Our full guide to the Milky Way Ski Resorts

With the autumn days giving way to winter, the ski season is finally here. And what better place to try your ski moves than on the stunning 400 km ski network of the Milky Way (called Vialattea in Italian) straddling the Italian-French borders? Offering powder pistes for all abilities, from beginners to pros and night skiers, the Milky Way slopes’ picturesque tree-lined pistes and cross-country skiing is bound to suit all ski lovers.

The famous ski network is easily reached from the Turin airport and is made up of 7 different ski resorts, with their own vibe, characteristic beauty and fun things to do. The resort villages consist of Sestriere, Claviere, Pragelato, San Sicario, Sauze d’Oulx and Cesana in Italy and Montgenèvre in France. Each resort is family-friendly and one can choose from a number of activities, both on and off-the-ski slopes.

So without any further delay let us ski right into the Milky Way Ski Resorts and help you plan your perfect ski vacation this year!

Experience the best slopes

Sestriere

With a good elevation of 2035 m altitude, Sestriere is one of the snow-sure ski resorts in the network. It is best for strong, intermediate and advanced skiers, thanks to its extra challenging ski trails. The resort also offers the option of night skiing; the Giovanni Alberto Agnelli run is the perfect example to test your skiing skills when the night falls and the adventure quotient increases multifold.

For those looking for competitive practice on the Sestriere ski area, the snow pistes provide excellent ground having hosted the Alpine Ski World Cup often and the Winter Olympics and Paralympic games in 2006.

The efficient cable car system at Sestriere

Off the ski-slope activity: One of the best outdoor activities in Sestriere is "the husky experience". To fully enjoy the experience, you have to train with a professional instructor to actually control and ride the sled dog yourself! And it is not complicated or intimidating to learn either since children and adults both can enjoy this fun winter sport.

Sauze d’Oulx

The resort with epic après-ski sessions, Sauze d’Oulx, is the life of the party in the entire network of ski resorts. From buzzing bars to dusk-till-dawn parties, the resort caters especially to the young population. But this is not to say that that is all there is to Sauze d’Oulx. The resort also has a traditional village centre for an authentic experience and family-run restaurants with delicious local food. 

Added bonus of the resort is that it is one of the cheapest around and is located at a decent altitude of 1600 m.

Off the ski-slope activity: The picturesque 3-hour-long trail from Sauze to Laune Lake (in Parco del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand) is perfect for those in search of fantastic alpine views and reconnection with nature. 

San Sicario

If you want to have the best of both worlds, that is, challenging slopes and crazy after-ski sessions, then San Sicario is perfect as it is located between Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx. The Italian ski resort has an altitude of 1473 m, 11 ski lifts, and offers nursery slopes as well as technically challenging black runs to cater to all abilities. The resort also has 7 km of cross-country trails and was the site of the downhill runs from Mt. Fraiteve in the 2006 Winter Olympics!

Off the ski-slope activity: Other winter sports like snowmobiling, snow-shoeing and ice skating can be enjoyed at San Sicario.

Enjoy snowmobiling off the ski slopes

Cesana Torinese

Less than a 10-minute drive from San Sicario, Cesana attracts skiers who appreciate the peace, tranquillity and all-engulfing natural beauty of the alps. This is also one of the main reasons that this Milky Way ski resort is popular among families. The resort has an elevation gain of 1350 m and new 8-seater gondola lifts for ultimate moments of fun and togetherness. It has easy connections to Sestriere/Sansicario and Claviere/Montgenèvre.

An aerial view of Cesana Torinese village

Off the ski-slope activity: Cesana is popular for alpine hiking and trekking.

Pragelato

Pragelato enjoys a decent elevation of 1580 m and it is one of those resorts that’s great for doing something more than just skiing. Alpine lakes and natural parks in Pragelato offer an unparalleled introduction to the beauty and indigenous species of the area. At the Orsiera Natural Reserve, which is located at an elevation of 1400 m, you will find plenty of regional flora, and fauna as well as old military buildings to explore. While at the Parco Naturale Val Troncea, hikers can enliven their experience by discovering the various interconnected hikes between the hamlets of Laval, Sentes, Troncea, Jussand and Alpe Mei.

The beautiful snow-laden landscape of Val Troncea, Pragelato

Off the ski slope activity: For those interested in seeing mouflons in their natural habitat, the Lakes of Cristalliera are the perfect place.

Claviere

Arguably the oldest ski resort in Italy, Claviere sits at an elevation of 1750 m. It is located near the French border, around 80 km from Turin. Claviere is ideal to spend a relaxing holiday as the resort centre has its own characteristic charm that is worth exploring on a calm winter day, as well as nice bars to grab a beer or two. The ski slopes are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, making Claviere perfect for those coming with their little ones.

The breathtaking Tibetano Cesana-Claviere bridge

Off the ski slope activity: Try fusion cuisine, a mix of Italian and French, with a delicious glass of vino caldo.

Montgenèvre

The only French resort in the Milky Way ski area, Montgenèvre is the smallest and the cheapest resort in the network. But this is not to say that it is by any means less fun: the resort has amazing heliskiing opportunities to enjoy from the 3000mt high peaks of Dormillouse, Terranera and Claus.

Off the ski slope activity: Make sure you grab some delicious alpine French cuisine. We recommend the Savoy Tartiflette, a heartwarming experience on a platter that is perfect for cold winter days.

A traditional and warm French tartiflette

Ready to ski off in the Milky Way? Browse the best holiday homes in the area and fix your plans right away.

Want to explore more options? Check out exciting ski resorts like Lake Garda, Livigno, Lake Maggiore and Mont Blanc.