Italy has long been a luxury ski holiday destination for those in the know, with its upmarket resorts, sprawling ski areas and enduringly popular cuisine. Yet its resorts are generally less well-known, so to help you choose a destination, we’ve compiled our list of the best ski resorts in Italy.
This guide has been written in partnership with luxury ski holiday experts Firefly Collection
Cervinia
Linked with Zermatt via an extensive network of pistes and ski lifts, Cervinia (also known as Breuil-Cervinia) is blessed with many of the same advantages as its bigger Swiss sister, but with Italian culture. The iconic Matterhorn (known as Cervino on the Italian side) towers overhead, and the scenery is breathtaking. Sitting at an impressively high altitude of 2,050m and enjoying plenty of sunshine and reliable snow, Cervinia offers some of the best skiing to be found in Italy.
The Matterhorn Ski Paradise domain comprises 360km of pistes, many of which are gentle, confidence-boosting runs ideal for beginners and intermediates. Non-skiers are able to take the cable car all the way over to Zermatt, via the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – the highest point in the ski area at 3883m. From here sublime vistas extend in every direction.
Cervinia has a surprisingly vibrant après-ski scene for its size, ranging from charming champagne bars to Lino’s Bar, which boasts its own ice rink. You’ll also be spoilt for choice on the culinary front, with everything on offer from classic pizzas to the Michelin-starred restaurant Wood.
Quick Facts About Cervinia
- Ski Area: Cervino Ski Paradise
- Total Pistes: 150km
- No. of Lifts: 53
- Resort Altitude: 2050m
- Top lift Altitude: 3883m
Selva Van Gardena
When peerless scenery meets a virtually inexhaustible ski area, the result is Selva Val Gardena. Nestled amid the soaring peaks of the Dolomites, Selva is less crowded than the more northern resorts, yet the skiing is world-class. The town is part of the Dolomites Val Gardena domain, which won Best Ski Resort in Italy at the 2023 World Ski Awards, and it’s not hard to see why. With 433km of slopes, and access to the Dolomiti Superski area comprising an unbelievable 1220km of pistes, it’s some of the most extensive skiing in the world.
There are several must-do slopes for avid skiers, such as the Sella Ronda, a one-of-a-kind circular route which takes you around the majestic Sella Massif mountain range. The area is home to the longest piste in South Tyrol, La Longia, which winds its way for over 10km past beautiful scenery. You can also ski the run where the FIS Men’s Alpine Skiing World Cup takes place annually.
Non-skiers can have their own exhilarating fun by braving the 1.5km-long Monte Pana zipline. Alternatively, experience the best après-ski in the Val Gardena valley in one of Selva’s many buzzing bars, or get your fine dining fix in one of its two Michelin-starred restaurants.
Quick Facts About Selva Val Gardena
- Ski Area: Dolomiti Superski
- Total Pistes: 1563km
- No. of Lifts: 450
- Resort Altitude: 1300m
- Top lift Altitude: 2810m
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Stunning landscapes, charming architecture, chic reputation: Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the Dolomites, has all the ingredients of the best ski resort in Italy. Characterised by luxury boutiques and a 66m-high Gothic bell tower, its centre is as quaint as it is glamorous, with an authentic and unmistakably Italian feel.
Cortina’s Italian clientele has given it a reputation as a place to go to enjoy the finer things in life, namely good food and wine. It has eight Michelin-recognised establishments in and around the town, including 2 starred restaurants, as well as a plethora of other options. Après-ski is centred more on classy wine and cocktail bars than dancing on the tables, with standout venues being Bar de la Poste and Enoteca.
Your lift pass covers the entire Dolomiti Superski area and its impressive 1220km of slopes, containing terrain for every type of skier. It’s particularly good for beginners and less confident skiers, but there’s plenty to occupy the more experienced too, such as the renowned Olympia delle Tofane piste. This is where you can witness the Women’s Alpine Skiing World Cup each year.
Aside from soaking up the atmosphere in one of Cortina’s upmarket bars or hotels, non-skiers can try snowshoeing on the vast network of trails surrounding the village.
Quick Facts About Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Ski Area: Dolomiti Superski
- Total Pistes: 1563km
- No. of Lifts: 450
- Resort Altitude: 1224m
- Top lift Altitude: 2810m
Madonna di Campiglio
It’s the scenery that really sets Madonna di Campiglio apart and secures its place among Italy’s best ski resorts. Tucked away in a forested valley guarded by the Brenta Dolomite mountains, and with a pretty, frozen lake at its centre, it’s a traditional, pedestrianised village that invites evening strolling.
Holidays here are as much about enjoying the town itself as they are skiing, with a sophisticated après-ski offering that attracts a well-heeled crowd. Foodies are well catered for – alongside classic Italian cuisine you’ll find three Michelin-starred restaurants in this gourmet destination. Each February the town hosts the Habsburg Carnival, where revellers dressed in 19th-century costumes commemorate the time Madonna di Campiglio was visited by the Habsburg aristocracy.
Yet the skiing is also a great draw. Madonna di Campiglio sits at the heart of the ski area with its 156km of pistes extending as high as 2505m. It’s superb for beginners and intermediates, and if you’d like to finish your ski with a high-altitude tipple, you’ll find something to whet your appetite such as local favourite Après-Ski Mau.
Quick Facts About Madonna di Campiglio
- Ski Area: Skiarea Campiglio
- Total Pistes: 156km
- No. of Lifts: 59
- Resort Altitude: 1552m
- Top lift Altitude: 2500m
Sestriere
Perched at a lofty altitude of 2035m in the dazzlingly named Milky Way ski area, Sestriere is one of the highest resorts found anywhere. The result is fabulous, snow-sure skiing across 400km of pistes, spanning both Italy and France. With a short transfer time from Turin, varied pistes that rival any in France, and Italian food and hospitality, it’s not hard to see why for many, this is the best ski resort in Italy.
Aside from the slopes, there’s plenty to do once the skis are off. Enjoy the unique experience of whizzing through a snowy forest behind a team of huskies on a dog sled, or relax with some live music at one of the many après-ski venues such as La Gargote or Pinky Bar. Sestriere will even play host to events in the Special Olympics Winter World Games in 2025, an exciting opportunity for anyone visiting next winter.
Quick Facts About Sestriere
- Ski Area: Vialattea Ski Area
- Total Pistes: 400km
- No. of Lifts: 70
- Resort Altitude: 2035m
- Top lift Altitude: 2789m
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