home Audience 5 The best ski resorts in Italy. Alpine skiing for beginners: resorts, slopes, where a beginner can ski

The best ski resorts in Italy. Alpine skiing for beginners: resorts, slopes, where a beginner can ski

The largest and most famous ski resort in Norway. Like a giant net, it stretches across three slopes of the volcano-like Mount Trysilfjellet (literally Mount Trysil). This arrangement of the slopes can be considered a clear advantage, because regardless of the skiing level of each member of your company, you can all use the same lifts. Routes of varying difficulty, although they initially run along different forest paths, are laid parallel to each other, so that they eventually connect at the bottom of the chair. This arrangement of the resort makes not only the trails easily accessible, but also any restaurant, bar or hotel. Of the many activities not related to skiing or snowboarding, the most interesting is “Star Hunt,” which is organized at night by a local astronomer enthusiast. Armed with a laser pointer, he takes romantics on a real walk through the Milky Way. If you are lucky, you will also be able to see the northern lights in the sky.

Trails: 67 slopes (38 green and blue, 18 red, 11 black), 4 snow parks, 2 training areas, 3 ski areas for children
Season: from November to the end of April
Ski pass for a week: €344 – adult, teenagers 8-15 years old – €272
Equipment for the week: adults – from €80, children – from €50
How to get there: the nearest airports are in Oslo and Stockholm, from where there are shuttles (journey time 2–2.5 hours, cost €55 one way, €80 round trip)
Details: skistar.com/trysil

Livigno, Italy

Our compatriots began to explore this sunny resort in the Alps on the border with Switzerland much later than many other popular ski destinations, however, it is in no way inferior to them, and was even recognized as the Best European Resort according to the results of the World Snow Awards 2012. The main feature is the long season - with November to May, and wide trails where beginners will feel comfortable. The resort is considered a family resort, there are traditionally many children, family hotels are open, a kindergarten is open, special “Family Weeks” are held and there is everything to put a beginner on skis, or take him to a new level: a dozen training areas, a squad of patient instructors , and for relaxation there is a scattering of restaurants. Experienced skiers won’t be bored either: Livigno gets a lot of snow, and here, unlike the rest of Italy, independent freeride without a guide is allowed and there are endless spaces for an exciting ski tour. And one more bonus: Livigno is a duty-free zone, so prices for goods here are significantly lower than in the rest of Italy.

Trails: 76 slopes (27 blue, 37 red, 12 black), 4 snow parks and 11 children's areas, 9 tracks (tapis roulant) for kids and beginners who do not yet know how to use ski lifts, 12 special fan zones
Season: from late November to May
Ski pass: €240 – for adults for 6 days in high season, €150 – in low season (children under 8 years old – free)
Equipment: from €200 – for adults, €50–€60 – per child
How to get there: The most convenient way is to fly to Bergamo airport in Milan, and then take a shuttle for €50 directly to the place (back on the same bus). Check the schedule on the website
Details: livigno.eu

Soldeu – El Tarter, Grandvalira, Andorra

The two Pyrenean villages of Soldeu and El Tarter, connected by a cable car system, together form one ski resort. Its well-groomed and easy slopes are especially good for those who have not yet gained skiing experience. Many soft and compact fields in the vast Espiolets area, gentle slopes of the Riba mountain circus, comfortable slopes starting from the top of Llosada - even for beginners, skiing here will be varied. Seven of the ten local schools are united in the Ski & Snowboard School Grandvalira association - there are more than 250 instructors (many of them Russian-speaking) for any level of training, 5 training slopes, 2 schools for children and 4 ski kindergartens for the little ones. Two more large schools - Soldeu & El Tarter School and Pas de la Casa Grau Roig School - also have a large staff of experienced instructors. A bonus to skiing is shopping. Prices in duty-free Andorra are 20–40% lower than in Europe, and from January to February there are total sales.

Trails: 128 slopes (19 green, 49 blue, 42 red, 18 black), 3 snow parks
Season: from December to April
Ski pass: from €249
Equipment: from €79
How to get there: flight through Barcelona, then by bus, many travel agencies, in particular Anex Tour, provide free transfers for their tourists (3-4 hours on the way)
Details: grandvalira.com

Courchevel, Three Valleys, France

Photo: Courchevel Tourisme/David Andre

Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys, one of the world's largest ski areas. Beginners here, literally and figuratively, will find somewhere to turn around: a fifth of the resort’s perfectly groomed slopes are green, more than a third are blue, and there are so many lifts that there is no need to stand in queues. In the villages of Courchevel there are special gentle areas for beginner skiers and snowboarders - they are called ZEN and are located close to free rope tows and travelators. For those who are just getting acquainted with the equipment, it is better to choose Courchevel 1850, where there are as many as 5 ski lifts and more than 10 green and blue runs ending in the center of the village - this is convenient if you get tired quickly. Nearby is a family snow park where neophyte freestylers can test themselves on light slides, rails and jumps. Courchevel-Morion, facing the sun, is also not bad - there are 3 ski lifts, 17 green and blue slopes and a separate, fenced-in “splash pool” for added tranquility. There are many schools at the resort, and many Russian-speaking instructors. And if you get tired of skiing, go to the active entertainment center of Courchevel 1850 - Courchevel Aventure, where you can ride snowmobiles, cheesecakes, funny Savoyard sleighs and even a snowcat.

Trails: in the home zone there are 96 slopes (54 green and blue, 34 red, 8 black) and 5 ZEN zones, a snow park
Season: from December to the end of April
Ski pass: in the home zone, adults – from €157, children – from €126. If you buy two or three ski passes at the same time, you can get a discount of up to €15 on one ticket, and there are also family discounts. It also makes sense for beginners to buy a three-hour ski pass for €44 or a limited ski area mini-pass for €26
Equipment: from €120
How to get there: from Geneva airport, intercity buses (alpski-bus.com or coach-station.com) and trains (sncf.fr) go to Moutiers, and then you can take a city bus to the resort
Details: courchevel.com

Val D'Isere, Espace Killy, France

In the idyllic Savoyard village of Val d'Isere, it's easy to fall in love with skiing forever, and at the same time avoid the trendy restaurants (don't miss the brand new Le Solstice at Le Yule chalet with its own dessert room, Japanese dinners at La Mourra and the fun, always crowded La Baraque). If you are traveling with a group, pay attention to the apartments in the newly opened Chalet Skadi with a spa and pool. It’s worth starting your training with the simple green trails of Le Village, which are located almost in the village at the foot of the mountain. Then you can feel like a hero and climb to a height of 2827 meters on Rocher de Bellevarde - several of the longest green slopes descend from here. It is possible that you will be taken to the famous high-mountain bar La Folie Douce, where après ski begins in the afternoon: dancers in feathers dance on the roof, and riders from all nearby slopes flock to the thundering music. There is a giant water park next to the ski lifts. On a sunny day, you can go dog sledding – the route runs through a deserted protected valley.

Trails: 153 slopes (87 green and blue, 40 red, 26 black), snow park
Season: from late November to May
Ski pass: adults - from €278, children and for skiers over 64 years old - from €228, includes one visit to the water park
Equipment: from €92
How to get there: The nearest airport is Geneva (180 km), from there you can take a train to the city of Bourg-St. Maurice, and then by shuttle
Details: valdisere.com

Gazprom, Krasnaya Polyana, Russia

The GTC Gazprom is perhaps the best resort in Russia where you can ski your first meters. There are comfortable training routes here: you need to start on green routes C and E on the Psekhako plateau, then go to blue route D. The second option is green route I at the Pikhtovy shelter (by the way, there is a restaurant with the most delicious food, Khmeli Ice Suneli). Both places have children's slopes, rentals and the service of instructors from the only official school. There are many well-prepared blue pistes at Gazprom, but on holidays and weekends there may be queues for the lift due to the low price of the ski pass. There is room for advanced skiers too. The evening ski area is the most extensive in Krasnaya Polyana. Among the disadvantages is that in warm weather, due to the low location of the resort, the snow becomes limp faster than on the neighboring mountains. Then you can ride a husky sled, jump on a trampoline, visit the spa or the Galaxy entertainment center with bowling and a water park.

Trails: 22 slopes (3 green, 6 blue, 10 red, 3 black) and 2 children's slopes
Season: from late December to mid-April
Ski pass: adults - from 8650 rubles, children - from 6050 rubles.
Equipment: from 10,500 rub.
How to get there: from Sochi airport (Adler) by minibus or bus No. 105, No. 135 to the stop of the State Transport Center of Gazprom PJSC
Details: polyanaski.ru

Sölden, Ötztal, Austria

A small town in a traditional Tyrolean style stretches along a mountain river, the banks of which are completely lined with hotels and private apartments. And from its two outskirts two gondola lifts start, taking you up to what the local travel agency proudly calls “our ten-thousander.” These are three three-thousand-meter peaks connected by a system of trails, tunnels and lifts into a single 50-kilometer Big 3 Rally route. The ski routes and slopes adjacent to the city are good for beginners (who will be helped to become aces by six ski schools). Thanks to the altitude, the season in Sölden begins when autumn fairs are still going on in the neighboring valleys, and ends when the apple trees are already blooming around the lower lift stations. The town is loved not only for skiing, but also for après ski. There are more than 20 mountain restaurants alone, and in the town itself there are entertainment establishments on every corner.

Trails: 142 slopes (67 blue, 48 red, 27 black), 2 snow parks
Season: from October to April
Ski pass: from €285
Equipment: from €130
How to get there: The nearest airport is Innsbruck (86 km). Then you can get there by bus (2 hours) or taxi (1.5 hours, €120–150). You can also get there from Munich (223 km): first by train to the town of Ötztal, and from there by taxi (from €50) or shuttle bus (1 hour, from €10)
Details: soelden.com

Zermatt, Switzerland

Photo: Olga Yakovina

Zermatt is one of the oldest Alpine resorts: the first winter season was opened here in the 20s of the last century. The town, quite large by alpine standards, is nestled at the bottom of a valley surrounded by a mountain circus. Within sight is the largest concentration of four-thousand-meter peaks in the Alps: 38 peaks, the main one among which is the famous Matterhorn, which in Zermatt is visible from everywhere. Skiers and snowboarders have 360 kilometers of marked slopes, including those on the Italian side of the resort in Cervinia: they are picturesque and not too difficult. You can ski not only in the Matterhorn area (here is the highest ski station in the Alps - 3883 meters), but also from neighboring peaks, all of them are connected by a web of slopes and lifts. In three skiing sectors there are special areas for beginners - you simply cannot find more beautiful training grounds for beginners in the Alps.

Trails: 132 slopes (35 blue, 83 red, 14 black), 2 snow parks
Season: all year round, high – from October to May
Ski pass: from €380, children under 9 years old ride for free. For beginners, it makes sense to take a special Wolli-Pass, which is valid only in sectors with training areas - from €165
Equipment: from €150
How to get there: Flight to Zurich or Geneva, then by train to Zermatt (3.5 hours), schedule and tickets - on the website sbb.ch
Details: zermatt.ch

Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy

Photo: Vitas Cherniauskas

The Dolomiti Superski ski region, which includes Val Gardena, is the largest in the world. With a single ski pass you can ski at 12 Italian resorts, which in total gives as many as 1,220 kilometers of pistes. Beginners don’t need that much yet, but the opportunity itself can’t help but make us happy. Moreover, the main ski stations located along the perimeter of the so-called ski carousel allow you to travel around the entire Sella Ronda rock mass in a day. Skiing in the region as a whole is not difficult: there are many flat slopes, and red and black slopes, as a rule, are duplicated by blue ones, so even skiers of different levels can ski together. The sunny weather, panoramas of the Dolomites and Italian cuisine, which is liked by everyone without exception, also speak in favor of heterogeneous companies and family holidays. By evening, South Tyrol stops pretending to be Italy and remembers its Austrian roots: après-ski booths open with lively music, a sea of beer and schnapps. There are especially many of them in Selva, while Santa Cristina is a quieter place that is suitable for a family holiday.

You don’t have to be an expert in skiing to appreciate all the delights of active recreation in the winter season. Crunchy snow underfoot, bright sun, clean mountain air - for this it’s worth leaving the polluted and dusty metropolis behind for a week or two and setting off on an adventure. However, during a crisis, the price of ski tours becomes especially relevant. Especially for our readers, we have compiled the top 10 most inexpensive ski resorts in the world, which will allow the whole family to relax and will not hit the budget too much.

The most budget ski resorts are located in Eastern Europe; holidays there will cost 2-3 times cheaper than in the western part of the Old World.

Read in this article

Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina

On the picturesque slopes of Mount Jahorina lies the ski resort of the same name. You can get here from Sarajevo, the capital, in just 30 minutes, which allows you not only to enjoy an active holiday, but also to see the sights.

This is one of the oldest ski centers in Europe, which the infamous Archduke Ferdinand loved to come to, whose assassination marked the beginning of the First World War.

Jahorina has trails of varying difficulty levels. The slope of the black Olympic slopes reaches 56 degrees, which will be a worthy test for professional skiers. If you are just learning the basics of skiing, then there are three blue slopes at your service.

The resort is equipped with tracks for downhill, traditional slalom, and giant slalom. There is an illuminated track for night skiing and free ride areas. Children will be delighted with the toboggan slopes and artificial skating rink.

The attitude towards Russian tourists is very welcoming, which is manifested not only in the presence of Russian-speaking teachers at the local ski school, but also in the possibility of visiting the country without a visa (within 30 days). The ski season lasts from November to April.

Accommodation in a local hotel from 50 euros/day
Weekly ski pass – 60 euros

The 1984 Winter Olympics were held in Jahorina, which indicates the high quality of this ski center.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Bansko is a young ski center nestled in the shadow of the Pirin Mountains, one of the most stunning mountain ranges in Europe. Not far from the resort there is an ancient town of the same name, which has a lot of attractions, so that an active holiday can be supplemented with a cultural program.

Despite its short history, Bansko is loved by many fans of skiing and active winter recreation, and not only for its affordable prices. Tourists are offered high-quality service and 16 first-class trails for beginners and advanced athletes. You can ride from mid-December to April.

Apartments close to the slopes - from 70 euros/day
Hotel in the center of Bansko – from 25 euros/day
A weekly ski pass costs 150 euros for adults and 85 euros for children (under 12 years old). If basic training is needed, then it is worth taking a ski package for 250 euros for adults and 148 euros for children. Price includes ski school lessons, lift pass and equipment rental

Bansko is located 160 km from Sofia. You can get to the resort by bus, which stops at the local bus station. The journey will cost 15 euros. You can also rent a car at the airport. This will reduce travel time, but will cost 35 euros per day plus gasoline costs.

Poiana Brasov, Romania

It is famous not only for Count Dracula, but also for one of the cheapest ski centers. The resort of Poiana Brasov is located in a spacious valley, well lit by the sun, for which it received the nickname “sunny meadow” from local residents. The resort is located in the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains, close to the city of Brasov, which is worth a visit to admire its narrow streets and Gothic buildings, always suggestive of Romania's most famous representative.

The resort itself is famous for its hospitality and beautiful nature. Situated in the middle of lush pine forests, Poiana Brasov is distinguished by crystal clear mountain air and snow that sparkles in the sun.

The resort is designed for skiers of all skill levels. There are 5 blue pistes for beginners, experienced athletes will be able to try their hand at three red pistes, and professionals will enjoy the 4 black Olympic pistes. The resort also has two jumping hills, an ice skating rink, a riding school, a ski school and a spa center with healing mineral waters.

A significant advantage of the resort is the direct train connection with Bucharest, so you can get to Poiana Brasov without unnecessary difficulties. The ski season lasts from December to March, but the special conditions of the resort allow you to ski even in the summer.

Accommodation in a single room will cost 30-50 euros/day
A weekly ski pass will cost 68 euros for adults and 39 euros for children

Bohinj, Slovenia

Despite the affordable prices, a vacation in the Slovenian ski resort of Bohinj will give you an unforgettable experience for the whole year. The unsurpassed beauty of the local nature enchants at first sight - it’s not for nothing that the resort is located in the very center of the Triglav National Park, which is famous for its beautiful lakes, one of which gave the name to the resort.

Bohinj has two ski areas, Vogel and Kobla, which are located 12 kilometers from each other. However, you won’t have to pay for the trip every time - free minibuses will take you to the ski lifts of both zones.

You can relax in Bohinj all year round. In the summer, numerous festivals, fairs and exhibitions are held in Slovenia, but in the winter, God himself ordered to ride on the local slopes. For beginners there are as many as 9 blue slopes, and experienced skiers and professional athletes have 4 red and the same number of black slopes.

Hotel accommodation – from 60 euros/day
A weekly ski pass will cost 120 euros for adults and 80 euros for children
Daily ski rental - 8-12 euros

Platak, Croatia

The Croatian ski resort of Platak is famous for its stunning views of the Adriatic coast, which open from the highest point of the resort. However, there will be no time to admire nature, because Platak is an ideal place for a family holiday.

For children there is an artificial skating rink and safe children's trails, ideal for sledding and cheesecake sledding. Adults will enjoy the 4 easy blue trails. Well, those who are confident in skiing can try 4 red slopes.

The resort is aimed at beginner skiers and families with children, so there is a good ski school where everyone will be taught how to confidently ski on the mountain and even show a few simple tricks for snowboarding. Russian-speaking instructors will be a nice bonus.

Your vacation in Platak can and should be diversified by visiting the surrounding towns with excursions. It is recommended to go to the islands of Cres, Krk and Losinj, and see the largest port of Croatia - the city of Rijeka, where there are many interesting attractions.

Accommodation in a local hotel for 77 euros/day
Daily ski pass - 18 euros, weekly - 75 euros

Platak is the only ski resort in Croatia where you can see the sea from the top, so make sure you get to the top.

Strebsko Pleso, Slovakia

The resort with an unpronounceable name is located 25 kilometers from the city of Poprad, which has an airport. Strebsko Pleso is considered the best highland center. Thanks to its developed infrastructure and high-quality trails, the resort often hosts various winter sports competitions.

The resort is ideal for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, so there are not many downhill slopes here - only 2 blue and four red. But there are two jumps and tracks for ski marathons, the longest of which stretches for 43 kilometers. The Interski slalom slope is especially popular among tourists.

One cannot fail to mention the unique microclimate of Strebsko Pleso, which experts have long recognized as healing. There are sanatoriums here that specialize in the treatment of respiratory diseases, so you can spend your vacation with health benefits. The skiing season lasts from mid-September to March.

Accommodation will cost 50-80 euros/day
A weekly ski pass costs 192 euros for adults and 135 euros for children. The price includes training and equipment rental

When in Strebsko Pleso, be sure to stop by a local restaurant and order a grilled boar's knee. Real jam!

Harrachov, Czech Republic

In addition to health tours, beer festivals and excursions, the hospitable Czech Republic offers its guests affordable active recreation in the winter. The Harrachov ski resort is located at the foot of the Devil's Mountain, but don't be put off by the name - this is one of the safest ski centers, which is simply created for beginners. The blue slopes are equipped with special simulators that will make your first descent easier.

There are no extreme slopes here - gentle slopes and stable weather throughout the season make the resort more of a family vacation center than a place where you can get a serious adrenaline rush. Although those who like to tickle their nerves will like the local giant ski jump, code-named K-185, which has set world records for flight distance several times. In total, Harrachov has 5 jumps, 5 blue tracks, 2 red and one black. You can ride from mid-December to April.

The cost of hotel accommodation is 20-50 euros/day, depending on the star
A weekly ski pass costs 82 euros
The fastest way to Harrachov is a direct bus from Prague. The journey takes 2.5 hours, the ticket costs 6 euros

While in Harrachov, be sure to check out the local Bohemian Glass Museum, where the shop operates. Well, when you’re tired of skiing, visit the beer sauna, which will restore your skin’s healthy appearance and freshness.

Kopaonik, Serbia

Bratskaya will pleasantly surprise ski lovers not only with its welcoming attitude towards Russian tourists, but also with the first-class slopes of the Kopaonik ski resort, which is located on the slopes of the mountain range of the same name.

The Kopaonik trails will appeal to both amateurs and professionals. The highest and longest route starts from the top of the Pančiceva Vrha mountain (2017 meters above sea level). In total there are 11 blue tracks, 6 red and 4 black. The resort is equipped with a large number of lifts, which will provide access to the descent for 15,000 people/hour. The season lasts from November to March.

In addition to active recreation, we strongly recommend that you familiarize yourself with local attractions: go to the national park of the same name, visit the famous shrines of the Serbian people - the monasteries of Studenica, Zycha and Sopocani. On your way back, don’t forget to stop in Belgrade, because it is one of the oldest cities in the Old World, where Eastern and Western cultures amazingly mixed.

The only disadvantage of Kopaonik is its distance from Belgrade. You will have to travel at least 5 hours by taxi or bus.

Daily accommodation in Kopaonik will cost 25-50 euros
Weekly ski pass: 96 euros for adults and 63 euros for children

When planning a trip to Kopaonik, keep in mind that the last bus leaves Belgrade bus station at 12 at night. If you don’t have time, it’s better to spend the night in the city - enterprising taxi drivers can charge up to 400 euros for an overnight trip.

What about Russia, you ask? And in our country there are places where you can ski cheaply. Let us immediately warn you that you will not find Sochi ski resorts in the article. Of course, the ski centers of the Olympic capital are rightfully called one of the best in the world, but they also have a corresponding price. However, besides them there are excellent ski resorts.

Ski center Abzakovo is one of the largest ski resorts in Russia. This season, Abzakovo is also considered the best ski center, which will appeal to both professionals and beginners.

The resort is located in the Southern Urals, which is increasingly being compared to Switzerland. Tourists have 15 trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels, 4 slopes for slalom and giant slalom, as well as the only snowmaking system in Russia, thanks to which you can ski from the beginning of November to the end of May.

Every year, Russian national biathlon, triathlon and cross-country skiing teams come here for rehabilitation training, which speaks of the quality of the local infrastructure and decent service.

Accommodation in a hotel near the slopes will cost from 1800 rubles/day (depending on the month)
A daily ski pass will cost 1 thousand rubles.
Ski set rental - from 800 rub./day

You can get to the resort by train from Magnitogorsk (get off at Novo-Abzakovo station).

Elbrus region, Russia

The Elbrus region ski resort is the very heart of the Caucasus. You can get here by bus from Nalchik in just 2 hours. Amazingly beautiful landscapes, clean mountain air, many non-freezing mineral springs and, of course, snow-capped peaks make the Elbrus region a paradise where you want to escape after the bustle of dusty cities to relax in spirit and body.

The main ski areas are the slopes of Elbrus and Cheget. The first has six tracks that are perfect for beginners. There are 15 slopes on the slopes of Cheget, some of which are considered among the most difficult in the world and can only be conquered by a professional with nerves of steel and excellent training.

At the beginning of the season, the minimum price for accommodation is 1800 rubles/day
A daily ski pass will cost RUB 850
Renting a ski set will cost 500 rubles per day for an adult and 250 rubles per day. — for a child (up to 9 years old)

In 2013, the resort was included in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest bikini descent.

26,980 views

The serious attitude of the Italian authorities towards tourism already predetermines not only good tourism, but also in the mountains.

Excellent living conditions, a high level of service and stunning views make Italian ski resorts one of the best, and therefore most popular, in the world.

If you prefer low prices, excellent food and a unique atmosphere over luxury and comfort, then the ski resorts in Italy are made for you. Here, unlike similar recreation centers in France, Switzerland and Austria, the organizers and animators place the main emphasis on the festive mood and all kinds of entertainment events, and leave sports and physical activity in the background.

Another pleasant advantage of Italian ski resorts is the relatively low prices that are significantly lower than those established in other European countries. Forget about Eastern Europe and even Andorra: for a small amount of money spent on a trip to an Italian resort, you will get a lot of impressions and pleasant memories. The stunningly beautiful landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent. You can choose exactly the ski area that you think suits you best. And there is plenty to choose from: 12 zones that cover areas of thousands of kilometers.

We have selected ten best ski resorts in Italy, which are worth your attention, and also calculated the approximate cost of a vacation on each of them.

We recommend reading: tips for

Corvara in Badia for the experienced

(Corvara in Badia) is a small lively village, mainly aimed at couples. It is located right at the intersection of two ski slopes for experienced athletes. Through the Alta Badia area you can easily reach the Sella Ronda area, where there are many slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers. Here you can also find many cozy restaurants where you can have a snack after a breathtaking descent. It is also worth saying that Corvara offers some of the most beautiful sunsets: As the sun sets, the slopes of the Dolomites turn different shades of red, creating an indescribable play of colors. The landscapes around you are so amazing that you completely forget to look at your feet.

There are several luxury hotels in this cluster. The four-star La Perla Hotel in Corvara invites tourists to enjoy not only skiing or snowboarding, but also wonderful service and dishes from a local chef. Another four-star hotel, Posta Zirm, has gained popularity due to its excellent restaurant and luxurious spa.

In San Cassiano there is another hotel, the five-star Rosa Alpina. Each room will offer you a unique design. The hotel has two upscale restaurants with two Michelin stars.

Where to stay
The three-star La Plaza Hotel in Kovara is an excellent choice for those looking for a homely atmosphere away from home. In addition, you can use the services of a small spa center here. A week's stay at this hotel will cost you approximately 1,160 euros.
Other options
Hotel Kronplatz in South Tyrol (Sudtirol) with easy access to any of the nearby red and blue slopes.
The resort area of La Thuile in Aosta offers its guests the use of red and blue slopes, which are connected to the slopes of the French resort La Rosière www. larosiere.net/ for even more breathtaking slopes.
Key Facts

The height of the descents ranges from 1005 to 3270 meters;
The slopes are 433 kilometers long, 38% blue, 53% red, 3% black;
Snow coverage 90%.

Alagna-Valsesia for professionals

The picturesque village of Alagna Valsesia, with its stone church and small farm buildings, is located in the huge Monterosa ski area. The nearby slopes are sure to please professional skiers and snowboarders: exciting slopes with many challenging challenges will not let anyone get bored. This place is not suitable for those who have only recently learned or are still learning to ski. This is also not a place for nightlife lovers: the lights go out here almost immediately after dinner. If you are planning a large-scale rental for tomorrow, then you just need to get a good night's sleep.

There are only 15 kilometers of downhill in Alanya, but the village is connected to the nearby resorts of Gressoney and Champoluc, which offer tourists tens of kilometers of downhill. The village itself is located at an altitude of 1212 meters, but fast cable cars take you to the peaks at 3275 meters, from where stunning views open up.
Where to stay
Agriturismo Alagna is a beautifully restored old farmhouse located near the main funicular. The owners of the mini-hotel always warmly welcome guests, offering them comfortable rooms with wooden and stone decoration. One night and breakfast in this place will cost about 80-100 euros for two.
Other options
The town of Arabba is located in the Sella Ronda ski area, but this is the best place to start exploring the most amazing slopes. Not only does it have some of the steepest descents in all of the Dolomites, but it also offers some of the most beautiful views in Italy.
Key Facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1200 meters;
The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black;
Snow coverage 97%.

You can check the current condition of the trails on the official website: www.visitmonterosa.com

Breuil-Cervinia for lovers of a safe holiday

(Breuil-Cervinia) – this resort, located at a great height, boasts the driest snow, which lies here from December to May. Cervinia offers tourists more than 150 kilometers of descent.

Cable cars connect this resort with the International Descent, the total length of which is 360 kilometers.
It is worth admitting that Cervinia is far from the most beautiful Italian resort: there are often ugly buildings that spoil the whole view. However, this place has no equal when it comes to sports entertainment. Numerous races of skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels are constantly held here. Sometimes it seems that people are skating here without stopping for lunch and sleep. In Cervinia there is the famous red descent of Ventina with a height of 4000 meters.
Where to stay
You will encounter the true hospitality of the mountain residents if you go on vacation to the four-star Bucaneve Hotel. The staff here wears traditional costumes, and each room exudes antiquity. Another advantage of this hotel, of course, is its location: the nearest ski lift can be reached in less than 5 minutes. A week's stay here will cost approximately 1,160 euros.
Other options
Cozy towns (Livigno) and Passo del Tonale (Passo del Tonale).
Key facts:

The resort is located at an altitude of 2050 meters;
The height of the descents ranges from 1525 to 3480 meters;
160 kilometers of slopes, 30% blue, 59% red, 11% black;
Snow coverage 50%.

Cortina d'Ampezzo for romantics

The city of Cortina d'Ampezzo lies surrounded by mountains and on one of them, as well as in a chain of churches built many centuries ago. Despite remaining occupied by foreign invaders for centuries, including the Austrians and Americans in 1945, the city has managed to maintain its unique atmosphere, which continues to this day in every corner. While residents of neighboring cities speak German, the Cortinians prefer to communicate in the ancient Ladin language.

In Cortina you will find many slopes for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels. All of them are divided into several zones, between which a bus runs. In the village itself, despite the fact that it is the center of the resort, all life does not revolve around mountains, snow, skis and snowboards. The main pedestrian street, Corso Italia, is home to numerous fashion designer boutiques and antique shops.

As dusk falls, Cortina comes alive. On the streets of the city there is almost a real parade of fur coats and other fur products, and closer to night, all owners of insulating clothing move to nearby bars and restaurants, where they discuss their day over a glass of fine wine.
In 1956, Cortina hosted the Winter Olympic Games, so there is no doubt about the quality of the slopes and equipment. However, in recent years, the resort authorities do not deny the fact that Cortina's funding has decreased significantly. But this does not bother the residents of Rome and Milan, who invariably go here to ski.
Where to stay
The four-star Ancora Hotel, with its stunning interior, has been attracting tourists for four decades thanks to its very convenient location. In addition, there is the most amazing restaurant in the area. Seven days in one of Ancora's rooms will cost you approximately 1,120 euros.
Other options
The market town of Ortisei is surrounded by stunning peaks. The local slopes require a leisurely descent, during which you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The small, quiet village of San Cassiano, located on three plains, has a unique atmosphere.
Key Facts

The height of the descents ranges from 1225 to 2930 meters;
115 kilometers long slopes, 50% blue, 35% red, 15% black;
Snow coverage 50%.

Sous d'Oulx for party lovers

Since the beginning of the 1970-80s of the last century (Sauze d’Oulx) had the reputation of a ski resort where parties play a bigger role than sports. You wouldn't see a soul on the downhill slopes in this area before noon. The charming village has gone through several global changes, but, fortunately, has not lost its special “party” atmosphere. In the city center, houses from the last century have been pushed aside by modern buildings in the Art Nouveau style. It is here that life in Sauze d'Oul is in full swing. The more you move away from the central streets, the more silence envelops you.

But despite all this, Sauze d'Oulse boasts some of the best slopes in Italy. They extend all the way to the resorts of Sansicario, Sestriere and the French town of Montegenevre. The total length of the slopes is about 400 kilometers, which are served by 66 ski lifts.
At the intersection of these numerous slopes there is a whole scattering of restaurants, hotels and other entertainment establishments. You don't have to be a fortune to dine here - prices in this area are very reasonable. Many bars often have live music, so you can enjoy a glass of wine and the stunning scenery outside to the sounds of light jazz.
Where to stay
It is worth noting that most hotels in Sauze d'Oulse do not deserve special attention, but it is still worth highlighting the three-star Chalet Faure & Spa hotel - an old house converted into an excellent hotel with a spa and its own wine bar. A week's stay in one of the rooms will cost you from 770 euros.
Other options
The villages (Madonna di Campiglio) and Cortina d'Amprezzo in the Dolomites offer their guests a richer and more vibrant nightlife.
Key Facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1510 meters;
The height of the descents ranges from 1390 to 2825 meters;
400 kilometers of slopes, 25% blue, 55% red, 20% black;
Snow coverage 60%.

Champoluc for a holiday with family and children

The Monterosa mountain range is not as popular as it deserves. The cute village (Champoluc) has a typical Italian atmosphere: stunning scenery, cozy bars and cafes, no queues both in shops and on the road. Moreover, there is a wonderful English ski school where the instructors speak several languages. These are highly qualified specialists from Italy and England, ready to teach everyone from young (from 4 years old) to old.

A special advantage of this resort is the childcare service. As a rule, Italians go on vacation with their whole family, leaving not only their children but also their parents at home, so there is always someone to look after the younger generation. However, if you decide to relax only with your children and give your parents the opportunity to take a break from you in their homeland, then you should definitely take care of your kids’ leisure time. And the Italian ski school Scuola Sci Champoluc will do it for you.

Where to stay
The four-star Relais des Glaciers boasts an excellent spa and a great location, just a seven-minute walk from the village's main square. The friendly staff will be happy to help you and will also provide you and your children with delicious food. A week's holiday here will cost you about 1000 euros.
Other options
Gressoney and Selva also provide childcare services
Key Facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1570 meters;
The height of the descents ranges from 1200 to 3275 meters;
The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black;
Snow coverage 97%.

Livigno for lovers of silence

(Livigno) is one of the most remote ski resorts in Europe. The journey here from Innsbruck will take three hours at best. And we’re not even talking about Italian airports, located even further away. However, the long journey to Livigno is well worth it due to the well-equipped pistes, low prices and safe snow conditions.
The village is located 10 kilometers from a mountain road that ends at the foot of a 1816-meter mountain called Little Tibet, located near the border with Switzerland. Numerous slopes start here, offering stunning views. Every year new ski lifts and slopes appear in Livigno, and new hotels open. Today, trails of medium difficulty predominate here.
It is also worth noting that in December a traditional ski marathon (35 kilometers) takes place in Livigno.
In addition to the many advantages of this resort, it is worth highlighting the fact that it is duty free. It seems that prices have frozen at the level of Napoleon times. A bottle of milk is often harder to find here than a case of whiskey.

Courmayeur for a weekend

Of course, when choosing a resort to visit for the weekend, it is of great importance to have an airport nearby, from where you can easily and quickly get there. (Courmayeur) is a two hour drive to and from Geneva. This traditional mountain village is located right on the slope of Mont Blanc.

Typically, Italians flock to Courmayeur late Friday afternoon. They leisurely stroll along the pedestrian street Via Roma, where there are a huge number of designer boutiques and cozy cocktail bars. Contrary to the general trend, in the morning there are not so many people wanting to ride on the slopes: everyone is sleeping off after a great Friday and Saturday evening.
Where to stay
The three-star Bouton d’Or provides its clients with spacious rooms, ample parking, and also boasts a good location: there are a lot of restaurants near the hotel to suit every taste. The cost for a week's stay in this place is about 840 euros.
Other options
The lively towns of Sauze d'Olux and nearby Sestriere will not disappoint your expectations: the service-location-price ratio is more than optimal.
Key Facts

The resort is located at an altitude of 1225 meters;
The height of the descents ranges from 1210 to 2755 meters;
The slopes are 36 kilometers long, 27% blue, 59% red, 14% black;
Snow coverage 70%.

Ski resorts in Italy for beginners will allow you not only to get on skis more confidently and get used to this wonderful sport, but also to get acquainted with the amazing nature and culture of this country.

is a huge region that includes quite a few resorts with a wide variety of trails, snowboard parks, slopes for freeride and ski safari.

2. Cortina d'Ampezzo

One of the oldest and most famous resorts with a taste of high life and luxurious relaxation. People come here not only to spend time on the ski slopes. The public enjoys spending time in excellent restaurants, bars, nightclubs, spa treatments in salons and shops.

3. Alta Badia

Among the ski resorts in Italy for children and holidays with children, this resort is the most popular and visited. Smooth and gentle slopes, a wide selection of hotels and restaurants, many ski schools with professional instructors and the possibility of renting ski equipment make this place very popular and loved by tourists.

In addition, the resort has all the conditions for a ski safari, and the routes laid here are considered the most beautiful not only in the country, but also in the entire Alps.

4. Val di Fassa

An excellent resort for beginner skiers with good infrastructure and many opportunities for off-piste recreation.

A calm and relaxed place among majestic mountains, with excellent ski slopes and good snow cover.

However, during the season the resort becomes quite busy, thanks to low prices for hotels and ski passes.

5. Val di Fiemme

Among the ski resorts in Italy for beginners, Val di Fiemme is in a special place of honor. Long, well-groomed pistes, gentle and even slopes, ski schools with professional instructors, many hotels and restaurants with inexpensive prices make this place incredibly popular throughout the ski season.

For active recreation there are swimming pools, tennis courts, skating rinks, bowling alleys and much, much more.

6. Val Gardena

One of the best ski resorts in Italy for beginner skiers, which includes several picturesque Alpine villages.

Equipped slopes for children, as well as well-equipped slopes for beginners and those who love quiet skiing, are what attract tourists here. Don’t forget about the various hotels, where accommodation is quite economical in price, but not at the expense of service and quality.

7. Arabba

The tranquil family resort of Arabba is ideal for families, beginner skiers and those who appreciate a relaxed resort atmosphere. Many mountain restaurants, cozy hotels and wonderful ski slopes await their visitors.

However, fans of downhill skiing and difficult trails will also find something to do here - the resort has several very interesting “black” trails and opportunities for off-piste skiing.

8. Marmolada

The glacier, located in the Arabba ski area, attracts tourists throughout the year with its excellent slopes, stunning landscapes, and good hotels and restaurants.

This is a good place to improve your skiing skills, as well as to try your hand at off-piste skiing, accompanied by an experienced instructor.

More than 50 km of trails of all difficulty levels, a park for snowboarders and endless opportunities for freeride - this is all Marmolada.