Sestriere: Skiing and Mountains in the Milky Way Alps

Set like a precious gem at 2,035 meters altitude, Sestriere rises majestically among the peaks of the Cottian Alps, representing one of Piedmont's most fascinating mountain destinations. This Alpine pearl, located in the upper Susa Valley, is not simply a tourist destination, but a true paradise for mountain lovers in every season of the year.

Born in the 1930s from the far-sighted vision of lawyer Giovanni Agnelli, Sestriere has become over time a symbol of Italian excellence in winter sports, hosting the alpine skiing events of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. But its beauty goes far beyond the snowy slopes: in summer it transforms into a peaceful refuge where hikers and nature lovers find breathtaking trails and soul-stirring panoramas.

The Milky Way Ski Area: An Empire of Snow

Sestriere is the beating heart of the Milky Way, one of Europe's most extensive ski areas with its 400 kilometers of perfectly snow-covered slopes. This white giant connects Italy and France, linking Sestriere to Sauze d'Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana Torinese, Claviere and, across the border, to Montgenèvre.

The area's 70 ski lifts allow you to ski without ever taking your skis off, moving from one resort to another in a succession of emotions and ever-changing panoramas. Sestriere's slopes, in particular, offer runs for all levels:

• Blue runs: 30% of the total, perfect for beginners and families
• Red runs: 45% of the area, ideal for intermediate skiers
• Black runs: 25% for experts, including the historic Olympic slopes

The Olympic Slopes: Where Legends Are Born

Colle and Banchetta are the two Olympic slopes that have made world skiing history. Here, in February 2006, we witnessed the feats of champions like Giorgio Rocca and Anja Pärson. Today, every skier can tackle these legendary tracks, feeling for a moment part of Italian Olympic history.

Lifts and Services: Technical Excellence

Sestriere's lifts represent the best of modern Alpine technology. The Fraiteve cable car, completely renovated, takes visitors up to 2,701 meters altitude in just 8 minutes, offering panoramic views that span from Mont Blanc to Gran Paradiso.

The Sises chairlift and the Banchette chairlift guarantee fast and comfortable connections to the most sought-after slopes, while the modern artificial snowmaking system ensures perfect conditions throughout the ski season, from December to April.

Ski Passes and Deals

The Milky Way ski pass offers unlimited access to the entire ski area with competitive rates:

• Daily: from €47 to €52 (high season)
• Weekly: from €260 to €290
• Seasonal: from €890 to €990

Numerous deals are available for families, young people under 25 and over 65s, making Sestriere accessible to all budgets.

Summer in Sestriere: Hiking and Pristine Nature

When the snow melts, Sestriere reveals its wildest and most authentic face. The summer months transform the resort into a paradise for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, with over 200 kilometers of marked trails winding through flowering alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes.

Must-Do Trails

The Fort Circuit is probably the most fascinating excursion: a 15-kilometer loop trail that touches the Alpine fortifications built in the late 1800s, offering breathtaking views of the Alpine chain. The Olympic Valleys trail connects Sestriere to Pragelato through pastures and larch forests, offering unforgettable glimpses.

For those seeking something more challenging, the ascent to Monte Fraiteve (2,701m) represents a rewarding challenge, repaid by a 360° view that on clear days reaches the Ligurian coast.

Mountain Cuisine: Authentic Flavors

Sestriere's cuisine is a perfect blend of Piedmontese tradition and Franco-Provençal Alpine influences. In the mountain huts and restaurants of the resort, you can taste dishes that warm the heart after a day on the snow.

Local specialties include:

• Polenta concia: creamy polenta enriched with alpine cheeses
• Carbonada: beef stew cooked in red wine
• Agnolotti del plin: small ravioli filled with roasted meat
• Mountain Toma: cheeses aged in surrounding alpine pastures

Recommended Mountain Huts and Restaurants

The Alpette Mountain Hut at 2,250 meters offers traditional cuisine with panoramic views, while Il Fraiteve Restaurant in Champlas du Col locality proposes a refined reinterpretation of traditional dishes. For an authentic experience, don't miss Locanda del Villaggio, where the Tron family has been passing down grandmother's recipes for generations.

Where to Stay: Mountain Hospitality

Sestriere's accommodation options range from luxury hotels to comfortable bed & breakfasts, guaranteeing solutions for every need and budget. The Grand Hotel Sestriere represents the excellence of Alpine hospitality, while the Principi di Piemonte offers charm and tradition in the heart of the village.

For those who prefer the residence formula, numerous options allow greater autonomy, particularly appreciated by families with children. The Ciao Pais and Cristallo residences are among the most requested for their strategic position near the lifts.

When to Visit Sestriere

Sestriere is a fascinating destination year-round, but each season offers unique experiences:

Winter (December-April): The ski season par excellence, with guaranteed snow and perfectly groomed slopes. Christmas and Easter holidays represent the periods of greatest influx.

Summer (June-September): Ideal for hiking, mountain biking and mountain relaxation. July and August offer the best climate for high-altitude excursions.

Autumn (October-November): The colors of fall foliage transform the mountain into an impressionist painting, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.

"Sestriere is not just a destination, it's an emotion that renews itself with every visit. Here the mountain shows its most beautiful face, between sports, nature and tradition." - Local Alpine Guide

Planning a visit to Sestriere means immersing yourself in a world where time seems to slow down, where every breath is an invitation to enjoy the pure beauty of the Alps. Whether you're expert skiers or simply mountain lovers, this Piedmontese pearl will win you over with its timeless charm and warm hospitality, typically Italian.