Pizza, pasta and pistes: say hello to the Italian ski season. With the majority of the country’s ski resorts set to reopen their doors this month, there’s certainly a buzz in the air, as the 2025/26 season will also see Italy host the Winter Olympics in February. With more than 300 resorts peppered across northern and central Italy, and all promising a more accessible price point than their counterparts in France and Switzerland, it’s a fail-safe choice for beginners, experts and those with families in tow. From the foothills of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, to the peaks of the Dolomites, we’ve rounded up the best resorts – and luxury hotels – to book for your next European ski holiday. Think la dolce vita, but in the snow. 

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto

One of Italy’s most beautiful ski destinations, Cortina d’Ampezzo is set to be catapulted onto the world stage when it hosts the 2026 Winter Olympics next February. It has long been a destination for the rich and famous; Cortina came into prominence in the 1950s and even welcomed Roger Moore as James Bond when he famously skied here during filming for 1981’s For Your Eyes Only. Framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, Cortina is no stranger to hosting international events, including the FIS Para Alpine Ski World Cup, Snowboard Cross and motor event, WinteRace. The vast ski area of 120km means there are runs for every ability, while the Piazza Venezia in the centre of the resort offers some of the best aprés in Italy. 

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo

One of Cortina’s most famous properties, Grand Hotel Savoia has hosted many illustrious figures since it opened in 1912, ranging from Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot, to Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway. As the largest five-star hotel in the region, its prime location offers guests adrenaline-fuelled outdoor pursuits and picturesque skiing for all levels, while the 135 rooms nod to the landscape outside with cool, comfortable and cosy decor. Pick from three unique culinary locations – regional cuisine at Ristorante Savoy, al fresco drinks and bites at 1224 Bar Lounge and Terrace, and the casual but no less delectable Pizza Palace. Don’t forget to rest weary ski legs at the serene Savoia Spa featuring Comfort Zone treatments and products. 

From £640 per night. 

Courmayeur, Aosta Valley

Situated at the foot of the majestic Mont Blanc and oozing alpine charm, Courmayeur is often dubbed one of Italy’s chicest resorts. More suited to gentlemen skiers than adrenaline junkies, Courmayeur offers a relatively compact ski area of about 43km of groomed runs. The ski area is divided into Checrouit and Val Veny; the former faces the morning sun and is more suited to novices, while the latter enjoys the afternoon light and boasts tree-lined slopes, dramatic views and off-piste runs. 

Ideal for travellers looking to enjoy a weekend break, being just a 90-minute drive from Geneva airport while the Mont Blanc tunnel facilitates day trips to Chamonix in France, Courmayer is perfect for those looking to get the best of both worlds. Aside from world-class skiing, Courmayeur is also a culinary destination, serving local alpine dishes and regularly hosting celebrity chefs including Heston Blumenthal, Marcus Wareing, Clare Smyth and Jason Atherton. 

Where to stay: Le Massif

Situated on the slopes of Mont Blanc, Le Massif provides the ideal setting to enjoy world-class skiing in the Italian Alps, and is just 100m from the nearest cable car. A dedicated ski concierge and ski butler service mean guests can enjoy the mountain atmosphere in complete relaxation, with everything from mountain passes to classes and ski equipment taken care of, while Le Massif’s world-class spa facilities prove it takes relaxation as importantly as exhilaration. Unwind in the bioaquam pool, sauna, hammam, fitness centre and whirlpool tub, before dining at one of the three on-site restaurants to savour a myriad of gastronomic influences from the Valle d’Aosta. 

From £250 per night. 

Cervinia, Aosta Valley

Regarded as being one of Italy’s best beginners resorts, Cervinia sits in the shadow of the Matterhorn in the Aosta Valley ski area. A standard local lift pass unlocks 160km of newbie-friendly slopes, but more seasoned skiers can cross the border into Zermatt for an additional 200km of runs to carve up. Take the cable car up 3,885m to the peak of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, which interconnects with sister resort Valtournenche and is home to the longest prepared downhill run in Europe. Back at an altitude of 2,050 metres, the town of Cervinia is traffic-free and home to a rabbit warren of streets filled with traditional trattorias and bustling bars. 

Where to stay: VRetreats Cervino

Constructed with eco-friendly materials like local stone and wood, VRetreats Cervino blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings while housing 70 stylish rooms, equipped with modern amenities and private balconies which provide the perfect vantage point to take in spectacular views of the Matterhorn. A popular bolthole throughout the Italian ski season, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to and from the slopes, as well as a chic boot room with warming lockers to ensure your kit is crisp and dry for the following day’s activities. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning, dine at one of the hotel's two restaurants in the evening, and are strongly encouraged to make the most of the Adara Spa featuring a warm indoor pool and steam room.

From £280 per night. 

Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino

As one of the largest ski areas in Trentino, Madonna di Campiglio invites travellers to snowshoe hike across pristine landscapes, traverse glacier trails, and glide down world-class slopes. Fringed by the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, which includes the Brenta Dolomites mountain range, a glacier, lakes and trails, it is known for attracting beau monde skiers due to its designer reputation and well-linked ski area. This resort encompasses the Folgarida, Marilleva and Pinzolo ski areas, which collectively tot up 50km of picture-perfect pistes dominated by black, green and blue runs. 

Where to stay: Casa Cook Madonna

Gearing up to host its first winter season, having only opened its doors in August, Casa Cook Madonna is an adults-only sanctuary, nestled in the picturesque village of Madonna di Campiglio. The hotel occupies a prime position for winter pursuits, only three minutes from the ski lifts, and offers warm, cocooning interiors for guests to return to after a day on the slopes. Inside, the 50 design-led rooms are complemented by a well-equipped gym, a spa, a sauna and an innovative boot room. Rejuvenating spa treatments are available to promote longevity and wellness, while the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Altitude, serves a menu curated by renowned three Michelin-star chef Jacob Jan Boerma. 

From £250 per night. 

Selva di Val Gardena, South Tyrol

One of the most traditional ski resorts in the South Tyrol is Val Gardena, famed for its wide open slopes that are seriously family-friendly. It forms part of the Dolomiti Superski network, which grants access to 12 ski areas encompassing 1,200km of slopes with one pass. Stick around Val Gardena to enjoy well-groomed slopes, such as the famous Sellaronda: a fun tour around the Sella massif, which can be skied in both directions and offers unrivalled mountain views. 

Where to stay: Hotel Granbaita

Having emerged from a refurbishment and extension last year, Hotel Granbaita is a gorgeous family-run property in the heart of Selva di Val Gardena, set within the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the original building dating back to 1961, the hotel features six different room and suite categories, designed with the same rich colour palette and both comfort and style in mind. Elsewhere, guests are invited to sample the culinary traditions of Trentino with menus curated by chefs Marc Bernardi and Sofia Parduzzi or indulge in a signature cocktail or two at the modern bar. As well as immersing in a raft of activities, such as hiking, skiing or biking, make time to relax and refresh in the 2,000 square metre Savinela Spa: an oasis of wellness complete with a sauna, swimming pools and traditional spa treatments. 

From £270 per night. 

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