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The best destinations near Milan for skiing, relaxing, and above all, having fun!
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We have finally made it to the long-awaited Christmas holidays! During this time, it is imperative that you relax, although it is equally important to go outside and stretch your legs after weeks spent sitting at your desk. What better time to go out in the snow and take advantage of this break than by skiing with friends?
Milan is in an ideal position to reach some of the most world-renowned tourist destinations with relative ease (about three hours by car). If you haven’t already planned everything for your break, take a look at these last minute offers and get inspired by our list! Here are the five favorite ski destinations by the Milanese for the Christmas holidays (next to each location you will find the travel time by car from Milan).
Courmayeur | 2:30 h
At the foot of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Central Europe, Courmayeur is a delightful, internationally renowned ski destination, perfect for both lovers of skiing and relaxation. With over 100 km of ski slopes suitable for all levels, the more experienced skiers and snowboarders can enjoy fantastic off-piste skiing, while the more adventurous can take advantage of the truly thrilling heli-skiing service! Once done with skiing, it’s time to rejuvenate in one of the numerous spas in the area, which are renowned for their natural thermal baths (the most famous, Pre Saint Didier, is just a five-minute drive away). From an aperitif in the center of La Bouche to the American Bar to theRoyal, to the Caffè Delle Poste or the Le Privé, the night carries on with the best DJ sets at Club Haus 80s, Shatush, or The Club. Have fun!
Breuil-Cervina | 2:45 h
Cervinia is one of the best destinations for true ski lovers. It boasts one of the largest ski areas in the Alps, with 200 km of slopes between Italy and Switzerland allowing you to ski various routes and difficulty levels all day long. Cervinia is also a stone’s throw away from Zermatt, a charming Swiss town nestled in the mountains on the other side of the Matterhorn, where transportation is by carriage only. It is a truly romantic getaway that we recommend as a day trip! For nightlife, check out the Principe Delle Nevi Après Ski for fun live music and DJ-sets. Watching the sunset from their Snowflake patio is a perfect end to a perfect day!
Sestriere | 3:00 h
Home to the 2006 Winter and Paralympic Olympic Games in Turin as well as the Olympic Village, Sestriere regularly hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup at Vialattea, which is considered to be one of the largest ski areas in Europe with over 400 km of slopes. Snowmobiling, dog sledding or snowshoeing are fun alternatives for beginners, while experts should not miss the opportunity to go skiing at night on the brightly-lit Olympic track. Built in the 1930s at the behest of Gianni Agnelli, Sestriere also remains one of the most popular destinations for athletes and younger generations for its nightlife, après-ski, and countless restaurants. Among them all, the Tabata has been the most exclusive and renowned club and disco in the area since the very beginning.
Bormio | 3:15 h
Bormio is undoubtedly the ideal destination for those who want to dedicate their holiday to wellness and relaxation, all without giving up some quality ski time in between spa trips. Famous since the Roman rule for its prestigious thermal baths, it is equally renowned for its 50 km of slopes, considering this town has hosted the Ski World Cup on several occasions. The Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi and the Hotel Bagni Vecchi are certainly worth noting. These hospitality giants are true five-star relaxation paradises in QC Terme, in a similar vein to Milanese spas and Pré Saint Didier. In the evening, you must toast with Braulio, a famous local liqueur with high alcohol content, necessary to digest the traditional dishes that you’ll go crazy about (beware the calories!).
St. Moritz | 2:45 h
Saint Moritz, located in the Upper Engadine that overlooks the lake of the same name, is the final stop on Bernino’s fantastic red train, a trip to take at least once in a lifetime, which travels from Tirano every day. With a name that speaks for itself, this town boasts an unrivaled reputation for the distinctiveness of its architecture, the beauty of the landscape, the prestigious guests who choose to stay there every year for the Christmas holidays, and above all the variety of its slopes (it hosted the Winter Olympics twice). It is no coincidence that it is called the “Top of the World,” and is undoubtedly the ideal destination for social butterflies. First off, the King’s Club at the Badrutt Palace Hotel is not only the oldest disco in the area but in all of Switzerland. For gambling regulars, there is the famous St. Moritz Casino, while the Dracula (yes, a real place) right in the middle of the country, is perfect for drowning your sorrows or dancing the night away, in case a bit of bad luck had taken over during that last hand of Poker. Enjoy!
