For many of us in the southern hemisphere, taking time off during summer of course means winter in the northern hemisphere. Well that can actually be good news for travel to Italy. Winter offers an infinite range of destinations to enjoy a holiday of outdoor sports, culture, and close contact with nature. In particular, the alpine chains that cross the boot from north to south offer breathtaking panoramic landscapes, characteristic villages and ski slopes to suit all tastes and abilities.
Winter sports lovers have a wide choice of around 400 Italian ski areas scattered throughout the country. For those who wish to spend some quality time in the most beautiful winter destinations in Italy, here is a list of the most spectacular locations to visit and enjoy in winter in North of Italy.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the province of Belluno, is synonymous with skiing holidays and ski races. Its legendary slopes make it one of the most popular destinations for Italian and European skiers. Cortina’s fame as a ski resort was established with the Winter Olympics continues each year by the World Cup race which takes place on the Olympia delle Tofane slope.
Cortina is also a founding member of the Dolomiti Superski, a ski area that brings together 12 different resorts under a single skipass for a total of over 1200 km of slopes. In the Cortina area alone, visitors can take advantage of over 30 ski lifts and 70 slopes. Suitable for experts and beginners alike, about 25% are challenging and 40% are easy.
The mountain landscapes reach new levels of splendour in winter. There are numerous possible stops both for those who love to ski on its many snow-covered slopes. It is also the perfect spot for those who prefer indulging in the luxurious setting of Cortina d’Ampezzo or getting a taste of the local culture.
Attractions
Tofane
The most impressive mountains of the Ampezzo Dolomites are the Tofane. There you will find three majestic peaks of over 3000 meters in height: Tofana di Mezzo (3244 meters), Tofana di Dentro or Tofana Terza (3238 m) and Tofana di Rozes or Roces (3225 m). All three offer a myriad of slopes and endless routes for trecking and climbing of all levels. You can reach the highest peak with a 5 km cable car departing from the center of Cortina.
Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: these three mountains with an unmistakable profile have become the symbol of the Dolomites and represent one of the unmissable attractions of Cortina and its surroundings. The panoramic road that leads to the Auronzo Refuge – the starting point of the Tre Cime Tour on foot – starts in Misurina, a town just 14 km from Cortina. Upon arrival at the refuge you can follow an easy hiking track to admire the most famous majestic rock walls of the Dolomites up close.
Faloria Refuge
In 10 minutes from the center of Cortina, it is possible to reach the Faloria Refuge by cable car, located at 2120 meters above sea level. When the cabel car is closed for maintenance, a replacement jeep service is provided. Numerous hiking trails, mountain bike routes, via ferratas, climbing routes and an easy film-themed itinerary known as Cliffhanger Lodge start from here. It is a circular path with departure and return to the refuge on almost flat ground. Along the route along the ridge overlooking Cortina, are numerous panoramic points from which to admire a beautiful view.
Ice Palace
A symbol of the transformation of Cortina into a star of international tourism is the historic Ice Palace built for the 1956 Winter Olympics. Used as the site of the official inauguration ceremony, it was the largest and most important of the sports facilities of its time.
San Candido
San Candido is an Italian town of 3.361 inhabitants in the autonomous province of Bolzano, in Trentino-Alto Adige, located in Alta Pusteria.
A market-town since 1303, San Candido is today a renowned winter and summer tourist resort in the Dolomites, included in the Tre Cime nature park.
Each winter, an abundance of snow transforms the landscape into a magical and muffled world. These are the best conditions for a family holiday in the Dolomites.
In San Candido, the possibilities for sports in winter are almost unlimited, and not just for skiers. Those who prefer to stay off the slopes can partake in various other activities: cross-country skiing, winter trecking in snowshoes, bob sledding, even horse-drawn carriages.
Attractions
Monte Baranci
Monte Baranci is the ideal ski area for families with the Kids-Ski-Cross path. The Three Peaks Dolomites ski area is the ideal place for expert connoisseurs. A sophisticated ski area among nature, perfect for individuals or groups.
Lake Braies
When in San Candido, a visit to Lake Braies is a must. A pearl immersed in an enchanting scenery sums up this magical lake.
During the winter season, Lake Braies often freezes and is one of the reasons why it is truly unique to be able to visit it in winter. Walking on the frozen surface is always a little scary, but when it is winter, you can even jump on it and play in the snow.
Loacker factory
Only a few kilometers beyond the border with Austria, near San Candido, sits the Loacker factory in Panzendorf. It is an unmissable stop for the more or less gluttonous wafers filled with hazelnut or chocolate cream. A tantilising stop for the tastebuds, and well deserved after a spot of skiiing. Be sure to visit the on site shop and chocolate making displays.
Christmas Market
The Christmas Market takes place every year from late November to early January. San Candido shows the advent as it once was: ancient values, lived customs and a fairy-tale atmosphere. A padestrian only market offering local crafts and traditional gastronomic specialties in an authentic Christmas atmosphere.
Madonna di Campiglio
Framed by the breathtaking scenery of the Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO natural heritage site, Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most renowned ski resorts in Trentino.
Madonna di Campiglio is an elegant village nestled at 1550 meters above sea level in the beautiful basin between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello and Presanella glaciers. Come and see why it is among the top Italian ski resorts and one of the most important of the entire Alpine Arch.
Part of the Skirama Dolomiti ski area, the tourist resort still has that worldly but at the same time sober soul of its origins. Tourists appreciate its well-kept and refined hotels and upmarket shops. Even today, walking outside the town, you can immerse yourself in a variety of lakes, streams, and shelters with an ancient flavour.
Attractions
Conca Verde Lake
For those who enjoy skating, Conca Verde Lake, located in the center of Madonna di Campiglio, cannot be missed. When this lake freezes over in winter it creates a totally natural track. Enthusiasts might also like to visit the Pinzolo Ice Stadium, an official Olympic rink nearby.
Three Races in Trentino
Campiglio is home to the “3Tre” (“three races in Trentino”), one of the oldest ski races in Europe, founded in 1949. Today the 3Tre (the only special slalom of the Ski World Cup in Italy) takes place on the Patascoss slopes (Canalone Miramonti and FIS 3Tre) each year on the 22nd of December.
Habsburg Carnival
Each year Campiglio hosts the Habsburg Carnival. This cultural event offering both costume re-enactments of the Habsburg period, and exhibits life in Campiglio during the period of Emperor Francis Joseph.
Waterfalls
Among the most fascinating waterfalls to admire in winter in Trentino are those of Vallesinella starting in Prà della Casa. From there you can finish a nice hike with a spectacular view of frozen waterfalls.
Looking for a Winter Getaway?
If you’re interested in a winter getaway without the stress of making all the arrangements, get in touch with one of our travel experts to find out more about our tailor-made holidays from Australia. We specialise in personalised travel to Italy, including the best travel advice from local experts. We take the time to understand what you want from your winter holiday and will then create a dream itinerary that fits your needs.
To find out more, call us on 61 2 9056 7018 or click here to send an online enquiry and we will get back to you within 24 hours with a personalised Italy beach holiday quote.
