Top 5 winter incentive destinations: plan your skiing holiday in Italy

Top 5 winter incentive destinations: plan your skiing holiday in Italy

Madonna di Campiglio

This internationally famous destination is conveniently located between the Dolomites and the Adamello glaciers. If you are looking for the perfect destination for your skiing holiday in Italy, you need to look no further. With almost 100 miles of approved ski slopes, special tracks for Nordic skiing and the largest snowpark in the Country, Madonna di Campiglio is a winter sports’ heaven, catering to the need of both sports enthusiasts and their families. Those who do not fancy sliding down adventurous slopes all day will also have plenty of activities to choose from: local shopping, excursions to the nearby towns and valleys and, naturally, the vibrant local nightlife. If you visit in February, you will have the opportunity of taking part in the local Augsburg Carnival, an ancient tradition, dating back to the Austro-Hungarian domination of Trentino-Alto Adige.

Val di Fassa

Particularly popular among cross-country skiers, Val di Fassa is an excellent choice if you want to combine winter sports and outstanding food. Located in the north-eastern part of Trentino Alto Adige, this valley is surrounded by some of the most impressive peaks in the Dolomites range, such as the Marmolada and the Sella Group. The best known destination in the valley is the town of Canazei, but we recommend you take some time to visit Moena and Campitello and to stop by a local eatery to sample their delicious homemade cheese. In most cases you will be able to sample products directly from the local producers and literally meet the “source” of your tasty treats. Every year, Canazei hosts the Dolomites Skyrace, which is part of the Skyrunning world championship.

Cortina D’Ampezzo

Located in the province of Belluno, Cortina is an exclusive, high-end winter holiday destination, loved by Italian and international tourists alike. As well as skiing in one of the several local facilities, you should visit the local national park, which is surrounded by some of the highest and most impressive peaks in the Dolomites range and dotted with small, beautiful glaciers. The local ski slopes cater to professional athletes and amateurs alike: this is the perfect destination for your skiing holiday in Italy, if you are planning to travel with a diverse team, that includes expert skiers, enthusiastic newbies and even children that are approaching winter sports for the first time. Cortina D’Ampezzo is also a fashionable destination for luxury holidays: most hotels offer spa facilities and the local shopping district is as tempting as Milan’s or Rome’s. If you pick Cortina D’Ampezzo as your destination, make sure you sample the local cuisine: you will find echoes of Tyrolese and Central European traditions in its rich and tasty recipes.

Courmayeur

Courmayeur is one of the most charming destinations for a skiing holiday in Italy. Also known as the “Pearl of the Alps”, it is located at the foot of Mont Blanc and it offers over 60 miles of ski slopes, as well hosting a lively community of enthusiastic snowboarders and cross-country skiers. If you want to take a break from skiing, you should spend at least one day downtown. Despite being one of the most popular winter holiday destinations in Italy, Courmayeur has managed to keep the quaint air and authentic vibe of the northern-Italian mountain village, with wooden houses and craftsmen shops selling local products made with ancient, traditional techniques. The local production of cheese, baked goods and meat products is enough to satisfy any gourmand.

La Thuile

This is one of the most charming locations you could pick for your skiing holiday in Italy. Located in Val d’Aosta, this village is a quiet and serene spot for a summer stay, but literally bursts with life as soon as the first snows start to settle. Some of the best skiing resorts in Italy are to be found here and they are connected with their equivalents just beyond the French border, which means you will be able to enjoy hundreds of miles of ski-slopes, shuttling back and forth between France and Italy on state-of-the-art cable cars. This destination is a particular favourite of expert skiers, because it offers one of the most challenging slopes in Italy, known simply as “number 3” or by the name of the famous athlete it is dedicated to: Franco Berthod. It’s worth noting that this particular piste presents a serious sporting challenge and it is absolutely not suited to amateurs.