Where to Ski in Italy

Top Luxury Ski Resorts in Italy

Where do celebrities go in Italy?

by Anastasia Bakker Tuscany, Italy September 21, 2025

Luxury ski resorts in Italy - Map of ski resorts Italy When it comes to luxury ski resorts in Italy, few ski destinations in Europe can rival the glamour, scenery, and prestige of the Italian Alps and Dolomites.

From famous Cortina d’Ampezzo where celebrities go in Italy, to Cervinia with its high-altitude skiing and direct connection to Switzerland’s Zermatt, the country boasts some of the most famous ski resorts in Europe.

Travelers can choose between exclusive ski resorts in Italy with 5 star skiing accommodations, lively villages offering the best ski resorts in Italy for nightlife and party, or serene escapes near Austria border with short transfers from airports in Milan and Turin.

Whether you’re seeking the most expensive ski resorts in Italy, a stylish getaway to the Dolomites, or quick access to ski resorts near Milan and near Turin, this guide will list the most luxury ski resorts in Italy knows for a world-class blend of Alpine tradition and modern luxury. To plan your trip, explore our map of ski resorts in Italy and discover the top rated destinations that attract royals, celebrities, and discerning travelers year after year.

1. Luxury Ski Resort "Cortina d’Ampezzo"

The Queen of the Dolomites

Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called “The Queen of the Dolomites”, is the most exclusive ski resort of Italy.

Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, it combines world-class skiing with Italian elegance, high-fashion shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and a vibrant après-ski scene.

A favorite ski resort of celebrities, royals, and film directors, Cortina is where Alpine adventure meets sophisticated luxury.

✈️ How to Get to Cortina d'Ampezzo - Italy Ski Resort

By Air:
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – 2 hours drive (Cortina A'ampezzo closest airport)
- Treviso Airport (TSF) – 1.5–2 hours drive
- Verona Airport (VRN) – 3 hours
- Milan Malpensa/Linate – 4.5–5 hours
By Train: Closest train station is Calalzo di Cadore (35 km), then shuttle or taxi to Cortina.
By Car: From Venice ~160 km; good roads but mountain driving. Private transfers and luxury chauffeur services are widely available.
By Helicopter: Getting to Cortina d'Ampezzo by VIP transfers is possible from Venice or Innsbruck (direct to Cortina heliport).

Luxury Ski Resort Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy Description

Region: Veneto, Dolomites
Distance from Milan: ~400 km (4.5–5 hours by car)
Distance from Turin: ~500 km (6 hours)
Proximity to Austrian Border: ~40 km (close to South Tyrol and Austria)
Nightlife: Vibrant – chic cocktail bars, après-ski lounges, fashionable clubs.
Celebrities: A hotspot for international stars, royals, and fashion icons (Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren vacationed here; still popular with A-listers today).
Luxury Appeal: Designer shopping, Michelin-starred dining, iconic views.

Must Have Skiing Accessories

2. Luxury Ski Resort "Madonna di Campiglio"

Elegant & Chic Ski Resort in Trentino

Madonna di Campiglio is a jewel of the Brenta Dolomites, renowned for its refined charm and stylish atmosphere. Surrounded by breathtaking peaks and connected ski slopes, this ski resort in Italy offers a blend of glamorous hotels, elegant chalets, and serene luxury. Historically favored by royalty, today this exclusive Italian ski resort remains a discreet haven for those seeking sophisticated skiing, fine dining, and timeless Italian class.

✈️ How to Get to Madonna di Campiglio - Italy Ski Resort

By Air:
- Verona Airport (VRN) – ~2.5 hours by car (closest airport to Madonna di Campiglio)
- Milan Linate/Malpensa – ~3–3.5 hours
- Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) – ~3 hours
By Train: The closest major station is Trento, about 70 km away, with transfers available by bus, taxi, or private chauffeur.
By Car: From Verona or Milan, scenic mountain roads lead directly into the Brenta Dolomites; luxury private transfers are widely available.
By Helicopter: Elite travelers often choose helicopter transfers from Verona or Milan directly to the resort’s helipad, offering a dramatic entrance to the Dolomites.

Luxury Ski Resort Madonna di Campiglio, Italy Description

Region: Trentino, Brenta Dolomites
Distance from Milan: ~210 km (3.5 hours)
Distance from Turin: ~350 km (5 hours)
Proximity to Austrian Border: ~60 km (northern Trentino close to Austria)
Nightlife: Refined rather than wild – wine bars, luxury lounges, and hotel-based parties.
Celebrities:Historically visited by the Habsburg royal family; today it’s frequented by Italian VIPs and discreet luxury travelers.
Luxury Appeal: Exclusive hotels, stylish yet calm atmosphere, perfect for elegant skiers.

3. Luxury Ski Resort "Courmayeur"

Under the Shadow of Mont Blanc

Courmayeur lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, blending Alpine tradition with Italian sophistication. Its cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, cozy cafés, and luxury hotels, while its slopes attract advanced skiers and adventure lovers. With panoramic views, refined après-ski, and a history of hosting Europe’s elite, top rated ski resort Courmayeur is a chic mountain retreat for those who love both style and sport.

✈️ How to Get to Courmayeur - Italy Ski Resort

By Air:
- Turin Airport (TRN) – 1.5–2 hours by car (closest option)
- Milan Malpensa/Linate – 2.5–3 hours
- Geneva Airport (GVA) – ~1.5–2 hours through the Mont Blanc Tunnel
By Train: The nearest major station is Aosta (35 km away), with onward travel by bus, taxi, or private transfer.
By Car: Excellent road links via the A5 motorway from Turin or the Mont Blanc Tunnel from France. Private chauffeur services and luxury transfers are popular for seamless travel.
By Helicopter: Elite travelers often choose helicopter transfers from Verona or Milan directly to the resort’s helipad, offering a dramatic entrance to the Dolomites.

Luxury Ski Resort Courmayeur, Italy Description

Region: Aosta Valley
Distance from Milan: ~220 km (3 hours)
Distance from Turin: ~150 km (2 hours)
Proximity to Austrian Border: Not close (western Alps, near France/Switzerland instead)
Nightlife: Upscale wine bars, chic aperitivo spots, elegant dining; lively but not wild.
Celebrities: A long-time favorite of Gianni Agnelli (Fiat family), Italian aristocracy, and international jet-setters.
Luxury Appeal: Breathtaking Mont Blanc views, world-class spas, charming town vibe.

4. Luxury Ski Resort "Bormio"

Wellness Meets Adventure

Bormio is unique among luxury Italian ski resorts, offering not only excellent slopes but also centuries-old thermal baths. This charming Lombard town is the perfect choice for travelers who want to combine exhilarating Alpine skiing with soothing spa experiences. Less crowded than glitzy resorts, Bormio is an elegant escape for wellness seekers and lovers of authentic mountain culture.

✈️ How to Get to Bormio - Italy Ski Resort

By Air:
- Milan Malpensa (MXP) – ~3.5–4 hours by car
- Milan Linate (LIN) – ~3 hours
- Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY) – ~3 hours
By Train: The nearest station is Tirano (about 40 km away), with bus or private transfer connections to Bormio.
By Car: From Milan or Bergamo, a scenic drive through Valtellina valley leads directly to the resort; luxury chauffeur services are available for a comfortable journey.
By Helicopter: Private helicopter transfers from Milan or Bergamo reduce travel time to under an hour and offer breathtaking views of the Alps.

Luxury Ski Resort Bormio, Italy Description

Region: Lombardy
Distance from Milan: ~200 km (3.5–4 hours)
Distance from Turin: ~320 km (5 hours)
Proximity to Austrian Border: ~20 km (very close to Austria/Switzerland)
Nightlife: Relaxed – focus on spa evenings, wine bars, and gourmet dining; less of a party town.
Celebrities: Popular with sports figures (skiers and cyclists) rather than Hollywood, known more for wellness luxury.
Luxury Appeal: Thermal baths + skiing, ideal for ski/spa lovers.

5. Luxury Ski Resort "Alta Badia"

The Gourmet Heart of the Dolomites

Alta Badia is a paradise for food and ski enthusiasts alike, nestled in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area. Famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet mountain huts, it offers the rare chance to combine skiing with world-class gastronomy. With stunning Dolomite panoramas, luxury chalets, and access to the Sellaronda circuit, Alta Badia is the ultimate destination for indulgence on and off the slopes.

✈️ How to Get to Alta Badia - Italy Ski Resort

By Air:
- Venice Marco Polo (VCE) – ~3 hours by car
- Innsbruck Airport (INN, Austria) – ~2.5 hours
- Verona Airport (VRN) – ~3.5 hours
- Milan Bergamo/Malpensa – ~4–5 hours
By Train: The nearest stations are Brunico or Bolzano, with onward travel by bus, taxi, or private transfer.
By Car: Scenic mountain routes connect Alta Badia to Venice, Innsbruck, and Verona; private chauffeurs are popular among luxury travelers.
By Helicopter: Direct helicopter transfers from Venice, Verona, or Innsbruck are available, landing you in the heart of the Dolomites with breathtaking aerial views.

Luxury Ski Resort Alta Badia, Italy Description

Region: South Tyrol, Dolomiti Superski
Distance from Milan: ~380 km (5–6 hours)
Distance from Turin: ~500 km (6+ hours)
Proximity to Austrian Border: ~30 km (South Tyrol borders Austria)
Nightlife: Quiet, cozy, intimate – focus on fine dining and wine tastings rather than clubs.
Celebrities: Known to attract Michelin-starred chefs, foodies, and wealthy discreet travelers.
Luxury Appeal: Culinary capital of the Alps, upscale chalets, the Sellaronda ski circuit.

6. Luxury Ski Resort "Cervinia"

Ski With a View of the Matterhorn

Cervinia offers one of Europe’s most spectacular ski settings, with wide slopes and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Known for its high altitude and long ski season, it combines reliable snow with luxury chalets and fine hotels. Linked with Switzerland’s Zermatt, Cervinia attracts discerning skiers who want both international flair and Italian elegance in a serene, upscale environment.

✈️ How to Get to Cervinia - Italy Ski Resort

By Air:
- Turin Airport (TRN) – ~1.5–2 hours by car (closest and most direct)
- Milan Malpensa (MXP) – ~2.5 hours
- Milan Linate (LIN) – ~3 hours
- Geneva Airport (GVA) – ~3 hours (via Mont Blanc Tunnel and Aosta Valley)
By Train: The nearest station is Châtillon–Saint-Vincent (27 km away), with shuttle buses, taxis, or private transfers available to Cervinia.
By Car: Excellent motorway links from Turin and Milan lead into the Aosta Valley; luxury chauffeur services are popular for stress-free travel.
By Helicopter: VIP helicopter transfers from Milan, Turin, or Geneva bring guests directly to Cervinia in under an hour, with unforgettable views of the Matterhorn.

Luxury Ski Resort Cervinia, Italy Description

Region: Aosta Valley
Distance from Milan: ~190 km (2.5 hours)
Distance from Turin: ~120 km (2 hours)
Proximity to Austrian Border: Not close (on Swiss border instead)
Nightlife: Some lively après-ski bars and lounges, but overall calmer than Swiss Zermatt.
Celebrities: Draws elite skiers and celebrities looking for privacy, plus occasional royalty.
Luxury Appeal: High-altitude skiing, luxury chalets, and direct connection to Switzerland’s Zermatt.

Map of Ski Resorts in Italy

Travel to Tuscany TipBox

Wondering where celebrities go in Italy for skiing? Keep an eye out in Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the Italian St. Moritz, where fashion icons, movie stars, and athletes often vacation.

To help you plan your Alpine adventure, we’ve created a detailed map of ski resorts in Italy highlighting the country’s most exclusive winter destinations.

From glamorous Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites with vibrant nightlife to the high-altitude slopes of Cervinia with direct connection to Switzerland’s Zermatt, you can easily spot the top rated luxury ski resorts near Milan, Turin, and even close to the Austrian border.

Whether you’re searching for the most expensive ski resorts in Italy, resorts with short transfers, or the best spots for nightlife and après-ski parties, this interactive map of ski resorts in Italy is the perfect starting point to find where to ski in Italy.

Map of luxury & most expensive ski resorts in Italy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Italy have good skiing? View Answer+

Yes, Italy offers some of the best skiing in Europe, combining the dramatic peaks of the Alps and Dolomites with world-class slopes, gourmet food, and stylish après-ski culture. Resorts like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Cervinia, and Madonna di Campiglio are internationally renowned for their mix of luxury and adventure.

What is Italy's biggest ski resort?view answer+

The largest ski area in Italy is the Dolomiti Superski, covering 12 valleys and over 1,200 km of pistes on a single pass. Individual resorts like Cervinia (linked with Zermatt in Switzerland) also rank among Italy’s biggest.

What is the best month to ski in Italy?view answer+

The prime time is January to March, when snow conditions are most reliable. February is especially popular for both snow quality and atmosphere, while March offers longer, sunnier days.

How much does a ski pass cost in Abetone?view answer+

Best skiing in Italy for beginners Resorts such as Alta Badia, Bormio, and Cervinia are excellent for beginners, with wide, gentle slopes, top-rated ski schools, and plenty of family-friendly facilities.

When does ski season end in Italy?view answer+

Most Italian ski resorts operate from late November to mid-April, depending on altitude. Cervinia, thanks to its glacier slopes, often stays open until early May.

Is skiing in Italy cheaper than France?view answer+

Generally, yes. While Italy has exclusive ski resorts with luxury price tags, lift passes, dining, and accommodations are usually more affordable than in France or Switzerland — especially in less famous resorts.

Can you ski in Italy during the summer?view answer+

Yes, but only on glaciers. Resorts like Cervinia (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) and Passo Stelvio offer summer skiing with breathtaking high-altitude views.