1. Cortina d'Ampezzo
Located in the heart of the Dolomites in the southern Alps, overlooked by the stunning Cinque Torri peaks, Cortina d'Ampezzo combines excellent skiing and winter sports facilities with a touch of elegance and sophistication. Popular with celebrities, Cortina d'Ampezzo is an ideal destination whether you are a beginner or want to challenge yourself on the more difficult runs used when the town hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.
The après-ski in Cortina d'Ampezzo is almost as important as the skiing itself, and the pedestrianized Corso Italia is home to designer boutiques, stylish bars, and even a Michelin-starred restaurant.
2. Val Gardena
The neighbouring resort of Val Gardena boasts 160km of ski trails and the first chairlift with heated seats ever installed in Italy! Ideal for families, Val Gardena has plenty of nursery slopes, and the après-ski is more low-key than in some of the larger resorts.
The picturesque village also hosts international ski competitions and holds an annual Christmas market, offering traditional gifts and warming drinks and snacks.
3. Breuil-Cervinia
This picturesque mountain sits close to the border with Switzerland, in the shadow of the Matterhorn. In fact, from Breuil-Cervinia you can take a lift to a trail that will allow you to ski over the international border between Switzerland and Italy.
The network of ski trails reach an altitude of 3,500m at Piccolo Cervino, making this area one of the most reliable for winter snow. Breuil-Cervinia is closely connected to Valtournenche, with the two resorts giving skiers access to the 350km of trails around the Matterhorn. For young skiers, the nursery slopes are outfitted with an unusual Wild West playground.