5 Peak Skiing Spots in the Italian Alps

For gorgeous views and unforgettable skiing experiences on iconic mountains, clients should look no further than the Italian Alps. 

Part of the majestic Alps, for example, is the UNESCO-protected Dolomites — named for the dolomite rocks that comprise the mountains and offer optimal resorts for winter sports. It’s no wonder that so many skiing competitions, including two Winter Olympic Games, have been held in Italy’s share of the Alps.

A wealth of diverse resorts in these mountains guarantees something for everyone, from the solo adventurer to couples to the family of four. Recommend these five destinations for your client’s next alpine adventure.

Alpe di Siusi  
Alpe di Siusi’s roughly 39 miles of slopes are almost guaranteed to have snow between the months of December to March. It’s also located within the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe — at an altitude of at least 5,500 feet — making for stunning vistas of the jagged Dolomites and fertile pastures.

The resorts on this alpine plateau are particularly family-friendly. Ski schools, children’s parks and special child-safety features on mountain lifts ensure a safe and fun family ski outing.

Alpe di Siusi is connected to Val Gardena, another resort town 10 miles away. By comparison, Val Gardena is also centrally located in the Dolomites, and its laid-back apres-ski atmosphere provides the perfect way to wind down after an intense day of shredding snow. Both Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena lie in relative proximity to the Odle Mountains, some of the most recognizable cliffs in the Dolomites. 

Where to Stay: Check into the luxury Adler Lodge Alpe, which is built entirely of wood and set serenely in a pasture near the base of the Dolomites.

www.adler-lodge.com

Bormio 
Suitable primarily for intermediate-level skiers, the trails at Bormio are located in the western Dolomites and widely renowned as the host of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1985 and 2005. The main draw of a ski vacation here is the thrilling 5,863-foot summit-to-base ski drop, the biggest in the country. If clients are not quite ready for that, Bormio’s main ski area is called Vallecetta, where most of the trails are dedicated to intermediate and beginner skiers. 

Where to Stay: Recommend Hotel La Genzianella for a cozy stay conveniently located near the Bormio cable cars. Another option is Agriturismo Rini, where airy rooms fill with natural light and whose culinary offerings feature carefully selected and prepared natural ingredients.

www.genzianella.com
www.agriturismobormio.it

Breuil-Cervinia
Adventurous clients can ski over the ridged mountain border between Switzerland and Italy if they choose to conquer the slopes at Breuil-Cervinia. Located northwest of Milan in the Valle d’Aosta region, this resort overlooks the iconic Matterhorn; the Matterhorn sits on the Swiss-Italian border and is called Cervino in Italian. A top European ski area for high-altitude snow dependability, the resort is connected to Valtournenche — a resort town best for beginner skiers — and the glamorous Swiss resort of Zermatt. 

Where to Stay: The rooms in the beautiful four-star Saint Hubertus Resort offer magnificent views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. 

www.sainthubertusresort.it

Cortina d’Ampezzo 
All eyes were on Cortina d’Ampezzo as the host of the 1956 Winter Olympics. Perhaps the best-known Dolomite resort, this town overlooks Cinque Torri — a mountain range of five recognizable peaks. Cortina d’Ampezzo is perfect for families with beginner and intermediate skiers, and there’s no lack of expert pistes (marked trails) for more advanced skiers. The extensive resort also has a bobsled run, an ice rink and cross-country ski trails.

Where to Stay: For a luxurious and glitzy apres-ski experience, the five-star Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, is an optimal choice nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. An equally inviting mid-range option is Hotel Natale, a quaint, cozy chalet.

www.marriott.com
www.hotelnatale.it

Monterosa 
Monterosa consists of three different resort towns ⁠— Alagna, Champoluc and Gressoney ⁠— and connects one of the world’s largest ski networks. This area is perfect for off-piste (off-trail) skiers, who can blaze their own trail across miles of untouched snowy terrain. Primarily for expert skiers, Monterosa does have some designated areas for beginners and intermediate participants throughout its 115 miles of trails. 

Where to Stay: Chalet du Lys Hotel & Spa is a luxurious getaway centrally located in Gressoney, close to ski lifts and ideal for unwinding at its daily spa.

www.chaletdulys.it