Best Ski Resorts in Italy

Italy is one of the best ski and snowboard destinations in Europe but choosing the right resort can be tricky.

Some Italian ski resorts are ideal for beginners and families. Others are better suited to confident skiers, lively groups or travellers who want excellent food and scenery alongside the skiing and boarding

The best resort for you will depend on your personal requirements, ability, budget, preferred atmosphere and the type of holiday you want. We have highlighted the details of some of the best and most popular resorts in Italy.

Here are seven of the best ski resorts in Italy and what each one does particularly well.

Livigno: best for all-round skiing and snowboarding

Livigno is a high-altitude Italian resort that combines reliable snow conditions with a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of terrain.

The slopes are ideal for beginners and intermediates, with plenty of long, confidence-building runs. More experienced skiers will also enjoy a great selection of red and black pistes, while snowboarders and freestyle skiers can enjoy internationally recognised terrain parks. Livigno's reputation was further enhanced by its role as a host venue for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, staging the snowboard and freestyle skiing events.

The resort is known for its modern lift system, lively après-ski scene and duty-free shopping, giving visitors plenty to enjoy beyond the slopes.

Livigno is likely to suit you if:

• Snow reliability is a priority.

• You want a good mix of pistes for different ability levels.

• Your group includes skiers and snowboarders.

• You enjoy a relaxed resort with good après-ski and duty-free shopping.

Cervinia: best for high-altitude skiing

Cervinia is one of Italy’s highest ski resorts and is very popular for those that are concerned about snow reliability.

The slopes are generally wide and well suited to beginners and intermediates. There are plenty of long, steady runs where less experienced skiers can build confidence without feeling rushed. The more experienced skiers can access a wider international ski area, including connections towards Zermatt.

Cervinia is not the prettiest traditional Italian town, but the skiing, altitude and views of the Matterhorn are major advantages.

Cervinia is likely to suit you if:

• Snow reliability is a priority.

• You enjoy wide, cruising pistes.

• Your group includes beginners and intermediates.

• You want access to a large international ski area.

Cortina d’Ampezzo: best for scenery and atmosphere

Cortina is one of Italy’s most famous mountain destinations. The resort is surrounded by the dramatic Dolomites offering an attractive combination of skiing, restaurants, shops and traditional Italian style.

Cortina is particularly appealing to visitors who want more than a piste-focused holiday and for those with non-skiers in their group. They can enjoy the town, while the skiers and snowboarders can explore the mountains.

It is generally more expensive than other Italian resorts.

Cortina is likely to suit you if:

• Scenery, atmosphere and apres ski matter as much as piste mileage.

• Your group includes non-skiers.

• You enjoy good food and a lively town.

• You are comfortable with a higher holiday budget.

Sestriere: best for a large ski area

Sestriere provides access to the large Milky Way ski area, which stretches

across several Italian and French resorts.

Great for intermediate and experienced skiers who enjoy covering plenty of distance and exploring different areas.

The resort is purpose-built and practical rather than traditionally picturesque and scenic. Its altitude can help support reliable winter conditions, although snow quality can vary across the wider ski network.

Sestriere can work for beginners, but its greatest strength is the range available to skiers who want to explore beyond the local slopes.

Sestriere is likely to suit you if:

• You want access to a large ski area.

• You are an intermediate or advanced skier.

• Skiing is the main focus of the holiday.

• You value convenience over traditional village charm.

Sauze d’Oulx: best for nightlife

Sauze d’Oulx also forms part of the Milky Way ski area but offers a different experience from Sestriere. The town has traditional character with narrow streets and a lively selection of bars and restaurants making it popular with groups looking to combine good skiing and snowboarding with a lively nightlife and apres ski.

The local slopes are fabulous for intermediates. Beginners, however, should check the location of their accommodation to the ski-school meeting point to ensure that they are close enough.

Sauze d’Oulx is likely to suit you if:

• You want lively evenings and après-ski.

• You enjoy intermediate skiing.

• You prefer a more traditional town.

• You are travelling with friends or an adult group.

Passo Tonale: best for beginners and families

Passo Tonale is one of the easiest Italian resorts for beginners.

The resort has wide, open slopes close to the accommodation, making it relatively easy to access lessons and then return to the accommodation.

It is also generally more affordable than Cortina or Cervinia. Glacier access can extend the available skiing and improve snow reliability during parts of the season.

The resort lacks the traditional charm and is functional rather than especially attractive, but families and first-time skiers may consider convenience and accessibility more important than traditional Alpine appearance.

Passo Tonale is likely to suit you if:

• You are booking your first ski holiday.

• You are travelling with children.

• Convenient slope access is important.

• You want to keep costs under control.

La Thuile: best for quieter skiing

La Thuile is a good option for skiers who want varied terrain without the atmosphere of a large, busy resort. It offers access to a cross-border ski area connected with La Rosière in France and gives intermediate and advanced skiers plenty to explore.

The resort is generally quieter than better-known Italian destinations, and the village has a more quiet and relaxed feel.

Some slopes can be quite challenging so it is not an ideal location for beginners who may prefer a resort such as Passo Tonale.

La Thuile is likely to suit you if:

• You prefer quieter slopes.

• You enjoy varied intermediate skiing.

• You want cross-border skiing.

• Nightlife is not a major priority.

Which Italian ski resort should you choose?

Italy’s biggest strength is its variety. You can choose a high-altitude resort, a lively town, a beginner-friendly destination or a quieter base without losing the relaxed atmosphere and excellent food that make Italian ski holidays so appealing.

SkiAndSnowHolidays.com can help you compare Italian destinations and build the holiday around what your group needs.