Skiing in Italy On The Rise

by admin in RSS Social News. Posted May 12, 2026

Cheaper prices, wonderful scenery, fabulous food and a certain laidback & less frantic feel are the aspects that draw skiers and snowboarders to the Italian mountains.

Generally it doesn’t have the full on apres ski of some Austrian and French resorts, but there are exceptions.

It tends to have a greater safety culture with helmets compulsory, mandatory third party insurance and off piste regulated to a degree.

Italy did though see the highest number of avalanche fatalities last winter, 40.

One linked area, Vialattea and Bardonecchia, reports 15% more skier visits last winter.

The area contains the resorts of:

Sestriere
Sauze d’Oulx
Sansicario
Cesana
Claviere
Pragelato e Oulx
Montgenèvre (France)

International visitors accounted for over 60% of the total, a significant share that highlights the strong global prestige of both resorts.

Among non-Italian guests, British skiers represented 70% of the visitor mix, underscoring the destination’s robust and growing appeal within the UK market.

“This growth highlights a rising interest in the region, driven by its high-altitude slopes, modernising infrastructure and the authentic charm of Italian alpine villages,” said the area.

It is a single destination with more than 500kms of terrain, 313 slopes catering to all skill levels:

9 green
98 blue
169 red
37 black

Vialattea piste map.

The area is served by 70 ski lifts with a capacity of over 75,000 people per hour.

The ski area spans altitudes from 1,400m to 2,800m, with 80% of the slopes situated above 1,900m.

€28m is being spent on snowmaking upgrades.

“We are able to produce snow much earlier and at a lower cost – and that is crucial for a ski resort,” said Nicola Bosticco, CEO of Colomion SpA, the company that runs the ski area.

“Previously, our production times were significantly longer, which meant that the slopes were opened gradually, not all at the start of the season as is now the case.

“This also guarantees work for the entire value chain surrounding the facilities: hotels, shops, rental stations, and ski schools,” she added.

In Bardonecchia, more than 100 new fixed snow guns entered service this season.

Two new water reservoirs are in final design that will mean 80% snowmaking coverage across key terrain.

All purchased electricity is 100% renewable, and the latest-generation equipment delivers up to 48% energy savings per air-compressor unit.

Bardonecchia in the winter. Image c/o Vialattea/Bardonecchia.

Sauze d’Oulx, Vialattea, in the winter. Image c/o Vialattea/Bardonecchia.

“The Milky Way is our top destination in Italy partly because of its vast size but also because of the varied reputations of its most popular resorts,” said Richard Sinclair, the MD of the UK ski agent, SNO.

“Après ski lovers have heard of Sauze d’Oulx (although more grown up than in years past) and Sestriere is picked for being high and snow-sure.

“Other resorts in this interlinked ski region being popular choices for the great value you get in smaller resorts – an affordable way to gain access to a genuinely world class mega-area.

” We’ve seen Italy slowly but surely grow its share of UK skiers who prefer to buy package ski holidays rather than piecemeal, because you can get ATOL protection for a price that you’d need to DIY with more risk in the other major alpine nations.”

Related PlanetSKI Articles:

The Milan-Cortina Olympics in February 2026 focused the eyes of the ski world on Italy and the Dolomites in particular.

PlanetSKI was last in the Dolomites during a recent visit to Val Gardena.

The Legandary 8, Val Gardena. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanetSKI takes on The Legendary 8

Val Gardena, The Dolomites. Image © PlanetSKI

The Legendary 8, Val Gardena. Image © PlanetSKI

Regular readers will remember PlanetSKI was based in Aosta in the north west of Italy in 2020, then along came Covid and we had to return to the UK after a six week stay.

We returned for an extended stay in 2021/22 when the resorts re-opened.

Aosta: Is it the best mountain base in the Alps?

Aosta, Aosta Valley, Italy. Image © PlanetSKI.

Pila, Aosta Valley. Image © PlanetSKI

The mountains of Italy are also being discovered in the summer months with Vialattea and Bardonechia positioning the Turin Alps as a four-season destination.

Winter is over and summer is approaching here’s what’s on offer:

Vialattea:

High-altitude lifts will be operational in the Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere areas.

The season kicks off in late June with the opening of the Sportinia chairlift in Sauze d’Oulx, followed by additional lifts in the coming weeks.

This lift system provides seamless access to trails of varying difficulty, catering to both adrenaline-seeking downhill enthusiasts and those looking for leisurely excursions or panoramic high-altitude views.

The summer experience also offers the 18-hole Sestrieres Golf Club, broadening the destination’s appeal to a diverse international audience.

Vialattea in the Summer. Immage c/o Vialattea/Bardonecchia.

Bardonecchia:

With its Alpine Coaster, the Adventure park and a family-oriented calendar of events, Bardonecchia stands out as a retreat to escape the summer heat and enjoy an authentic Italian holiday.

Its network of 30 dedicated routes offers exceptional terrain for both mountain bikers and hikers.

The Pian del Sole and Chesal 1805 mountain huts are ready to welcome visitors with the excellence of local cuisine.

They offer the unique opportunity to enjoy lunch with a view of the Alps, surrounded by the silence and stunning beauty of the mountain ridges.

Bardonecchia in the Summer. Immage c/o Vialattea/Bardonecchia.

Access:

Turin Airport is one hour away; Milan Malpensa and Genoa under two hours.

Direct rail services to Oulx and Bardonecchia connect with free shuttle transfers.

Trenitalia, the resorts’ Official Green Carrier, offers lift-pass discounts to rail passengers.

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