If you’re looking for an indulgent escape to the mountains then Italy is your answer. We have listed the most Northern Italian ski resorts that are the best for skiing and fantastic food. Noted as one of the world’s best foodie scenes, the Italians have nailed the perfect balance of exceptional skiing and an even better atmosphere. Simply earn your turns in the morning and then enjoy the laid-back approach of Italian hospitality in some of the best ski resorts in Europe. Read below to find out more.
Val Gardena
Val Gardena is home to some of the best skiing you will find in the Italian Alps. The ski resort has fantastic access to an extensive amount of slopes in the Dolomiti ski area It is located in a valley in the South Tyrol region and is home to Selva Gardena, S. Cristina, and Ortisei. The ski resort is frequented by winter sports champions who take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities minimising your wait time on the lifts. Of the three villages, Selva Gardena has the best nightlife, with buzzy bars and exceptional food spots.
Kronplatz
Similar to Val Gardena, Kronplatz is within the extensive Dolomiti ski region. Located in Pustertal, it is considered one of Europe‘s best-kept skiing secrets. It favours beginner and intermediate skiers over advanced, as the majority of slopes are blue and red. It is a great choice for families with a mixed-ability group. The ski resort is quieter, with a selection of restaurants and one après ski bar. It is the perfect choice for those who want a calmer week of skiing.
Madonna di Campiglio
Another fantastic Northern Italy ski resort is Madonna di Campiglio. It is one of the more well-known ski resorts in Italy and for good reason. Madonna di Campiglio is a town for the chic and trendy, coupled with excellent ski terrain. The varied snow-sure ski resort offers over 150km of slopes and a ski altitude of 2,500m. People who visit here not only have a passion for skiing but also for shopping. The town itself is always bustling, with plenty to do. Use the evenings to peruse the boutiques, experience the high-quality restaurants, and relax in the various wine bars.
Pila
Pila is seen as an ‘undiscovered diamond’ in the Northern Italy ski resorts list. Located in the Aosta Valley, Pila is the answer for any powder hound who hates queues. There is plenty of exceptional off-piste terrain to get your teeth into, a playground for any novice freerider. Lift queues are virtually non-existent in this ski resort, even on the weekend surprisingly! Pila is the best ski resort if you are looking for a good solid week of skiing. Make the most by rising for the first lifts and experience the beauty of skiing the first tracks on the slopes. Reward yourself with après at the bottom of the slopes in one of the many lively bars.
Passo Tonale
Now, if you’re looking for a snow-sure, high-altitude, all-rounder ski resort, Passo Tonale is for you. Perched at a healthy 1,885m Passo Tonale is a fantastic ski resort to visit with your family or group. The ski elevation reaches an impressive 3,100m and ensures some of the best snow in Italy. The slopes favour beginner and intermediate skiers, however, there is still some fun to be had if you are looking for something more challenging. Passo Tonale is a great choice for families and those learning to ski for the first time. The après scene is a little quieter than some ski resorts in Italy, but you can definitely seek a well-earnt drink at one of the bars in town.
Cortina
Cortina is a small ski town nestled amongst the high mountains of the Dolomites and seen as a ‘crown jewel’ in the surrounding region. It is favoured by visitors from Milan and Rome, many of whom have second homes in the town. Some see Cortina as Italy’s answer to St. Moritz, Courchevel, and Aspen, with its sophisticated atmosphere and glamorous feel. The skiing is next-to-none too. Spend your day exploring the 150km of varied piste the ski resort has to offer. Or, access the wider Dolomiti Superski area and make the most of almost 1,000km of slopes!
Ortisei
Ortisei ski resort is the biggest village of Val Gardena and is one of the most picturesque ski resorts in Italy. The town has a lot of character, plenty of sweet cobbled streets and colourful buildings. Get amongst the village charm and sample some of the fantastic food available in Ortisei. After a busy day on the slopes, pop your head into one of the restaurants and experience fabulous Italian cuisine. Ortisei benefits from accessing both the Val Gardena ski area and the Dolomiti ski area. Meaning you won’t be skiing the same piste twice!
Courmayeur
Courmayeur is located at the foot of Mont Blanc and boasts impressive 360 views of the mountainous region. It is a beautiful and rustic ski resort with medieval roots, adding to the authentic charm of the town. Courmayeur is an attractive weekend destination as the transfer from Geneva is just 90 minutes. There is a nice mix of slopes, with plenty of choice for everyone. Pop over the border and visit Zermatt for the day in Switzerland. Make sure you give yourself enough time, as the taxi bill can be expensive!
If you want to know more about Northern Italy ski resorts call our ski experts today on 020 7471 7700.
