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The best half term ski breaks in Italy
Are you looking to whisk la famiglia away on the best half term skiing holiday this February? If so, let us tell you: the snowy slopes of Italia are hard to beat! Alongside high-altitude peaks, stunning scenery, and exquisite cuisine, half term ski resorts in Italy offer your family something few other places can match: quiet, uncrowded pistes.
How so? Well, because Italian children don’t have a half term break. This means the slopes are considerably less busy than those in the neighbouring resorts of France and Switzerland, allowing Italy’s wide-open pistes and beginner-friendly resorts to be free for your family to enjoy without the pesky crowds. And let us tell you, with over 50 bellissima resorts and fabulous accommodation options – including convenient ski-in/ski-out slopeside stays, all-inclusive and full-board resorts, and terrific self-catering apartments – there’s plenty to choose from. So just where should you choose to go?
That’s where Heidi comes in. From the charming Cortina d’Ampezzo to the family-friendly Pila, the luxurious Courmayeur to the picturesque La Thuile, we have your next Italian half term ski trip sorted. This is our shortlist of the top half term ski resorts in Italy we recommend for fantastic family fun in February:
1. Courmayeur
One of our most popular Italian ski resort for half term holidays, the slopes of Courmayeur present the perfect February getaway for more confident skiing families looking to send it on the mountain. Located just a 90-minute transfer from Geneva Airport and nestled beneath the majestic Mont Blanc, it's a snowball's throw from the renowned French resort of Chamonix, providing a fantastic alternative to escape the half term crowds.
Oh-so-chic and brimming with Italian charm, this small Aosta Valley resort boasts excellent skiing, sunny south-facing slopes, and plenty of fab kid-friendly accommodation. Although it's one of the country’s smaller resorts with a ski area of 41km, Courmayeur is designed for intermediates, which means the crowds of beginners really thin out. The ski school and nursery pistes at Plan Checrouit ensure that little ones can still practise while more experienced parents relish bright, bluebird mornings on the sunny, south-facing blues of Val Veny. And as for any freeriding snowboard enthusiasts, Courmayeur provides ample powder pockets, natural jumps hidden among the tree-lined runs, and even a snow park fitted with rails, funboxes, and a large airbag for epic tricks.
Off the slopes:
Savour Italy's “la dolce vita” alongside the rich and famous on the cobbled, car-free streets of Via Roma, or take a ride on the Skyway cable car for breathtaking 360-degree views across the Alps (don't forget to give Mont Blanc a cheery “Ciao!”)
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2. Sestriere
Perched at a lofty 2,800m above sea level, at the heart of Italy's vast Milky Way ski area, lies Sestriere. Surrounded by enchanting alpine forests, frozen rivers, and the soaring peaks of Motta, Fraiteve, and Sises, this is one of the country’s highest and most snow-sure resorts, delivering winter wonderland vibes in abundance—and that's without even mentioning the world-class skiing!
With 400km of pistes in every direction and the snowfall at its peak in February, Sestriere is the perfect destination for a half term ski holiday in Italy. It caters to everyone, regardless of skill level. Kids and beginners can stick close to the village in the designated nursery area and learning zones, or venture onto the Milky Way's many wide, tree-lined slopes. Meanwhile, intermediates can explore the extensive range of blue and red runs, while more seasoned skiers traverse the tracks of past winter Olympians on the legendary Banchetta downhill.
Pressed for time? No worries! Sestriere is the perfect destination for a half term ski weekend, offering a variety of fuss-free ski-in/ski-out accommodations just a short 90-minute transfer from Turin.
Off the slopes:
Embark on a scenic snowshoe trek through alpine forests, experience the thrill of dog-sledging through the powder, or indulge with a relaxing soak in one of the many spas’ outdoor hot tubs.
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3. La Thuile
One of Italy's finest family ski resorts, La Thuile's pow-packed pistes allow you to experience what true freedom in the mountains really feels like. With its charming alpine village atmosphere, impressive Mont Blanc and Matterhorn panoramas, and excellent skiing for beginners, this laid-back resort is a superb choice for new-to-the-slope families looking to whet their alpine appetites.
Modern lift systems and convenient access to 152km of wide, snowy slopes make La Thuile a favourite among parents, particularly those seeking to save a bit of money. Take kids for their first ski lessons before allowing them to practise their snow pizzas down the gentle village pistes aided by magic carpet lifts. Once they feel more confident, take them with you to venture along Les Suches' numerous blue runs higher up the mountain.
Sharing its terrain with the resort of La Rosière means that half term ski holidays here can quickly become a French getaway as much as an Italian one; however, with La Thuile almost guaranteed to have fewer crowds, you may find yourself favouring “la dolce vita” in Italia this time around!
Off the slopes:
A vast winter wonderland awaits. Tire kids out with snowkiting, dog sledging, toboggan runs, and snowshoe trails before giving them a much-needed recharge at one of the many traditional mountain tavernas. Think cheesy pepperoni pizzas, heaping bowls of spaghetti, and mouth-watering 'polpette' meatballs. Yum.
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4. Pila
One of the best-kept secrets in the Alps is the enchanting resort of Pila, the beating heart of Italy's captivating Aosta Valley. With the majestic peaks of Switzerland's Matterhorn and France's Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc serving as its backdrop, this little slice of snowy heaven is just over an hour from Turin, making it ideal for a quick half term ski break.
With plenty of wide, well-groomed pistes fanning the 70km ski area's base, few places are better to learn than Pila. Children can start on the gentle bunny runs at Grimod Bowl before progressing on to the many easy, tree-lined blues. Meanwhile, parents can take the Chamole chairlift to descend one of four routes back down the mountain, enjoying a delightful mix of expansive powder bowls, forest runs, and breathtaking views.
One of the many compelling reasons to choose Pila is its virtually non-existent lift queues. Although half term may see visitor numbers rise, the fact that Italian children are still in school means it’s less busy than elsewhere in the Alps. Furthermore, skiing in Pila is free for children under eight years old—fantastic for younger families looking to save on expenses!
Off the slopes
Take Pila's high-speed gondola to the vibrant historic streets of Aosta to explore cafés, shops, and its authentic Italian restaurants.
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5. Cortina d’Ampezzo
Italy half term ski resort you say? That offers as much to do off the slopes as on them? Coming right up: Cortina d'Ampezzo is the perfect destination! Nestled amidst the breathtaking UNESCO Dolomites in 'Alpine Dolce Vita', Cortina's snowy backdrop makes it one of the few Italian resorts that excels during half term just as much as at Easter.
We understand that school holiday crowds can be challenging to navigate; however, Cortina d'Ampezzo's snowy slopes rank among the Dolomites' best for avoiding them, with an extensive 120km ski area spread across multiple mountains. Let little ones unleash their energy on over 80 beginner and intermediate pistes, which include expansive nursery areas and wide, gentle blues at Pomedes. Meanwhile, parents can trace the paths of past champions on legendary Olympic runs or venture further afield to experience the wild solitude of Cortina's "Hidden Valley".
Off the slopes:
Stay in the mountains with winter walking, ice skating, and snowshoeing, or explore the town with designer shopping, high-end restaurants, and some of Italy's finest après. If you're feeling especially adventurous, you can even follow in the footsteps of the late, great Roger Moore as 007 in 'For Your Eyes Only' and seek out the various film locations (sorry, epic ski chase not included).
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New to Heidi? If you're frustrated with typical package holiday restrictions, then we might just be what you're looking for.
You’ll find our ski holidays more customisable than your typical ski package provider, but a lot easier to put together than doing it all yourself. Choose where you want to go from 300+ ski resorts, travel the day you want, stay as long as you like.
For help finding a ski holiday, WhatsApp us, call us on 0117 457 6000, or simply start a search.
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