Italy’s winter season is truly magical, with world-class ski destinations in Italy that are accessible from our partner schools in northern cities like Venice, Verona, and Milan.
These ski destinations in Italy offer a perfect winter escape for students and not only, who want to blend language learning with outdoor adventure. Each resort has its unique charm and is set against Italy’s stunning mountainous landscapes. Here are eight of the best ski destinations to explore this winter!
1. Cervinia (Matterhorn Ski Paradise)
Location: Aosta Valley
Ski Area: 160 km
Highlights: With breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, Cervinia is a favorite for skiers of all skill levels. Its wide slopes are perfect for beginners, while experienced skiers can cross over to Zermatt in Switzerland, where they’ll find the longest prepared downhill run in Europe.
Closest Partner School: Milan
Getting There: From Milan, it’s just a 2-hour drive or bus ride to Cervinia, making it a convenient weekend getaway.
2. Courmayeur
Location: Aosta Valley
Ski Area: 41.5 km
Highlights: Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Courmayeur combines excellent skiing with a lively village atmosphere, full of charming cafés, fine dining, and a great après-ski scene.
Closest Partner School: Milan
Getting There: Just a 2.5-hour journey from Milan by car or bus, Courmayeur is perfect for students looking for a mix of skiing and vibrant local culture.
3. Madonna di Campiglio
Location: Trentino
Ski Area: 150 km
Highlights: Known for its chic vibe, Madonna di Campiglio offers well-connected slopes and a variety of runs, from challenging black pistes to gentle trails for beginners.
Closest Partner School: Verona
Getting There: It’s about 3 hours from Verona by train and shuttle, making it easy to head out for a weekend of skiing and luxury.
4. Cortina d’Ampezzo
Location: Veneto
Ski Area: 120 km
Highlights: Surrounded by the stunning Dolomites, Cortina offers diverse slopes and is famous for hosting the Winter Olympics. This resort is a top pick for those seeking beautiful scenery and varied terrains.
Closest Partner School: Venice
Getting There: Cortina is just a 2-hour bus ride from Venice, making it an ideal choice for students wanting to combine their studies with a scenic ski experience.
5. Val Gardena / Alpe di Siusi
Location: South Tyrol
Ski Area: 176 km
Highlights: Val Gardena is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and reliable snow conditions. The area offers plenty of terrain options for all skill levels, all set against the backdrop of the Dolomite mountains.
Closest Partner School: Milan
Getting There: Reach Val Gardena by taking a train from Milan to Bolzano and a short bus ride, totaling about 4 hours of travel. The stunning slopes and scenery make it well worth the trip.
6. Monterosa Ski – Champoluc
Location: Aosta Valley
Ski Area: 132 km
Highlights: Monterosa is less crowded than other resorts, offering a relaxed ski experience with both on-piste and off-piste options, along with views of the Monterosa massif.
Closest Partner School: Milan
Getting There: About 2.5 hours by car or bus from Milan, Monterosa is ideal for those looking for a quieter ski experience with plenty of space to explore.
7. Paganella
Location: Trentino
Ski Area: Family-friendly with broad pistes
Highlights: Paganella is an excellent choice for families and beginners, with its wide, well-maintained pistes and gorgeous views of Lake Garda.
Closest Partner School: Verona
Getting There: Just 1.5 hours from Verona by car or train, Paganella is perfect for a day trip or a weekend of relaxed skiing.
8. Santa Caterina Ski Resort
Location: Lombardy
Ski Area: Varied trails for all abilities
Highlights: Santa Caterina is known for its peaceful atmosphere, excellent snow, and traditional Italian charm. It’s an ideal choice for skiers who prefer a quieter, less commercialized resort.
Closest Partner School: Milan
Getting There: Approximately 3 hours from Milan by car, Santa Caterina is a great alternative to busier resorts, offering quality skiing in a serene environment.
Top ski destinations in Italy
Each of these ski destinations in Italy showcases the natural beauty and winter spirit of Italy, making them perfect for a ski break while studying Italian.
If you want to learn more about Italian culture or life in Italy beyond these ski destinations in Italy, feel free to follow our blog and social media pages!
