Skiing & Snowboarding in Italy 2024-2025

The Alps and Dolomites have some of the greatest resorts in Europe

Best time: late November–late April

Italy is blessed with its ideal geographical location. Despite its warm climate during wintertime, the country offers excellent spots for skiing and snowboarding. Northern Italian ski resorts are known for their reasonable prices, cheerful family-friendly atmosphere and delicious traditional food.

If you are going to explore the Italian Alps, go to Courmayeur or the Breuil-Cervinia resort, which can both be found in the Aosta Valley region. Courmayeur is suitable for confident intermediate skiers, but some slopes can be very challenging. If you are not interested in hardcore skiing, you can take a ride on a cable car and enjoy the fantastic and spectacular views from the highest mountain in the Alps—Mont Blanc. The Breuil-Cervinia resort is definitely recommended for advanced riders.

If you are planning to explore the Dolomites, you can try Cortina d'Ampezzo town, Madonna di Campiglio village and Selva di Val Gardena municipality in northern Italy. Besides skiing, you can enjoy the best Italian restaurants, nightclubs and other winter activities such as sledging and ice-climbing.

Ski season is roughly late November to late April. The season varies, depending on snowfall. If you're a big fan of the mountains, snow, and skiing, Italy is a must for your winter bucket list.

Practical info

What traditional foods can I try in Northern Italian ski resorts?

While in Northern Italian ski resorts, it's a great opportunity to try their hearty and warming traditional foods that will give you enough energy for a long day of skiing or snowboarding. One can enjoy dishes such as polenta, rich cheese fondues, lasagna, and Panettone dessert. Evenings are perfect for relishing Italian-style hot chocolate, a creamy and thick beverage. Don't miss a chance to relish these comfort foods during your visit to Northern Italian ski resorts.

When is the best time to visit the Italian Alps and Dolomites for skiing and snowboarding?

For skiing and snowboarding in the Italian Alps and Dolomites, late November to late April is the ideal time as it is the ski season. Given that the snowfall levels can be unpredictable, it is advisable to check the conditions before scheduling a trip. Being a popular time to visit, prices can be high during the Christmas and New Year's break, making January a more reasonable month to travel. Guests should always take into account weather conditions before planning their winter holiday.

Where can I find the best snowboarding spots in Italy?

Head to the Breuil-Cervinia, Passo Tonale, and Livigno ski resorts if you are looking for Italy's best snowboarding spots. The enchanting resort of Livigno is popular among freeriders owing to the many off-piste opportunities available. The Dolomiti Superski is ideal for seasoned snowboarders, with challenging runs and long tours, whereas other resorts' blue and red slopes cater to intermediates. It's recommended to keep an eye on weather conditions as they can impact your snowboarding experience.

What are some winter activities that I can enjoy besides skiing and snowboarding in Cortina d'Ampezzo town?

Apart from skiing and snowboarding, there are several winter activities to enjoy in Cortina d'Ampezzo town. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful town, go snowshoeing in the mountains, or visit the Olympic-sized open-air ice-skating rink. On leisure days, explore local art and history museums and savor warm cider in local taverns. Guests can also opt for a luxury spa session to pamper themselves after an exhausting day of activities.

Which ski resorts in the Dolomites region are recommended for intermediate skiers?

There are many options for intermediate skiers, with the Cortina IT Dolomiti resort being one of them. Cortina IT Dolomiti is conveniently located and offers slopes for skiers of all levels, including off-piste runs. Additionally, Alba di Canazei contains 67km of blue and red runs and is another highly recommended option. Selva Gardena also provides slopes for intermediates, with blue and red slopes being challenging for those seeking to push themselves. It's advisable to confirm slope suitability with local operators before departure.