Most probably the best resort in the Milky Way, Sestriere was the first purpose-built village in Italy, with access to 400kms of captivating skiing and a characteristic Italian ambience. It hosted the 1997 World Championships and will run many of the races at the 2006 Turin Olympic Games. Because it's at high altitude, there is top-class snow, supported by widespread snowmaking. All levels of skier should find something to sink their teeth into. There is steep terrain and off-piste for advanced skiers, great scope for intermediates and good facilities for beginners. This is all supported by a continually improving lift system.
The resort of Sestriere is at the heart of the extensive Vialattea ski area that offers skiers the possibility to link to five other ski resorts, and has enviable access to 400kms of slopes over 146 runs. The focus here is on intermediate level with 50% of runs suitable for this level; additionally, 29% of runs go to the beginner and 21% to the expert. The longest slope at the resort is five kilometres and the resort is serviced by 92 lifts with an uplift capacity of 70,900 skiers per hour.
The resort of Sestriere itself is not overly attractive, as opposed to the stunning scenery around, but it does have everything you need off-snow: plenty for non-skiers to do, a good range of restaurants, mainly hotel-based accommodation and up-tempo nightlife at the weekends, which caters to the Italian brigades up from Turin and Milan.
Overall, Sestriere is a surprisingly good value resort, considering its renown. It's also an excellent base for exploring the Milky Way, with its own all-ability pistes to satisfy everyone. Ignoring the less-than-heavenly architecture, this is one of the best Italian resorts.
Apres-Ski:
As well as the ski facilities at the resort, Sestriere is known for its wide variety of classy dining options, chic bar and nightclub entertainment, plus stylish shopping opportunities. Sestriere isn’t much of a party town, but for immediate après-ski head to the Pinky, the Sestriere, Irish Igloo and Baraba. Al Kovo is the spot for late night action.
There are 33 restaurants serving Italian, French and traditional cuisine, 30 bars, a nightclub and 40 shops to keep visitors busy. The resort also provides some optional non-ski activities which include: bowling, ice-skating, paragliding, sauna and hot tubs as well as a gym and sports centre.
The resort of Sestriere sits among a collection of nine other resorts in the Vialattea region, four of which are completely linked to Sestriere. These include the well known resorts of Claviere, Italy’s oldest ski resort, and Sauze d’Oulx, the perfect destination if you are looking for something livelier in terms of après-ski.
Other Activities
* Ski mountaineering *Off-piste skiing * Snowshoe trekking * Ice climbing * Tandem paragliding * Cross Country * Fitness Center: body building, step, bodypump, tone up, stretching, spinning, squash, sauna, hot room, Jacuzzi, massages, solarium, uva * Swimming pool * Sport Center: 5 a side football, volley-ball, indoor tennis, basketball, climbing wall, table tennis * Ice skating
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