Finding the right Italian resort for you

Thinking of heading to Italy for your next skiing adventure? Here’s everything you need to know.

The list of reasons to go on a ski holiday in Italy are endless. The people are nice and laid-back, the food is delicious (as is the wine), the prices tend to be cheaper than other European ski destinations, and most importantly, the slopes are perfect.

There’s a number of great Italian ski resorts, but choosing the right one can be difficult. It all depends on what you’re looking for…

For the beginner: Cervinia, Italy

Ski area: Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche Zermatt

Slopes: 380km of slopes: 27 black, 30 red, 73 blue, 0 green
Italian ski holidays have reached peak popularity and accessibility, but we all know there’s nothing more daunting than going skiing as a beginner with a bunch of experienced friends. Some resorts are better than others for beginners, and Cervinia is definitely one of the best.

As well as jaw dropping views of the Matterhorn, Cervinia features seemingly endless, low gradient slopes, giving skiers the chance to practise and build on what they’ve learned in lessons. And with two ski schools and plenty of nursery slopes, there’s no reason why any new skier won’t be making the most of the resort’s perfect runs in no time.

Another big reason to visit Cervinia is the altitude, which at 2,050m makes it one of the highest resorts in the Alps. You’re pretty much always guaranteed great snow from November to May and long days of sunshine at the end of the ski season.

For the family: Pragelato, Italy

Ski area: La Vialattea

Slopes: 440km of slopes: 42 black, 118 red, 54 blue, 30 green
Taking the whole family skiing can be a magical, yet also stressful experience, and finding the right child-friendly resort is easier said than done. Luckily, Pragelato has a little bit of everything. The beautiful, family-focused resort is laid out like a village, with quaint chalets dotted around the hillsides forming the perfect setting for local exploration.

Many ski resorts can feel crowded and hectic, but what makes Pragelato especially perfect for a family trip is just how quiet, untouched and secluded it is. When walking through the picture-perfect surroundings, it can feel like you’re the only people there, making the whole trip completely unforgettable.

But don’t be fooled by the small, close-knit nature of the resort; it’s actually in the heart of The Via Lattea (Milky Way) – the second largest ski area in Europe – which hosted the ski-jumping and cross-country events at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. With the recently built cable car, you can get to there from the town in no time.

For the adventurous skier: Alagna, Italy

Ski area: Monterosa

Slopes: 132km of slopes: 6 black, 2 red, 54 blue, 30 green
Alagna is internationally renowned for being one of the world’s best off-piste skiing destinations. The quiet streets of the village and picture perfect wooden buildings makes it feel very different to conventional ski resorts. Sitting at the bottom of Monte Rosa, one of Europe’s highest mountains, the town’s reputation for having the best selection of long, off-piste opportunities has given it the accolade of being the freeride capital of the Alps.

As well as being a paradise for off-piste skiers, Alagna’s also the perfect place for mountaineering. In fact, after the birth of mountaineering in the second half of the nineteenth century, many of the town’s population became pioneering porters and guides. Because of this, the town actually played a crucial role in the evolution of the exciting, and often treacherous, activity.

Alagna is the perfect destination if the nightlife of Italy’s other resorts aren’t appealing to you, and you’d rather be focusing on exploration and endurance.

For the party-goer: Livigno

Ski area: Alta Valtellina

Slopes: 110Km of slopes: 2 black, 37 red, 29 blue
If you’re looking for somewhere that appreciates the act of après-ski as much as the act of skiing itself, then look no further than Livigno.

As well as being a beautiful resort and a great place to ski, the town plays host to a whopping 150 bars, meaning that you’ll always find a perfect spot to let off some steam after a long day on the slopes. Plus, the town’s duty-free status keeps the price of food and drink at a low cost.

The slopes of Livigno cater mainly to beginners and intermediate skiers, so if you’re more experienced, it may not be the resort for you. But if you’re looking for a relaxing ski and late night après ski, the resort town ticks all the boxes.

Club Med has a range of ski resorts in Italy, including our luxurious mountain retreat in Cervinia, and our peaceful, family-focused resort in the Piedmont region, Pragelato Vialattea.

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