Sestriere

Sestriere is located in the Pie Monte region. A famous resort in the Italian Alps, it is part of the Via Lattea domain, which is made up of Sestriere, Sansicario, Sauze d´Oulx, Cesana et Claviere. The union of these four resorts, about an hour’s drive from Turin and has 400 km of pistes.

Sestriere, situated at 2035 metres near Val Chisone and overlooking the Valle di Susa, was the first modern Italian ski resort. Created in 1937 under the impulse of the Agnelli family, Sestriere offers today to the snow lovers many possibilities.

The largest resort in the Via Lattea ski area (more than 250 pistes and 70 lifts, 400 km of slopes with an artificial snowmaking network covering more than 60% of the skiable area), it offers the possibility of communicating with six other resorts in the area.

From the simplest slopes to more difficult off-piste terrain. From skiing, mountaineering to cross-country skiing, everyone will find here the ideal place to test their abilities, descending in complete safety on the routes that were the scene of the alpine skiing competitions of the XX Olympic Games of Torino 2006.

To experience strong emotions we recommend the Kandahar run Giovanni Alberto Agnelli (where great sporting events took place, it is served by the Cit Roc chairlift, from the arrival area you can see the entire competition course), the Sises run which since 2004 bears the name of Gianni Agnelli (it is the “giant” course of the 2006 Olympics; the start is on the slope of Mount Sises and the course is very arduous and technical.

The piste is serviced by the Cit Roc chairlift and the Sises ski lift), the Kandahar Banchetta – Giovanni Nasi piste (the start is at 2,800 m, the highest point of the Vialattea from where you can enjoy a wonderful view over the surrounding mountains); the piste runs along the slopes of Monte Motta and then descends down Monte Banchetta and ends at Sestriere Borgata.

It is a route recommended for expert skiers: in the initial section, on the wall, a maximum slope of 58.5% is reached. Those who love to have fun among uneven terrain, large canals and vertiginous stretches can take the 32 Motta and 5 Sises slopes. There is also an ice skating rink, an activity for all ages. All these possibilities make Sestriere the undisputed queen of the Piedmont mountains.

Skiing in Sestriere: the resort’s strengths

Sestriere, at an altitude of 2,035 meters, was the first planned ski resort in Europe. It was founded in 1934, the result of a vision by the Agnelli family (FIAT), who wanted to create a modern and exclusive destination in the Italian Alps.

Today, almost a century later, it remains one of the nerve centers of European alpine skiing and one of the jewels of the Vialattea (Via Lattea) ski area, which connects the resorts of Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere, and Montgenèvre in France.

A vast and varied ski area

The Vialattea Ski Area offers 400 km of interconnected slopes, 100 km of which belong to Sestriere, with a maximum altitude of 2,840 m (Monte Motta).

Snow conditions are excellent from December to April, reinforced by a snowmaking system that covers 60% of the ski area. The terrain is very diverse: wide carving slopes, technical competition areas, panoramic routes, and forest sections. Highlights include:

• The Kandahar Giovanni Alberto Agnelli slope, the setting for World Cups and the Olympic Games.
• Banchetta and Sises, long and demanding.
• Fraiteve, ideal for families and with views over the entire valley.

Olympic heritage and elite skiing

Sestriere hosted the men’s and women’s alpine skiing events during the 2006 Winter Olympics. Its slopes continue to regularly host international competitions, and the sporting atmosphere permeates the entire resort. The slalom stadium, timing facilities, and state-of-the-art ski lifts keep it among the world’s skiing elite.

An alpine resort with style and tradition

The center of Sestriere combines functionalist architecture with alpine tradition.

Historic hotels such as the Torre, a symbol of Italian modernity in the 1930s, coexist with panoramic refuges and new infrastructure. Its altitude guarantees reliable snow and clear skies, with an average of more than 300 days of sunshine per year.

Freeriding, snowboarding, and night skiing

Sestriere offers great opportunities for freeriding in the Banchetta and Motino sectors, with natural and controlled descents. It also has the Vialattea Snowpark, one of the best in Italy, and a floodlit slope for night skiing, which is very popular with visitors.

Piedmontese cuisine and après-ski

Après-ski combines elegance and a sporty atmosphere. Mountain huts such as Da Casse and Raggio di Sole offer mountain dishes with a gourmet touch: Barolo wine fondue, polenta with Toma cheese, and Piedmontese ravioli. In the village, bars such as Pinkies and Tabata Club are classic meeting places after a day on the slopes.

Sustainability and mobility

Sestriere is one of the Italian resorts committed to sustainable tourism development. It has implemented a plan for energy reduction, efficient water management, and integrated mobility within the Alta Val di Susa valley.

Rail access to Oulx and the shuttle bus to the resort encourage car-free travel from Turin or Lyon.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Sestriere

Start the day at Banchetta: The early hours offer perfect snow and spectacular views of the valley.

Don’t miss the Kandahar: Descending an Olympic slope is a unique experience for any skier.

Cross over to Montgenèvre: Take advantage of the cross-border ski area to ski in France with the same ski pass.

Night skiing: Sestriere offers one of the best floodlit slopes in the Alps.

Relax with local cuisine: End the day in a mountain hut sampling Piedmontese cuisine and a glass of Nebbiolo wine.