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Milky Way Ski Holidays
The Milky Way (or Via Lattea as it is known in Italian) is a famous ski area that spans the two countries of France and Italy and includes the resorts of Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, Claviere Pragelato, Sansicario, Cesana (all located in Italy) and Montgenevre (located on the French side of the border). If you were wondering whether it was possible; the answer is yes, you can actually ski across two countries in one day! Wouldn't it be great to visit Italy and yet still be able to ski across the border to Montgenevre for a tasty lunch before heading back for a traditional Italian-style dinner?
The Milky Way is an incredibly impressive ski area and is actually larger in size than a lot of other ski areas in Europe. It covers 400 kilometres of snowsure slopes and has a lot of off-piste opportunities. It also peaks at a very impressive 2,823 metres at its highest point (Mount Motta) and 2,035 metres at its highest ski terrain located in Sestriere. It is no surprise then, that it was selected as the host of the 2006 Winter Olympics with the resorts of Sestriere, Cesana and Sansicario playing the main hosts for most of the games. Hosting the Winter Olympics did bring the Milky Way to light as well as the additional benefits of the new installation of lifts and additional facilities.
The resorts in the Milky Way vary from one another with each resort offering a slightly different experience. Apart from the difference in size, they each offer a uniquely different atmosphere; as some of the villages are peaceful and calm whilst others are a bit more lively.
Each resort within the Milky Way showcases individuality, presenting a slightly varied experience. Alongside the size distinctions, each resort creates a distinctive atmosphere. Some villages offer a serene and calm environment, while others embrace a more vibrant and lively ambience.
The Milky Way is suitable for skiers of various abilities and preferences. It caters to a diverse audience, ranging from seasoned skiers to beginners and those at intermediate levels aspiring to progress. Families seeking a tranquil retreat and individuals desiring vibrant apres-ski experiences are equally embraced. In particular, snowboarders can appreciate the excellent park in Sestriere. Following the Winter Olympics in 2006, significant enhancements, such as new high-speed lifts connecting Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, Claviere, and Montgenevre, have been introduced. This ensures not only reduced wait times but also ample time for skiing across the expansive 400km of snow-assured slopes and 598 marked pistes at the Milky Way ski area.
With a combined 400km of snow sure slopes to explore across 598 marked pistes, there is something for everyone at the Milky Way ski area.
Snowboarders are well catered for in the Milky Way from snowparks to off-piste areas, snowboarders have a lot to look forward to in the Milky Way. There are snow parks in Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Sestriere and Montgenevre that offer snowboarding experiences.
- Sauze d'Oulx has a great snow park in the Sportinia area that caters to all ability levels. There are great nursery slopes for beginners, excellent tree-lined reds for intermediates and a great off-piste for advanced borders and free riders.
- The snowpark at Sestriere is fully decked out with wall rides, kickers, boxes and twist jumps. It's the perfect park for all skill levels. The nursery slopes in the Borgata area are hardly ever crowded so it is great for beginners trying to practise and develop some confidence. There are also black and red slopes well suited to intermediates and more seasoned snowboarders as well as great off-piste opportunities.
- Snowboarders in Montgenevre will find open bowls, a great choice of off-piste terrain and can also enjoy the snowpark there which is kitted up with pro-jumps, quarter pipes and rope tows.
- On the southern ridge of Sansicario, there are freeriding tracks that weave through the forest. Excellent off-piste opportunities can also be found on top of Mount Banchetta but all skill levels are well catered to at Sansicario's snow park with up to 40 marked trails (mostly red and a couple of blacks) but there are enough for
Snow Conditions in the Milky Way
The Milky Way is generally known for its good snow condition and this may also be one of the deciding factors for hosting the Olympic Games there. Its high altitude allows for some excellent snow conditions for most of the season which usually runs from December and all through April. More than half of the area's slopes have snowmaking machines on standby to provide cover for any snow shortages during the season. Sestriere is the highest positioned resort and boasts of some of the best conditions in the region.
The Milky Way apres-ski is a varied experience but overall a more relaxed affair. The resorts ( Montgenerve) are relatively smaller than their French counterparts over the border and the general theme in most of the resorts is more family-friendly. There is still a general excitement in the air and there are bars and restaurants available for an evening drink but the raucous party atmosphere is largely subdued in most areas around the Milky Way.
For the best apres ski experience, Sauze d’Oulx takes the trophy for the liveliest apres-ski in the Milky Way. Against the beautiful traditional buildings and the historic charm, there is a party atmosphere on the rise.
- Caffe Della Seggiovia is a lovely wine bar with an impressive wine selection; most of which are locally sourced from the Piedmont region. They also have beers from a local microbrewery from the region. Not too keen on wine or beers? Check out the great cocktail menu and kickstart a great evening. Favoured by locals and visitors alike.
- Snugmost of children’s and cosy haven on cold winter nights due to its large open fire and friendly atmosphere, The Derby is a bar and lounge that offers a range of cocktails and other drinks. Famed for its themed party nights, live music and friendly staff, The Derby should be on your apres ski list.
- For travelling Brits looking for an overseas ‘local’, look out for the Moncrons. Present in Sauze d’Oulx for over 30 years, this friendly bar has a great drink selection and pub feel. Catch all the football and other sporting events on live satellite TV.
There is a range of facilities available in the Milky Way. We have listed a few that you may be interested in.
- Ski Hire in The Milky Way
There are a host of ski hire shops in the Milky Way from where you can arrange ski equipment for your trip but why not secure your ski equipment hire directly with us here at Erna Low. We have longstanding and established relationships with ski hire operators which allows us to easily arrange a ski equipment rental on your behalf. Let us take care of the hassle and save you the time and effort of getting to the resort and then going into the ski hire establishment. Book your ski equipment hire with us and we have them waiting for you on arrival at the Milky Way.
- Ski Passes in The Milky Way
Get in touch with us for your Milky way ski passes and pick them upon arrival at your chosen resort. Whether you are after the Milky Way ski pass that grants access to the entire ski area or perhaps you may be after the local area pass of the resort you are staying at, we can very quickly and efficiently arrange either for you. We will be best positioned to secure ongoing deals and discounts on the different available passes.
- Spa and Pool in the Milky Way
There is hardly anything better than relaxing your muscles in a series of spa sessions. Relax and recharge in several spa and wellness centres available in the Milky Way. The majority of the spa’s and pools in the Milky way region operate within hotels or apartment styled hotels and regardless of whether or not you are a guest of the establishment, you will most likely be able to get an appointment for a treatment. If you are located in Sauze d’Oulx, the recently refurbished Chaberton Lodge & Spa is home to the Regeneration wellness centre which has a spa, sauna, steam room and external plunge pool. Massage treatments by trained masseuses can be arranged as well. Hotel Majestic in Sansicario also has a top-quality spa featuring a range of facilities including an indoor swimming pool for relaxing sessions after a day on the slopes.
- Shops in the Milky Way
There are a few places to shop across the Milky Way. The smaller resorts of Cesana and Claviere may not have the extensive variety of large shops; you are better off heading to Sauze d’Oulx or Sestriere for more variety. Sauze d’Oulx has a range of shops from clothing, sports equipment, gifts and souvenirs available. Not known for its large shopping centres or viewed as a shopping destination, the Milky Way is made up of purpose-built resorts focused on skiing and other outdoor activities.
Known as a family-friendly area of the alps, there is a good selection of childcare services in the Milky Way. The children's clubs aforementioned in Sestriere and Montgenevre also offer childcare services as well. There are also private nurseries and private nanny’s offering services directly via the tourist offices; most are multilingual but please ensure that you confirm this first.
