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Writer's pictureMarcel Ban

Explore Italy: Skiing in Livigno - Italy, just 3 hours from Zürich

Updated: Apr 28


Livigno is situated at 1816 m being an Italian Alps Village close to the Swiss border, being the highest plateau in Europe and the second highest in the world after Mexico City.


Discover Livigno: An Alpine Gem at the Top of the World

Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Italian Alps, Livigno beckons travelers with its breathtaking beauty, charming village atmosphere, and endless opportunities for adventure. Situated at a lofty altitude of 1816 meters, this alpine village stands as a testament to nature's grandeur, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.


A Mountain Oasis:

Perched high in the Italian Alps near the Swiss border, Livigno boasts a truly unique location. As the highest plateau in Europe and the second highest in the world after Mexico City, Livigno captivates visitors with its pristine mountain landscapes, crisp alpine air, and panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.


Year-Round Paradise:

Whether you're visiting in the snow-covered splendor of winter or the blooming beauty of summer, Livigno offers a wealth of activities to suit every season. In winter, the village transforms into a winter sports paradise, with world-class skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing opportunities available on its powdery slopes. In summer, the mountains come alive with vibrant wildflowers, beckoning hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers to explore its scenic trails and crystal-clear alpine lakes.


A Taste of Local Culture:

Beyond its natural beauty, Livigno boasts a rich cultural heritage that is evident in its traditional architecture, hearty cuisine, and warm hospitality. Wander through the cobblestone streets of the village center, where quaint shops, cozy cafes, and family-run trattorias offer a taste of authentic Alpine life. Don't miss the chance to sample local specialties such as pizzoccheri, a delicious pasta dish made with buckwheat flour and served with melted cheese and potatoes.


Livigno is great for mountain biking, skiing, walking, cross-country, Nordic walking, and hiking. The ski/mountain biking slopes go around 3000 m. The ski infrastructure is great, ski slopes are very well done. Livigno has great skiing for kids, and full services for them, so parents can enjoy for them as well some time on the slopes.


For family members that do not ski, there are many many options. First is to learn to ski! Others are skating, horse riding, ski-doo, 4-week drive in the snow, snow-fat-biking, walking etc.





Ski lift pass ticket is very reasonable - for a six day pass was about 225 Euro (2017).

Ride your bike on the trails in Livigno - 3200 km of trails with GPS tracking: from the easiest one to the steepest slopes of the bike-park.

Skiing season starts in late November until early May. Total slopes and trails is over 115 km, plus 30 km cross-country ski trails.

Livigno is duty-free area (no Italian VAT -Value Added Tax) and was first introduced by the Austrian Empire around 1840. Livigno is not belong to the drainage basin of the Mediterranean Sea, but to the Black Sea basin.

Livigno is ideal for altitude training throughout the calendar year.

https://www.livigno.eu/en/active-inverno

Webcam:

 

Accommodations:


Hotel Intermonti 4* - Tel. 0342979377 0342996083

Via Gerus, Livignio, IT http://www.intermonti.it info@hotelintermonti.it

Is a decent hotel located hotel near ski slope (a black slope though), few steps away from the ski lift. This is more of a ski-in for anyone, but ski-out for good skiers :-)

Very close 50m away is the bus station that takes you to any slope within minutes.

Amenities: Very friendly personnel. A good swimming ½ Olympic Pool, a 5-8 people Jacuzzi and 2 dry-saunas and one Turkish bad (but was not crowded at all).

Ask for rooms renovated facing the village – they have a large bed, plus a sofa and balcony +new bathrooms.

They have an excellent morning buffet.

Good buying (no VAT):

For sports article go to http://www.silenesport.it and ask for Marco Confortola.

Alcohol is very very cheap… so pay attention to “how much you drink”…

Eating: it is very affordable.

  • Pizzeria Bait dal Ghet – you drink for free while you wait. The place it is fully crowded and loaded with energy, it is noisy, but it is fun, plus had very good food.

  • Bivio Bistrot & Restaurant

  • (***) Brewery - Birrificio Livigno – http://www.1816.it/ - they bre beer on premise

  • Real Pemont Restaurant – Via Pemont, 23030 Livigno -new lovely place a bit outside of center, quite and very good service.

Gas:

Diesel was 86 Cents per liter (02.2017)

Getting back into Switzerland is via a tunnel then you can get your car at Vereina on the train for 15 minutes to avoid the closed pass in winter.



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