The Italian ski resort of Sestriere has something for everyone, particularly non-skiers, with a cinema, a good selection of shops, an ice rink, a sports centre and even dog sledging.
Understanding Sestriere as a Ski Resort
Stay in a luxury ski chalet in Sestriere and discover a slice of modern history. This understated town in the Piedmont region of North West Italy was the first purpose-built ski resort. The architecture is not to everybody’s taste but the range of pistes is excellent. The ski area is one of my all-time favourites.
Developed in the 1930s by Italian entrepreneur and Fiat founder, Giovanni Agnelli, and sitting at just over 2000m, the high altitude gives great snow conditions on a luxury ski holiday in Sestriere. With many visitors hailing from the nearby fashion capital Milan, the crowd is decidedly chic and cosmopolitan.
When to Visit Sestriere
Visit between December and April to experience the best of the snow. During summer months, hiking and cycling are popular and visitors can enjoy a round of golf on Europe’s highest 18-hole course.
What We Love About Sestriere
The magical gondola ride which glides visitors to the top of majestic Mount Fraiteve is a must-do.
Getting to Sestriere
Turin is the nearest international airport and is 90 minutes by car from Sestriere. It is also a 30-minute drive from Oulx train station.
The Skiing in Sestriere
The area basks in a proud history of international sporting glory, playing host to the 1997 World Championships and the Winter Olympics 2006. Racing down Kandahar, the men’s Olympic downhill run, visitors can unleash their inner athlete. With excellent nursery slopes near town, tree-lined red runs for intermediates and exciting steep terrain off-piste options for advanced skiers, there’s something for everyone on a luxury ski holiday here.
Sestriere’s unique location – at the crossroads of the famous Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area – allows skiers to drop into neighbouring resorts, such as lively Sauze d’Oulz and picturesque San Sicaro. Luxury ski chalets can be found just moments from the nearest ski lifts and gondolas, one of which carries visitors to the crest of Mount Fraiteve, and boasts majestic panoramic views.
Snowboarders and freestyle skiers can showcase their skills at the fabulous snow park. For James Bond types, Sestriere boasts adrenaline-popping heli-skiing experiences. After soaring over peaks and valleys in a helicopter, skiers are dropped on a remote mountainside to access untouched powder.
Adults and little ones alike will delight in the open-air ice rink and the resort also offers magical floodlit night skiing. Sestriere is a luxury ski holiday destination that is ideal for families with its relaxed ambience, and low-key apres ski.
The Best Places To Eat and Drink in Sestriere
Renowned for Italian/French-Fusion cuisine and powerful Barolo, Barbaresco and Berbera wines, the Piedmont region is also home to world-famous beef and the Alba white truffle, which is shaved over pasta, pizza and risotto and is a must-try on chefs night off at your luxury ski chalet.
Bagna Cauda, meaning ‘hot bath’ is a Piedmontese staple. The olive oil-based anchovy and garlic fondue is eaten with bread and crudites and served over an open flame. Torta di Nocciola is the region’s traditional hazelnut cake – perfect for a sweet treat with a café latte when you return to your luxury ski chalet after a day on the slopes.
Sestriere in Italy has its share of gastronomic delights. At the elegant Vineria del Colle, Grand Hotel, diners can enjoy beautifully presented specialities, such as venison stew. Hearty local fare can be found at Pinkies Pizzeria but before dinner head to Black Pepper for some delicious cocktails which come highly recommended.
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