Italy

Sestriere

Very affordable skiing and hotel accommodation in the Italian Milky Way ski region

Sestriere resort guide - a general overview

Built in 1934 by the founder of Fiat, Giovanni Agnelli, Sestriere was Europe's first officially purpose-built ski resort. Agnelli chose a good spot - located high up at 2,035m altitude at the base of Mt Sises the pistes of Sestriere ensure good snow coverage on the north-west facing slopes and some steep terrain for experts. It also provides easy access to the rest of the Milky Way Ski area with links by lift to Pragelato, Sauze d'Oulx and Sansicario.

The heart of the town, at the base of the ski area, is not the most attractive resort in the Alps, however, it functions well. A network of small piazzas provides a good selection of restaurants for all budgets. There is a choice of lively bars and a fun market in Piazza Agnelli on Tuesdays.

Thanks to its altitude and good snow-making facilities, the snow in Sestriere is more reliable than in other Italian Milky Way resorts and there's more challenging skiing to be found here as well.

Thanks to its affordable accommodation and the fact that children up to the age of eight ski free in Sestriere, it is a popular resort with young families.

Photos courtesy of Città di Torino and Turismo Torino e Provincia and ViaLattea.it

Resort stats

400km

2,035m - 2,825m

Level of skiing

Beginners
Intermediates
Experts
Snow sure
Off-piste
Ski area

Qualities

Charm factor
Non-skiers
Nightlife
Resort layout
Fine dining
Short transfer
Resort value

Airports

Turin
1hr 30mins

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Extensive ski area part of the vast Milky way network
  • High altitude skiing so reliable snow
  • Skiing for all levels
  • Affordable accommodation

Cons

  • Rather purpose built so lacks alpine charm
  • Can get crowded at weekends with skiers coming from Turin
  • Quiet apres-ski during the week

Restaurants

Sestriere Resort Restaurants

Sestriere offers the widest choice of restaurants in the Via Lattea ski area.

For a special meal, Belle Époque at the Principi di Piemonte remains one of the resort's standout dining experiences, offering refined cuisine in an elegant setting. BarbaSki is another popular choice, combining modern mountain dining with a lively atmosphere.

For authentic local cooking, Mamma Lia and La Baita are highly recommended.

A short drive from the centre, L'Antica Spelonca and Ristorante Al Mulino are also worth trying.

Sestriere Mountain Restaurants

Sestriere has some of the best mountain restaurants in the Via Lattea, particularly for skiers willing to explore beyond the main pistes.

La Tana della Volpe is one of the area's standout mountain restaurants, combining spectacular views with excellent food. Nearby, Il Chisonetto remains a favourite.

For those skiing towards Sauze d'Oulx, Ciao Pais, Il Capricorno and La Fontaine are all worth the journey and consistently rank among the best mountain restaurants in the wider ski area.

Closer to the resort centre, L'Aquila Nera is a popular stop for lunch and Rifugio Alpette offers a convenient option.

Sestriere Apres Ski

Sestriere has a lively apres scene, with most of the action focused around the base of the slopes.

La Gargote and QB are popular options.

On the mountain, La Tana della Volpe and L'Aquila Nera are reliable stops for a Bombardino in the afternoon sun.

Sestriere Nightlife

Sestriere is the natural destination for anyone looking to continue the evening after dinner.

Barabba is a popular choice for cocktails and late-evening drinks, while QB remains busy well into the evening.

For those looking to dance into the early hours, Tabata has long been one of the major nightlife venues in the Italian Alps.

Sestriere Resort Map

Key

  • Funicular
  • Cable Car
  • Gondola
  • Chair lift
  • Drag lift
  • Property