(1350m - 2823m)
Part of the huge Milky Way circuit (offering 400 kms of slopes), Sestriere is a purpose built, high resort with reasonably snow sure slopes. The town certainly isn’t pretty but functional, and improvements to the resort were made after it was chosen to host some of the events at the 2006 Winter Olympics. The resort ideally suits intermediate skiers however there are opportunities for beginners and experts.
Great for…
Beginners- Extensive area
- Intermediates
Beginners
Extensive area
IntermediatesResort at a glance
| ★★★★ | Beginner |
| ★★★★★ | Intermediate |
| ★★★ | Advanced |
| ★★★ | Off-Piste |
| ★★★ | Snowboarding |
| ★★★★ | Snow Reliability |
| ★★★★★ | Extent |
| ★★★ | Apres-Ski |
| ★★★ | Mountain Restaurants |
| ★★★ | Scenery |
| ★★ | Village Charm |
| ★★★ | Non-Skiers |
| Ski Lifts | 72 area |
| Resort Altitude | 2035m |
| Pistes | 400kms area |
| Ski Range | 1350m – 2823m |
| Green Runs | – |
| Blue Runs | 52 area |
| Red Runs | 111 area |
| Black Runs | 40 area |
| Local Lift Pass | – |
| Area Lift Pass | Off peak €125, peak €180 |
| Transfer Time | Turin 2hrs |
| Transfer Day | Saturday |
| Tourist Board | Website |
| Weather | Snow Report |
| Webcam | Webcam |
| Piste Map | Piste Map |
The Slopes
The slopes of Sestriere are set over 2 distinct areas. From the resort of Sestriere there are 2 chairlifts that takes you up onto the slopes of Sises. From here you will find an assortment of red runs to try that intermediate skiers will love and lower down a few blue runs that less confident intermediates will be keen to try. From the top of the chairlifts a long drag lift goes to the highest point of this sector and accesses a long black run back down, that expert skiers should try. Surrounding the two main chairlifts in this sector are several drag lifts to either side that access more red runs and a couple of short black pistes. For the beginners there are nursery slopes and a couple of gentle blues to progress on to.
Sestriere’s second area Motta is located above the satellite village of Borgata and offers much of the same terrain, just more of it. From the slopes of Sises, Motta’s slopes can be accessed by skiing to them via blue runs. From Borgata itself a 4 man chair whisks you up to the heart of the Motta area. Once again the runs are predominantly red and slightly more challenging than those on Sises. Either side of the main chair up from the village there are several other chair and drag lifts that access the more outlying runs. At the top of Motta are some steepish black runs that the more confident will enjoy. To get back to the Sises area there are 2 chairs that make the return journey back up the hill.
Finally from Sestriere a long gondola provides access to the rest of the Milky Way network including the nearby slopes of Sauze d’Oulx and Sansicario. Those who like to rack up the mileage will certainly want to make their way over.
Apres-Ski
Apres ski in Sestriere is cosmopolitan and can be lively, especially at weekends when the locals come up. There is something for everyone here from piano bars to pubs, clubs and wine bars.
Popular venues include Pinky’s, Prestige and Hotel du Col, wine or cocktails can be found at Mama Lia, Kandahar and Spotties Bar. Then there is the Dreamers bar with live music and karaoke, the Brahms Pub and Black Pepper Bar are also worth visiting, as is the Irish Igloo, and don’t forget the nightclub Tabata.
Eating Out
Sestriere has a good range of restaurants, everything from pizzas, traditional cuisine to more refined options are available.
Pinky Pizzeria is known for its pizzas, traditional cuisine can be found at Osteria Barabba, Mama Lia and Antica Spelonca. The Cavern has a more international flavour and Tre Rubinetti has a wonderful selection of fine wines, there is also Il Ritrivo with its delicious range of fulfilling mountain food.
Other Activities
There is plenty to do in Sestriere if you are a non skiier or fancy a day off, it has a sports centre, swimming pool and the usual activities such as ice skating and climbing, skidooing, snow shoeing, dog sledding and paragliding.
It regularly hosts Alpine Ski World Cup events and staged the 2006 Winter Olympics too. Evenings visits to Turin or Milan to watch Juventus, Inter or AC Milan football matches can also be organised, as can a day trip to Montgenèvre for a ski away day.
Ski School
There are a few ski schools in Sestriere offering tuition in skiing and snowboarding to all ages and abilities. One such school is the Ski School Sestriere, group lessons start from €170 for 6 days tuition, private lessons start from €37 per hour.
There is also the Ski School Vialattea offering tuition in skiing, boarding and freeriding. Group lessons start from €170 for 6 days with 3 hours tuition per day, private lessons start from €37 per hour.
Where to stay in Sestriere, Italy
Banchetta Hotel
This pleasant traditional hotel is in the centre of Borgata, a small village 4km from Sestriere, it’s only 300m from the lifts which connect to the Milky Way and you can ski back to the door.
Grand Hotel Sestriere
The Grand Hotel is in the centre of Sestriere and only 2 minutes from the restaurants, bars and shops, it’s a 10 minute walk from the lifts and has a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi in the wellness area.
Hotel Cristallo
Located just opposite the slopes, ski school and only 50m from the resort centre, this comfortable hotel is ideally situated to make the most of your holiday, it also has a relaxing wellness centre.
Hotel Du Col
This recently refurbished hotel is in an ideal location just 1 minute from the lifts and with ski in / ski out access, it has stunning panoramic views, an onsite pub and is well know for the cuisine too.
Hotel Belvedere
A traditional hotel just 8 minutes walk from the centre of town and lifts and offers a free shuttle bus, it has beautiful panoramic views and a wellness centre with sauna, jacuzzi and steam room.