Knowing the right ski resorts to ride as a snowboarder is key. A mixture of terrain and up-to-date lifts can improve the snowboarding experience. For more advanced riders, the off-piste terrain and snow conditions are also high on the agenda. In Italy, there are some fantastic places to enjoy snowboarding. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider there’s something for you. Our experts have created a guide for the best snowboarding in Italy.
Arabba
Arabba is located in the southeast section of the Sella Ronda, with a great connection of slopes to neighbouring ski resorts such as Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Val di Fassa. The ski resort of Arabba itself has 63km of pistes to explore, which are mainly suited to intermediate snowboarders. In addition, there’s a snow park if you want to try your hand at rails and jumps. Although small, Arabba ski resort offers an intimate and charming mountain-village feel.
Bardonecchia
Keen snowboarders might recognise Bardonecchia from the Olympics. In the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, it held several snowboarding events. The resort offers fantastic snowboarding, boasting 100km of pistes in the area, connected by a free bus service. It’s also a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to off-piste snowboarding too. Off the slopes, there are many superb restaurants, considering the resort’s small size, serving delicious traditional Italian fayre.
Cervinia
For views of the iconic Matterhorn alone, Cervinia is one of the best resorts for snowboarding in Italy. It has 160km of slopes with a full lift pass. If you’re a beginner, it is a great place to learn to ride, with many blues and reds. More advanced snowboarders will love the off-piste terrain available too. Cervinia has plenty of lively bars and welcoming restaurants serving gourmet cuisine. A great place to visit on and off the slopes.
Champoluc
Champoluc is mostly quiet throughout the season, which is fantastic for lift queue times. This stunning resort has amazing views of the surrounding mountain landscape. If you’re an advanced snowboarder, there are brilliant off-piste opportunities in the area. There’s also access to 173km of slopes to enjoy, ideal for intermediate riders. There’s also the bonus of no drag lifts which is ideal for getting around the area on a snowboard.
Cortina
Cortina has fantastic snowboarding for advanced and beginner riders. For those wanting to carve on the slopes, there’s great access to the Sella Ronda circuit. If you get a full lift pass you can explore 120km of pistes. The Tofana ski area in Cortina is best known for snowboarding and can be easily accessed by cable car. The variety of terrain makes it perfect for both freestylers and freeriders. In addition, there is also a small snow park as well as some gentle slopes, which are perfect for beginners.
Courmayeur
Courmayeur is ideal for a weekend break and has some of the best luxury accommodation in Italy. The 41km of slopes have something for all ability of riders. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced carver there are pistes for you. It is also great for powder hounds who are looking for awesome off-piste. For freestylers, there is also a terrain park by the Aretu Chair-lift with jumps and a giant airbag.
Gressoney
Another Italian resort that is ideal for weekend breaks is Gressoney. It has a short transfer time for Turin so you can maximise your snowboarding experience. If you have a full lift pass you can enjoy 180km of slopes, ideal for any ability of rider. On top of this, there are excellent off-piste snowboarding opportunities. The high altitude and snow history make Gressoney a brilliant spot for powder for most of the season.
Livigno
Livigno has some of the best snowboarding in Italy. The 115km of slopes cater for all abilities of riders, which is great for families or mixed groups. The terrain parks and off-piste opportunities in the Mottolino area mean freestylers or freeriders will have a great time. Livigno is one of the most lively winter destinations in Italy. It has excellent après options, with superb bars, restaurants and off-slope activities in the area.
Sestriere
Sestriere is brilliant for any level of snowboarder. There are great diverse slopes with an impressive 400km of slopes to explore in the Milky Way region, with excellent links to Sauze d’Oulx and Montgenèvre over the French border. In addition, freeriders will love the powder pockets to drop into across the area. All this whilst you’re surrounded by the iconic Dolomites. It is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the Alps.
Val Gardena
For the views alone, Val Gardena is a must-visit. Snowboarders can enjoy 175km of pistes in the area, which are ideal for different abilities. Riders can marvel at the truly stunning scenery of the iconic Dolomites. There is also access to the legendary Sella Ronda circuit. As part of South Tyrol, there are influences from Austria and Italy on and off the slopes. A truly unique resort that will be enjoyed by any snowboarder.
To find out more about snowboarding in Italy, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
