While Italy may be better-known as a summer destination with its beautiful, serene beaches and coastal towns, there are plenty of reasons to visit during the winter months. Boasting almost 300 ski resorts, the country attracts winter sports-lovers every season. From classic Alpine resorts to the more unusual, winter sports enthusiasts from novice to expert level are bound to enjoy the slopes.

Madonna di Campiglio, Dolomites
Relatively isolated compared to other Dolomite resorts, this popular resort offers the combination of a charming pedestrianized town and large variety of slopes, including a 1000-meter descent.

Cervinia, Aosta Valley
At the foot of the Matterhorn (Monte Cervino in Italian) lies Cervinia, one of the highest and largest resorts in the Alps. That means good snow cover, long runs - some up to 22km - and the chance to ski over to Switzerland. There are three dedicated children’s ski areas, Europe’s highest snowparks, and some more challenging options for advanced skiers.

La Thuile, Aosta Valley
Based in a quiet, old mining village, La Thuile makes for an uncrowded ski experience. But there’s no need to get bored as you can ski across to La Rosière in France or other resorts in the Aosta Valley including Courmayeur and Pila. There are lots of options for anyone learning to ski, and for experts, there’s a snowpark which encourages visitors to “unleash their creativity with a touch of madness.”

Abetone, Northern Tuscany
Not far from Florence, Pisa or Siena, the Apennine resort will challenge your perceptions of Tuscany. It’s the hometown of world champion skier Zeno Colò and offers about 50km of slopes. There are other activities on offer, including hiking and snowmobile trips, and you can easily arrange trips to the medieval towns and villages in the area to keep any non-skiers in your group entertained.

Mount Etna, Sicily
Fancy ticking ‘ski down a volcano’ off your bucket list? The high altitude of Etna means you should get great snow cover and, although there’s less choice and variety compared to the larger resorts, it will be a unique experience. Plus, you can spend the rest of the trip exploring everything that Sicily has to offer.

• La Thuile, Aosta... La Thuile, Aosta...
• Madonna di Campiglio,... Madonna di Campiglio,...
• Abetone, Northern Tuscany Abetone, Northern Tuscany
• Cervinia, Aosta Valley Cervinia, Aosta Valley
• Mount Etna, Sicily Mount Etna, Sicily
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