Milky Way Area

Milky Way Ski Resorts

The Milky Way is an international ski area linking Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana and Claviere in Italy with Montgenèvre in France. Hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics here meant that the ski area was meticulously upgraded, with state-of-the-art snow making now underpinning an already excellent snow record, and several new modern, high-speed ski lifts improving circulation around the area. As a result, its extensive 400km of slopes, plus great off-piste up above 2,000m, are more than a match for many more famous-name resorts, but the area retains its deserved reputation for excellent value and a warm and friendly welcome.

Skiing in the Milky Way

There are wonderful long runs and great views from the 2,800 Motta peak, big open spaces above the tree-line as well as picturesque wooded runs, an excellent snowpark for boarders, and a chance to treat yourself on the World Cup's famous downhill run! Beginners meanwhile are also well looked after here, with good ski schools and beginner slopes in both resorts.

Ski Holidays in the Milky Way

You can stay in the following resorts (accommodation linked below) for Milky Way ski holidays:

Sauze d'Oulx

A British favourite for many years, Sauze offers a varied range of easily accessed skiing, with good connections to the neibouring slopes of Sestriere and Sansicario. The resort is best known though for its fun, lively and varied après-ski, with music for all tastes in a wide choice of bars, pubs and clubs, and several great value pizzerias and lunch-stops to choose from. (More info on Sauze d'Oulx)

Sestriere

Home to the men's World Cup downhill, and the highest resort on the Milky Way, Sestriere was purpose-built for wintersports in the 1930s. Simply ignore its less than pretty architecture, and instead enjoy the wonderful skiing at the heart of this huge area, and the excellent value, varied après-ski, ranging from quiet, laid-back wine bars to more lively pubs and restaurants. (More info on Sestriere)