Italy winter vacations guide
There is a bit of a north-north divide when it comes to winter vacations Italy. The sharp, snowy slopes of the Dolomites in Italy’s northeast, bordering Austria? Or the Alpine cols and crests over on the border of both France and Switzerland? They are all Alpine, of course. The Dolomites are famous for their dramatic, jagged peaks, the most famous being Tre Cime di Lavaredo. And the Alps need little introduction with peaks like Grand Combin overlooking Aosta Valley or Cima del Bosco which towers over both Italy and France.
Snowshoeing high up in the Italian Alps and then crossing over into France to take on the Cime de Saurel peak, now that is what I call freedom of movement in Europe.
Both regions are perfect for winter activities such as cross country skiing, snow shoeing and winter walking. Or just finding a mountain chalet and breathing air into those lungs again. The cultural divide is almost as immense as the mountains, with the South Tyrolean Dolomites all a bit apfelstrudel and the northwestern Italian Alps a bit more cheese and chocolate. Make of that what you will.
Find out more in our Italy winter vacations guide.
Find out more in our Italy winter vacations guide.
Our Italy winter Vacations
Cross country skiing vacation in the Dolomites, Italy
A famously beautiful range of jagged peaks
From
US $1625 to US $2015
8 days
ex flights
Snowshoeing vaction in the Dolomites
Michelin recommended cuisine & inspiring walks
From
US $1705 to US $1985
8 days
ex flights
Italian Alps self catering accommodation
Mountain hideaway in the Italian Alps
From
£360 to £850
per week (sleeps 6)
Italian Alps active weekend, Valpelline Valley
A weekend full of sports and nature
From
€260
3 days
ex flights
Winter walking vacation in Italy
Winter walking in the Italian Alps
From
US $1545 to US $1705
8 days
ex flights
Is a Italy winter vacation for you?
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Our top Italy winter Vacation
Cross country skiing vacation in the Dolomites, Italy
A famously beautiful range of jagged peaks
From
US $1625 to US $2015
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2019: 2 Feb, 16 Feb, 21 Dec, 28 Dec
2020: 4 Jan, 1 Feb, 8 Feb, 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 29 Feb
2019: 2 Feb, 16 Feb, 21 Dec, 28 Dec
2020: 4 Jan, 1 Feb, 8 Feb, 15 Feb, 22 Feb, 29 Feb
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Italy winter or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Italy winter vacations map & highlights
Winter vacations in Italy are all about northern exposures. In the northwest, there is snow shoeing and cross country skiing in the Alps. These form a natural border with Switzerland and France and in some cases this means you can take a winter wander over the border. In northeast Italy you have the Dolomites which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although they are also part of the Alps, they have a very independent feel about them, with a lot of limestone. Bordering Austria, there is also a lot of South Tyrolean culture going on, so you’ll find a different vibe all round.
1. Aosta Valley
2. Cross country skiing, Dolomites
3. Italian mountain food
4. Snow shoeing, Fanes-Senne Natural Park
5. Snow shoeing, Italian Alps
6. Winter walking, Lago di Braies
2. Cross country skiing, Dolomites
3. Italian mountain food
4. Snow shoeing, Fanes-Senne Natural Park
5. Snow shoeing, Italian Alps
6. Winter walking, Lago di Braies
Aosta Valley
1. Aosta Valley
The small mountain town of Valpelline wits at the meeting point of Ollomont and Valpelline Alpine Valleys, all part of the bigger Aosta Valley. It’s at the foot of Grand Combin which, at 4,314m, protects the valleys from harsh winter winds, making this a wonderful winter walking location. Fill up on fine Aosta cuisine at the end of the day, in a region that specialises in all things local.
Cross country skiing, Dolomites
2. Cross country skiing, Dolomites
Dobbiaco is the Dolomites’ cross country skiing hub with trails trickling off in every direction, as well as regular international XC competitions. ‘Loipes’ take in natural wonders such as the Sexten/Sesto and Prags/Braies valleys, the Plaetzwiese Plateau and the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks. Some tracks also lead to Cortina d'Ampezzo, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics.
Italian mountain food
3. Italian mountain food
The Dolomites are all about South Tyrolean specialties such as Speck ham, apfelstrudel, dumplings, groestl bacon fry ups and a lot of local game, washed down with equally local wines. Aosta Valley, which borders France and Switzerland, has treats such as carbonada red wine meat stew, Fontina cheese fondue, gnocchi and Motzetta, which is dried chamois meat, similar to prosciutto. And polenta is everywhere.
Snow shoeing, Fanes-Senne Natural Park
4. Snow shoeing, Fanes-Senne Natural Park
This stunning landscape of sheer cliffs interspersed with white jagged peaks covers some of the Dolomites’ beauty spots like Val Badia and Val Pusteria Valleys. Snow shoe along WW1 trails that exemplify nothing but peace these days, with views to the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo peaks. Snow shoe here for a week and tackle new, pristine trails every day.
Snow shoeing, Italian Alps
5. Snow shoeing, Italian Alps
Snow shoeing close to the French border takes you to exquisite elevations where you can escape the downhill posse and trek through gorgeous winter wilderness. Val de Susa is a great starting point for snow shoeing gite to gite, hut to hut. Highlights include Cima del Bosco (2,376m), a collection of cols over 2,000m and then, crossing over the border, Sommet des Anges (2,459m).
Winter walking, Lago di Braies
6. Winter walking, Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies, a lake at the head of the Dolomites’ Braies Valley, also known as Prags Valley, turns from turquoise in summer to teal in winter, emanating that icy blue green gorgeousness that will makes your reach for your camera. A snows hoeing and winter walking guide will lead you through the forests that envelop it, with views of glorious white peaks all around.
More about Italy winter
Winter vacations in Italy tend to take place up north where snow falls between December and April. Find out the best month for your chosen activity...
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: kai_schmerer] [Go on box: Erik Kolstad]
[Aosta Valley: Deensel]
[Cross country skiing, Dolomites: Greenland Travel]
[Italian mountain food: F Delventhal]
[: Wolfgang Moroder]
[Snow shoeing Italian Alps: Jakob Montrasio]
[Winter walking, Lago di Braies: Damiano Pappadà]
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