Livigno, Italy
Livigno is located in the northern part of Italy in the Lombardy region and is one of the most popular ski resorts belonging to the Valtellina region and the Alta Valtellina ski area. It is located near the shores of the picturesque lake Lago di Livigno on the very border with Switzerland. This region has unique climatic features, thanks to which there are no strong winds here, and the number of sunny days can be envied by many cities in the southern part of the country. In addition, the resort has the official status of a duty-free trade zone, which attracts a considerable number of tourists. It is easier to get to Livigno from Switzerland than from Italy, where only one road leads to the ski complex through the Foscagno Pass.
Livigno is an excellent option for tourists who expect more from a ski resort vacation than just skiing and snowboarding. Have dinner in a mountain hut or go on an evening tour through the winter forest on a fat bike, take an extreme driving course on ice or take a ride in a dog sled, admire the snow-white peaks of Livigno from a helicopter or fly over the valley on a paraglider, have shopping therapy or relax with the whole family in the wellness center – in Livigno everyone will find an activity to their liking.
Livigno has all the necessary infrastructure for skiing, as well as excellent natural conditions that allow you to get the most from skiing. At the same time, Livigno is located away from other Italian ski resorts, it has its own large skiing area, and Livigno is also a duty-free zone, which favorably distinguishes the resort from all others. And this is not to mention that Livigno is a year-round resort. Located on the shore of a mountain lake, in the summer Livigno becomes a center for hiking, rock climbing, windsurfing and kiting.
How to get there
The ski resort is surrounded by the slopes and peaks of Carosello (2797 m), Mottolino (2349 m) and Della Nevi (2785 m), which makes it inaccessible for transport. There are no railways here. In order to get to Livigno, you need to fly to Milan, Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich, and then by car or bus.
From public transport, there are regular buses on the route, as well as a train+bus connection (Livigno does not have its own railway station). Private means of transportation include taxis and transfers. For independent travelers, such a transfer option as a rented car is also suitable.
But it should be borne in mind that there is only one road from Italy to the Foscanno Pass (from where you can get to the resort), and two from Switzerland.
The distance to the airport in Verona is about 281 km, to the airport in Milan – 235 km, to the airport in Innsbruck – 179 km, to the airport in Munich – 309 km. The nearest railway station is Tirano, which is about 40 kilometers away.
Climate
Livigno has a unique atmosphere of relaxation and fun. The resort is considered one of the sunniest and quietest ski resorts in Italy, it has excellent weather conditions with more than 200 sunny days a year, majestic mountains, and a beautiful lake, Lago de Livigno. The height of the resort ranges from 1,816 to 2,798 meters above sea level.
Snow usually falls in the middle of autumn and remains until the beginning of May.
Blue pistes for beginners stretch towards Carosello, and more difficult pistes in Mottolino.
The depth of the snow cover can reach 2 meters. Mountain ranges protect the area from winds. The average daytime temperature in winter is +5, and at night it reaches -8.
Tracks and descents in Livigno
Scheme of tracks and lifts
All tracks are perfectly prepared and impress with their soft, fluffy snow, which provides skiers with comfortable and safe skiing. Most of them have an average level of difficulty, but there are also a large number of routes for professionals and beginners. Fans of other sports, including snowboarding, freeriding, sledding and ice skating, can also enjoy spending time on specially equipped areas for them. A large number of interesting ways of spending time in the evening brings a significant variety to the program of stay, and the presence of architectural and historical monuments, directly in the city of Livigno, which gives curious tourists a reason to enrich themselves culturally.
Ski resort Livigno, Italy
The total skiing area at the resort is more than 100 kilometers long and is divided into two areas: Carosello and Motolino. A free tourist bus runs between them daily. For respectable professionals, the valley of Val Federa is of particular interest, as well as the difficult relief routes that go down on the opposite side of the ridge, and the unplowed virgin land. In Motolino, Monte della Nevi, at an altitude of under 3,000 meters, with a large number of narrow and steep descents, is very popular with experienced skiers. From Mount Trepalla, interesting long trails of medium difficulty descend directly to the resort area. From the village of Livigno towards Carosello, there are excellent slopes for beginners. They are characterized by wide flat areas with stable snow cover and a variety of terrain. Fans of cross-country skiing, are also not deprived of attention and have several tens of kilometers of cross-country skiing at their disposal. The fan park in the Fontani-Vetta valley is particularly popular with snowboarders. An excellent track for border cross is laid in Mottolino. Wildlife lovers can appreciate the beauty of the northern Alps by walking along the hiking trails. The main sports facility in Livigno is a large-scale ice stadium, which is used not only for skating, but also for ice rally competitions, which are held here annually and regularly gather a large number of people. In addition, every beginning of the season is highlighted at the resort by the Skambada international ski marathon, which will start in December. An excellent track for border cross is laid in Mottolino. Wildlife lovers can appreciate the beauty of the northern Alps by walking along the hiking trails. The main sports facility in Livigno is a large-scale ice stadium, which is used not only for skating, but also for ice rally competitions, which are held here annually and regularly gather a large number of people. In addition, every beginning of the season is highlighted at the resort by the Skambada international ski marathon, which will start in December. An excellent track for border cross is laid in Mottolino. Wildlife lovers can appreciate the beauty of the northern Alps by walking along the hiking trails. The main sports facility in Livigno is a large-scale ice stadium, which is used not only for skating, but also for ice rally competitions, which are held here annually and regularly gather a large number of people. In addition, every beginning of the season is highlighted at the resort by the Skambada international ski marathon, which will start in December. which are held here annually, and regularly gather a large number of people. In addition, every beginning of the season is highlighted at the resort by the Skambada international ski marathon, which will start in December. which are held here annually, and regularly gather a large number of people. In addition, every beginning of the season is highlighted at the resort by the Skambada international ski marathon, which will start in December.
There may or may not be a lot of snow. However, the snowmaking system copes well with its duties. The ski resort will work in any case. But in the absence of a sufficient amount of natural snow, many tracks may not work.
There are snow parks in GLC, but there are not many of them. In addition, according to eyewitnesses, most often they do not work.
The popular blue and red runs break up towards the end of the day. In many ways, this is due to the low level of skiing of most tourists (they drive sideways and scrape the track).
Due to the wind and the characteristics of the rocks, you can find stone chips on the Livigno tracks. After 5 days of active skiing, the equipment may already need repair.
In the season when the resort receives a large number of vacationers, all its tracks are well spent.
On the slopes of Mottolino, the tracks run in both directions (from and to the town of Livigno). There is a wide descent on one side. There are usually a lot of skaters here. On the other side there are tracks of all kinds of difficulty.
Snowdrifts, stones (due to lack of snow), etc. may form on the tracks of the GLC. But if you are lucky with the weather, the tracks can be in perfect condition. “Official” freeride zones depart from the top of Mottolino. Twice a week, groups with an instructor walk through them. They are divided into three categories: beginners, advanced and experts. Skiing in the freeride zones of the ski center without an instructor is prohibited (punishable by a fine) due to the danger of avalanches.
The Carosello slope also has tracks in both directions. In the routes facing the town of Livigno, there is a combination of wide and narrow places. The snow is usually hard. The places are quite popular among those who ride.
On the Carosello tracks facing the other direction, the difficulty ranges from blue to black. The blue ones are quite spacious and winding. They ride less than on the opposite side.
The Costassia zone in the GLC is distinguished by a large number of children and pensioners. Sometimes the concentration of those who ride can be so strong that the pleasure of riding is lost. But not all tracks are popular. There are usually less busy routes in the neighborhood.
Elevators
There are quite a few lifts, but some of them may be disabled. One part is old, they have been asking for repairs for a long time. They rattle a lot, drive slowly, do not slow down when landing.
But there are also new “Doppelmayers”. However, they also hang sometimes.
The cable cars clearly cannot cope with the load in the high season.
Queues usually pile up on weekends, but even with the highest influx of tourists, you can find unoccupied Livigno lifts.
Many tourists in their reviews attribute the work of lifts to the minuses of the resort.
A total of 8 lifts operate on the slopes of Mottolino. The systems are single-stage, without transfer stations. Lifts have the following division by type:
- 3 bugelny (serve short or training routes);
- 3 armchairs;
- 2 cabins.
A total of 12 lifts operate on the slopes of Carosello. Of them, there are 5 cable cars (mainly serving short or training routes), 4 chairlifts and two cabins (forming a two-stage system).
There are 5 lifts on the Costacia slopes. 3 bookcases and 2 armchairs. A chair lift takes you to the top. It is brought to it by a cable car lift. Another chairlift is on the opposite side of the slope. Bugel lifts mainly serve short or training routes.
There is a ski equipment rental shop near Carosello. There you can take skis for children and adults, snowboards, snowshoes.
Night skating
There are also 2 lighted trails for night skiing enthusiasts on the educational slope, where ski school students periodically give demonstrations. Route schemes are updated every year, new lines of lifts are stretched.
Resort infrastructure
In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding on prepared tracks, in Livigno you can also try your hand at freeriding, that is, riding on the same equipment, but on snowy virgin land.
In December, a 42 km ski marathon will start in Livigno. Any skier over the age of 18 can take part in it. The application must be submitted in advance. Price: 40-60 euros. The first 12 people receive prizes from the organizers, all others receive small souvenirs.
For those who came with their family and don’t really like downhill skiing, there are other activities: figure skating, dog sledding.
There are halls with tennis courts, bowling, and you can swim in indoor pools.
Livigno has a well-developed resort infrastructure. The resort has about 100 hotels of various levels, many chalets, restaurants and bars, an ice skating rink, nightclubs, a casino, and a funicular. Restaurants serve delicious traditional Italian cuisine, and numerous pizzerias serve excellent Italian pizza.
Livigno is a popular tourist destination, especially in winter, when the ski slopes are open for skiing. You can stay here in hotels of various star categories, apartments, bed and breakfast hotels, chalets or holiday homes. In addition to Livigno itself, you can also find accommodation in the neighboring villages of Bormio (20 km), Valdidentro (14 km) and Valdizotto (21 km).
Livigno hotels
Livigno hotels are presented in different star categories. Basically, the hotel’s stardom will be determined by the range of services it provides. In appearance, all hotels in Livigno are practically the same – they are small one- or two-story wooden houses – a typical ski style. However, behind the simplicity of the external facades, the presence of a large number of services and all the necessary amenities is hidden. Some hotels offer such a convenient option for skiers as direct access to the slopes. As a rule, hotels in the category of 4 stars and above offer such additional options as the presence of a spa area (with a pool or sauna), a bar, a restaurant on the territory. The vast majority of hotels in Livigno include breakfast in the price of accommodation.
Hotel Sporting Family Hospitality 4* has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, hammam, spa area, fitness room on its territory. There is also a restaurant, a children’s club and a playground. Wi-Fi in the hotel and parking nearby are provided free of charge;
The Baita Montana 4 * hotel has such entertainment as a swimming pool, lounge area, jacuzzi, solarium, sauna, fitness room. The hotel terrace offers a panoramic view of the mountains and the valley. In addition, there are all the necessary options for children, as well as free Wi-Fi and parking;
Hotel Spol – Feel at home 4* is also ready to offer a terrace, a garden, a swimming pool, a spa center and, importantly, access to the hotel on skis.
Apartments in Livigno are also popular among tourists. Most often, these are either one or two-room apartments, or detached chalets. The area of the chalet, as a rule, exceeds 100 square meters, so this accommodation option is more suitable for families with children or for large companies.
The resort is famous for its relaxed and fun atmosphere, and attracts many young people and families with children. Concerts with the participation of famous performers, carnivals, Christmas fairs, active nightlife and parties are held here. Collective exhibitions of paintings, photographs and other art events are held by local artists, sculptors, musicians and actors.
Connoisseurs of natural landscapes and animal lovers will definitely visit the reserve parks.
In the Stelvio Park there are observation towers from where you can admire pets, many of them belong to rare species of animals.
And the botanical park preserves unique alpine flora, for example, old rare larches.
Museums of medieval weapons and archeology operate on the territory of the park. The latter was created in the Abbey of St. Mary of Monte, built in 1150
The park often becomes a concert venue, where folklore groups from Europe perform, concerts and festivals are held. There are also places for mountain climbing.
Entertainment at the resort
The city of Livigno itself is distinguished by the diversity of cultural life and has a whole range of architectural and historical monuments. One of them is the Church of St. Mary, built here in the century before last, on the site of an ancient church built more than seven centuries ago, but which has not survived to this day. Another notable local holy abode is the Church of San Rocco, which was built in the 16th century and is a vivid example of the architecture of that era, to this day, retaining its charm and medieval surroundings. Livigno has long been considered a kind of symbol of culture and creativity of the Lombardy region. Here and today, representatives of creative professions predominate among local residents, so the city often hosts various exhibitions of paintings, photographs, and private collections of unique works of painting and body art. In local souvenir shops and shops, tourists are offered various handicrafts made of various materials, including porcelain, wood, and glass. On Piazza del Comune square, guests and residents of Livigno are captivated by the sculptural monument monumento ai Caduti with their elegant forms, and not far from it is another work of art, Filo di Arianna, created based on the famous Greek myth about the beautiful Ariadne and her magic thread. The appearance of the city is quite romantic and in many ways resembles stories from Italian folklore. Filo di Arianna, created based on the famous Greek myth about the beautiful Ariadne and her magic thread. The appearance of the city is quite romantic and in many ways resembles stories from Italian folklore. Filo di Arianna, created based on the famous Greek myth about the beautiful Ariadne and her magic thread. The appearance of the city is quite romantic and in many ways resembles stories from Italian folklore.
Top 5 ideas: what to do in Livigno besides skiing
- Relax your soul and body in the Aquagranda sports and wellness center
At the end of February 2017, a large-scale reconstruction was completed in the center of Aquagranda – the complex is completely renewed, and there are fitness rooms with modern equipment, a water park for children and adults, an area for wellness procedures, as well as a new fish restaurant.
Fitness: in the Fitness & Pool sports area there is a 25 m swimming pool and a fitness room for high-altitude indoor training, equipped with Technogym machines.
Wellness: the complex has a Health & Beauty zone, where the tourist will be offered face and body care, all kinds of massages, scrubs, wraps, a course of inhalation based on thermal water and halotherapy (non-drug treatment in a salt room), a real elixir of beauty will be available in the near future – baths with milk serum. And in the huge Wellness & Relax with a total area of 1.5 thousand square meters. m is a Kneipp hydrotherapy area (water treatment), a basin with ice water, pools with hydromassage and beds with water jets, including a marine, Swiss “stone” biosauna and hammam, 3 relaxation rooms, as well as a wellness bar with organic juices, food and aperitifs. In a special sauna, “Aufguss rituals” are performed every day: this is steaming of the body using essential oils, the procedure creates the effect of enveloping the steam and affects various senses.
Water park: after the reconstruction, a new water attraction appeared here – 3 slides of different levels of difficulty, each 12 m high and 100 m long. They go out in fascinating curves and return back to the indoor pool. For kids, the water park has a separate pool and a spray park with play fountains.
- Taste and buy local cheeses at Latteria Livigno dairy farm
Once in Livigno, you should definitely try locally produced dairy products. The menu of the restaurant at Latteria Livigno includes an assortment of different cheeses, very tasty yogurts, ice cream and cocktails made from the milk of local cows. After making an order, you can go to sunbathe in a sun lounger on the terrace or take a walk with an audio guide through the local history museum created here and watch the cheese making process through the glass walls.
- Try the highest European beer at the Birrificio Livigno restaurant
A beer restaurant with its own brewery is one of the most popular places in Livigno. Here, at an altitude of 1,816 m above sea level, the highest mountain beer in Europe is brewed. A beer sommelier conducts a tasting of the best local varieties, which can be combined with dinner. Every Sunday, the brewery hosts friendly freeride meetings with alpine guides, where you can learn valuable information about the current state of the snow in the region and the best places for off-piste skiing.
- Visit the MUS museum
The new Livigno and Trepalle Museum offers a fascinating journey into the recent past of a high alpine valley, completely isolated from the outside world until the middle of the 20th century. Among the exhibits are the chair of the first elevator, a home loom and samples of contraband from those years. The museum was created in an old four-story building that once belonged to the family of a local cow trader. The birth of tourism in Livigno forever changed the appearance and strict lifestyle of the local highlanders, and the long snowy winter ceased to be a problem and became an advantage.
- Spend time in the best European snow parks
The Livigno Snow Park hosted the Burton European Open, River Jump, World Rookie Fest, Nine Knights and other world-famous tournaments. Over 100 km of wide, sun-drenched slopes await snowboarders in Livigno, plenty of freeride opportunities and several snow parks with halfpipe and bordercross.
Livigno is well known not only in Italy, but also in neighboring Switzerland, as well as in other European countries. The excellent quality of the tracks, excellent climatic conditions, clean air of the highlands and many opportunities for winter sports, combined with beautiful nature and well-developed infrastructure, are undoubtedly the main advantages of this resort. During the season, which here begins in December and ends in April, Livigno is visited by thousands of fans of mountain skiing, as a rule, none of them remain disappointed.
Livigno is a resort that lives its full life and does not miss the fact that it is at a great distance from other resorts in mountainous Italy. There is everything for recreation and even more – excellent tracks, ideal natural conditions, a variety of leisure activities, a large number of places to stay, the presence of cafes, restaurants, and even a duty-free zone. Despite the transport remoteness, Livigno consistently remains one of the most popular ski resorts in Italy.
Lake in Livigno