Knowing the right ski resorts to ride as a snowboarder is key. A mixture of terrain and up-to-date lifts can improve the snowboarding experience. For more advanced riders, the off-piste terrain and snow conditions are also high on the agenda. In Italy, there are some fantastic places to enjoy snowboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider there’s something for you. Our experts have created a guide for the best snowboarding in Italy.
Arabba
Arabba is located in the southeast section of the Sella Ronda, with a great connection of slopes to neighbouring ski resorts such as Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Val di Fassa. The ski resort of Arabba itself has 63km of pistes to explore, which are mainly suited to intermediate snowboarders. In addition, there’s a snow park if you want to try your hand at rails and jumps. Although small, Arabba ski resort offers an intimate and charming mountain-village feel.
Stay At:
Sporthotel Arabba in the Dolomites is a great four-star hotel located just 150m from the nearest ski lift.
Cervinia
For views of the iconic Matterhorn alone, Cervinia is one of the best resorts for snowboarding in Italy. It has 160km of slopes with a full lift pass. If you’re a beginner, it is a great place to learn to ride, with many blues and reds. More advanced snowboarders will love the off-piste terrain available too. Cervinia has plenty of lively bars and welcoming restaurants serving gourmet cuisine. A great place to visit on and off the slopes.
Stay At:
Hermitage Hotel & Spa is a five-star hotel in Cervinia with a friendly atmosphere, and excellent service.
Champoluc
Champoluc is mostly quiet throughout the season, which is fantastic for lift queue times. This stunning resort has amazing views of the surrounding mountain landscape. If you’re an advanced snowboarder, there are brilliant off-piste opportunities in the area. There’s also access to 173km of slopes to enjoy, ideal for intermediate riders. There’s also the bonus of no drag lifts which is ideal for getting around the area on a snowboard.
Stay At:
Aethos Monterosa in Champoluc is a contemporary eco-resort, a perfect base for those who are passionate about skiing and the environment.
Cortina
Cortina has fantastic snowboarding for advanced and beginner riders. For those wanting to carve on the slopes, there’s great access to the Sella Ronda circuit. If you get a full lift pass you can explore 120km of pistes. The Tofana ski area in Cortina is best known for snowboarding and can be easily accessed by cable car. The variety of terrain makes it perfect for both freestylers and freeriders. In addition, there is also a small snow park as well as some gentle slopes, which are perfect for beginners.
Stay At:
The Hotel de la Poste’s wood-panelled bar is one of the most popular meeting places in Cortina.
Courmayeur
Courmayeur is ideal for a weekend break and has some of the best luxury accommodation in Italy. The 41km of slopes have something for all ability of riders. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced carver there are pistes for you. It is also great for powder hounds who are looking for awesome off-piste. For freestylers, there is also a terrain park by the Aretu Chair-lift with jumps and a giant airbag.
Stay At:
Hotel Le Massif in Courmayeur is a fabulous five-star hotel set in a great location close to the lifts.
Gressoney
Another Italian resort that is ideal for weekend breaks is Gressoney. It has a short transfer time for Turin so you can maximise your snowboarding experience. If you have a full lift pass you can enjoy 180km of slopes, ideal for any ability of rider. On top of this, there are excellent off-piste snowboarding opportunities. The high altitude and snow history make Gressoney a brilliant spot for powder for most of the season.
Stay At:
Found in the traditional resort of Gressoney, the delightful Hotel Lo Scoiattolo offers stunning views of the Valle d’Aosta.
Livigno
Livigno has some of the best snowboarding in Italy. The 115km of slopes cater for all abilities of riders, which is great for families or mixed groups. The terrain parks and off-piste opportunities in the Mottolino area mean freestylers or freeriders will have a great time. Livigno is one of the most lively winter destinations in Italy. It has excellent après options, with superb bars, restaurants and off-slope activities in the area.
Stay At:
Hotel Amerikan in Livigno has an enviable position, just 20m from the lifts. The hotel features an eco-friendly indoor pool, pizzeria, and restaurant.
Sestriere
Sestriere is brilliant for any level of snowboarder. There are great diverse slopes with an impressive 400km of slopes to explore in the Milky Way region, with excellent links to Sauze d’Oulx and Montgenèvre over the French border. In addition, freeriders will love the powder pockets to drop into across the area. All this whilst you’re surrounded by the iconic Dolomites. It is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the Alps.
Stay At:
Club Med Pragelato Vialattea is a truly stunning property situated in the Pragelato ski area.
Val Gardena
For the views alone, Val Gardena is a must-visit. Snowboarders can enjoy 175km of pistes in the area, which are ideal for different abilities. Riders can marvel at the truly stunning scenery of the iconic Dolomites. There is also access to the legendary Sella Ronda circuit. As part of South Tyrol, there are influences from Austria and Italy on and off the slopes. A truly unique resort that will be enjoyed by any snowboarder.
Stay At:
Chalet Soldanella in Selva Gardena, closely connected to Val Gardena, is ideally located just a short distance from the slopes and resort centre.
To find out more about snowboarding in Italy, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
