Everything you need for your Sestriere ski holiday.
29th April, 2025
5 min read time
Sestriere, is known for being one of the earliest purpose-built ski resorts in the world, dating back to the 1930s. Developed by Giovanni Agnelli of FIAT, Sestriere among all the other Italian ski resorts has a rich history in winter sports and has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the Winter Olympics in 2006.
Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Sestriere ski holiday. You're going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing. But that's not all! At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some really handy contact numbers and links.
Sestriere is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, near the French border.
Nearest airport
Turin Caselle: 111 km (68.9 mi)
Transfer time
Turin Caselle: 1hr 24 min
Sestriere the resort
Resort altitude: 2,035 m (6,676 ft)
Resort permanent residents: ~939
Sestriere, Italy's first purpose-built ski resort, combines modern convenience with a rich history. Created by FIAT founder Giovanni Alberto Agnelli as a retreat for workers, and further developed for the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, Sestriere now stands as a modern, trendy ski destination. Its iconic hotel towers, a symbol of the village, reflect a fascinating blend of history and contemporary design. Many accommodations, including a range of good value hotels and the former Olympic Village's self-catered options, are strategically located next to the slopes or just a short walk from the lifts. This layout ensures that you can easily transition from your room to the slopes. The resort is known for its laid-back après ski atmosphere. With over 50 restaurants, you have a plethora of dining options, ranging from cozy in-resort eateries to more vibrant choices like the Pinky bar, which becomes a hub of activity and live music from the afternoon.
Pros
Cons
High altitude resort
Limited beginner runs
Ideal for intermediate skiers
Can be crowded on weekends
Direct access to other Via Lattea resorts like Sauze d’Oulx and Sansicario
The village can feel somewhat outdated
Wide variety of off-piste options
Lift systhem can be prone to bad weather closures
Here is how Sestriere looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Sestriere has to offer.
Sestriere, a key part of the larger Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area, offers access to over 400 km (248 mi) of ski runs spanning across Italy and France. The resort itself comprises 80 km (49.7 mi) of skiable terrain, distributed across 66 pistes (24 blues, 30 reds, 12 blacks) served by 19 lifts. The ski area is divided into four main skiing sectors:
Front de neige: this sector features a blend of blue and red runs, suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. It is also well-equipped with amenities, including ski schools and rental shops.
Monte Sises (2,600 m/8,530 ft): offering a variety of slopes, this sector caters to intermediate and advanced skiers. It provides a mix of red and black runs.
Monte Motta/Banchetta (2,823 m/9,261 ft): these areas are known for their challenging terrains, including some of the most difficult black pistes in the resort. Ideal for expert skiers only.
Monte Fraiteve (2,701 m/8,861 ft): serving as a link to the broader Vialattea, this sector is popular for those looking to explore beyond Sestriere’s own runs and experience the vast terrain of the Milky Way.
Skiing in Sestriere
Beginners
Beginners will find the ski school and nursery slopes conveniently located in the town center. The Baby SX and Jolly drag lifts lead to gentle blue runs, perfect for practicing newly learned skills. For those gaining confidence, the blues in the Borgata area are ideal for refining turns and techniqu
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers can explore the wide, open red runs at the peaks of Mount Motta and Banchetta, or enjoy the picturesque, tree-lined slopes down Borgata. With Sestriere’s connection to the vast Milky Way ski area, intermediates have a plethora of runs to discover, including easy blues and more challenging reds.
Advanced
Advanced skiers are in for a thrill with the Amfiteatro's vast bowl and challenging black runs at the top of Motta and Sises. The famous Kandahar Slalom and Kandahar Banchetta runs, known for World Championship races, offer expert skiers plenty of challenging terrain.
Off-piste skiing
For off-piste enthusiasts, Sestriere offers a diverse landscape, from steep couloirs to open bowls. Accessible bowls near the Monginevro Pass and beautiful descents like Pitre de l'Aigle, which requires a short hike, provide memorable experiences. The route down to Pragelato offers a mix of open bowls and thrilling lines through a larch forest.
Snowboarding
Sestriere is also a haven for snowboarders, with red runs on Mount Motta and Banchetta providing an exhilarating experience. The resort features a snow park for freestylers, while beginners can learn on the accessible nursery slopes near the town center.
Sestriere ski season dates
The ski season in Sestriere for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 29 November to 19 April. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Sestriere ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Sestriere snow history
Sestriere offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 19 cm (7.48 in) and 18 cm (7.0 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.4 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall stays unchanged at 18 cm (7.0 in) but it occurs more frequently, averaging 2.9 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of March, traditionally the snowiest week in Sestriere, with an impressive 31 cm (12.2 in) of snow over 3.7 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 14 cm (5.51 in) of snow over 2.8 days.
