Small Italian Ski Resorts

Italy is a fantastic destination to go skiing with its amazing views and terrain, plus the incredible food you can eat. You don’t have to go to the major resorts to have a great time either. There are small Italian ski resorts that have a lot to offer ski enthusiasts who want to try a different setting. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful setting or a new adventure, there’s something for everyone. Our ski experts have created a guide for small Italian ski resorts.

Livigno

Livigno is a charming small Italian ski resort with a laid-back vibe, set at 1,815m in a remote valley near the Swiss border. Despite its modest size, the resort offers an impressive 115km of slopes, providing plenty of snow-sure skiing for beginners and intermediates alike. Its reliable snow conditions and long season make it a popular choice for those seeking excellent skiing without the crowds. 

The village has a friendly atmosphere with a good selection of ski-in ski-out accommodation, making it easy to access the slopes. Off the mountain, Livigno offers a variety of activities, including snowmobiling, dogsledding, and ice-skating. The Aquagranda wellness centre provides a relaxing escape with a pool, gym, and beauty treatments. While the nightlife is modest, there are plenty of cosy bars and traditional Italian restaurants, adding to Livigno’s charm as a small but lively ski destination. 

Where you should stay

Hotel Lac Salin is a beautiful hotel located in the centre of the San Rocco area. Being just 50m away from the Doss drag lift (which connects to the Carosello gondola) and 100m away from the resort bus stop, skiers will waste no time getting up the mountain when staying at Hotel Lac Salin. This chic hotel has excellent facilities, boasting an amazing 900m2 spa area, complete with a steam room, whirlpool, sauna and relaxation room. Not to mention the mountainous views that can be seen from the rooms or the fantastic terrace overlooking the piste.  

Kronplatz

Although Kronplatz is part of the Dolomiti ski area, it’s actually a small Italian ski resort. You can ski a total of 119km of slopes around the ski resort and the town is mostly quiet throughout the season. It is considered a hidden gem within the Dolomiti ski area. The terrain is suited to all levels of skiers with a good amount of blues, reds and blacks. If you’re an advanced skier you can venture off to other ski resorts in the area too with a full lift pass.

The village has a traditional alpine vibe with a beautiful church in the town centre. There are also plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to visit too. We recommend heading to the Alpinn mountain restaurant for excellent food on the slopes, with modern décor and incredible mountain views. The area isn’t known for its nightlife but there are some nice bars to enjoy a drink or two after a day on the slopes.

Where you should stay

White Deer Lodge is a luxurious retreat in the quiet part of the Dolomites. This four-bedroom lodge has everything you need to unwind after you’ve been on the slopes. It has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, sauna and delightful log fire. In addition, the accommodation comes with a private wine cellar with the best Italian wine.

Pila

Located in the Aosta Valley, Pila is a small Italian ski resort with 70km of pistes to enjoy. The ski area is mostly suited to intermediate to advanced skiers with mostly red runs dominating the ski resort. Pila has an excellent snow record with its reasonably high altitude and location bringing great powder to the terrain. You will rarely see a lift queue in the area, so you’ll be able to get around the mountain easily.

For a small ski resort, there are great choices to enjoy a meal at several restaurants. Trattoria dei Maestri has a delightful menu with Aosta Valley specialities. Brasserie de Grimod is another great place to visit for the best quality pizza in town. Pila has a lively nightlife scene, especially at weekends. Gallagher’s Pub is a great bar for drinks and live sport. La Niche is a bar and nightclub and is the main spot to dance the night away.

Where you should stay

Hotel La Chance is in the heart of Pila and has great access to the slopes. It is only a 5-minute walk from the centre of town too. In addition, the wellness facilities include a relaxation area, a sauna, a Turkish bath, a large jacuzzi, a cold reaction shower, and a hot emotional shower. You can also request a massage or an onsite beautician during your stay.

To find out more about small Italian ski resorts, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.