Italy is a country marked by key historical moments that have shaped not only its identity, but also the global landscape. From the time of the Roman Empire, when Rome dominated much of the Western world, to the unification of Italy in 1861 led in the 19th century by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi, the country has witnessed momentous events. The Italian Renaissance, with epicentres such as Florence and Venice, was a period of artistic and scientific splendour that transformed Europe, giving rise to geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Centuries later, Italy was a crucial battleground during World War II, playing a pivotal role in the fall of the fascist regime.

However, Italy has much more to offer beyond its history and iconic monuments such as the Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, for among the lesser-known gems are its Italian mountain villages, authentic havens that combine natural beauty, history and tradition. Off the beaten tourist track, these small Alpine villages offer an authentic experience, surrounded by majestic landscapes and a unique proximity to some of Italy’s best ski resorts.

Discover the ten most beautiful villages in Italy where you can also enjoy skiing.

Exploring these villages means discovering a different, more rural, less-travelled but equally fascinating Italy. Places like Vipiteno, in Trentino-Alto Adige, not only immerse you in medieval history with their cobbled streets and colourful little houses, but also offer the chance to enjoy winter sports on the nearby slopes of Monte Cavallo. Similarly, Gromo in Lombardy is famous for its well-preserved historic centre and its proximity to the slopes of Spiazzi di Gromo, a perfect combination for lovers of history and skiing.
Away from the more touristy routes, villages like Usseaux in Piemonte allow you to connect with nature in the heart of the Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park, all while enjoying skiing at Pragelato. These destinations hide the purest essence of Italy, offering unique experiences away from the crowds and surrounded by incomparable alpine landscapes. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the most beautiful villages in France.

Bérgamo – Lombardy

Located at the foot of the Italian Alps, Bergamo is a historical and cultural gem. Famous for its Venetian walls and old town, Bergamo is also an ideal starting point for exploring the nearby mountains. It also has a rich history linked to its strategic position on the trade routes connecting northern Italy with the rest of Europe. During the 16th century, Bergamo was ruled by the Republic of Venice, and the iconic Venetian walls surrounding the Città Alta date back to this period.

These walls, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served to defend the city against invasions, being a symbol of its resistance and its geopolitical importance in the region, as well as its charming cobbled streets, is close to the ski slopes of Foppolo (ski pass at 18€ adults and 15€ children) and Valtorta (with 20km of slopes and ski passes at 29€ adults and 18€ children), making it an excellent destination for both culture and skiing enthusiasts.

Livigno – Lombardy

Located in the Alta Valtellina, at 1,800 metres above sea level, Livigno is one of Italy’s most popular mountain destinations. Known as “Little Tibet”, it is a skier’s paradise, thanks to its proximity to ski slopes that attract beginners and experts alike. Livigno also has a fascinating past. Due to its isolated location, between mountains and close to the Swiss border, it was a tax-free zone since the 16th century, granted by Emperor Charles V. This tax exemption helped the town’s economic development, especially in trade in products such as tobacco and alcohol. This tax exemption helped the town’s economic development, especially in the trade of products such as tobacco and alcohol.

During World War II, Livigno served as an escape route to Switzerland for many persecuted by the fascist regime, underlining its historical role as a refuge in times of conflict. Its historic centre, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is a skier’s delight as the closest ski resort to Livigno is the Livigno ski resort itself, which includes two main areas: Mottolino and Carosello 3000. Both areas offer more than 115 kilometres of slopes, with options for both beginners and advanced skiers. Mottolino is especially known for its world-class snowpark, while Carosello 3000 is noted for its wide panoramic slopes offering breathtaking views of the Alps. This ski resort is very popular due to its location on the Swiss border, making it easily accessible to both Italian and international tourists.

Gromo – Lombardy

In the heart of the Seriana Valley in Lombardy lies Gromo, a medieval village that seems to be straight out of a fairytale and was considered “Little Toledo” at the time. Known for its historic fortress, the Castello Ginami, and its impressive Palazzo Milesi (yes, the one in Rome is more famous), this village has maintained its charm over the centuries. The cobbled alleyways and Piazza Dante are perfect for those wishing to immerse themselves in Italy’s medieval history. This magnificent Italian town, during the Middle Ages, was an important centre of arms production.

Its strategic location in the Upper Seriana Valley made it a crucial defensive stronghold, which explains the presence of the Castello Ginami and other fortified buildings. Iron extracted from the nearby mines fuelled the forging of swords and armour, and the town became known as a key supplier of weapons in Europe. This period profoundly shaped Gromo’s identity, leaving it with a legacy of medieval history and architecture. By the way skiers, Gromo is located close to the Spiazzi di Gromo ski resort (15 km of slopes), which offers skiing options for both beginners and experts, making it a complete destination for both culture and winter sports lovers.

Usseaux – Piedmont 

Located in the Piedmont region, Usseaux is one of the most charming mountain villages in Italy, nestled more than 1,300 metres above sea level. This small village, with only 190 inhabitants, is characterised by its colourful murals and traditional flowered balconies, which give it a magical atmosphere. Surrounded by the Orsiera-Rocciavrè Natural Park, Usseaux is perfect for those seeking a direct connection with nature. Historically, Usseaux was an important staging post during the Napoleonic wars, due to its strategic location in the Western Alps.

During the 19th century, this small mountain village served as a refuge for soldiers crossing the Alps, leaving a cultural and architectural mark on the area. Usseaux is also part of the route of the Valdesi, a Protestant community that took refuge in the Piedmontese Alps during centuries of religious persecution, which has contributed to the rich historical and spiritual heritage of the area.

It is also very close to the ski slopes of Pragelato, allowing visitors to enjoy a ski resort that in 2006 hosted Nordic skiing during the XX Winter Olympic Games in Turin. A detail: Pragelato was connected to the famous Sestriere (remember the interview we did with its Director Massimo Bonetti?) by the brand new cable car of Pattemouche, one of the flagships of the Vialattea. Last but not least, a recommendation: bundle up if you go in winter! The resort that hosts the ClubMed Pragelato Sestriere takes its name from the Piedmontese word Pragelà, ‘frozen meadow‘, reflecting the cold temperatures that characterise its winters.

Vipiteno – Trentino-Alto Adige

Vipiteno is one of the most beautiful villages in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, with its medieval architecture and colourful houses. It was a thriving mining centre during the Middle Ages, when the extraction of silver and other minerals enriched the town and attracted traders from all over Europe. Known in German as Sterzing, its prosperity is reflected in the construction of its medieval towers and the beauty of its old town, full of colourful Gothic houses.

During the Habsburg period, Vipiteno also became an important trading post between northern and southern Europe, and its architectural heritage remains one of the most beautiful in the Alps. This former mining town is perfect for those looking to combine culture and skiing, as it is very close to the Monte Cavallo ski resort, where you can enjoy 20 kilometres of slopes and spectacular views of the valley. Vipiteno’s rich history and its proximity to the Dolomites make it a must-see if you plan to go skiing and visit one of Italy’s most charming villages.

Vèrres – Aosta Valley

Located in the heart of the Aosta Valley, Vèrres is distinguished by its majestic medieval castle, a fortress dating back to the 14th century and dominating the landscape from a hilltop. It is famous for its imposing Vèrres Castle, built in the 14th century by Ibleto de Challant. This castle, which dominates the valley, was a key point in the region’s feudal disputes, serving as a fortress to defend the territory from invasions and revolts.

A remarkable historical fact is the involvement of the Challant family in the struggles for control of the Aosta Valley, with the castle being witness to many of these confrontations. Today, the castle is a symbol of the region’s medieval history and an important tourist destination. The village is also ideal for those who enjoy history, and its proximity to the Monterosa Ski resorts makes it an attractive destination for skiers. Here, visitors can combine cultural visits with days of skiing in the magnificent Italian Alps.

Levico Terme – Trentino-Alto Adige

Known for its thermal baths, Levico Terme is a quiet retreat in Trentino, surrounded by mountains and on the shores of Lake Levico. During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Levico became an important luxury spa, frequented by the European nobility, who sought the medicinal benefits of its arsenical waters. The boom in spa tourism transformed the local economy and left an architectural legacy in the town, with elegant villas and thermal buildings that are still a tourist attraction today.

In addition to its famous hot springs, the town is close to ski resorts such as Panarotta 2002 and its 10 kilometres of alpine slopes. If you have a good level, we recommend the Rigolor descent, a black slope that descends from an altitude of 2,002 metres to the car park at 1,518 metres. In addition, the little ones can have fun in the Gronlait Baby Parco, a safe and fun area to learn to ski or play in the snow.

Varallo – Piedmont 

Varallo, in Piedmont, is famous for the Sacro Monte di Varallo, a monumental religious complex that was founded in the 15th century by the Franciscan friar Bernardino Caimi. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built as a recreation of the holy places of Jerusalem, allowing European pilgrims to experience a ‘Holy Land’ without travelling to the Middle East.

This fact not only put Varallo on the European religious map, but also made the village an important spiritual destination during the Renaissance, influencing the art and culture of the region.This picturesque village is a stone’s throw from the ski resorts of Alagna Valsesia, an access point to the Monterosa ski area, ideal for the most demanding skiers. Varallo offers a perfect blend of spirituality, art and alpine adventure.

Riccia – Molise

In the mountainous region of Molise, Riccia is a small village with a medieval castle and wonderful panoramic views from its hills. Although there are no ski resorts nearby, it is a perfect destination for those who love tranquillity and hiking in the mountains of the Parco Regionale del Matese. Riccia has a rich history dating back to medieval times.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, it was ruled by the powerful De Capua family, who built the Castle of Riccia, which still stands as a symbol of their influence. Riccia was also an important agricultural and wine-producing centre, which contributed to its prosperity in the Middle Ages. The castle played a crucial role in the defence of the territory, due to its strategic position on a hill, which gave it control over the surrounding area.

Pergola – Marche

Located in the Marche region, Pergola is known for the extraordinary discovery of the Bronzi dorati da Cartoceto di Pergola, a set of Roman statues from the 1st century BC, found in 1946 near the village. These statues, depicting a Roman family, are one of the few gilded bronze works from that period to have survived to the present day, and are on display in the local museum.

Pergola was also an important centre in the Middle Ages, known for its religious architecture, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria, which attracted pilgrims from all over the region. It is also less than 80km from the Monte Catria ski resort, allowing you to enjoy this small ski resort (12km of slopes) at reduced prices (25€ adults and 15€ children) while exploring this charming Renaissance village.