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Sestriere Ski Holidays
Instantly recognisable by its landmark twin towers, this high-altitude resort (2,035m) was purpose-built for serious skiing as the crown jewel of the 400km Via Lattea circuit. What sets Sestriere apart is its champion pedigree. These slopes hosted Alpine events during the 2006 Turin Olympics, combined with ultra-efficient access to some of the most reliable snow in the Piedmont region. Whether you're carving down World Cup runs or exploring the Milky Way's international terrain (hello, French border!), every detail here is designed for maximum slope time. The resort's brilliant ski-in, ski-out design means you're never more than a few steps from the action. Wake up at the Principi di Piemonte hotel and be on the Olympic Kandahar Banchetta run before your cappuccino cools. Off the slopes, Sestriere pulses with an energetic, sporty vibe - think après-ski at the Olympic ice rink or dining in restaurants where ski boots are always welcome. While it lacks old-world charm, the sheer convenience and phenomenal terrain more than compensate, especially for those who live to ski. For intermediates craving mileage, the long, rolling blues to Sansicario are pure joy, while experts can test themselves on the treacherous black Face course. With snow-sure slopes (thanks to its altitude and snowmaking), stellar lift infrastructure, and direct links to Sauze d'Oulx and Montgenèvre, Sestriere delivers a no-compromise ski holiday for those who prioritise performance and variety above all else.
Sestriere links in to the 400km of pistes in the vast Milky Way ski domain and at 2035m it usually has the best snow in the area
Jane Bolton, Product Director
Mountain facts
Sestriere holds a central and commanding position within the formidable Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, a vast international domain spanning Italy and France. This immense network boasts an impressive 400km of meticulously prepared ski pistes, seamlessly connecting its various resorts. The entire area is efficiently served by 70 modern lift installations, ensuring swift and smooth transit throughout this extensive domain. The terrain spans a significant altitude range, from the lowest points around 1,350m up to a commanding 2,800m on Mount Motta, offering substantial vertical descents and diverse high-alpine exploration. Sestriere itself is situated at a high altitude of 2,035m, providing exceptional snow reliability and a gateway to some of the Via Lattea's most challenging slopes.
Snow conditions in Sestriere
Snow conditions in Sestriere are consistently excellent, benefiting significantly from its high-altitude location and a climate that frequently provides ample natural snowfall. The resort’s position at over 2,000m ensures exceptional snow preservation throughout the season, particularly on its open, high-alpine terrain. To supplement natural falls, Sestriere and the wider Via Lattea domain employ comprehensive, state-of-the-art snow-production systems, diligently covering a significant proportion of key slopes to ensure robust conditions from early December.
Skiing in Sestriere
Sestriere delivers an unbeatable mix of terrain that caters brilliantly to every level of skier while staying true to its Olympic heritage. Beginners get their snow legs on the gentle, wide slopes near the village centre, where magic carpets and patient instructors from the Scuola Sci Sestriere make learning a breeze. Intermediates are in paradise here - the Via Lattea's network of immaculately groomed blues and reds (like the 9km run to Sansicario) offers endless cruising, with efficient lifts connecting you to Sauze d'Oulx's tree-lined runs or the sunny slopes of Montgenèvre in France for lunch with a view. For experts, Sestriere is pure adrenaline. The Olympic Banchetta downhill course will test your mettle with its steep pitch and technical turns, while the open bowls above Fraiteve transform into powder heaven after fresh snow. What makes this place special is how easily you can mix World Cup-worthy challenges with the Via Lattea's vast intermediate playground - all accessible via one of the Alps' most efficient lift systems. Whether you're carving perfect corduroy or hunting untracked lines, Sestriere wraps it all up with that distinctive Italian passion for la dolce vita on snow.
Snowboarding in Sestriere
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Sestriere is a snowboarder's paradise, blending Olympic-worthy terrain with unbeatable freestyle facilities across the massive Via Lattea. The resort's Sestriere Snowpark is a standout feature, offering perfectly shaped kickers and creative jib lines that cater to all levels—from beginners practising first presses on mini-features to advanced riders hitting the pro line. What makes riding here special is how easily you can mix park laps with long, carving runs down the wide Olympic pistes, where the smooth gradients feel like nature's perfect halfpipe. When fresh snow falls, the whole Fraiteve area transforms into a freeride wonderland, with open bowls and natural hits that stay untracked for days thanks to Sestriere's high altitude. The efficient lift system (especially the high-speed Fraiteve gondola) means no frustrating flat sections—just more time riding everything from perfectly groomed cruisers to challenging backcountry lines. And with the entire Via Lattea at your fingertips, you can chase powder all the way to France's Montgenèvre before returning for legendary Italian après-ski as the sun sets over the Olympic slopes.
Accommodation in Sestriere
Choose from cosy, luxurious, self-catered, or full-board accommodation options. To make things easier, we’ve included the best of the best below.
What's available at Sestriere ski resort?
Après-ski in Sestriere
The après-ski scene in Sestriere is distinctly energetic and highly social, delivering a dynamic atmosphere that centres on lively celebration after a day on the slopes.
- Bars like Pinky Bar are long-standing favourites. They’re known for their spirited, friendly pub atmosphere and are the perfect places to begin evening proceedings.
- Down in the resort's central square, Bar Kandahar is another popular venue, famous for its energetic crowd and music that often spills onto the plaza.
- The Grotte du Roc entices with its unique setting inside a cave-like structure, offering a distinctive party vibe that is very popular.
- Tabata is a well-known establishment for those seeking a vibrant dance floor and a late-night club atmosphere.
Facilities in Sestriere
Sestriere delivers the perfect blend of high-altitude performance and Italian style, with everything you need for an effortless ski holiday right at your fingertips. The village is packed with top-tier rental shops where expert fitters will match you with the latest gear, while international ski schools offer lessons in multiple languages - perfect whether you're mastering parallel turns or tackling Olympic-grade steeps. Getting your Via Lattea ski pass couldn't be easier, instantly unlocking 400km of slopes across Italy and France (don't miss skiing to Montgenèvre for a croissant-fueled lunch break). When you're off the slopes, Sestriere surprises with its sophisticated Alpine vibe. Browse designer sportswear boutiques, refuel with truffle pasta at Ristorante La Torre, or unwind at the Olympic sports centre's heated pool with panoramic mountain views. The resort's efficient layout means you're never far from the action, whether slope-side espresso stops or après-ski cocktails at the iconic Circolo della Stampa bar, where Olympic athletes once celebrated. From first lifts to last calls, Sestriere wraps world-class skiing in authentic Italian flair.
Facilities for children in Sestriere
Sestriere extends a warm welcome to families, with a thoughtfully designed array of facilities tailored to engage and support younger visitors. The resort's ski schools are highly regarded, with patient and inspiring instructors specialising in introducing snow sports through playful and age-appropriate methods within dedicated and safe learning zones. These areas, often located on gentle slopes near the resort centre, feature user-friendly magic carpets and engaging obstacles, creating encouraging environments for beginners to build confidence and progress at their own pace. Off the slopes, the resort offers a fantastic variety of engaging activities. Children can enjoy the ice skating rink in the central plaza, exciting sledging runs, or explore designated play areas within the village. Many hotels and residences also offer indoor play zones or games rooms, providing entertainment regardless of the weather. The pervasive Italian family culture ensures that children are warmly welcomed in restaurants and public spaces, making dining out a relaxed affair. This comprehensive array of child-focused amenities ensures a delightful, secure, and memorable holiday for all ages in Sestriere, blending thrilling adventures with moments of genuine family enjoyment.
Why Choose Erna Low for Sestriere Skiing Holidays?
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.
One of the highest resorts in the Italian Alps so great snow, the Milky Way on your doorstep and traditional Italian hospitality
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
