Where to go skiing in Italy - the best locations

Livigno, also known as Little Tibet, is a little tricky to get to but once you’re there, the journey will have been worth it. Close to the Swiss border, it’s actually quicker to get to Livigno from Innsbruck (in Austria) than most Italian airports, since Milan is more than 200 km away. Still following? Good. Sitting at 1,816m above sea level, this remote village is well-known for its 5 ski parks, which are great for beginners taking their first snowy steps, all the way up to professionals honing their skills and tricks. Don’t forget to pack your helmet, as it’s compulsory to wear them in all 5 parks.
 
There are 115km of slopes to enjoy in Livigno, connected by 13 chairlifts, 6 cable cars, and 11 ski lifts. So, if you don’t fancy doing flips, tricks, and jumping onto airbags, don’t worry! 
Those looking for an easy way of spending a special day towards Switzerland departing from Milan, we highly suggest our day trip to St. Mortiz by Bernina Express.
 

Some call it Italy’s chicest ski destination, others the Queen of the Dolomites. One thing that’s for certain is that this former host of the Winter Olympic games will keep you occupied both on and off the slopes, with a history dating back at least 1,000 years.
 
The idyllic town has some of the best skiing in Italy, so it’s no wonder that elite skiers have been coming here for many years, and it will hold the Alpine Ski World Championships in 2021.
 
For those who prefer their après ski sophisticated, Cortina is the place for you. Rather than rowdy clubs, the village is home to trendy wine bars and German beer halls. For those nights where you’re too tired for après ski, head to bed early and get an early start the next day by watching the pink and orange sun rise over the Dolomites before you hit the slopes.
If you are not a ski expert, byt you wish to admire the majestic Dolomites, have a look at our private day trip from Venice to Dolomites, Cortina and Lake Misurina.

There’s a ski resort within just two hours of Rome  AND Naples? Surely not. Well actually…
 
A little (okay, a lot) south of the other places on this list, Roccaraso is located in Abruzzo region, and is the country’s 5th largest ski resort. There are 71km of runs here, with 45km of those green and blue runs, making it perfectly suited to beginners. That doesn’t mean it’s not a great place for advanced skiers though, with 11 runs designated to those with more experience. They’re higher up, and if you’re lucky enough you’ll see Gran Sasso in the distance, the highest peak in the Apennines.
 
Roccaraso is a little bit of a secret when it comes to skiing in Italy, so come here to avoid the crowds of the Alps and the Dolomites!
If you wish to spend a beautiful day in Roccaraso, contact us  for organizing a private service by car departing from Naples or Rome. 

Those of you thinking that Courmayeur sounds suspiciously French to be on this list, well done! Courmayeur is located at the foot of Western Europe’s tallest mountain, Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco in Italian). There’s no direct access from lifts between the two countries, but if you want to go off-piste, it’s possible to ski in Italy, France and Switzerland all in the same day.
 
If one country is enough for you (Italy of course), then the picturesque views of the mountains surrounding this charming and likeable Valle d’Aosta town won’t disappoint. There’s also very distinct weather on the two sides of the mountain – Courmayeur receives a lot more winter sun than Chamonix. Although the ski area is a little on the small side at 41km of pistes, delicious gourmet restaurants, great nightlife, and challenging off-piste areas certainly make up for that.

The Apennines are the spine of Italy, running down the middle of the country, so it’s only logical that Roccaraso isn’t the only ski resort south of the Alps and the Dolomites. Step forward Abetone. Situated on the border of Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, not only does Abetone offer skiing and snowboarding, but there’s also the possibility of cross country skiing and walking trails. Just remember to bring your snowshoes!
 
The great thing about Abetone is that you’re always guaranteed snow, thanks to an artificial snow system that covers over 80% of the area. The even split of blue, red, and black runs means that it’s a great place for skiers of all levels – from beginners to experts.
If you are staying in Florence, contact us for a private quotation of a ski day trip to Abetone, or have a look at our huge offer of day trips and excursions departing from Florence! 
 
 

Back to the Dolomites, the South Tyrolean area of Val Gardena is the on the route of the world-famous 40km ski route the Sellaronda Circuit. The town offers great skiing and has held a number of competitions over the years including the Men’s World Cup downhill race most years since 1969. Stay in Val Gardena for long enough and you might just get good enough for next year’s competition! Well, maybe a few years in the future anyway…
 
You don’t have to be world-class to ski here though – it’s just as good for all levels from beginners. One of the best things about Val Gardena is that it’s part of Dolomiti Superski – a network of 12 ski resorts that you only need one ski pass to access.
 
 
 It's impossible to include all of Italy's fantastic ski resorts in one list – these are just some of our favourites. Think we've missed any off? Let us know in the comments!