Italy is a diverse place. While the south may be known for its beaches and emerald water when the flurries begin to fly, tourists flock to the Northern mountains, as skiing in Italy is some of the best Europe can offer.
Ski holidays in Italy are not a new thing, tourists have been flocking to the European alps for over a hundred years. Of course things have changed quite a bit since a Norweign by the name of Sondre Norheim, (credited as the father of modern skiing) first popularized the sport in 1870. Nowadays thousands upon thousands come to Italy to enjoy the modern resorts, cozy lodges and ski culture. Here is a list of some of the most popular.
Courmayeur
Snugged up against the French border in the Italian region of Val d’Aosta, Courmayeur is a small town located at the foot of the Italian side of Mont Blanc and is one of Italy’s most popular ski towns. Choosing to ski on the Italian side offers similar scenery to what one would experience in France but with a slightly lower price tag although both languages are spoken here.
With peaks rising above 4000 meters these are Europe’s largest and offer pleasant ski conditions almost year round. Courmayeur is well connected to the rest of Italy, Milan (4 hours), Venezia (8 hours) and Torino (6 hours) via the Pre Saint Didier train station plus a 15min taxi ride to the town itself. If one tires from long days on the slopes, just 5km from the town lies the Pre Saint Didier hot springs which provides a welcomed relaxation for sore muscles and chilled bones.
Cervinia
Want to ski Matterhorn but don’t have the money of the Swiss banks? The Italian village of Cervinia is a stones throw from Zermatt, the charming swiss town at the base of the Matterhorn but offers cheaper accommodations and pasta for dinner. Cervinia is not the quaint tourist village that Zermatt is, but is a great alternative for those wanting to stay on the Italian side and for those who are less experienced. Of course excursions over the border as easily arranged through your hotel and a large attraction to Cervinia is one of the largest runs in the world over 20 km long and due to elevation the runs are usually open until the end of May.
Cortina D’Ampezzo
The Dolomities have long held my personal fascination and their jagged peaks jutting straight out of the earth are certainly one of Italy’s most dramatic sights. With runs for advanced and intermediate skiers alike, Cortina D’Ampezzo is certainly one of Italy’s most popular winter destinations.
Cortina D’ Ampezzo is also well known in Hollywood as the backdrop for movies like Cliff Hangar and The Pink Panther. Located in an ethnically diverse area, Cortina D’Ampezzo’s cuisine and language reflects the close location to Austria and Germany. Skiier’s fill up on beer, sausages, schnitzels, and speck (a cured smoked ham) after long days on the slope as well the usual Northern Italian favourites. For a real time look at the slopes check out this webcam which offers 24 hour views.
Mt. Etna
Skiing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when one mentions Sicily, the unique and rugged island at the end of the Italian boot, but Mt. Etna offers an unusual opportunity in the South.
With a shorter season than the North, the slopes remain in prime condition through the winter and are usually open from December to March.There are two large resorts near the slopes and a handful of other accomodation options a few miles from Piano Provenzana in Etna National Park. Apart form skiing, the surrounding areas offer incredible oppurtunities for hiking and exploring the eerie landscape of the volcano itself.
Despite a plethora of other reasons to visit this remarkable country, skiing in Italy should be on the list of any serious traveler who is in search of beautiful powdered runs and trendy ski culture.
Whoah! I love skiing but we don’t have winter here. I wish there’s winter too. What’s the season in your place now?
-Jackie
WoW! The skiing there looks incredible! I often try to escape winter but now I’m reminded of why I also enjoy it