10 best mountain destinations for your winter holidays in Italy

What makes the mountain landscapes in Italy unique? Certainly the geographical, climatic and cultural variety.

Despite its privileged location in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy is crossed by mountain ranges with significant reliefs: the highest peaks in Europe are in fact on the Alps, but also the Apennines, stretched along the length of the peninsula, offer mountain landscapes of great value.

In this trip we will touch some famous destinations and other gems to discover in the endless offer of winter tourist resorts in Italy.

Starting from Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley, an exclusive location at the foot of Mont Blanc, we will cross many regions reaching destinations not always obvious, discovering the enchanting landscapes and cultural peculiarities that make them unique.

Courmayeur is an exclusive resort in the Aosta Valley, known worldwide for its ski slopes and its enchanting views: here the Mont Blanc and the white highest peaks in Europe dominate the landscape.

A destination that has many reasons to deserve a trip, not only for those who practice winter sports: the offer of activities is truly unlimited and able to satisfy the tastes of anyone.

In addition to the hundreds of kilometres of ski slopes and alpine routes, Courmayeur offers everyone the opportunity to experience a dive among the peaks, thanks to the incredible Skyway Mont Blanc, a panoramic ski lift that takes you up to 3466 meters of altitude at the Helbronner peak.

The thermal waters of Pré-Saint-Didier are an essential destination for those seeking a holiday of absolute relaxation: known since the Roman era, they are famous for the quality and variety of wellness experiences that they offer, but also for the immersion in a natural landscape of great beauty.

If you are looking for a place that combines unique natural landscapes, sports, relaxation and exclusive services typical of a luxury destination, Courmayeur is the right place for your dream holiday.

Sestriere is without a doubt one of the most famous winter destinations: it is part of the Vialattea, which develops on the territory of eight different locations located across the border between Italy and France and it is at an altitude of 2,035 meters, that makes it the highest municipality in Italy.

With over 400 kilometres of ski slopes connected by about 80 lifts, it is a true paradise for winter sports lovers.

The slopes are suitable for all levels and offer a high quality sports experience. There is no shortage of equipped spaces dedicated to alternative sports: snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing, ice skating, excursions with snowmobiles or sleddogs.

Sestriere is also a lively town full of events, clubs and restaurants that offer the typical dishes of the Piedmont tradition: it is also well connected to Turin by public transport.

Nearby you can also visit important sites of historical and cultural interest, such as the Fort of Fenestrelle or the Fort of Exilles.

We are in Abruzzo, at an altitude between 1500 and 2100 meters in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park: at the foot of one of the most iconic and imposing mountains in Apennines, among breathtaking landscapes that have earned him the nickname of "little Tibet of Italy", we find Campo Imperatore, a vast plateau famous for its natural beauty and for the activities that it offers throughout the year.

In winter Campo Imperatore is a popular ski destination with well-equipped slopes and modern lifts: the Gran Sasso cable car, one of the longest in Europe, allows you to easily reach the slopes, enjoying an unparalleled panoramic view.

This destination offers winter hiking trails, 20 km of alpine ski slopes and over 60 km dedicated to cross-country skiing.

Another attraction not to be missed is the astronomical observatory, while if you love the ancient villages and medieval architecture two places not to be missed in the surroundings are definitely Rocca Calascio, one of the highest fortresses in Italy, set of countless films and Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a charming medieval village with ancient stone architecture and picturesque cobbled streets.

Tarvisio is a charming mountain village located in the Val Canale, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, at an altitude of 754 meters. It is known for being one of the most eastern municipalities in Italy and for its strategic position on the border with Austria and Slovenia, which makes it a meeting point between Italian, German and Slovenian culture.

This village has a very ancient history that dates back to the Roman era, although the name is probably of Celtic derivation. During the Middle Ages it became a centre of strategic and commercial importance, thanks to its border position along the transit routes between Italy and central Europe.

Today Tarvisio is a popular tourist destination, perfect for those who love nature and winter sports, thanks to its modern lifts and its slopes immersed in breathtaking views.

Among the many attractions in the area, the most visited are certainly Monte Lussari, with its picturesque village and sanctuary, the Orrido dello Slizza, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul dating from the fourteenth century, the church of the Blessed Virgin of Loreto and nearby the Lakes of Fusine.

During the Christmas period, Tarvisio attracts visitors from all over the region and beyond for its famous and evocative Christmas markets offering typical products, local gastronomic specialties and quality handicrafts.

Abetone is located at an altitude of 1,388 m on the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and is one of the main ski destinations in central Italy.

In this winter sports paradise you can find about 50 km of slopes for alpine skiing and 18 for nordic skiing, served by 22 lifts. The slopes are suitable for all levels of preparation, making this destination ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers.

In addition to skiing, you can practice snowboarding and snowshoeing: the nature trails run through protected areas of great value that host a rich biodiversity, such as the Abetone State Forest.

Another strong point is certainly the proximity to the cities of Florence and Pistoia, which makes it very popular even for those who want to get away from the city’s hectic pace, maybe relaxing in an alpine refuge and enjoying the fine cuisine typical of the Tuscan Apennines: tagliatelle ai funghi, polenta, chestnuts, typical cheeses and berries.

Livigno is a popular winter destination, located in the Alps of Lombardy near the border with Switzerland at 1816 meters high.

One of the reasons that make it known is its status as a free zone: the town was exempted from customs duties already in 1538 and over the centuries this autonomy was confirmed. The exemption from state taxes has favoured the tourist and commercial development of the area, attracting many visitors who want to take advantage of lower prices for shopping.

Livigno is a true paradise for those who love winter sports: in addition to 115 km of ski slopes suitable for all levels, it offers a snowpark among the most renowned in Europe and areas dedicated to freestyle and freeride. There is no lack of alternative activities, such as snowmobile excursions or horse-drawn sleds, snowshoe walks or walks with the alpacas.

Those looking for relaxation and wellness will find one of the largest wellness centers in Europe, the Aquagranda, while wine and food lovers will certainly be satisfied by the rich and tasty traditional cuisine of the Lombard Alps.

Monte Cimone is located in the province of Modena: it is the highest mountain in the northern Apennines and one of the most popular winter destinations in the whole region.

From the top of its 2165 meters high, in particularly clear days the view is really beautiful: it seems to be able to see much of the peninsula at your feet.

On the three sides of the mountain there are over 50 km of slopes suitable for all levels, while the Snowpark Ninfa is an unmissable attraction for lovers of snowboard and freestyle.

Another popular attraction is the 700-metre long bob-sleigh track, an adrenaline experience even for those who do not ski.

The traditional cuisine of Emilia also needs no introduction: after a day on the ski, there is nothing better than sitting at the table in front of a plate of tagliatelle with mushrooms or tortellini.

There are also attractions to visit in the surroundings such as the Lake of the Nymph, the village of Sestola with its castle and the village of Fanano.

We are in the heart of Molise: on the slopes of Monte Miletto, inside the Matese massif, is one of the most important ski resorts in southern Italy.

Campitello Matese is located at 1450 and is a popular destination not only in winter but also during the summer, when the snow melts leaving behind a wonderful lake.

Winter sports lovers can find five ski lifts, almost 20 km of ski slopes and a snowpark for snowboarders and freeride fans.

The landscapes are of great beauty: from the height of 2050 meters of Monte Miletto you can see in the clearest days in the distance the Adriatic Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, Vesuvius and the Tavoliere delle Puglie.

In addition to outdoor activities for all seasons the resort offers numerous events such as the festival of the mountain, the international folklore festival, concerts and sports events.

Not many people know that even Campania has its own ski resort: Laceno is a really characteristic place located in the municipality of Bagnoli Irpino, in the province of Avellino.

It is located in a karst basin that encloses a suggestive lake surrounded by the peaks of the mountains of Picentino. The lake in winter is frequently frozen, and creates views of great beauty.

The ski lifts have unfortunately been closed for a few years, but are currently in the process of redevelopment and it is expected that by 2025 the ski resort will be fully operational.

Meanwhile, the possibilities for alternative activities are many: if you love snowshoeing and trekking in the snow there are more than 215 km of well-marked trails: they are also possible on horseback or mountain bike, and allow you to observe wildlife and admire breathtaking views.

Auronzo di Cadore is located in the Belluno Dolomites, near some of the most iconic and well-known places in the world, such as Lake Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to name just a few.

Staying in Auronzo di Cadore means having a ski area with over 25 km of slopes that offer wonderful views of the Dolomites, but also practice other winter activities such as sleddog, snowshoeing and ice skating.

Winter trekking is not to be missed, either around the Misurina Lake, particularly charming in its winter dress or the Tre Cime di Lavaredo whitewashed by snow.

At Christmas the town is alive with traditional markets: the proximity to other very famous and sought after places, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, San Candido and Dobbiaco, make it a strategic destination and a good starting point for visiting the area.