Milky WayItaly Ski Holidays

The Milky Way ski area, or Via Lattea in Italian, is a sprawling network of slopes that stretches across the Italian-French border.

With over 400km of linked pistes, it connects charming Italian resorts like Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, and Claviere with the French village of Montgenèvre. This is the kind of place where you can ski from one town to the next, exploring new terrain all day without ever stepping off your skis.

The Milky Way gained global attention when it hosted the Alpine skiing events for the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. Today, you can still see traces of that legacy in its well-maintained runs and efficient lifts. But what really stands out is the sheer variety. Whether you’re gliding through wide-open bowls, weaving between tree-lined trails, or testing yourself on Olympic-grade slopes, there’s something for every level.

It’s less of a single ski resort and more of a winter playground where the adventure keeps unfolding. One day you might be sipping espresso at an Italian mountain hut, the next you’re tucking into French tartiflette, all while covering ground on some of the most scenic slopes in the Alps.

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Mountain Facts

The Milky Way is one of Europe's largest ski areas, with over 400km of pistes and more than 70 lifts. The altitude ranges from a low of 1,350m in Cesana to a high of 2,800m on Mount Motta above Sestriere. This immense ski domain provides a fantastic variety of terrain, from high-altitude open bowls to picturesque tree-lined runs, all connected by a modern lift system.

Snow conditions in Milky WayItaly

The snow conditions in the Milky Way are generally reliable, thanks to its high-altitude terrain, with much of the area sitting well above 2,000 metres. The slopes in resorts like Sestriere and on the French side of Montgenèvre often benefit from consistent snowfall. Additionally, the ski area has one of the most extensive snow-making systems in the Alps, with over 950 snow cannons covering a majority of the pistes. This ensures that the slopes remain in excellent condition throughout the season, from early December until mid-April.

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Skiing in Milky WayItaly

The Milky Way is a skier’s dream, with terrain for every level. Beginners will love the wide, sunny slopes of Sestriere - quiet, welcoming spots to find your feet. Intermediates can spend days exploring the endless network of cruising runs, like the classic ski safari from Sauze d’Oulx to Sestriere, where you can glide from village to village without retracing your steps.

For experts, there’s no shortage of thrills—test yourself on Sestriere’s Olympic runs, like the steep Kandahar Banchetta, or venture off-piste into the bowls and ridges between resorts. Whether you’re after laid-back laps, scenic adventures, or heart-pumping challenges, the Milky Way delivers it all with a mix of Italian charm and Alpine grandeur.

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Snowboarding in Milky WayItaly

Snowboarders love the Milky Way for its diverse terrain that keeps everyone happy. Cruisers can enjoy long, sweeping runs perfect for carving, while freestyle riders will find well-maintained parks across the resorts - the main one in Sestriere offers everything from beginner boxes to pro-level kickers.

What really sets the area apart are the incredible freeriding opportunities. Between the open bowls, tree-lined powder stashes, and backcountry-like terrain accessible right from the lifts (on both the Italian and French sides), you'll find fresh tracks days after a storm. It's the kind of place where you can spend a morning hitting the park, then spend your afternoon floating through untouched powder - all without needing to hike far from the lifts.

Things to do in Milky WayItaly

Après-ski in Milky WayItaly

The après-ski scene in the Milky Way is one of the most famous in the Italian Alps, offering a vibrant mix of styles across its various resorts.

  • In Sauze d'Oulx, the atmosphere is truly legendary and particularly popular with a British crowd. The party often starts on the slopes, with lively on-mountain bars like Ghost Bar and La Grangia hosting high-energy events with DJs and dancing in ski boots that last until well after the lifts close. Back in the village, the fun continues with a wide selection of pubs and bars like Miravallino, The Derby Bar, and Paddy McGinty’s, all known for their lively, friendly atmosphere and happy hour specials that draw a big crowd.
In contrast, the nightlife in Sestriere has a more modern and cosmopolitan feel.
  • The on-piste GFC (Gargote Fashion Cafè) is the main party hub, known for its stylish terrace and high-energy music.
  • In the village, the vibe is all about chic lounges and cocktail bars. The I. GLOO Sky Bar is a perfect example, offering delicious cocktails and a cool atmosphere with stunning mountain views.
  • While it can be more expensive than Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere is also home to some of the area's most famous nightclubs, including the legendary Tabata disco, which stays open until the early hours.
Meanwhile, on the French side, the atmosphere in Montgenèvre is more laid-back and focused on local hospitality. You won’t find the wild parties of Sauze d'Oulx, but you can enjoy a pleasant evening in a traditional French pub.
  • Places like Le Graal and Snows Bar are well-loved for their friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a good selection of local beers and wines.
This mix of experiences, from the bustling energy of Sauze d’Oulx to the quiet charm of Montgenèvre, ensures that no matter where you stay in the Milky Way, you can find a perfect way to end your ski day.
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Facilities in Milky WayItaly

The Milky Way makes skiing (and everything else!) effortless with all you need right where you need it. Across its charming resorts, you’ll find top-quality rental shops stocked with the latest gear, ski schools with friendly instructors (many fluent in multiple languages), and easy-to-access lift pass offices. The best part? One single ski pass unlocks all 400km of interconnected slopes, so you can seamlessly explore from the sunny pistes of Italy to the snow-sure runs of Montgenèvre in France—no fuss, no extra tickets.

When you’re off the slopes, the villages buzz with life. Browse boutique shops for designer ski wear or pick up local specialities like handmade chocolates and Alpine cheeses. Hungry? The dining scene is just as varied, whether you’re craving a wood-fired pizza, a hearty pot of fondue, or a Michelin-starred meal with panoramic mountain views. It’s this mix of convenience and charm that turns a great ski trip into an unforgettable one.

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Facilities for children in Milky WayItaly

The Milky Way is practically made for family ski holidays, with thoughtful touches that make winter sports accessible and fun for all ages. Each resort boasts excellent ski schools where kids learn through games and gentle encouragement, plus dedicated beginner areas with magic carpets and obstacle courses designed just for little ones. Places like Sansicario and Sauze d’Oulx take it further with special baby parks and traffic-free zones, ensuring even first-time skiers gain confidence in the safest environment.

What really stands out is how the area caters to different family needs. Want something chill? Look no further than Claviere. Need more action? Sestriere offers ice skating and swimming alongside its slopes. With the Milky Way pass covering all resorts, you can easily mix snowy adventures with hot chocolate pit stops, creating those perfect family moments that turn into lifelong memories.

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Why choose a ski holiday to Milky WayItaly with Erna Low?

Experience and service: We offer you a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need for a ski holiday.

Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.

Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.

Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.

5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.

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There are over 400km of skl terrain to explore in the Milky way, most in Italy but it is great to pop to Montgenèvre too

Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager

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Other Ski Areas in Italy

All Ski Resorts in Milky WayItaly