The best ski resorts in Italy - holidays on beautiful and sunny slopes

The Italian Alps have long attracted winter sports enthusiasts not only with excellent skiing conditions but also with their unique atmosphere, cuisine, and landscapes, where the ruggedness of the mountains blends with southern elegance. Among the many excellent resorts, the following stand out for their reputation and character: Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Cortina d'Ampezzo, La Thuile, Courmayeu, and Val Gardena (Cal Gardena) . Holidays on the slopes in the Dolomites and the Mont Blanc massif are an option for both experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Madonna di Campiglio is the jewel of the Brenta Dolomites and one of Italy's most prestigious ski resorts. Surrounded by monumental peaks, the village is renowned for its perfectly groomed slopes, modern infrastructure, and excellent lift connections that allow for long, smooth descents. The resort offers both wide, sunny runs for intermediate skiers and more challenging sections for experts. After skiing, life moves to the elegant town center – full of boutiques, restaurants, bars, and high-standard hotels that give Madonna the atmosphere of an Alpine resort with a touch of luxury. A highly recommended hotel is the boutique Chalet del Sogno, located on the slopes and run by the second generation of a local family. If you're looking for something more luxurious, consider accommodation for your winter and ski vacation at the Lefay Dolomites hotel in neighboring Pinzolo.

Pinzolo is a more intimate and tranquil alternative, nestled in the Val Rendena valley, directly adjacent to Madonna di Campiglio. The resort is connected to its ski areas, providing access to a vast area of ​​slopes while also allowing for less crowded accommodations. Pinzolo is a great winter holiday destination in Italy for families and those seeking an authentic Alpine atmosphere without the glamorous charm. The slopes are well-diversified, and the town has retained its traditional character, with local restaurants and views of the Dolomite peaks. The most recommended five-star hotel with a wonderful spa is the LEFAY Dolomiti, located near the Pinzolo ski lift.

Cortina d'Ampezzo , often called the "Queen of the Dolomites," is a symbol of style and tradition. The resort hosted the Winter Olympics and still captivates with its blend of sporting history and refined aesthetics. Ski slopes stretch across several mountain ranges, offering spectacular views and a wide variety of terrain. Cortina is particularly appreciated by experienced skiers, but recreational skiers will also find something to enjoy here. The town is renowned for its elegant Corso Italia promenade, excellent restaurants, charming boutiques, and an atmosphere more reminiscent of an exclusive resort than a typical ski resort.

The town of Cortina has a good hotel base; the best five-star hotels, which will be appreciated by both skiers and non-winter sports enthusiasts, are the newly opened Anchora and Hotel Grand Savoia after a general renovation.

Courmayeur, located on the southern side of the Mont Blanc massif, is considered one of the most stylish resorts in the Aosta Valley. It's a place where sport meets elegance and the Italian dolce vita. The ski slopes are more varied and technical than in Cervinia, often leading through natural terrain and offering stunning views of the highest peak in the Alps. Courmayeur is particularly appreciated by experienced skiers and freeride enthusiasts. After-ski social life is concentrated in the atmospheric center, full of restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, giving the town a uniquely refined character. The most exclusive hotels for a great ski stay, recommended by the travel agency CARTER are Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc and Le Massif Courmayeur.

La Thuile , located in the Aosta Valley right on the French border, delights with its rugged, high-altitude climate. It's the perfect destination for those who appreciate wide, long runs and fewer crowds. The resort is connected to the French town of La Rosière, offering the opportunity to ski cross-border and explore a variety of slopes in a single day. La Thuile is renowned for its excellent snow conditions, steeper slopes, and excellent opportunities for advanced skiers and freeriders, while retaining the tranquil, authentic character of an Alpine resort. To reach La Thuile by car, you'll need to pass through another, larger and more renowned Italian ski resort, Courmayeur, and then continue for about half an hour. Snow chains are recommended, as the road is often snow-covered. The most comfortable hotel in La Thuile, recommended for longer stays, is the five-star Montana Lodge & SPA. It's a great place for a family winter holiday in the mountains with children.

Val Gardena (Cal Gardena) is a true paradise for long-distance skiers and fans of spectacular panoramas. The region encompasses the towns of Ortisei, Selva, and Santa Cristina and is part of the famous Dolomiti Superski carousel . An excellent network of lifts allows for seamless travel between slopes and legendary routes like the Saslong. Val Gardena combines top-class skiing with Ladin culture, hospitality, and excellent cuisine, while offering a family atmosphere and a wide selection of hotels. The most luxurious hotels in the Italian Val Gardena are the Alpenroyal Hotel and the Tyrol.

Cervinia in the Aosta Valley is one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, nestled at the foot of the monumental Matterhorn (Monte Cervino). With an altitude of over 2000 meters, the resort is renowned for its exceptionally long season and excellent snow conditions. The slopes are wide, long, and largely open, allowing for smooth, panoramic skiing. Cervinia is ideal for both intermediate and advanced skiers, and its connection to Zermatt in Switzerland allows you to ski in two countries in one day. The resort itself has a modern character, with an emphasis on functionality and spectacular views. The best hotel for discerning travelers in Cervinia is the elegant Hermitage Relais & Châteaux, located at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Ski trips to the Italian Alps with CARTER in the 2026/2027 season

Each of these resorts has its own personality, but together they demonstrate why the Italian Alps are among the most beautiful and diverse ski areas in Europe. Ski holidays to Italy's most renowned ski resorts are our specialty. CARTER for over 20 years!