BLOG

Where to ski in italy

Italy is a great destination for winter skiing. Imagine gliding down slopes surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas, stopping at charming mountain huts where you can savor hearty polenta paired with delectable local cheeses and cured meats, end the meal with an energizing bombardino, then head out on the slopes again. At night, rest and rejuvenate in a  top notch spa at your preferred hotel. Ready to explore Italy’s winter wonderland? Here are some top ski resorts in Italy.

Madonna di Campiglio

The Dolomites’ westernmost point is the Brenta Group, home to the “Queen of the Dolomites”: Madonna di Campiglio, one of Italy’s most important ski resorts. There are three ski areas here: Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva for a total of 156 kilometers (97 mi) of interconnected runs.  

Some slopes you don’t want to miss:

-Canalone Miramonti: the ski slope used for World Cup!
-Tulot Audi slope: hold your breath on this black run- for advanced skiers only!
-Schumacher Streif: the area’s second-steepest descent.
-Amazzonia: a great classic to warm up for what’s to come.
-DoloMitica: the longest, steepest run, with the highest elevation loss.

Dolomiti SuperSki

Comprising 12 ski resorts and a total of 1,246 km of slopes, where you can use the same lift pass, Dolomiti Superski is the largest ski area in the world. It includes Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Kronplatz and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The region boasts top-quality skiing for first timers and experienced skiers alike, all set against the backdrop of a stunning scenery.

Ski runs you don’t want to miss:

-Sellaronda (the entire route is only recommended for fit skiers)- This is a stunning ski route that goes over four Dolomite passes around the Sella group, up lifts and down slopes.
The route covers the four Ladin valleys of Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba and Val di Fassa. You can easily cover it in a single day, heading in either direction around the route. The Sellaronda is 44 kilometers long/27 mi, of which 23 km/14 mi are ski slopes. This route takes about 6 hours to complete.

-World War I Ski Route (or Peace Route)- This 80-km/50 mi route goes around the Col di Lana, a mountain which has become a symbol of the First World War; it is where Austrian, German, and Italian forces battled between 1915 – 1917. The route passes famous mountains such as Civetta, Monte Pelmo, Tofana, Lagazuoi, Conturines, Settsass, Sassongher, Sella and Marmolada- stunning views are guaranteed. This ski route is challenging and only for experienced skiers. We suggest splitting it over two days to allow for time to enjoy the landscape.

-Saslong- One of the most spectacular and famous downhill ski slopes in the world, where the World Cup in Freestyle Skiing has taken place almost every year since 1969. It’s one of the world’s longest black slopes (almost 4 km/2.5 mi), located in Val Gardena.

If you are looking for unforgettable skiing experiences in the Dolomites, contact us! We can help arrange a private guide to take you out exploring the best runs.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

For a taste of ‘Alpine Dolce Vita’, head to the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina is a chic resort town, attracting national and international celebrities, as well as mountain and nature lovers. It is located between Val di Fassa and Val Gardena, amid spectacular mountain views.

Italy held its first Olympic games here in 1956; the games return to Italy in 2026, co-hosted by Cortina and Milan.

Below are some of Cortina’s best ski runs:

Olympia delle Tofane- For advanced skiers only! This iconic slope, famous for hosting the Women’s Ski World Cup, features steep and technical passages, including the Schuss, a section with a 65% gradient.

Forcella Staunies (Cristallo)- Another one for expert skiers only, it is considered one of the most challenging ski runs in the Dolomites, with a 68% gradient.

Faloria–Cristallo- Reached via the Faloria cable car, this area offers a mix of challenging and medium-level runs with amazing views.

Cinque Torri- This area offers a mix of runs suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers. 

Falzarego-Lagazuoi: A short drive from Cortina, this area provides high-altitude viewpoints and scenic intermediate runs.

For an added thrill, some of these resorts open the slopes early in the morning or late at night, so you can experience skiing at sunrise or beneath the stars.  You can also try panoramic sledding and dinner on the slopes with a snowcat ride to the hut.

Let us help you plan your unforgettable ski vacation in Italy!

Discover more from The Italian Concierge

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading