Alagna
For all the intermediate skiers out there who know what they’re doing but aren’t good enough for the black runs, a trip to Alagna is just the ticket.
It’s a very natural place to ski in that it’s not touristy or artificial feeling. In fact that can be a downside in a way – especially if you are looking for a healthy dollop of après-ski. This place is for skiing only, and apart from the required essentials like local restaurants this is something of a quiet resort.
If your passion is for skiing down the mountains, exploring different trails and then doing it all over again the next day, you’ll love it. Just don’t expect to get up to much in the evenings.
With that said though you should certainly take a camera, because the views here are amazing. Alagna can provide a great short holiday or a stop over to somewhere else, but après-ski lovers should concentrate on richer pickings.
Cervinia
Cervinia’s location is fantastic as it is nestled at the bottom of the Matterhorn, the mountain that straddles the border with Switzerland. You’re in for snow here that is virtually guaranteed, so there are no worries on that score.
It’s not designed for the experienced skiers, but for anyone who is still greatly challenged by the sport there is a lot to get your teeth into. And one of the best parts is that Zermatt is sitting just over the border, so if you fancy some skiing in two different countries on the same day, that is more than possible when you stay in Cervinia.
Stay in the local village when you come off the slopes though; there isn’t a lot worth seeing further out. You should find enough to keep you amused during your stay but don’t expect a lot of après-ski. You’re best off having an early night in preparation for the slopes again the next day.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
If you’re looking for a skiing holiday that gives you magnificent views and picture postcard scenes to gaze at every day, check out Cortina d’Ampezzo. Sharing part of the Dolomites, it offers everything you could want from a great skiing holiday.
Beginners won’t be crowded out by the experienced skiers either, as they will probably be elsewhere. Those who are still getting used to the feel of skis on their feet will enjoy the more gentle runs, while admiring the scenery at the same time.
It is slightly upper crust as far as many resorts go, and you may feel you’ll need to dress for the part. If that’s the case you might feel more comfortable picking another Italian resort that doesn’t have the same attitude. It all depends on how passionate you are about skiing in the Dolomites. If you want to experience those views for yourself, then go all out and enjoy it – whatever the locals think.
Courmayeur
If you know what you’re doing and you want somewhere different to try out your skills, Courmayeur might be the solution. It’s not the best of Italian resorts, but it’s got the views of Mont Blanc to delight its visitors, and the nearby village has a lot to offer.
This wide range isn’t replicated on the slopes though. It’s a smallish resort and it’s not for beginners, who would be better off going elsewhere to get started. This is really the kind of resort that will be best loved by those who know what they’re doing but are equally happy shopping as they are on their skis. Perhaps a break of a few days here is better than a week, which might be stretching things a bit.
However it will appeal to those who insist on some après-ski. It almost does this part better than the skiing itself.
Gressoney
It can sometimes seem as if experienced skiers struggle to find a resort that really appeals to them. But there is plenty of potential at Gressoney, and with ten red and three black runs to get your teeth into, you won’t be short of challenges.
This is one of those resorts that puts its all into the skiing opportunities, and doesn’t worry too much about what to offer in the evenings. You’ll be assured of a nice meal when you’re done on the slopes, but there is little else to get up to.
But if all this sounds as if beginners should look elsewhere, you shouldn’t go too far just yet. There are some amazing opportunities to experience the easier runs in the area too.
And if you’re someone who doesn’t like to ski all day, you’ll find plenty to explore and appreciate in the local area too.
Selva in Val Gardena
Selva is a village in the Val Gardena area, and it is a haven for skiers as it has so much to offer them. If you are skiing for the first time you’ll appreciate the ski schools which are on site and ready to show you the ropes. But there is plenty to enjoy for other skill levels as well.
You can explore the entire Val Gardena area if you wish, and while Selva offers short runs rather than extremely long ones, that doesn’t detract from the excitement and challenges that await you on the slopes.
Selva is popular as much for its après-ski as its skiing opportunities. You won’t be short of somewhere welcoming and friendly to visit in the evenings, as well as offering some fantastic food. This balance between the ski slopes and the amenities offered nearby is one of the reasons why Selva in Val Gardena is a hit with many skiers.