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Best Skiing Destinations in the Italian Alps: Your Ultimate Guide to Skiing Season in Italy - Part 2 (North-Western)
- Giada Jannotti
- Jan 14
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 9
As winter weaves its magic across Italy’s breathtaking landscapes, the mountains transform into enchanting wonderlands perfect for skiing and snowboarding. For those seeking an unforgettable winter holiday filled with adventure and charm, Italy’s top peaks offer an irresistible blend of thrilling slopes, cozy alpine villages, and panoramic vistas. This season, Rural Escapes invites you to discover the five most captivating mountain destinations for skiing (or relaxing), where the majesty of the Dolomites and the allure of the Alps promise a uniquely Italian experience. Embrace the winter season and make your getaway a story to remember in the heart of Italy’s snow-kissed beauty.
Now let's find out the top 5 mountain peaks worth visiting to enjoy Italy's winter season, explore the beautiful territory and indulge in local delicacies too - especially after a long day skiing!
Here are the top 5 skiing destinations in North-Western Italy for this winter, offering a mix of breathtaking views, well-groomed slopes, and varied experiences:
Situated near Mont Blanc, this chic destination combines challenging terrains with cultural charm, including a pedestrianized town full of high-end shops and restaurants. The Skyway Monte Bianco cable car provides unmatched alpine views.
Vallée Blanche
The Vallée Blanche is an iconic off-piste run that starts at Punta Helbronner on the Italian side and descends into Chamonix, France. This is a 24-kilometer route that takes you over the Mer de Glace glacier, offering an unparalleled experience of skiing amidst towering ice formations, crevasses, and snowfields. It's suitable only for advanced skiers due to its technical nature, and it's highly recommended to go with a professional guide given the glacier’s unpredictable terrain. Skiers are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Mont Blanc massif, making it one of the most spectacular off-piste descents in the world.
Internazionale
The Internazionale slope is a balanced mix of red and blue runs that perfectly capture the alpine charm of Courmayeur. It offers a combination of open snowfields and forested sections, allowing skiers to enjoy varied terrain while surrounded by breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. It’s ideal for intermediate skiers looking for a mix of challenging and scenic runs.
Checrouit: skiers but also providing options for advanced levels. The slopes are sun-drenched and offer panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range, making it a great choice for skiers who want to enjoy a full day on the mountain with varied runs. The wide, groomed slopes are perfect for carving turns, and the area is also home to some of the best mountain huts, where you can take a break and savor traditional Italian cuisine.
Toula Glacier
For expert skiers seeking an adrenaline rush, the Toula Glacier offers a challenging off-piste route that starts from Punta Helbronner. This rugged descent is known for its steep pitches, narrow chutes, and ever-changing snow conditions. The route involves skiing on glacial terrain, so it's crucial to have the right equipment and a qualified guide.
Cresta Youla
The Cresta Youla slope is perfect for intermediate skiers who want to experience the beauty of Mont Blanc without the intense challenges of the off-piste routes. Starting from the Youla cable car, this smooth descent offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Ski Pass Information
Courmayeur offers several ski pass options tailored to different skiing needs. Here’s an overview:
Courmayeur Mont Blanc Ski Pass:
Grants access to the 100km of slopes in the Courmayeur area.
Perfect for those who wish to explore the diverse pistes on the Italian side.
Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass:
Provides access not only to Courmayeur but also to the French slopes of Chamonix, as well as the off-piste routes like Vallée Blanche.
Ideal for skiers looking to make the most of both the Italian and French sides of Mont Blanc.
Pricing for the 2024/2025 Season
Courmayeur Mont Blanc Ski Pass:
Adults: €68 - €75 per day
Juniors (under 14 years): €54 - €60 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €61 - €67 per day
Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass:
Adults: €85 - €95 per day
Juniors (under 14 years): €64 - €70 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €76 - €85 per day
Multi-day Passes:
For extended stays, a 6-day Mont Blanc Unlimited Pass ranges from €440 to €490 for adults, depending on the season. This pass is perfect for skiers planning to explore both the Italian and French ski areas. Visit Mont Blanc for more information.
In the Lombardy region, Livigno is celebrated for its reliable snow and tax-free shopping. It offers a broad range of slopes catering to all levels and is popular among families.
Giorgio Rocca
The Giorgio Rocca slope is named after Livigno's legendary skier, Giorgio Rocca, who won multiple World Cup slalom titles. This track offers a mix of challenging slopes that are perfect for advanced skiers looking to test their skills. The run is well-known for its technical sections, featuring sharp turns, quick transitions, and steep gradients.
Carosello 3000
The Carosello 3000 ski area is famous for its broad, sunlit slopes, making it ideal for intermediate skiers looking for a mix of leisurely and challenging runs. The area is easily accessible via the Carosello cable car, which takes you to an altitude of 3,000 meters. Here, you can enjoy wide, open pistes with plenty of space for carving turns while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. The gentle slopes are perfect for families and those wanting to enjoy long, relaxing runs in the sun.
Mottolino
Mottolino is renowned as the freestyle mecca of Livigno, featuring one of the best snow parks in the Alps. This area caters to a wide range of skiers, from beginners to experts, with its diverse terrain. The Mottolino Snowpark includes multiple lines with jumps, rails, and boxes, making it a hotspot for freestyle enthusiasts.
Ski Pass Information
Livigno offers a variety of ski pass options that cater to different skiing needs and preferences. Here’s an overview:
Livigno Ski Pass:
Covers the entire Livigno ski area, which includes both the Carosello 3000 and Mottolino sectors, offering access to over 115 kilometers of slopes.
Perfect for those planning to stay within Livigno and explore its diverse slopes and snow parks.
Alta Valtellina Pass:
Provides access not only to Livigno but also to nearby ski areas like Bormio and Santa Caterina Valfurva. Ideal for skiers who wish to explore multiple resorts during their stay.
Pricing for the 2024/2025 Season
Livigno Ski Pass:
Adults: €60 - €70 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €45 - €52 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €54 - €63 per day
Alta Valtellina Pass:
Adults: €75 - €85 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €55 - €65 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €68 - €75 per day
Multi-day Passes:
For extended stays, a 6-day Livigno Ski Pass ranges from €310 to €360 for adults, depending on the season. The Alta Valtellina Pass is perfect for skiers looking to explore multiple areas over a week. Visit Skipass Livigno for more information.
Download your skiing map
These skiing destinations are the essence of Italy’s rich alpine offerings and located in the heart of the Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area, combining world-class slopes with stunning views, diverse terrains, and a blend of modern and traditional Italian culture.
Cit Roc
The Cit Roc slope is famous for hosting World Cup slalom events and is ideal for advanced skiers seeking a challenging experience. This long, steep track features sharp turns, narrow passages, and quick drops that demand technical precision and expert control
Sises
Sises is a versatile run that caters primarily to intermediate skiers. It offers a perfect blend of smooth terrain and gentle slopes, making it an excellent choice for those looking to refine their skills while enjoying the beautiful alpine scenery. The run features wide pistes that allow for relaxed, easy turns, and it offers panoramic views of the Sestriere valley and the surrounding peaks. Sises is also a great option for families and groups, providing a pleasant skiing experience with enough variety to keep everyone entertained.
Monte Fraiteve
One of the most popular and scenic runs in the area, the Monte Fraiteve slope is among the longest in Sestriere. It offers a mix of terrain that caters to skiers of all skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging sections for the adventurous. The descent from Monte Fraiteve provides breathtaking views over the Milky Way ski area, encompassing the Italian-French border. The run is ideal for those who enjoy longer, scenic descents with the opportunity to explore varied terrain, from open snowfields to tree-lined sections
Ski Pass Information
Sestriere is part of the Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area, which covers 400 kilometers of interconnected slopes across both Italy and France. This extensive network includes resorts like Sauze d'Oulx, Claviere, and Montgenèvre, making it a paradise for avid skiers. Here are the main ski pass options:
Sestriere Ski Pass:
Grants access to the slopes in Sestriere and Sauze d'Oulx, offering a great selection of runs for all levels.
Ideal for those who plan to focus on the local area without venturing too far.
Milky Way (Via Lattea) Pass:
Provides access to the entire Milky Way ski area, allowing you to explore over 400 kilometers of slopesacross Italy and France.
Perfect for skiers who want to maximize their time exploring a variety of terrains and resorts.
Pricing for the 2024/2025 Season
Sestriere Ski Pass:
Adults: €60 - €70 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €45 - €55 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €54 - €63 per day
Milky Way (Via Lattea) Pass:
Adults: €75 - €85 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €55 - €65 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €68 - €75 per day
Multi-day Passes:
For extended stays, a 6-day Milky Way Pass ranges from €375 to €425 for adults, depending on the season. This pass is a great value for skiers planning to explore the broader ski area. Visit Via Lattea Skipass for more information.
Download your Ski Map
You might also be interested in reading Discover the Best Skiing Destinations in the Italian Alps: Your Ultimate Guide to Skiing Season in (North-Eastern) Italy
Bormio combines technical tracks with thermal spas, offering a unique blend of sport and relaxation in a charming, historic alpine setting.
Stelvio
One of the most famous downhill tracks, known for its challenging, steep sections, frequently used for World Cup races. The track features rapid drops, tight turns, and long, fast stretches. With an elevation drop of over 1,010 meters, this slope is a must-try for advanced skiers looking for a thrilling experience.
Cima Bianca
The Cima Bianca run is a long, scenic descent that caters to both intermediate and advanced skiers. Starting at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, the run offers a variety of terrain, from wide-open pistes to more challenging sections. This slope is perfect for those who enjoy carving smooth turns while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the Italian Alps.
Valbella
If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten-path experience, the Valbella run is perfect. This diverse slope winds through Bormio’s rugged natural landscape, offering a mix of wooded sections, narrow passages, and open snowfields. It’s well-suited for skiers who enjoy exploring unspoiled terrain and appreciate the tranquility of skiing away from the more crowded slopes.
Ski Pass Information
Bormio is part of the Alta Valtellina ski area, which includes neighboring resorts such as Santa Caterina Valfurva and Livigno, offering over 230 kilometers of interconnected slopes. Here’s a breakdown of the main ski pass options:
Bormio Ski Pass:
Covers access to the Bormio slopes, including Stelvio, Cima Bianca, and Valbella.
Ideal for skiers who want to focus on exploring Bormio’s extensive and challenging terrain.
Alta Valtellina Pass:
Provides access to the broader Alta Valtellina area, including Santa Caterina Valfurva and Livigno.
Perfect for those who want to explore multiple resorts during their stay.
Pricing for the 2024/2025 Season
Bormio Ski Pass:
Adults: €58 - €68 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €42 - €52 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €52 - €60 per day
Alta Valtellina Pass:
Adults: €72 - €82 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €54 - €64 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €65 - €72 per day
Multi-day Passes:
A 6-day Alta Valtellina Pass ranges from €370 to €420 for adults, depending on the season. This pass is a great value for those planning to explore multiple resorts. Visit Bormio Skipass for more information.
Download your Ski Map
A beautiful skiing destination in the Italian Alps that offers relaxation options for non-skiers. Located in the Piedmont region near the French border, Bardonecchia is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, scenic views, and cozy village charm.
Bardonecchia’s slopes cater to various skill levels, making it a versatile destination for skiers and snowboarders alike, with relaxing views for those who want to enjoy the mountain ambiance.
Smith 4
This popular slope is suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, offering varied terrain and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It’s one of the longest runs in the area, starting from the top of the Colomion lift and winding down towards the village.
Melezet
Known for its wide, open slopes, the Melezet area offers a range of blue and red trails, making it great for intermediate skiers. It’s also a favorite for families due to its gentler inclines, making it a great area for kids and beginners to build confidence. The Melezet area is also known for its snow parks, offering fun features for freestyle enthusiasts.
Jafferau
This area is Bardonecchia’s highest-altitude skiing zone, reaching up to 2,800 meters, and provides challenging slopes for advanced skiers. The runs here are known for their challenging, steep descents and off-piste options, making it ideal for those who crave adventure.
Fisi 50
This black run is one of the most challenging tracks in Bardonecchia and is designed for experienced skiers looking for an adrenaline rush. The steep, technical path is ideal for those who want to test their skills.
Colomion
The Colomion slopes offer a blend of blue and red runs that meander through picturesque, forested areas. It’s a great spot for skiers of all levels, providing both gentle slopes for beginners and moderate inclines for those looking to step up their game. The runs are conveniently located close to the village, making them easily accessible for those staying in town. The wooded surroundings add a serene, scenic touch to your skiing experience, while the well-maintained pistes ensure a smooth ride.
On the other hand, non-skiers can indulge in spa experiences at local hotels, enjoy leisurely walks in the picturesque town center, or explore nearby trails for snowshoeing. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants offering traditional Italian cuisine, where you can relax and savor local flavors. Bardonecchia’s natural beauty, combined with a range of amenities, makes it an ideal spot for those who want a mix of winter sports and relaxation.
Ski Pass Information
Bardonecchia is part of the Vialattea (Milky Way) ski area, but it also operates as a self-contained resort with over 100 kilometers of slopes, including its own snow parks and off-piste areas.
Here’s an overview of the available ski pass options:
Bardonecchia Ski Pass:
Grants access to all the main zones, including Colomion, Melezet, and Jafferau.
Perfect for skiers who want to explore Bardonecchia’s diverse terrain without venturing into neighboring resorts.
Vialattea Ski Pass:
For those looking to explore beyond Bardonecchia, the Vialattea pass offers access to over 400 kilometers of interconnected slopes, including nearby resorts like Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere.
Pricing for the 2024/2025 Season
Bardonecchia Ski Pass:
Adults: €55 - €65 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €40 - €50 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €47 - €58 per day
Vialattea Ski Pass:
Adults: €75 - €85 per day
Juniors (under 16 years): €55 - €65 per day
Seniors (over 65 years): €68 - €75 per day
Multi-day Passes:
A 6-day Bardonecchia Pass ranges from €320 to €370 for adults, offering excellent value for those planning an extended stay. Visit Bardonecchia Skipass for more information.
Download your Ski Map
