Five Reasons to go Skiing in Italy

1. Food So Good, You'll Forget You Came for the Skiing

Italian skiing isn't just about carving down the slopes; it's about what happens when you step out of your bindings. Picture this: after a morning of skiing under sunny skies, you glide into a rifugio, those charming mountain huts peppered across the Dolomites. But these aren't your run-of-the-mill ski restaurants. Instead of lukewarm soup and limp sandwiches, you're greeted with South Tyrolean specialties like speck (a type of smoked ham), rich polenta and goulash so flavourful it feels like a warm hug.

Take Ütia Bioch, perched above San Cassiano. It's a must-visit for its elevated South Tyrolean dishes paired with local wines. Oh, and did we mention the wine cellar? Yes, some rifugios in the Dolomites boast wine lists that rival the finest urban restaurants.

Here, you can sip a robust Lagrein or delicate Gewürztraminer while gazing at snow-dusted peaks. It's alpine dining with a generous helping of Italian flair.

And the best part? The price tag. Unlike the mountain prices you might experience in France or Switzerland, dining in the Dolomites offers tremendous value. You'll enjoy a Michelin-worthy meal at prices that leave room for dessert—and maybe a second glass of wine.

2. Affordable Luxury Without Sacrificing Charm

Let's talk value. Italy delivers an exceptional ski experience without the exorbitant costs often associated with neighbouring countries. From ski passes to après-ski drinks, you'll notice your wallet feels a little fuller here.

And did you know you can fly direct from London Gatwick to Bolzano with SkyAlps? Not only does this save you from navigating the chaos of busier hubs like Innsbruck or Munich, but it often works out cheaper. Plus, you'll feel like you're already in the heart of the Alps as you touch down near the Dolomites' jaw-dropping peaks.

Even luxury accommodations in Italy deliver more bang for your buck.

Consider Col Alto in Corvara, a family-friendly hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and top-notch amenities like a kids' club and playroom. It's perfect for families who want comfort without breaking the bank. And if you're in the mood to splurge? Check into La Perla, also in Corvara, where impeccable service and a dreamy spa make it worth every penny.

3. Ski Safaris: Alpine Adventure Meets Italian Style

For adventurous skiers, the Dolomites offer something unique: ski safaris. Imagine spending your days gliding between resorts, exploring new villages, and stopping at rifugios along the way for mid-ski feasts. It's an alpine road trip—on skis.

The Dolomiti Superski area is one of the largest interconnected ski networks in the world, with over 750 miles of runs across 12 resorts. A ski safari lets you experience it all, from the buzzing atmosphere of Val Gardena to the quieter charms of Alta Badia.

These multi-day adventures are ideal for families with older kids or couples looking for a memorable winter getaway. You'll enjoy seamless routes, expertly groomed pistes, and of course, plenty of Italian hospitality. It's skiing but with a side of adventure—and a lot of pasta.

4. Snow You Can Rely On

Let's face it: nothing puts a damper on a ski trip quite like unpredictable snow conditions. Thankfully, the Dolomites are ahead of the game. Renowned for having some of the best snowmaking technology in the world, the Dolomiti Superski area guarantees pristine slopes from December to April.

The secret? They use water from mountain streams to create snow that blends seamlessly with natural snowfall. It's sustainable and effective, ensuring the pistes are ski-ready even during drier winters. Combine that with the region's famously sunny weather—the Dolomites are one of the sunniest spots in the Alps—and you've got the perfect recipe for a worry-free ski holiday.

5. Family-Friendly Hotels with Italian Warmth

Traveling with kids in tow? The Dolomites are incredibly family friendly, and while family-friendly often gets a bad rap as code for chaotic, Italian hospitality ensures this is not the case in our favourite Dolomites hotels. Whether it's a thoughtfully prepared children's menu or a ski instructor who knows how to keep little ones entertained, the Dolomites make skiing with kids a breeze.

If luxury and indulgence had an alpine address, it’d be Ciasa Salares. Tucked in the heart of the Dolomites near postcard-perfect San Cassiano, this family-run gem has been delivering cosy vibes and five-star hospitality since the 1960s.

The food? Next level. Sip your way through the Cocun wine cellar’s 24,000 bottles, nibble your way through the Nida Cheese Room, or lose yourself in the Nodla Chocolate Room, where over 120 types of chocolate await—yes, even chocolate-coated figs.

When you’re not feasting, there’s the Ega Wellness Spa to unwind in, complete with saunas, an indoor pool and a hot tub. Bonus: every room comes with mountain views, but the Penthouse Ru Blanch (private sauna and terrace Jacuzzi included) takes it up a notch.

Ciasa Salares isn’t just a hotel—it’s where family memories get a chocolate-dipped, wine-paired, spa-soaked upgrade.

Why the Dolomites Should Be on Your Radar

Skiing in Italy isn't just about great slopes—it's about the entire experience. The Dolomites combine world-class skiing with extraordinary food, warm hospitality and unforgettable adventures, all without the sky-high costs of some other Alpine destinations.

Whether you're savouring a plate of pasta at a mountainside rifugio, exploring the endless pistes of the Dolomiti Superski, or simply soaking up the sun with a spritz in hand, every moment here feels special.

So, why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary? Skiing in Italy isn't just a holiday—it's a love affair with the mountains, the food and the dolce vita lifestyle. Trust us, once you experience it, you'll be counting down the days until your next trip.