley, the majority of the ski area is housed inside Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Nature Park. The park is home to beautiful mountains, forests, and meadows that offer good alpine and cross-country skiing. Plus, all the lifts are powered by renewable energy, so you can feel good about enjoying nature here without leaving an impact.
Val Gardena
Stats: Val Gardena has approximately 81 ski lifts and 175 kilometers of ski slopes, catering to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. The resort is also part of the larger Dolomiti Superski area, offering access to even more slopes. Adult day pass prices generally range from €50 to €60.
Season: The ski season in Val Gardena typically starts in early December and extends through early April, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria, which is about a 1.5-hour drive, and Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) in Italy, roughly a 2-hour drive away.
This superstar of the Dolomites skiing scene and Dolomiti Superski offers skiers of all levels 1,200 kilometers of terrain to explore, as well as access to the Sella Ronda. It’s the biggest ski resort in the Dolomites, and its abundance and diversity of intermediate pistes make it a popular choice for families.
Its high-tech, modernized lift system is another plus, as many resorts in the area rely on outdated lift and ski infrastructure. While the resort and town can get extremely busy, it’s easy to head off on the trails and pistes to find some peace and quiet at the mountain rifugio huts. Plus, that bustling resort makes for wonderful après-ski parties!
Bormio
Stats: Bormio has a total of 15 ski lifts and around 50 kilometers of slopes, ranging from beginner to advanced. The adult day pass prices typically range from €40 to €50. The resort operates at elevations ranging from 1,225 meters to 3,012 meters.
Season: The ski season at Bormio usually starts in early December and runs through mid-April, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN), both roughly a 3-hour drive away.
For a quintessential Italian ski holiday, the Lombardy town and resort of Bormio is the complete package. The historic town is full of architecture, art, history, and a lively social scene. But the snow slopes offer up exactly the thrills powderhounds are looking for.
Bormio’s biggest strength is its massive skiable verticals, the longest of which from the summit of the Cime Bianca plummets 1,787 meters down. With good off-piste and fall lines as well, Bormio is best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers. You can also take advantage of a free bus system to reach other nearby ski areas like Livigno.
Sauze d’Oulx
Stats: Sauze d’Oulx has 13 ski lifts, including chair lifts, gondolas, and surface lifts. Adult day pass prices typically range from €40 to €50. The resort is situated at elevations ranging from 1,510 meters to 2,650 meters and offers over 100 km of ski slopes, suitable for a variety of skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Season: The ski season at Sauze d’Oulx usually starts in early December and runs through mid-April.
Closest Airports: The nearest international airports are Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN), which is about a 1.5-hour drive away, and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), approximately a 2.5-hour drive.
Want to ski the same slopes that hosted actual Olympians at the 2006 Winter Games? Head to the Milky Way. This classic resort and town forms part of the romantically-named Via Lattea, or Milky Way ski area.
With 400 kilometers of slopes divided between six different resorts, the Milky Way sits on the border between Italy and France and offers a diverse range of skiing suitable to all ages and experience levels. Sauze d’Oulx, in particular, caters to intermediate skiers with its medium-level pistes and has enough routes that you can almost always find fresh ones after a snowfall. Tree skiing is especially popular here as well, with pistes winding through quiet larch forests.
With great value for lift tickets and a bustling après ski scene, it’s a great spot for families.
La Thuile
Stats: La Thuile has approximately 38 ski lifts with access to over 150 kilometers of slopes, ranging from beginner to advanced. The adult ticket price for a one-day ski pass is €55 during the peak season and €48 during the low season. The resort is situated at elevations ranging from 1,450 meters to 2,600 meters.
Season: The ski season in La Thuile usually starts in late November and extends through early May, depending on snow conditions.
Closest Airports: The closest international airport is Turin-Caselle Airport (TRN), which is approximately a 2-hour drive away. Another option is Geneva Airport (GVA) in Switzerland, about a 2.5-hour drive.
Straddling the border of France and Italy, the 152-kilometer Aosta Valley resort of La Thuile actually shares its ski area with La Rosière Ski Resort on the French side.
As if being able to ski in two countries on the same day wasn’t enough of an appeal, La Thuile attracts skiers with its huge amounts of snow, family-friendly terrain, uncrowded slopes, great value, and vast views of snow-covered mountains. While the resort specializes mainly in beginner and intermediate pistes, advanced skiers can still find excellent off-piste free-ride routes, as well as backcountry skiing and even heli-skiing opportunities.
Après-ski treats and drinks are alive and well in town and at the resort, but don’t miss stopping in at the mountain huts to partake of their delicious warm meals and beverages.
Alta Badia
Stats: Alta Badia has 54 ski lifts and offers around 130 kilometers of ski slopes, suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. The adult day pass prices typically range from €67 to €74. The resort operates at elevations ranging from 1,300 meters to 2,778 meters.
Season: The ski season at Alta Badia usually starts in late November and runs through early April.
Closest Airports: The closest international airports are Innsbruck Airport (INN) in Austria, approximately a 2-hour drive away, and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy, roughly a 3-hour drive.
If you go on ski holidays more for the après than the actual ski, Alta Badia is the place for you. This South Tyrolean resort and town has a reputation for hosting some of, if not the, best mountain restaurants and bars in the Dolomites. Blending Italian, Ladin, Mediterranean, and South Tyrolean cuisines, every place offers something delectable and new. Plus, après-ski cocktails like calimeros are not to be missed.
These insane culinary experiences can even be found in the mountain huts dotting the ski area. But even if you came for the gourmet après, the skiing here does not disappoint, with plenty of beginner and intermediate terrain, a well-equipped and connected lift system, and great snowmaking equipment to complement natural snowfall.