Sestriere ski resort guide Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Sestiere
Resort Reviews
Home to the 2006 Winter Olympics, Sestriere is high altitude purpose built ski resort on the Italian - French border. At 2035m and with north west facing slopes, Sestriere consistently has an abundance of snow and has an excellent snow record over the years.
Sestriere is one of 7 lift linked resorts in the Milkyway ski system that together, provide a massive 400km of pistes spanning resorts in France and Italy.
Childcare
The creche in Sestriere takes youngsters during the winter season from 3 months to 6 years and is open daily from 8am to 7pm. The Tourist Offices organises lots of events for the children throughout the summer and winter seasons from outdoor adventures to nature trails.
Sestriere & Milkyway ski area guide
All levels of skier should find something to satisfy them in Sestriere and the neighbouring resorts . There is steep terrain and off-piste for advanced skiers, an endless amount of scope for intermediates and good beginners area.
The local slopes are divided in to three areas on one side of the valley - Sises, Motta and Fraiteve. Sises is directly in front of the village whilst Motta sits above Borgata and is a larger area with steeper slopes and more vertical.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2035m |
| Top lift | 2823m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 400 |
| Longest run | 5 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 10 km |
| Season | Dec - April |
| Snowboard parks | 1 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Lively |
On the other side of the valley, a high speed gondola takes you to the top of Mount Fraiteve from where you get stunning panoramic views taking of the whole Milky Way. From here you have the choice of either dropping into Sauze d’Oulx or SanSicario. Beyond SanSicario there is Cesana, Clavier and eventually Montgenevre across the border in France.
Beginners
The nursery slopes start in front of the village and are perfect for beginners with gentle rolling slopes.
Intermediate
Sestriere is an intermediate skiers paradise with almost too much to choose from. You can go touring around the impressive Milkyway from Sauze d''Oulx or even in to French resort of Montgenevre.
And, if you want to stay locally, Sestriere's own pistes are pretty extensive with 3 main ski areas to choose from.
Advanced
Expert skiers and boarders have some challenging slopes to explore around the top of Motta and Sies although the main attraction is heading off around the Milkyway where you'll find some excellent off-piste runs.
Cross-country
There are 3 cross-country loops starting from the centre of the village and togeher, provide around 10km of trails for all abilities.
Snowboard
For snowborders and freestyle skiers there is a snowpark that offers a slope style area to test your ariel skills. Sauze d’Oulx also has a snowpark and if you venture over to Montgenevre then there are 2 border cross tracks.
Things to see & do
- Ice skating
- Winter walking and snowshoeing trails
- Dog sleighs
- Tobogganing
- Sports centre and pool
- Spa and wellness
- Parapenting
Après-ski
Sestriere has a very cosmopolitan feel about it with all the international tourists. This helps explain why the apres-ski is lively and fun with the bars and clubs getting very busy especially at the weekends when the locals from Turin leave the city for the slopes. There is a wide selection of restaurants ranging from the cheap and cheerful to fine dining - something for everyone.
Featured ski chalets
See all rentalsOur view on Sestriere ski resort
We think Sestriere is an ideal ski resort for family ski holidays. With lots of gentle pistes on your doorstep, tree lined runs and good links to the other resorts in the Milkyway, Sestriere offers plenty of ski terrain for all abilities. A few suggestions...
- Try the Olympic giant slalom course on the Col de Sises. A very challenging black run and great for practising turning!
- Head over to Montgenevre on the French side for some lunch but remember to leave enough time to get back
Similar ski resorts to Sestriere are Avoriaz and Tignes in France.
