What are the perfect places to visit during winter? December, January, and February can be challenging months for many types of tourism, but they are also the only months when the magic of the winter season is strongly felt. Knowing which places to visit in winter allows travelers to choose the right destinations, both in Italy and abroad.
You don’t need to go to the Arctic Circle to enjoy some winter: even in Italy there are many destinations that can be interesting. In today’s article, we’ll explore cities and places where you can plan a trip either to discover Christmas markets or to seek an experience that can bring some real satisfaction.
At Meeters, we spend a lot of time researching the best possible destinations: our experience in finding locations to create the best events and experiences brings us joy, just as it does for those who make new friendships thanks to our events.
Let’s discover some of the best places to visit during the winter season, regardless of the temperatures and for those who crave sunshine all year round.
What to Visit in Italy in Winter
During winter in Italy, there are many places worth traveling to. Although most of these are located along the Alpine arc, our list will also include places in the Apennines.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
It’s impossible to talk about Italian winter without mentioning Cortina d’Ampezzo, a privileged ski resort known for its mild climate and ski slopes famous throughout the peninsula.
[activecampaign form=22 css=1]
This town is also known as a true symbol of Italian popular culture, helped by many films that have made it even more fascinating than it already was.
Livigno
Still within the Alpine arc, let’s talk about Livigno, another ski resort that appeals to anyone looking for a luxurious place to enjoy winter sports and a bit of daily winter high life.
The advantage of Livigno is its location in Valtellina, an area known for its beautiful landscapes.
Val Gardena
In the Dolomite range, one of the most interesting ski destinations is undoubtedly Val Gardena. There are several notable towns here, but the most famous are Ortisei (also famous because of Fantozzi) and Selva di Val Gardena. There’s no better way to discover the beauty of winter while also connecting with the strong Ladinidentity present in the area.
Campitello di Fassa
Still in the Dolomites, Campitello di Fassa is a place where incredible ski slopes blend with the breathtaking landscape of one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the world. Besides all the winter sports you can practice, the Campitello area is known for hosting several charming snowshoe hikes, perfect for those who want to fully enjoy the mountain atmosphere up close.
Courmayeur
Leaving the Dolomites, we head west towards Piedmont and the Aosta Valley to find Courmayeur, very close to Mont Blanc. Courmayeur is known for hosting the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, which offers incredible views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, as well as having a wonderful alpine botanical garden.
Monte Terminillo
If you live in Lazio, there’s no better place than Pian De’ Valli to enjoy some winter. Monte Terminillo in the province of Rieti is the go-to spot for residents of Lazio and surrounding regions when it comes to winter. Although it lacks the luxury of Alpine resorts and the variety of slopes, Terminillo still offers a more than acceptable consolation prize for anyone who appreciates the idea of skiing just over an hour from home.
Monte Cimone
Those living in Emilia Romagna often find themselves unsure whether to go north or south to ski. Fortunately, the Monte Cimone ski area can be an interesting alternative in the heart of the Modenese Apennines. In the worst case, if there’s no snow, you can always enjoy wonderful trekking in a highly valuable natural setting.
Roccaraso
In the heart of Abruzzo, at the foot of Mount Pratello, lies the central Italian ski mecca. The town of Roccaraso is the reference point for Romans, Marchigiani, Molisani, and Campani seeking a moment of relaxation immersed in nature, surrounded by snow. Roccaraso’s ski slopes are numerous and cater to all difficulty levels.
Where to Go Outside Italy?
Feeling like traveling beyond national borders?
Countries like Austria, France or Spain offer various opportunities for anyone wanting to enjoy ice and snow before spring arrives.
.
In France, for example, very interesting are Courchevel (not far from the Aosta Valley), Chamonix (particularly close to Courmayeur), or the Val d’Isère (all in the same area). In Germany the most famous resorts are Winterberg, Engelberg and Feldberg while in Spain, Formigal and Baqueira Beret can be quite interesting for their landscapes and snowshoe hikes during the winter months. Austriais also a popular destination when it comes to predominantly winter locations: Schladming, Obertauern, St. Anton, and Lech are perfect examples of some of the most interesting European towns from this perspective. are perfect examples of some of the most interesting European cities from this perspective.