Ski and Glamour: Winter Holidays Between Slopes and Sparkle
Winter in the Alps isn’t just about snow — it’s about atmosphere. Italy’s mountain resorts have perfected the art of blending sport and style, where the thrill of the slopes meets the indulgence of good food, fine wine, and design-led hospitality. Skiing here is as much a social ritual as a sport: a celebration of the season, from the first run to the last glass of champagne.
For those who see winter not as retreat but as refinement, Italy offers a particular kind of experience — one where alpine adventure meets understated glamour.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Few destinations embody Italian winter luxury like Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites.” Framed by the jagged peaks of the Tofane, this UNESCO-listed valley has been drawing film stars, athletes, and aesthetes since the 1950s.
The skiing is exceptional — wide pistes, impeccable grooming, and direct access to the Dolomiti Superski circuit — but Cortina’s appeal goes far beyond the slopes. The Corso Italia, its main street, is lined with boutiques and cafés that capture the essence of Italian alpine chic. Lunch might mean a glass of Franciacorta with homemade pasta; evening brings candlelight and chatter beneath timbered ceilings.
Cortina proves that glamour here isn’t showy — it’s woven naturally into the pace of the day.
Cervinia
On the border with Switzerland, Cervinia offers one of the longest and most scenic ski seasons in Europe, stretching from late autumn to early May. The resort sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, sharing its slopes with Zermatt yet maintaining a distinct Italian character: generous hospitality, exceptional food, and a relaxed sense of sophistication.
The après-ski culture here has evolved beyond tradition. Refined wine lounges, panoramic terraces, and spa hotels now make Cervinia a benchmark for those seeking balance between sport and leisure. Spending an evening immersed in the luxury après-ski in Cervinia means more than cocktails — it’s a complete alpine experience, combining mountain views, design, and the comfort of slow time.
This blend of altitude and elegance has turned Cervinia into one of Italy’s most cosmopolitan winter destinations, where you can ski in one country and toast the sunset in another.
Madonna di Campiglio
Tucked within the Brenta Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is known for its immaculate runs and quiet sophistication. It has hosted world-class ski competitions since the 1960s, but its charm lies in the balance between performance and pleasure.
The town’s architecture — wooden chalets mixed with contemporary lodges — sets a tone that’s refined yet approachable. Skiers finish their day with aperitivi on sunny terraces, or evenings in Michelin-starred restaurants where regional flavours meet innovation.
Campiglio’s elegance comes not from spectacle, but from detail: service that anticipates, style that never tries too hard.
Courmayeur
At the opposite end of the Aosta Valley, Courmayeur blends French and Italian influences into a lively, compact resort that thrives on atmosphere. Its proximity to Mont Blanc makes it a magnet for serious skiers, but the village centre is equally known for its boutiques, wine bars, and weekend energy.
The Skyway cable car — an architectural masterpiece — carries visitors above the clouds to panoramic terraces where champagne replaces coffee, and silence replaces playlists. It’s mountain life with metropolitan polish.
More Than a Sport
Skiing in Italy is not defined by altitude or speed; it’s defined by how each element — snow, design, food, company — aligns. The result is a kind of seasonal theatre where everything works in harmony: the sound of skis carving snow, the warmth of a fire-lit lounge, the sparkle of a glass raised against the mountains.
Whether you find your rhythm in Cortina’s boutiques, Madonna di Campiglio’s quiet refinement, or the luxury après-ski in Cervinia, Italian winter offers a reminder that glamour doesn’t need to shout — it just needs to feel effortless.
