Ski holidays in Sestriere

At just over 2,000m, the highest resort in the popular Milky Way ski circuit

Sitting at the very heart of The Milky Way ski area in Italy, Sestriere and nearby Borgata is the perfect home base for those of us who truly love the mountains. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or a seasoned expert, The Milky Way ski area truly has something for us all!

A purpose built resort that was constructed in the 1930s (and extended again in 2006 to host the Turin Winter Olympics) Sestriere has a modern and trendy feel to it, with a lively après ski crowd that congregates in the popular bars and pubs around the town when the lifts close.

Sestriere is also home to the Tabata night club, which claims to be one of the biggest and the best that the Alps has to offer!

Sitting amongst 400km of pistes, there is plenty of skiing and snowboarding to be had in Sestriere and beyond, joining the pistes over at Sauze d’Oulx, Claviere and Montgenèvre over the border in France.

Added value

Save £100pp on your 2024/25 ski holiday when you pre-buy your lift pass and equipment hire/carriage (Book by 3 June 2024)

Ski hotels in Sestriere

  • from£899pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 28 rooms
italy_milky_way_ski_area_sestriere_banchetta_hotel_exterior.jpg

This alpine-style hotel is in the centre of Borgata, a small village four kilometres from Sestriere. It has a traditional and homely atmosphere and has been family run since the 1930’s. It's just 300 metres from the lifts so you'll be one of the first on the mountain, too.

  • from£1179pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 46 rooms
Hotel Cristallo, Sestriere - Deluxe bedroom 1.jpg

Hotel Cristallo has a great location overlooking the main ski runs with spacious public areas where you can sit and relax. It's just one minute from the ski lifts and ski school meeting point - it's hard to find a better location.

  • from£949pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 24 rooms
italy_milky_way_ski_area_sestriere_hotel_sud_ovest_exterior.jpg

Hotel Sud Ovest is a small, family-run hotel in a good location. It's at the top of the village, close to the town centre. The lifts are 450 metres away and you can jump on the local bus that stops nearby. After skiing, head back for free afternoon tea and biscuits.

  • from£959pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 84 rooms
italy_milky_way_ski_area_sestriere_grand_hotel_sestriere_Exterior.jpg (1)

Grand Hotel Sestriere has a central location and lots of facilities. When you're not on the nearby slopes, head to the cosy bar and work your way through the incredible wine list, relax in the spa or take in the views from your room's balcony.

  • from£979pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 30 rooms
Sestriere Savoy Edelweiss

Hotel Savoy Edelweiss has a great central location just 150 metres from the lifts. Expect great service from the staff and hearty meals to set you up for a day on the slopes.

Ski & Snowboard
Skiing levels
Beginner
Intermediates
Advanced
Snowboard
Cross country

Ski and board rentals

You can rent blue, red and black grade equipment from the Da Nonna Adelina rentals store which is located at the far end of Piazza Kandahar.
Rent your equipment with Inghams and everything will be sorted out beforehand and you can collect your items upon your arrival in resort.

 

Ski school

You can arrange your ski lessons with Inghams before you even take off from the UK, and everything will be pre-prepared for your arrival with no hidden costs.

There are lessons available for absolute beginners, as well as sessions available for intermediates and experts (but experts call it ‘training’!).

Ski school gathers at 09:50 outside the Scuola Nazionale Sci on Piazzale Kandahar (descend the steps to the base station level).

For guests staying in Borgata, ski school guests gather at Scuola Sci Borgata on the main street (Via del Colle), close to the main chair lift.

 

Sestriere for beginners

Some good nursery slopes for beginners sit directly beside Sestriere, in front of the Scuola Nazionale Sci and are serviced by the Jolly travelators and drag lifts Baby1 and Baby2 (however these are not free and you will need a lift pass). Once you feel ready to progress, the whole Milky Way ski area is your oyster! Starting in the local area, the long piste down to Borgata is recommended, before heading over to Sauze d’Oulx once you have built up your confidence and technique. 

 

Sestriere for intermediates

The whole of the Milky Way sits on the doorstep of Sestriere, with 400km pistes, and a majority of them being easy cruising blues, and slightly more challenging reds. In the immediate Sestriere area, Motta is a good choice for getting back on your ski legs, but as you travel further afield, you’ll find plenty of runs that both sit within your comfort zone as well as push you further.

One excursion that may interest guests of Inghams is a day trip over the border to ski in French Montgenevre, which offers some further mileage as well as an exciting day trip out. 

 

Sestriere for advanced 

There are 40 black pistes across the Milky Way ski area, with plenty more opportunities to explore some off-piste areas. In 2006, Sestriere hosted the Men’s Olympic downhill along with Slalom and Super G events. Try the Kandahar Olympic Men’s Downhill run above Borgata or the Olympic Slalom and Giant Slalom courses on Mt Sises. For those seeking an adventure, there is heli-skiing available in the resort which can be booked directly with the appropriate company, and our rep in resort can point you in the right direction. 

 

Freestyle and terrain parks 

The freestyle park in Sestrieere is located 300 metres to the left of the Cit Rock lift, and next to button lift 27. For those ambitious skiers and snowboarders who want to go a little further, there are five freestyle and terrain parks across the whole Milky Way ski area.

 

Public transport

There is a regular ski bus that runs during the day in Sestriere and nearby Borgata. You will have to obtain a timetable off your rep upon your arrival in resort because it varies throughout the season.

€1.70 per journey, €10 for weekly pass

There is no night bus service.

The nearest railway station is in Oulx, 22km away and 40 minutes on the bus.

 


Mountain facts
Area 400 km
Resort Altitude 2035m
Ski Alt. From 1509m
Ski Alt. To 2800m
Runs 52 111 40
Longest run 6 Km
Lifts Chairlifts 34, Cable car 1, Draglifts 21, Gondolas 3
Lift Times

All week general 08:30 to 16:45 (Typical opening time during peak seasons and subject to the prevailing weather) 6 day lift pass covers the entire Milky Way Ski area

Lift Ski LockersNo
Night Skiing IncludedNo
Mountain Restaurants30
Snow Cannon Coverage60%
Cross Country Trails

10km of trails

Off-piste OptionsYes
Off-piste Restrictions

Signed where restricted

Slope DirectionN, E, S, W
Snowpark Info

5 (1 in Sestriere, 4 Milky Way area)

Things To Do

Sestriere restaurants, food and drink

Sestriere offers a great selection of restaurants and bars from its ideal location at the centre of the Milky Way ski area. Predominantly Italian and Piedmont cuisine, this area is known for its wines and Prosecco, as well as cheese, meat and freshly made bread and pasta.

Pinky Bar on Piazza Fraiteve is a great little bar/ pizzeria where you can relax after a day of skiing or head to in the evening for a pleasant traditional Italian meal. For those staying in Borgata, there is Antica Spelonca where lovely local dishes are served. Last Tango is a another great restaurant to head to if you’re in pursuit of traditional Italian food and drink, and is located on Via La Gleisa (above Carabinieri Station).

Up on the mountain, the food is still excellent and a bit to eat with your après at Da Casse (Lou Brachettes) restaurant won’t go amiss- you can find it sitting just off Black 4, with great food and good music, an a la carte and snack menu. If you’re looking for a more traditional eating setting then IL Capret at the bottom of Blue 3 in Borgata has tasty cuisine with a multiple choice options and various selections daily.

 

Sestriere après, bars, clubs and nightlife 

Sestriere is a lively location on the après front, since it is a popular resort for young people as well as old, from both near and afar! The party scene really picks up at the weekend when the local Italians from Turin come to ski.

There is no shortage of locally produced wine in the area, and there are a variety of bars and clubs to prop your ski boots up in at the end of the day, whether you’re looking for a traditional pub or a club that continues until the early hours of the morning. Prosecco, wine and Italian beers are popular in the area, but they also include imported varieties.

Pinky Bar sits on Piazza Fraiteve and is a fabulous restaurant. Bar Sestriere makes a good location if you are on a bar crawl through the town, and also plays sports on the TVs. Bar Kovo has some great exclusive deals for Inghams customers as well.

If you’re on the lookout for some night life then head to Tabata Night Club, one of the largest (if not THE largest) clubs in the Alps, open after 22:00 on Via Monterotto. 

 

Sestriere shopping

The shops in Sestriere are amongst the usual expected stores, including sports and designer clothes, and equipment. These are mainly based around Piazza Fraiteve. There is a local market that takes place on Tuesday mornings outside Palazzetto dello Sport car park, which sells fresh fruit and vegetables.

 

Sestriere spas and relaxation

If you are looking for a spot of pampering, then you will be pleased to know that most 4-star hotels in Sestriere open their doors to the public to come and enjoy their spa facilities at a local price. Stay with Inghams at the Hotel Cristallo and you can enjoy the spa, gym, Turkish bath and sauna.

The local leisure centre, Palazzetto dello Sport also has a gym as well as a spa and wellness suite.

If you are not arranged to stay at a particular hotel, most things are bookable locally.

 

Sestriere arts, culture and events

The resort of Sestriere is modern, having been constructed in the 1930’s for the employees of the Fiat car workshops in Turin, and was extended again in 2006 to host to the Turin Winter Olympic Games. You can still visit some of the land marks and coast down the Alpine downhill courses.

Events across the Milky Way ski area are definitely worth exploring upon your arrival in resort, so speak with your Inghams rep to find out what’s happening during your stay.

If you wish to explore further afield to Turin, then you will find shops, galleries, museums (including the Egyptian museum) and more. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to get to Turin by car, and 2 hours by public transport.

Ice Skating - The Ice Park in Sestriere is fun for all levels and is a great alternative activity to skiing. Open 10am - 6pm (Times may differ on public holidays and Carnival) daily and costs approx €7 entrance and €6 skate hire. Prices and times are a guide from the Ice Park and may be subject to change, contact your rep in resort for latest information.

Activity Information

Husky sledding

Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and take an opportunity to meet these excitable and affectionate animals and experience the thrill of mushing your own sled through the stunning mountain landscape.

Ski Away: Montegenèvre 

A day trip for those who just can’t get enough of their skiing! Head to Montegenèvre, just over the border in France, which is still covered by your Milky Way ski pass but if you’re a more timid skier/snowboarder, you will enjoy the direct trip to the area. 

Heli-skiing

Heli-skiing is a great activity for the more adventurous skiers and snowboarders who want to get away from the beaten pistes and truly explore the untouched backcountry. A helicopter will set you down in the remote wilderness with a guide who will take you through acres of untouched powder.

Rules and restrictions apply for those who want to go heliskiing so check your insurance policy before you plan this activity, and make sure that all members of your group are at an advanced level of skiing.

Snowmobiling

For anyone to claims that they love snow, then snowmobiling is a must! Drive on your own or take a passenger on the back, this is an exhilarating ride that takes you through the snowy mountain landscape at exciting speeds!

Rules and restrictions apply for those who want to go snowmobiling so check your insurance policy before you plan this activity, and make sure that all members of your group who want to drive have a full drivers license and children are above the minimum height.

Swimming

There is a piscina comunale in the centre of Sestriere with some fantastic views across the mountains. Accessed from Via Europa in the centre of town. The indoor/outdoor swimming pools are heated, and you can enjoy a splash even when there is snow on the ground outside! The views across the mountains while you swim are stunning.

Ice skating

Located at the base of the slopes in Sestriere, the ice skating rink is outdoors and makes a great post-skiing activity if you don’t fancy going to the bars for an après tipple. You can rent your skates locally. There are also other ice skating rinks further afield in Claviere, and an Olympic sized rink in Bardonecchia.

Winter walking and snowshoeing

Winter walking throughout the resort is free, but you can hire a pair of snowshoes for a small price if you wish to explore the mountain hiking trails.

Night skiing

Night skiing on floodlit runs (that featured in the Olympic downhill slalom) takes place on a Wednesday and they are open from 18:00-22:00. The run corresponds with Giovanni Alberto Agnelli run. 

Most night skiing in the Milky Way ski area happens on a Saturday night, providing you have a valid lift pass.

Tobogganing

You can rent sledges for as little as €5 for half a day, and the best areas for tobogganing can be pointed out to you by your resort rep. 

Palazzetto dello Sport (Leisure Centre)

The Palazzetto dello Sport (or leisure centre) in Sestriere (Via Azzutti d’Italia) offers the classic sports facilities to keep you occupied on a day when the weather is bad, or simply if you want to do something a little different. 

Centre includes: gym (spinning, weight room, cardio), squash courts, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer, indoor climbing wall as well as indoor golf. There is also a wellness suite including: sauna, whirlpool, Turkish bath and sports massages.

Ski Extras Offer

Save £100pp on your lift pass & ski hire - Save £100pp on your 2024/2025 ski holiday when you pre-buy your lift pass and equipment hire/carriage (offer ends 3rd June 2024).

Valid on all departure dates between 1st December 2024 and 30th April 2025. Buy any lift pass (found within the 'Extras' tab on checkout) and add either ski/snowboard hire or ski/snowboard carriage at the same time, for the same person to receive the discount.

Lift Passes

Lift Passes

6 days Season Child
4 - 7 years 
Adult 
8 - 74 years
Senior
75+ years
Full Area Low £92 £225 £201
High £92 £242 £201

Season dates

  • Low Season - 07 Dec - 22 Dec 23, 06 Jan - 02 Feb, 02 Mar - 22 Mar & 31 Mar - 30 Apr 24
  • High Season - 23 Dec 23 - 05 Jan 24, 03 Feb - 01 Mar & 23 Mar - 30 Mar 24

Lift pass information

6 day pass includes two days skiing in Montgenèvre, France. Walker's pass available locally.

Prices and supplements are correct at the time of publishing. Up to date prices will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Ski Equipment

Ski Equipment

6 days Description

Child

3 - 5 years

Youth 

6 - 12 years

Adult 

13+ years

Skis Blue - - £53
Red - - £71
Black - - £111
Skies & boots Blue - - £81
Red £44 £44 £99
Black - - -
Snowboard & boots Red - £62 £108

Equipment information

Free helmets for children up to 12 years when ski/board are pre-booked

Please see here for a description of hire categories.

Prices and supplements are correct at the time of publishing. Up to date prices will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Tuition

Tuition

Ski tuition

Adult

13+ years

Child

4 - 12 years 

5 days £238 £238

 

Snowboard tuition

Adult

13+ years

Child

4 - 12 years 

5 days £238 £238

Tuition information

  • Tuition will be available from 23rd Dec 23 onward 
  • Ski & snowboard tuition runs Monday - Friday 10am - 12:50pm 
  • Group tuition need a minimum number of guests to take place. Very occasionally these numbers aren’t reached. If you have pre-booked tuition and this happens, the ski-school will do their best to offer private tuition to the value of what you had originally booked.

Levels of tuition:

  • Beginner - never skied before
  • Level 1 - advanced beginner; can control speed, snowplough and change direction on gentle slopes 
  • Level 2 - low intermediate, snowplough turns and start to ski parallel
  • Level 3 - good intermediate, parallel turns 
  • Advanced - fully confident on all slopes, looking to improve technique

Prices and supplements are correct at the time of publishing. Up to date prices will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Transfers

Flights depart Sundays

Transfer time

  • Turin airport: approx. 1 hour 30 mins by coach

Private transfers and self drive options are available

Good to know

  • High altitude skiing & guaranteed snow
  • Endless skiing on huge Milky Way ski area
  • A Winter Olympic resort
  • Inghams rep based in resort
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