Sestriere

Sestriere is Italy’s highest purpose-built resort, sitting at 2,035 m in the Piedmont region. Built in the 1930s by the Agnelli family (of Fiat fame), it is the hub of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, which spans 400 km of pistes across Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Claviere, Cesana, and Montgenèvre (France).

Famous for its role in the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, Sestriere combines high-altitude snow reliability with excellent intermediate terrain and direct access to one of the Alps’ biggest ski domains. While its architecture is more functional than picturesque, it offers unbeatable convenience, reliable skiing, and strong value.

Skiing & Snowboarding

The Sestriere ski area is at the heart of the Via Lattea network.

• Beginners: Nursery slopes close to the village are ideal for learners, with smooth progression onto wide blues.

• Intermediates: This is prime territory. Long, rolling reds and blues dominate, especially on Monte Sises and Monte Motta. Intermediates can ski for days without repeating runs, making full use of the Milky Way’s 400 km.

• Experts: The Olympic downhill and giant slalom runs provide challenge, while off-piste bowls and tree runs in nearby Sansicario and Claviere add variety.

• Freestylers: A terrain park in Sestriere offers freestyle features, while Montgenèvre (included in the area pass) adds another excellent snowpark.

With skiing up to 2,800 m, snow reliability is strong, and extensive snowmaking covers much of the area.

Ski Lift Passes

Sestriere is included in the Via Lattea pass, covering the full 400 km of pistes.

• Adult: ~€58/day | ~€290 for 6 days
• Child (8–15): ~50% reduction
• Under 8s: Free

Deals:

• Family and youth discounts.
• Local-only passes available for smaller areas.

Resort & Infrastructure

Sestriere is one of Italy’s most modern ski hubs:

• Fast gondolas and high-speed chairs rise directly from the village.
• Direct links to Sansicario, Sauze d’Oulx, and Claviere enable full-area exploration.
• Snowmaking ensures skiing from late November through April.

While not as charming as Italy’s historic resorts, Sestriere’s high, central location makes it the most snow-reliable base in the Via Lattea.

Accommodation

Sestriere offers a wide choice, with plenty of ski-in/ski-out hotels.

• Budget: Apartments and residences such as Residence Palace.
• Mid-Range: 3★–4★ hotels like Hotel Il Fraitevino and Hotel Sciatori.
• Luxury: Options such as Hotel Principi di Piemonte Sestriere and Hotel Shackleton Mountain Resort provide high-end comfort and spa facilities.

Browse via the Sestriere accommodation search.

Dining & Après

Mountain restaurants like Rifugio Alpette and Rocce Nere serve hearty Italian dishes, while Ristorante Last Tango and La Baita in town are local favourites.

Après-ski in Sestriere is lively but more straightforward than Sauze d’Oulx. Bars like Pinkie Pub and Tabata Disco provide evening entertainment, but the focus here is on skiing convenience rather than all-night partying.

Non-Skiing Activities

Sestriere has a good range of off-slope options:

• Winter hiking and snowshoeing.
• Ice skating and indoor sports at the Olympic facilities.
• Spa and wellness at hotel resorts.
• Excursions to Turin for culture, shopping, and gastronomy.

Village Character & Access

Sestriere is a purpose-built ski village, with functional architecture (notably its two iconic round towers) and a focus on convenience. While it lacks the old-world charm of Courmayeur or Sauze, its altitude, easy ski access, and Olympic heritage give it a unique identity.

How to get there from the UK:

• By air: Turin Airport (1 hr 45), Milan (2.5 hrs), or Geneva (3 hrs).
• By train: Rail to Oulx, then 20 mins by bus/taxi.
• By car: Around 10–11 hrs from Calais.

InTheSnow Verdict

Sestriere is the snow-sure, high-altitude hub of the Via Lattea, offering convenient access to 400 km of pistes and excellent intermediate skiing. While the village may not have the charm of Italy’s older towns, its reliable snow, Olympic history, and central location make it the most practical base in the Milky Way.

For mileage, reliability, and value, Sestriere is a strong choice, especially for groups and intermediates.