Winter holidays in Italy

Cross-country skiing & ski touring areas

Sun on your face, snow under your skis - Italy combines Alpine winter magic with a Mediterranean lifestyle. In South Tyrol and the neighbouring regions, perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails, impressive ski touring routes, snow-covered Dolomite peaks and plenty of hours of sunshine await you on a winter holiday in Italy.

Italy

Cross-country skiing and ski touring in Italy - that means exercise in breathtaking mountain landscapes, combined with the special lifestyle of the south. This is where sporting passion meets Mediterranean ease. South Tyrol in particular impresses with perfectly groomed panoramic trails and warm hospitality.

In traditional regions such as the Gsieser Tal, the Seiser Alm and the Hochpustertal, you will find cross-country ski trails of all levels of difficulty, secluded ski touring routes and specialised hotels. Alpine expertise and Italian pleasure come together here - for active winter days full of dolce vita.

Lombardy

Alpine mountain worlds, perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails and traditional winter sports resorts ensure variety on a winter holiday in Lombardy.

Glacier & high-altitude trails with panoramic views
Historic winter sports resorts & modern facilities
Experience nature in protected areas & national parks

South Tyrol

Winter holidays in South Tyrol - fantastic cross-country ski trails with views of the Dolomites, Alpine cuisine and plenty of dolce vita await you.

Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site
900 km of cross-country ski trails in the Dolomiti NordicSki
Ski touring routes with guaranteed snow

Austria

Italy

Slovenia

Three ski tourers hiking on snow in front of snowy mountains

Alex Moling

Cross-country skiing & ski touring holidays in Italy

South Tyrol is the centrepiece of Nordic winter sports in Italy - from the Seiser Alm to the Gsieser Tal and the Three Peaks region of the Dolomites. Sun-kissed high-altitude trails and fantastic ski tours with panoramic views await here - the right adventure for everyone.

Hotels for your winter holiday in Italy

Naturally Nordic - authentically Alpine. The specialised hotels in South Tyrol offer perfect conditions for cross-country skiers and ski tourers - with cross-country trail access on the doorstep, hire, ski room, service offers, expert advice and Alpine-Mediterranean gourmet cuisine. Your time out in the snow can begin!

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Italy

Lombardy

South Tyrol

Winter holidays in Italy: a variety of alpine experiences

A winter holiday in Italy combines cross-country skiing, ski touring and alpine delights in regions with distinctly different characters. South Tyrol offers a wide choice between the Dolomites, high plateaus and tranquil side valleys; Livigno complements the range as a high-altitude destination in Lombardy. Depending on the region, the focus is on classic technique, skating, biathlon or ski touring.

The facilities available to you depend on the specific destination. Cross Country Ski Holidays’ quality standards take into account the network of trails, signposting, ski schools, equipment hire and ski servicing for cross-country skiing regions; for ski touring regions, they include suggested routes, information material, equipment hire and bookable guided tours. The regional pages show what is actually available.

Two cross-country skiers looking at a map of Nauders and Reschenpass in the snow

Alex Moling

How to find your ideal winter destination in Italy

You can find the right region for your winter holiday in Italy by selecting your sport, the type of terrain and your preferred pace for the holiday. For classic and skate skiing, the variety of trails, altitude and mix of difficulty levels are key; for ski touring, the nature of the terrain, your experience and access to qualified guides are important. Leisure, wellness, family-friendly options or flexible accommodation can also influence your choice.

Start by choosing between South Tyrol and Lombardy, then open the relevant regional page. There, you can compare cross-country trails, ski tours, access points, seasonal information, transport options and accommodation. Open trails, grooming, snow conditions, weather and closures change constantly and must be checked shortly before your trip in the regional cross-country skiing report as well as with the official weather and avalanche services.

Two skiers with gear standing in front of snowy mountain landscape

Alex Moling

FAQs about winter holidays in Italy

Do I have to pay extra to use the cross-country ski trails in Italy?

Yes, in several Italian cross-country skiing regions you’ll need a trail pass. However, the rules and prices vary depending on the destination. On the Seiser Alm, for example, the Dolomiti NordicSki rates apply, whilst access in Livigno is organised via a separate ticket and the MyLivignoPass.

Check the current daily, weekly or seasonal rates with the relevant cross-country ski trail operator before you travel. A cross-country ski pass is only included in your stay if this is explicitly stated in the package you have booked.

Where can I try out or practise biathlon in Italy?

Antholz in South Tyrol is an excellent place to try out and practise biathlon. A range of biathlon activities for different age groups and levels of experience are organised around the Südtirol Arena. These include private sessions, activities for children, and half-day and full-day courses; cross-country skiing courses take place during the winter season.

Dates, requirements and use of the shooting range must be checked with the relevant provider in advance or booked accordingly.

Can I travel to Italy for my cross-country skiing holiday without a car?

Yes, it is possible to go on a cross-country skiing holiday without your own car in certain Italian regions. In South Tyrol, the South Tyrol Guest Pass, available at participating accommodation providers, covers regional trains, regular buses and, in some cases, ski buses. In Livigno, you can use the local bus service with the MyLivignoPass.

Whether the railway station, your accommodation, equipment hire and the start of the cross-country trails are well connected depends on your holiday destination. You should therefore check the entire journey before booking, not just the journey to the region itself.

Which regions are suitable for a peaceful cross-country skiing or ski touring holiday in Italy?

For quieter winter days, the smaller South Tyrolean valleys such as the Sarntal and the Passeiertal are particularly suitable. In the Sarntal, around 30 kilometres of cross-country trails wind through the Pensertal, whilst the Passeiertal offers a manageable selection of high-altitude trails around Pfelders, Walten and Innerhütt.

Just how quiet it actually is depends on the time of year, weekends and any events taking place. You should also check whether the cross-country trails, access points and any services you require are available during your stay.

Which cross-country skiing and ski touring regions in Italy offer wellness facilities and regional cuisine?

You’ll find wellness facilities and regional cuisine in several Italian cross-country skiing and ski touring regions, though the specific options available depend on the hotel. On the Seiser Alm, in Antholz, Dobbiaco, the Martell Valley and Livigno, there’s a choice of accommodation with saunas, swimming pools, wellness areas or regionally inspired cuisine.

Check the hotel details pages to see which facilities are open, what catering options are available and whether spa treatments are included in the price. A destination alone does not guarantee a specific range of wellness or culinary offerings.