From perfectly groomed pistes to mountain restaurants serving mouth-watering food, Italy is the choice destination for connoisseurs of the ski holiday.
Italy is one of our favourite countries to ski in, and it’s growing in popularity with British skiers who have caught onto the many charms of this fantastic nation. We’ve highlighted just five reasons why you should go skiing in Italy – but there are many more.
Amazing Scenery
We happen to think that Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The picture-postcard scenery of the Dolomites is unquestionably distinctive, especially as the rock glows pink at sunrise or in the evening light. The jagged, Alpine peaks are instantly recognisable and provide a strikingly dramatic backdrop to stylish ski resorts such as Cortina, Selva and San Cassiano (to name just a few).
It’s not just the Dolomites that provide incredible views. The sky-high ski paradise of Cervinia is dominated by Switzerland’s iconic Matterhorn, and is surrounded by outstandingly beautiful, high altitude terrain. We also can’t resist the gorgeous views from the charming ski resort of Livigno.
Delicious Food and Drink
It’s no secret that Italian food and drink is delicious. You can’t get a more welcoming meal after a day’s skiing than a scrumptious bowl of pasta or a pizza overladen with cheese. And you’ll find first-class restaurants both on and off the mountain. In the Alta Badia region of the Dolomites, they’re so proud of their on-mountain culinary offering you can hire a guide to lead you on a gourmet ski safari.
Off the mountain, Alta Badia is still renowned for its gastronomy. The resorts of San Cassiano and Corvara are both home to Michelin starred restaurants including La Siriola, which has a dedicated chocolate room! All this sounds incredibly expensive, doesn’t it? But that’s where skiing in Italy really shines – sure, the occasional gourmet restaurant may be pricey but, overall, Italian restaurants are famously great value. Eat well and for less? Yes please.
Great Value Skiing and Snowboarding
You get more bang for your buck in Italy. We’ve already mentioned the great value food and drink, but the savings go so much further. Italian ski resorts have typically great value lift passes. Take, for example, the Dolomiti Superski area: a whole area lift pass provides you with access to up to 1,220km of pistes across more than 8 resorts, and there are great savings on child, youth and senior passes.
Situated close to the Italian/Swiss border, the ski resort of Livigno offers a winning combination of snow-sure skiing and incredible shopping. Owing to a quirk of history, the entire town has a special duty-free status, and shopper-skiers can take advantage of the great prices along Livigno’s bustling high street.
Fantastic, Fun and Friendly Locals
Italians typically provide visitors with the kind of warm welcome you would normally reserve for friends and family members. Familial and kind-hearted, the laid-back attitude in most Italian ski resorts ensures exceptional service in their hotels, restaurants, and bars.
This friendly atmosphere extends to the lively après ski scene. No one knows how to have fun quite like the Italians, and the relaxed vibe in the many ski resort bars and clubs is one of the county’s many draws. We love the wild and hedonistic vibe of Sauze d’Oulx’s après ski scene – one of the best party resorts in the Alps.
Incredible Hotels
Italy is home to incredible hotels with distinctive character, exceptional style, and heritage, and, of course, fabulous Italian service with a smile.
Typifying the classic Italian-style hotel is the luxurious, 5* ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti in Ortisei, Val Gardena. Founded in 1810, the hotel has been family-run for an astonishing seven generations! It is the largest spa hotel in the Dolomites and has gained a reputation as the leading wellness centre in South Tyrol. We’re especially fond of the mountain sauna hut and the blossom steam bath in a grotto.
Stay there this winter and enjoy sampling the selection of over 300 Italian wines, which are stored in the hotel’s private wine cellar. The Adler Cocktail Bar is also the perfect place to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner tipple. With its outstanding service and short distance to the ski lifts, this is one hotel you do not want to miss.
