Skiing & Snowboarding Season in Italy 2024-2025
The Alps and Dolomites have some of the greatest resorts in Europe
Best time: late November–late April
Italy’s alpine regions offer diverse and exciting options for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. From the iconic peaks of the Italian Alps to the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites, Italy combines scenic beauty, varied slopes, and charming resort towns. With a ski season typically spanning from late November to late April, visitors can enjoy a wide range of options depending on their preferences for snow conditions, crowd levels, and other activities.
Best Time to Visit
The Italian ski season generally begins in late November and lasts until late April, though the precise timing varies based on location and snowfall. Early in the season, snowfall is less predictable, but visitors can expect fewer crowds and lower prices. January through March tends to bring peak snow conditions, with thicker snow bases ideal for skiing. For those seeking less crowded slopes, visiting in late March or April may be preferable, as the temperatures begin to warm, creating ideal conditions for a mix of winter sports and après-ski relaxation.
Courmayeur, Aosta Valley
Courmayeur, located in the Aosta Valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, is a highly regarded ski resort known for its impressive scenery and varied slopes. The resort, which has a long-standing reputation as one of Italy's premier ski destinations, is well-equipped with modern amenities, including a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and shopping venues. Courmayeur is easily accessible from Milan and Turin, making it a convenient choice for international travelers.
Slopes and Lifts
Courmayeur has around 26 miles (42 km) of pistes, predominantly catering to intermediate skiers. However, some slopes offer challenging runs suitable for advanced skiers. For beginners, there are a few gentler slopes, though intermediate-level skiing is the primary focus. A comprehensive network of lifts, including cable cars, gondolas, and chair lifts, ensures efficient access to the slopes.
Ski Pass Prices
Ski passes in Courmayeur cost around €65 per day, depending on the season. Multi-day passes are available at discounted rates. Seasonal passes offer even more value, providing access to multiple resorts. Options include the Stagionale Courmayeur, Stagionale Valle d'Aosta, Stagionale Valle d'Aosta + Zermatt, and Stagionale Mont Blanc Unlimited, with some family and non-skiing passes available. These seasonal passes provide great value for regular visitors, allowing unlimited access to multiple ski resorts and facilities.
Equipment Rentals
The resort offers ample equipment rental options, with prices averaging around €30–€45 per day, depending on the type of gear and rental package.
Breuil-Cervinia, Aosta Valley
Breuil-Cervinia is another popular resort in the Aosta Valley, known for its extensive ski area that connects with Zermatt in Switzerland. Set beneath the Matterhorn, Cervinia provides a unique opportunity for international skiing, with slopes suitable for all levels and stunning high-altitude vistas.
Slopes and Lifts
With over 93 miles (150 km) of pistes, Cervinia caters to both beginners and advanced skiers. Its high-altitude slopes guarantee reliable snow cover throughout the season, from October 26, 2024, to May 4, 2025. The resort features a modern lift system, including high-speed chairlifts and gondolas, providing access to a wide variety of terrain.
Ski Pass Prices
Ski passes at Cervinia cost between €60 and €85 per day, with multi-day and international passes available for those wishing to cross into the Swiss ski area.
Equipment Rentals
Rental shops throughout the resort offer a wide selection of equipment, with prices averaging around €35–€50 per day.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites
Cortina d'Ampezzo, located in the Dolomites, is known for its glamorous reputation and scenic landscape. As a well-established winter sports destination and a host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina boasts luxurious amenities, high-end shopping, and fine dining options, alongside its winter sports offerings.
Slopes and Lifts
Cortina offers approximately 75 miles (120 km) of slopes, with options for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers. A well-developed lift system, including high-speed lifts and cable cars, serves the slopes. Cortina's network of pistes is connected to the larger Dolomiti Superski area, providing access to even more terrain.
Ski Pass Prices
Daily ski passes are priced around €65–€75, while multi-day passes covering the Dolomiti Superski area are also available.
Equipment Rentals
Cortina offers several rental shops with a range of options, generally priced between €30 and €50 per day.
Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino-Alto Adige
Madonna di Campiglio is a picturesque ski resort in the Trentino region, popular for its scenic beauty and well-groomed slopes. The resort is part of the larger Skirama Dolomiti area, allowing access to multiple connected ski areas.
Slopes and Lifts
Madonna di Campiglio boasts approximately 97 miles (156 km) of slopes, spanning the three ski areas of Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, and Folgarida-Marilleva. This resort offers diverse options for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers alike. With 62 ski lifts, including gondolas and chair lifts, and 109 slopes, visitors have easy access to a wide variety of terrain. Additionally, the resort features four snowparks, enhancing the overall skiing and snowboarding experience.
Ski Pass Prices
Ski passes for the Skirama Dolomiti area range from €72 to €79 daily, varying by season. The Skiarea Skipass grants unlimited lift access at Funivie Madonna di Campiglio, Funivie Pinzolo, and Funivie Folgarida-Marilleva. Low season rates apply from season start to December 20, 2024, and from January 06, 2025, to January 17, 2025, and from March 17, 2025, to season end. At the same time high season covers peak winter dates. Multi-day, weekly, and seasonal passes provide better value, with discounts for families and children.
Equipment Rentals
Ski and snowboard rental prices average around €30–€45 per day, depending on the package and equipment quality.