Most famous activities in the ski resorts in Italy
Italy’s ski areas offer a range of popular activities that attract visitors from all over the world. Here are some of the most well-known activities in the main ski areas:
- Winter hiking and snowshoeing: The Italian Alps have an extensive network of winter hiking trails and snowshoeing routes that allow visitors to explore the snowy landscapes on foot. Many ski resorts offer guided tours that take you through the most scenic areas, such as the Dolomites and Aosta Valley.
- Cross-country skiing: Italy is a paradise for cross-country enthusiasts with its well-maintained trails and stunning views. Areas such as Livigno, Val di Fiemme and Alpe di Siusi are known for their extensive network of cross-country ski trails, ranging from easy routes to challenging terrain.
- Ice climbing: For the adventurous, ice climbing is an exciting activity. Many ski resorts, such as Courmayeur and Canazei, offer courses and guided tours for both beginners and experienced climbers. It’s a unique opportunity to climb frozen waterfalls and ice formations.
- Paragliding: Experience the Italian Alps from the air on a paragliding flight. Many ski resorts, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena, offer tandem flights with experienced instructors, allowing you to glide over the snow-covered mountains and valleys and enjoy unforgettable views.
- Horseback riding in the snow: Take a relaxing ride through the snowy landscapes on horseback. Many ski resorts offer horse-drawn sleigh rides and horseback rides that allow you to experience the beautiful scenery at a slower pace.
- Snowkiting: For those looking for an extra dose of adrenaline, snowkiting is a great option. With a large kite you can glide over the snow and take high jumps. Areas like Passo Tonale and Cervinia are popular destinations for snowkiting.
Things to try besides skiing
There are many activities that can make your ski holidays in Italy even more exciting and varied. Here are some of the things to try besides skiing:
- Après-ski: Italy is known for its lively après-ski culture. After a day on the slopes, enjoy music, dancing and drinks in one of the many bars and clubs. Places like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Cervinia and Livigno are known for their vibrant après-ski scene.
- Spa and wellness: Many ski resorts in Italy offer luxurious spa and wellness facilities where you can relax and pamper yourself after a day on the slopes. Try a massage, sauna or steam room to restore your energy. Resorts like QC Terme Dolomiti in Pozza di Fassa and Bormio Terme in Bormio are popular choices.
- Culinary experiences: Italy is known for its fantastic food and wine. Take time to enjoy a gourmet dinner at one of the many restaurants in the ski areas. Try local specialties like polenta, canederli and speck. Restaurants like La Siriola in San Cassiano and St. Hubertus in San Cassiano offer an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Tobogganing: Also known as tobogganing, tobogganing is a fun activity for the whole family. Many ski resorts have special toboggan runs where you can whizz down the mountain on a traditional wooden sled. Areas like Val di Fassa and Kronplatz have some of the best toboggan runs in Italy.
- Ice skating: Enjoy a relaxing day on the ice by trying ice skating. Many ski resorts have outdoor ice skating rinks where you can rent skates and take to the ice. Areas like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio are known for their beautiful ice rinks.
- Dog sledding: Experience the snowy landscapes on a dog sledding tour. Many ski resorts offer guided tours with experienced mushers where you can learn about the sport and enjoy a ride through untouched nature. This is a great activity for animal lovers and adventure seekers.
Typical prices for activities
- Snowkiting: Introductory courses and lessons usually cost between €100 and €200 per person per day, including equipment. Prices may vary depending on the duration of the instruction and type of equipment.
- Apre-ski: Prices for drinks and snacks vary depending on the bar or club, but expect to pay around €5 to €10 for a drink. Some places also charge a cover charge or entrance fee.
- Spa and wellness: Access to spa and wellness facilities usually costs between €20 and €50 per day. Massages and treatments typically cost between €50 and €150, depending on the type and length of treatment.
- Culinary experiences: Prices for gourmet dinners vary depending on the restaurant, but expect to pay between €50 and €150 per person for a full menu with wine. Fine dining experiences at Michelin-starred restaurants can be higher.
- Tobogganing: Toboggan rental usually costs between €5 and €15 per day. Some ski resorts also charge a small fee for access to toboggan runs, typically between €5 and €10.
- Ice skating: Ice skate rental typically costs between €5 and €10. Access to ice rinks usually costs between €5 and €15. Some rinks offer discounts for children or groups.
- Dog sledding: Guided tours usually cost between €50 and €150 per person, depending on the length of the tour and destination. Private tours or longer excursions can cost more, often between €200 and €300.
- Fatbiking: An increasingly popular activity in many Italian ski areas, fatbiking uses wide tires that allow bikes to ride on snow. Areas like Livigno and Alta Badia offer fatbiking trails and guided tours.
- Heliskiing: For those seeking the ultimate skiing adventure, Italy offers heliskiing options, especially in the Aosta Valley. Prices for a heliskiing day trip typically start around €250 to €500 per person, depending on the number of runs and the remoteness of the destination.
- Ice diving: In places like Sestriere, the adventurous can try ice diving in frozen lakes. Courses and diving trips usually cost between €100 and €200, depending on experience and equipment.
- Culinary tours: Take a culinary tour and taste local specialties and wines. Many ski resorts offer guided tours that include visits to local markets, wineries and cheese dairies. Prices vary, but expect to pay between €50 and €150 per person for a half- or full-day tour.
- Night skiing: Many ski resorts, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio, offer night skiing on lighted slopes. This gives skiers a unique experience to enjoy the slopes after sunset. Prices for night skiing are usually included in the lift pass, but some resorts charge an additional fee, typically between €10 and €30.