Italian ski resorts offer a lot. Although generalizing isn't worth much, in this introduction we will try to enlist their mutual characteristics.
Ski resorts in Italy are situated at the north of the country, relatively close to the Italian/French, Italian/Swiss, Italian/Austrian and Italian/Slovenian border. Turning eastwards from the west there are Sestriere (400 km of ski trails) and Courmayeur (100 km of ski trails) at the French border; Livigno (110 km of ski trails, popular duty-free shopping destination) at the Swiss border and Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta region (380 km of ski trails, with Milan jet-set destination Madonna di Campiglio); small ski resorts of Piancavallo, Tarvisio, Zoncolan, and Sella Nevea at the Slovenian border.
Then, there is also the famous Dolomiti Superski area – one ski lift pass covers 12 top ski resorts with all together more than 1220 km of ski trails. It includes resorts such as popular Kronplatz, trendy Cortina d'Ampezzo, unique Sella Ronda with its four valleys (Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Arabba), or family oriented Civetta.
In general, Italian ski resorts are situated at altitudes of not more than 2300 m in Dolomiti Superski area, or, 2800 m at the French border. It ensures their long season, lasting from December to April. If you wish to ski during the whole year, consider the glaciers of Cervinia and Passo Stelvio. Ski trails are always well prepared, and there are ski cannons waiting, in case of snow shortage.
The thing which Italians like pointing out as their advantage is the sunny weather. But there is also something else worth mentioning: their friendliness and leisureliness. But don't think they are leisurely and lacking in some important catering virtues: the suite arranged a year in advance will wait for you at an arranged time; the roads are spick and span from snow drifts; ski busses are always on time; and your landlady will gladly serve you Italian grappa.
It seems that Italian la dolce vita exists even at the high north of the country. For good atmosphere in Italian ski resorts not only the well prepared trails are to blame, but also the good food and fine drinks offered in a great number of excellent restaurants, pizza bars, pubs and apres ski bars.
At the bigger ski resorts you will also find a sports wellness centers where you can do ice skating, swimming, tennis, or enjoy various saunas. All this is also offered by most of the hotels, at affordable prices.
At some ski resorts in the Autonomus Province of Alto Adige/Südtirol fully bilingual place names will make you aware of a palpable German influence. But don't be discouraged by language barriers; your hosts will be kind and helpful.
Speaking of accommodation, suits are as big and as comfortable as the Italy itself; somewhere in between French and Austrian suits. Standard 6 bed suite includes kitchen niche, room with a twin bed, living room with a pull out bed, and a cabin with a bunk bed. The prices are affordable, but bear in mind that you will have to pay more if you want a suit close to ski trails or at some bigger resorts.
Gateway to ski resorts is relatively fast and easy; the most destinations in Dolomiti Superski area are reachable by motorways (one way pay toll is about 6 euros) or fast roads (marked as ''SS''). To reach the ski resorts you will usually have to pass one or two mountain passes. But don't worry; unless there is a blizzard, the roads will be clean. And if, in a case of blizzard or some other reason, a road is closed, you will be notified before you start ascending the road.
Ski lift pass prices are affordable; you will have to pay about € 140 for a 6 day adult pass at most of the bigger ski resorts. There is also a possibility of various ski pass combinations so you could choose the one that suits you the most.
To conclude, skiing in Italy surely won't disappoint you. For more detailed information, skim our reports on respective Italian ski resorts.
www.ski-mag.com
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