Ski holidays in Italy do a great job of combining picture-postcard mountain vistas with world-class ski areas, delicious food and drink, a relaxed and laid-back feel, and (no surprises here) some of the very best après-ski in the world.
Italy is home to some huge ski areas including the 400km Milky Way area in the town Sauze d'Oulx. It's a magnet for those looking to most of their time both on and off the mountain. Intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders love it in particular, thanks to the 212 runs.
Skiing and snowboarding in Italy is a thrill. With breathtaking views and culture, it’s no wonder people flock to the slopes here. From the stunning Dolomites to the scenic Alps, you’ve got many options for all skill levels - whether you’re just starting or looking to tackle some serious runs.
In the heart of the Via Lattea ski area, Sauze d’Oulx has a diverse range of slopes suitable for all skill levels, from gentle beginner runs to challenging black trails. The village is charming, packed with cosy restaurants and fun après-ski bars where you can kick back, enjoy some delicious local food, and warm up with a mug of mulled wine after a fantastic day on the mountain. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak up the vibe!
This cosy chalet-style hotel is a hidden gem just outside Sauze d’Oulx. If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, you’ll love the location—just 120 meters from the Jouvenceaux Sportinia lift, so when conditions permit, you can ski right out from the boot room!
The vibe here is super chill and typically Italian. Plus, you get amazing views across the valley, especially from the big sun terrace.
To unwind after a day on the slopes, there’s a small wellness area with a hot tub, sauna, and treatment room for sports and relaxation massages - the perfect way to end the day!
Everything really. The quality of the ski areas look after all levels of skier and snowboarder, but ski holidays in Italy are so much more. There's great shopping, wonderful food, welcoming people, family-friendly options and superb value - all with classic Italian style.
Check out our Italy ski deals and find the perfect holiday that suits you. Choose from a wide range of places to stay, as well as some excellent added value offers on lift passes, equipment hire and tuition.
Italian is one of our nation's favourite foods - and it tastes so much better in Italy! Indulge in the culture as well as the cuisine, and take regular stops for coffee and long lunches to savour the delicious food and wine (but not too much of the latter).
Like many European countries, you'll find plenty of meats, salads and veggies on the menu. One of our favourites is Bresaola - an air-dried, salted and spice rubbed beef from Valtellina (try it with a red radicchio di Treviso salad). Another is Strangolopreti, soft and light spinach dumplings made using milk-soaked bread and flour - ideal for afternoon energy.
Italy, like most of Europe, uses Central European Time (CET) during the winter months and Central European Summer Time (CEST) during summer. That means it's 1 hour ahead of the UK, something you may want to bear in mind when travelling to our ski resorts in Italy, as you'll lose an hour in transit.
Italy has a population of just over 59 million people. With a population density of 197 inhabitants per square kilometre, Italy is one of the most densely populated countries in western Europe - although the distribution of inhabitants is very uneven.
Over half of the country’s residents live in the country’s northern Po Valley, which includes the cities of Turin, Milan, Bologna and Parma. Rome and Naples are also very densely populated, whilst some parts of the country, such as Sardinia and the Alps, are very sparsely populated.
Italy’s population almost doubled during the 20th century, thanks in part to large-scale immigration since the 1980s. Records show that there were just over 5 million foreign nationals living in Italy as of January 2019, accounting for nearly 8.5% of the population.
From food to art and everything in between, it might be easier to answer what Italy isn’t famous for.
Italian food is renowned the world over, with pizza, pasta and gelato all must-have dishes when you visit the country. It’s also a cultural hotspot, home to some of the world’s most celebrated artists including Leonardo Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Michelangelo and Giotto.
However, Italy also has some hidden treasures that it’s less well-known for - including its ski scene. Italy is home to some of the most picturesque mountain views you’ll find in Europe, with incredible mountain vistas dominating the country’s Alpine region. There are fantastic ski areas to explore, including the 400km Milky Way area, which offers a huge variety of trails for beginners and experts to explore.
Italy, like most of the European Union, uses the Euro. It was introduced with coins and banknotes on the 1st of January 2002, after a transitional period of 3 years where the Euro was Italy’s official currency, but only existed as ‘book money’. Prior to this, the lira was Italy’s official currency.
You’ll get the best exchange rate when you use your credit or debit card to pay for goods and services at our ski resorts, whether you choose Val di Fassa or Sauze d'Oulx. For tips and other things, you may want to bring a small amount of cash. You’ll always get the best rate if you change money at home first, rather than visiting the bureau de change at the airport.
Italy has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool winters. The ski season in Italy runs between the end of November and the end of April, and you’re almost guaranteed great snow during this time. You can expect temperatures to fall below freezing, with average temperatures in January reaching lows of -5°C.
However, Italy is also renowned for its sunshine, with the sun coming out on 8 out of 10 days - so don’t forget to bring your shades for your ski holiday in the Italian Alps.
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