SKI BREAKS IN ITALY

We have fantastic deals on ski breaks in Italy all year round. Italy is a fantastic location for your ski holiday. We've picked a few of the best resorts below.

Passo Tonale ski resort

Passo Tonale is one of Italy's highest purpose-built resorts. Lying in a wide sunny valley it provides extensive and varied skiing on both sides. There are plans for the two areas to be linked at some point but for the time being, you'll find you select one area and stay there for the day.

A huge advantage for this resort is that snow is guaranteed thanks to both the Presena Glacier and to the ultra modern programmed snow-machine system - capable of covering 50 out of the 80 kilometres of ski slopes. With runs mainly above the tree line, long hours of sunshine and a modern, efficient lift system (no queuing!) it is a great resort for beginners and intermediates or those who just love 'cruising'.

The village itself is quite small, with hotels, bars and cafes on both sides of the main street and everything within easy reach. It is a relatively quiet place best suited to those who want a relaxed time, spent mainly on the slopes rather than the hectic bustle of the large resorts.

Sauze d'Oulx ski resort

Sauze d'Oulx is situated on a sunny, west-facing plateau. Its charming, picturesque old village centre and cheerful Italian informality make it a pleasure to visit. Consequently Sauze is not only a favourite haunt of British skiers and late night revellers, many of whom return year after year, but is also much loved by Italians themselves, making it a lively, fashionable resort. The skiing is extensive and will appeal to all grades of skiers and snowboarders. There is a wide variety of runs to accommodate all abilities.

Livigno ski resort

Nestled between the North and Southern Alps, close to the Swiss border lies the duty-free resort of Livigno. Due to its high altitude, Livigno has a good snow record, even when conditions are not as favourable elsewhere. Most of the slopes are above tree level and the views from the mountain tops are stunning. You can ski on both sides of the valley, the Carasello and Costaccia areas on one side and the Mottolino on the other. The famous cosmopolitan resort stretches 3km along the valley floor and is lined with traditionally styled houses, characterised by their stone and wood architecture. Lively après-ski bars and restaurants are plentiful and the immense variety of duty-free shops will amaze. Two of the hotels featured are on the 'Mottolino' side and the others are either in the pedestrianised area or nearby. A free bus service operates around the resort 7 days a week.