Heidi Blog
5 of the best resorts in Italy for beginners
Are you looking for somewhere truly bellissima for your first skiing holiday? Say buongiorno to Italy. Home to high-altitude snow, friendly slopes, and easy-going après, Italian ski resorts will make your first skiing holiday a blast.
Just remember, if someone randomly shouts 'PIZZA' at you on the slopes, they're not suggesting lunch. It's ski lingo signalling you to slow down with a snow plough by moving the front tips of your skis together to form a triangle or 'pizza slice' shape. Although, with Italy's mountain restaurants cooking up (arguably) some of the best eats in the Alps, you'll undoubtedly be beckoned in for a slice of la dolce vita at some point!
From traditional alpine villages to giant, purpose-built resorts, here are five of the best beginner ski resorts in Italy we recommend to those new to the mountains:
1. Sestriere
It's not often you can say you have skied the Milky Way, but at the Italian resort of Sestriere, it's par for the course. Sitting at a lofty 2000m, it's as snow-sure as they come. A real-life winter wonderland, surrounded by enchanting forests, babbling brooks, and the majestic peaks of Sises, Motta, and Fraiteve.
A glut of fuss-free ski-in/ski-out accommodation keeps the slopes on your doorstep, with an assortment of easy-to-reach Italian eateries and après bars nearby. Start your first day perfecting your snow plough pizzas at the village nursery area. Once you feel confident, stay local with plenty of cruisy greens and forest-lined blues.
The après-ski has an easy-going Italian feel. We recommend getting the whole crew around the fire pits at I.Gloo Sky Bar to toast to a brilliant first day on the slopes, or head to Pinkys for frothy beers and cheese-pull pizzas. Fancy some post-slope thrills? Swap your skis for snowshoes and go hiking through alpine forests, or get hearts racing as you sledge over snowy plateaus pulled by a team of huskies. Mush!
When to go: Christmas and New Year bring a sprinkling of festive cheer, while March and April are good for late-season bargains with visions of warm sun terraces and ice-cold glasses of Aperol Spritz.
2. La Thuile
Are you looking for true freedom in the mountains? La Thuile is the answer. Full of traditional alpine charm, La Thuile is a hidden gem straight out of the pages of a fairy tale. First-timers come here for relaxed family and beginner skiing, easy access to the slopes, modern lift systems, and uncrowded pistes - all for a fraction of the price of larger neighbouring resorts.
A lack of crowds and lift queues means plenty of space to practise. Begin on the resort's wide nursery runs before heading up the mountain for jaw-dropping vistas and cruisy, high-altitude blues. Nicknamed 'Little Siberia', snowy slopes are a good bet all season here. On bluebird days, we recommend heading up to the peak for a front-row seat to spectacular views of France's mighty Mont Blanc and Switzerland's Matterhorn (yodelling not required).
On days off, go snowkiting, dog sledging, tobogganing, or explore vast winter wonderlands via snowshoe trails. Though the nightlife here is laid-back, the food remains a tour de force. Fuel up for another day on the slopes at rustic Italian taverns with rich polenta, gooey margarita pizzas, and juicy 'polpette' (Italian-style meatballs). Yum!
When to go: Hearty snow dumps hit their heaviest in December and January, perfect for a post-Christmas break to beat the winter blues.
3. Pila
Arguably the best-kept secret in the Italian Alps, the captivating alpine village of Pila at the heart of the Aosta Valley will leave you feeling on top of the world. Surrounded by the mighty peaks of Monte Rosa, Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc, this hidden gem is just an hour from Turin airport and is the ideal place for first-timers seeking a speedy weekend ski break.
Pila does quality over quantity. A compact 70km ski area, ample snow, and uncrowded slopes provide the perfect place to warm up your ski legs. Start your first day mastering those all-important ski pizzas at the gentle bunny slopes and Grimod Bowl. Meanwhile, newbie snowboarders will feel spoilt with gentle, sheltered slopes and quiet runs through snow-dusted pine forests.
As night falls, take to the mountain forests with evening snowshoe hikes followed by steaming mugs of hot chocolate. Or if you don't fancy heading out into the cold again, cosy up by the fireplace with a mountain of creamy pasta and a tall glass of local vino rosso.
When to go: Blessed with reliable snow from December to April, we recommend grabbing a late-season bargain in spring for epic bluebird days and warmer temps.
4. Bardonecchia
A resort that often finds itself flying under the radar, Bardonecchia is perfect for speedy skiing weekends with mini-skiers in tow. Just a short train ride from Turin airport, we recommend coming here with friends and family for laid-back winter fun. As well as downhill skiing, there's scenic cross-country skiing, frosty snowshoe hikes, and speedy, super-fun snow tubing on offer. Epic!
With enchanting woodlands and majestic mountain views, Bardonecchia gives you plenty to explore. Start your day on the wide-open nursery slopes and magic carpet lifts at Campo Smith and Melezet. Once done here, choose from hundreds of km of quiet beginner runs through snow-capped pine forests. Worried about the snow forecast? Don’t be! At 2,800m, the high altitudes mean plenty of white stuff from December to April.
Fancy trying a different kind of skiing? Bardonecchia is fantastic for beginner cross-country skiers, with a few easy local loops for first-timers. Alternatively, swap your skis for snowshoes (or ciaspole as they are known here) to explore signposted sightseeing walks, or try outdoor ice skating, snow tubing, and e-fat bikes. After all that, grab some time to relax and recount your adventures to friends and family over a glass of local red - saluti!
When to go: Ideal for a half-term escape, take advantage of peaceful pistes away from France and Switzerland.
5. Cervinia
Home to epic snow and glorious bluebird days, Cervinia will have beginner and seasoned skiers grinning from ear to ear. This is just the ticket for newbies looking for excellent value a snowball's throw from the glamorous Swiss resort of Zermatt. Sitting at a lofty 2050m, Cervinia is one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts and the ideal starting point to practise your snow plough 'pizzas' on convenient, gentle slopes amidst jaw-dropping views.
Purpose-built for skiers, we recommend beginning your first day riding to the top of the gondola for a private lesson at the excellent ski school. After class, hang out on the gentle bunny slopes before upping your game on the numerous long, light greens and wide, easy-going blues.
Sooth tired limbs the Italian way at one of the many excellent saunas and steam rooms. Or - if you still have the energy - wrap up warm and head to the Glacier Palace Ice Grotto to explore glacial tunnels and magnificent snow sculptures. Chill out back at the resort clinking ice-cold glasses of Aperol Spritz overlooking sun-soaked slopes. Bliss.
When to go: Embrace the festivities with a Christmas ski holiday in Italy. Go ice skating under twinkling lights and stroll winter markets with steaming mugs of mulled wine.
New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
Find your freedom with Heidi.
More Like This
Why book a skiing holiday with us?
See our ski holiday reviews
