While many people visit Italy to enjoy the rich history and to absorb the Italian culture, the diverse terrain of this country means it is also a fantastic country to visit for outdoor activities. As many areas are mountainous, it is a particularly popular country to visit amongst those who enjoy winter sports. If this is the type of vacation you prefer, and you are considering going to Italy, then here are the top five destinations in Italy for enjoying winter sports.
1. The Dolomites
The Dolomites offer some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery in Italy. This is a beautiful part of the world to visit for the views alone. In some area, it is possible to ski throughout the year and there is a wide range of slopes that vary from those suitable for beginners and ones that are better suited to advanced skiers. Two of the best-known ski area are Val Gardena and Corina d’Ampezzo. However, if you enjoy cross-country skiing, then Ortisei is the place for you.
2. Courmayeur in Monte Bianco
Courmayeur is a fantastic skiing destination located in the Valle D’Aosta on the side of Monte Bianco. It is such a good ski resort to visit because not only does it have fantastic winter sports facilities, the resort itself has many things for visitors to enjoy. In the village, there are restaurants, shops, and lively nightlife. This means that even when you are not on the slopes, there is plenty to keep you entertained.
3. Cervinia and the Matterhorn
Cervinia is a village close to the Swiss border in Valle D’Aosta. It is located at the base of the Matterhorn, also known as Monte Cervino. This resort is less expensive than the nearby Zermatt and has many other attractions to enjoy, such as a swimming pool, an ice skating rink, a casino, a movie theatre, and a good selection of restaurants. Cervinia is home to one of the longest runs in the world and it is possible to ski in this location throughout almost the whole year.
4. Mount Etna, Sicily
You are not restricted to mainland Italy if you want to enjoy winter sports as Sicily is also a fantastic place for those who enjoy skiing. At 3350 meters, Mount Etna is the highest point in Sicily and offers visitors 1400 meters of skiing and winter sports. The main two areas for such activities at Mount Etna are Linguaglossa on the northern slope and Rifugio on the southern slope.
5. The Piedmont Region
Piedmont played host to the Winter Olympics in 2006. This region in northwest Italy has several villages where visitors stay to enjoy a wide variety of winter sports. There is a total of 53 ski resorts in this area and a combined total of 1300 kilometers of runs. There are slopes that are well-suited to beginners as well as runs that are only for those with advanced abilities.
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