When it comes to breathtaking views, pure skiing pleasure and a touch of adventure away from the pistes, skiers and snowboarders are in the right place in Italy – and all year round at that. From the snow-covered peaks of the Aosta Valley to the sunny slopes of South Tyrol, some of the most snow-sure ski resorts in the Alps can be found. SnowTrex knows exactly where the 10 highest ski resorts in Italy are located and what winter sports enthusiasts can expect on the slopes there.
The 10 highest ski resorts in Italy at a glance
| Ski resort/ski region | Highest point |
|---|---|
| Breuil-Cervinia - Valtournenche | 3,883 m |
| Monterosa Ski | 3,275 m |
| Arabba-Marmolada | 3,269 m |
| Solda | 3,250 m |
| Schnalstal Glacier | 3,212 m |
| Pontedilegno Tonale | 3,016 m |
| Bormio | 3,012 m |
| Pejo | 3,000 m |
| Cortina d'Ampezzo | 2,924 m |
| Santa Caterina | 2,880 m |
Overview: All ski resorts in Italy
1. Breuil-Cervinia – Valtournenche
Elevation: up to 3,883 m
Is the Matterhorn now in Italy? Yes, Monte Cervino, as the locals here call it. And as Switzerland and Italy share the world-famous mountain due to the border, it practically goes without saying that this also applies to the large ski area at the foot of the Matterhorn. The large interconnected ski area in the border region between Zermatt, Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche is known as the Matterhorn ski paradise. As the gondolas of the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II on the Italian side in the Breuil-Cervinia – Valtournenche ski area terminate at the highest mountain station in Europe on the Klein Matterhorn (3,883 m), it is also the highest ski area in Italy. Here, skiers and snowboarders can let off steam on 150 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, which can be used almost all year round thanks to the glacier location.
2. Monterosa Ski
Elevation: up to 3,275 m
With 205 kilometres of pistes, the Monterosa Ski ski region is the second largest in Italy and stretches from Piedmont to the Aosta Valley. Away from the pistes, the mega ski area is also a paradisiacal freeride hotspot. An ideal access point to the deep snow area is located on the eastern edge of the lift network: several lift stations take you up to the Indren, which rises to 3,275 metres between the Gressoney Valley and Valsesia and makes Monterosa Ski the second highest ski area in Italy. From here, a fantastic ski route leads to the groomed pistes in the Gabiet area.
3. Arabba-Marmolada
Elevation: up to 3,269 m
One of the most famous mountain ranges in the Italian mountains is the Marmolada with its glacier. At its foot lies the Arabba-Marmolada ski area with a total of 63 kilometres of varied pistes. The ski area’s 23 lifts also include a 70-person reversible aerial tramway, the top station of which is located on the 3,269 metre-high Punta Rocca. From here, skiers and snowboarders not only have a fantastic panoramic view of the fascinating peaks of the Dolomites. The 12-kilometre-long “La Bellunese” also offers a challenging red glacier run, making it one of the highest ski slopes in Italy. Another plus point of the Arabba-Marmolada ski area is that it is one of the access points to the world-famous Sellaronda.
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4. Solda
Elevation: up to 3,250 m
Solda is not only one of the top ski resorts in Italy, but also in the popular South Tyrolean Ortler Arena ski region. In addition to long descents and guaranteed snow, winter sports enthusiasts can also enjoy uninterrupted views of the summit of the Ortler (3,905 metres). The highest point of the ski area with its pleasantly compact 44 kilometres of pistes lies below the Schöntaufspitze at 3,250 m. Blue piste no. 1, which leads down into the valley from there, is an absolute carving dream for experts, even in the depths of winter and in perfect weather. In addition to its pistes, Solda is also home to the world-famous extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner, who still breeds fluffy yaks here today.
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5. Schnalstal Glacier
Elevation: up to 3,212 m
The Schalstal valley became world-famous when hikers found the ‘Ötzi’ ice mummy here in September 1991. But the region is also very popular with winter sports enthusiasts. The reason for this is the marvellous Schnalstal Glacier ski area. Around 42 kilometres of pistes await at the end of the valley. At 8 km, the Smuggler’s Run is the longest piste, which even leads down to Kurzras (it. Maso Corto) at 2,011 metres above sea level. Another superlative can be found at the highest point of the ski area: the Glacier Hotel Grawand is the highest hotel in Europe. It is located directly at the mountain station of the glacier railway at 3,212 metres.
6. Pontodilgeno Tonale
Elevation: up to 3,016 m
Pure sunshine. In Val die Sole, the “Valley of the Sun”, as the name suggests, sunny weather is the order of the day. Especially in winter, the Trentino mountains are transformed into a true skiing paradise. One of the most popular destinations is the Pontedilegno Tonale ski area, one of the highest ski areas in Italy. At an altitude of up to 3,016 m, the ski area is one of the most snow-sure in Italy, where you can carve down the slopes to your heart’s content from late autumn to spring. The starting point for the 62 kilometres of pistes are the two villages of Ponte di Legno (1,256 m) and Tonale (1,883 m). From there, the cable car runs in two sections over the Passo Paradiso to just below the summit of Cima Presena. An 11 km piste on the Presena glacier leads back to Ponte di Legno, and there is also a ski route into the Presena valley.
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7. Bormio
Elevation: up to 3,012 m
Anyone who talks about winter sports in Italy usually immediately raves about the Bormio ski area. The Valtellina region is home to many of the country’s best-known ski resorts, but the slopes in Lombardy stand out, not least because of their name. On the slopes of the Cima Bianca, winter sports enthusiasts can ski up to over 3,000 metres. The highest point in one of the top 10 ski resorts in Italy is the mountain station of cable car no. 19 at 3,012 metres above sea level. From here, predominantly red pistes lead down into the valley, including the Pista Stelvio, one of the most challenging runs in the Alpine Ski World Cup. It is part of the 50 kilometres of pistes that have also hosted the Ski World Championships.
8. Pejo
Elevation: up to 3,000 m
Skiers and snowboarders visiting Monte Vioz (3,645 m) in Trentino can’t hit the slopes in winter either. However, they don’t have to look far for skiing fun, as the Pejo ski area is just a few kilometres away. The ski village of Pejo (1,400 metres) is the highest municipality in the province and, thanks to its location, a popular destination for those seeking peace and quiet and families with children. The entrance to the ski area is located in a side valley of the Val di Sole, from where the gondola lift takes you up to an altitude of 2,000 metres. Here, winter sports enthusiasts board one of the two cabins of the “Pejo 3000” cable car, which can carry up to 100 people, and are transported to the highest point of the ski area at 3,000 metres. With 20 kilometres of pistes, Pejo is one of the smaller ski areas in the region and, with a red slope ratio of over 60 percent, is more of a terrain for advanced skiers and experts.
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9. Cortina d’Ampezzo
Elevation: up to 2,924 m
The Cortina d’Ampezzo ski area, also known as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, is one of the most famous winter sports destinations in Italy. With an altitude of up to 2,924 metres, it is also one of the highest ski resorts in the country and therefore boasts guaranteed snow and first-class skiing conditions throughout the winter season. The sophisticated Cortina d’Ampezzo, which was an Olympic resort in 1956 and where the Winter Games will return in 2026, is part of Dolomiti Superski, one of the world’s largest ski regions with 1,200 kilometres of pistes. The ski area in Cortina itself boasts 120 kilometres of pistes, providing perfectly groomed ski terrain for all ability levels. The highlight is the World Cup downhill run “Olympia delle Tofane”, which is one of the most scenically impressive slopes in the Dolomites with its ultra-steep Tofana run between two huge rock faces.
10. Santa Caterina
Elevation: up to 2,880 m
Located on the northern edge of the province of Lombardy, the Santa Caterina ski area is one of the highest ski destinations in Italy with an altitude of up to 2,880 metres. As part of the Stelvio National Park, one of the most famous ski resorts in Italy not only offers a spectacular mountain panorama, but also excellent skiing conditions for months on end thanks to guaranteed snow every year. Winter sports enthusiasts will find a total of 35 kilometres of pistes here, more than two thirds of which are red, i.e. of medium difficulty. The most famous run in Santa Caterina is the “Pista Deborah Compagnoni”, named after the popular Italian ski racer who began her career here. The ski resort also boasts a wealth of sporting history. The alpine ski races were held here at the 2006 Winter Olympics.
FAQ’s on the highest ski resorts in Italy
Which is the highest ski resort in Italy?
The Breuil-Cervinia – Valtournenche ski area is the highest ski area in Italy with a mountain station on the Klein Matterhorn at an altitude of 3,883 metres. Known as part of the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, this area offers impressive alpine experiences with 150 km of perfectly groomed pistes that can be skied almost all year round. Thanks to the connection with Zermatt in Switzerland, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a cross-border winter sports experience.
What makes Monterosa Ski a unique ski resort in Italy?
With 205 kilometres of pistes, Monterosa Ski is the second largest ski area in Italy and is characterised by its impressive variety and size, stretching from Piedmont to the Aosta Valley. The freeride offer is particularly noteworthy, making it a hotspot for adventure-seekers. Access via Alagna-Valsesia takes winter sports enthusiasts up to an altitude of 3,275 metres.
What is the historical significance of the Bormio ski resort for skiing?
Bormio has a long tradition in international skiing and is known for its Pista Stelvio, one of the most challenging and legendary runs in the Alpine Ski World Cup. The ski area, which stretches up to an altitude of 3,012 metres, has already hosted several World Ski Championships and, with a total of 50 kilometres of pistes, offers numerous challenges for advanced and professional skiers.
Which ski resorts in Italy have already hosted the Winter Olympics?
Cortina d’Ampezzo, often referred to as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, has played an important role in the history of the Winter Olympics, starting in 1956 and returning for the 2026 Games, while the Santa Caterina ski resort hosted alpine ski races during the 2006 Winter Olympics.
