Vialattea and neighbouring Bardonecchia Ski, the twin pillars of Italy’s Turin Alps, are in the midst of a multi-year, €28 million snowmaking modernisation programme, entirely powered by renewable energy, which is now well advanced.
In Vialattea (still known by its English translation of Milky Way to some), three of four upgrade phases completed in the Sestriere sector; expansion to the neighbouring Sauze d’Oulx, Cesana-Sansicario and Cesana-Claviere begins summer 2026.
In Bardonecchia more than 100 new fixed snow generators entered service this season; two new water reservoirs are in final design, targeting 80% snowmaking coverage across key terrain.
All purchased electricity is 100% renewable, and the latest-generation equipment delivers up to 48% energy savings per air-compressor unit.
The region closed their 2025-2026 winter season on April, 12th reporting a 15% increase in the number of visitors compared to the previous year, with a sizable chunk of skiers and riders coming from the UK.
International visitors accounted for over 60% of the total attendance, with 70% of those coming from the UK.
“This growth highlights a rising interest in the region, driven by its high-altitude slopes, modernizing infrastructure and the authentic charm of Italian alpine villages,” a spokesperson commented, adding, “The significant share of British skiers underscores the destination’s robust and growing appeal within the UK market.”
Vialattea and n Bardonecchia Ski entered a strategic partnership in 2024 under owner iCON Infrastructure Partners. The resorts, located an hour from Turin, include host venues for the Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games and the 1997 World Championships. The area has continued to host Ski World Cup races and the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
Vialattea consists of 400 km of interlinked runs across its seven Italian resorts (Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere, Pragelato e Oulx) plus Montgenèvre in France, with 313 diverse slopes catering to all skill levels (9 green, 98 blue, 169 red, and 37 black), served by 70 ski lifts with a total capacity of over 75,000 people per hour. The ski area spans altitudes from 1,400 to 2,800 meters, with 80% of the slopes situated above 1,900 meters—an ideal elevation that ensures consistent snow cover and optimal temperatures for snowmaking.
This is combined with Bardonecchia’s additional 100 km, spread across Campo Smith, Jafferau, and Melezet. The resort reaches altitudes from 1,312 to 2,800 meters. It features 43 slopes (approximately 50% blue, 43% red, and 7% black, plus 4 green runs for beginners) served by 23 lifts. A free Ski Shuttle links Sauze d’Oulx and Bardonecchia, providing skiers with access to two major domains across two countries.