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The Milky Way Ski Region
The Milky Way or Via Lattea ski area sits on the Franco-Italian border offering skiers and snowboarders over 400km of rolling white piste with a backdrop of stunning panoramas. The high altitude of the peaks and varying slope orientation usually provide amazing conditions throughout the season.
The Milky Way lift pass gives you the freedom to roam the area so wherever you’re based you can easily explore neighbouring resorts. Every town exudes a different atmosphere making this the ideal base for any type of ski holiday. With the peak sitting at 2823m, Sestriere offers the highest altitude skiing for great snow through the season and some challenging Olympic runs. You can burn the candle at both ends at Sauze d’Oulx and explore the old cobbled streets for a taste of traditional Italy. Enjoy a charming mix of France and Italy at Claviere, find the best link to the entire ski area from Sansicario and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere on and off the piste alongside traditional alpine charm across the border in French resort, Montgenevre.
Turin airport is an easy 1-2 hour transfer to all the resorts and makes for a smooth journey to the piste. They are also accessible by train, change at Paris for the High speed to Oulx which is just a short transfer.
Whilst the Italian resorts may not exude the same alpine charm as their French and Austrian counterparts, they are full of character and rich in culture and what they lack off they make up for on the piste. With Italian resorts as a favourite among foodie’s this ski area lives up to high dining expectations. You can taste some of piedmonts finest Italian cuisine from traditional stone baked pizzas to cheesy fondues and creamy Panna cottas at the many restaurants scattered across the mountain.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Franco-Italian border, Alps.
Open: December to April
Downhill: 400km
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| Highest Altitude: | 2823m |
| Lowest Altitude: | 1509m |
| Longest run: | 8km |
| Slope Orientation: | NSEW |
| Skiable Vertical: | 1466m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
| Cross country trails: | 50km |
| Downhill Runs: | 400km |
| Beginner slopes: | 24% |
| Intermediate: | 55% |
| Advanced slopes: | 22% |
| Lift Pass Price: | €180 (adult 6 day) |
| Resorts: Claviere, Montgenevre, Pragelato, Sansicario, Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in The Milky Way
Over 400km of blanketed piste means there is something for every level of skier and snowboarder here. Having hosted the 2006 winter Olympics, the ski area benefitted from improved lifts and grooming systems so you can be sure of first-class skiing in the tracks of some of the world’s best athletes.
The ski areas are well suited to beginners with easy nursery slopes for first timers and there are some excellent ski schools where you can be sure of an exciting and fun introduction to the mountains. Special facilities for children are available and Sestriere and Montgenevre have kindergarten slopes dedicated to children’s learning. After gaining confidence, beginners can enjoy gentle blues to cruise with a number of wide open runs to practise those turns. From Montgenevre, beginners can enjoy a steady ride over to Claviere with the Monti della Luna pass.
Intermediates will find themselves in a playground of terrain as over 50% of the ski area is taken up by intermediate runs with reds being the main link between resorts. Scenic tree-lined runs make for an exciting ride sweeping in and out the trees and there is a good deal of more challenging terrain to try.
Those more confident can attempt the Olympic Kandahar and slalom runs at Sestriere or the women’s downhill at Sansicario. The opportunity is extended even further by the vast amount of off-piste with loads of untouched snow to explore and there is also a chance for the experts to try some heli-skiing.
Snow parks can be found at Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Montgenevre and Sansicario. At Sauze d’Oulx there is a basic park in the Sportinia area. The best and biggest are arguably at Sestriere - fully kitted with kickers, boxes, wall-rides and twist jumps and Montgenevre sporting a quarter pipe, projump and ropetow.
The Milky Way Apres Ski
The liveliest après scene can be found at Sauze d’Oulx, where there is a mix of old and new entertainment. The modern resort centre is abound with popular bars - ski straight in to Capanna Mulino for drinks before dancing the night away at Cotton Club. Sestriere is also popular for its dynamic yet laid-back nightlife for evenings spent in stylish cocktail bars - start at Pinky’s pizzeria as you come of the slopes and spend an evening with some delicious drinks at Bar Abba.
Italy is famous for its mouth-watering cuisine and The Milky Way ski area will not disappoint in this department. Try some local mountain delicacies such as cheesy fondues, stone grilled meats and traditional pizzas. You can’t miss the true Italian speciality- the Bombardino- a blend of hot brandy and advocaat as well as the traditional Italian chocolatta laced with grappa for that extra kick. A variety of restaurants from casual pizzerias to fine dining establishments are on offer to suit every group and every palate.
Claviere exudes a charming mix of France and Italy with the chance to taste some delicious cuisine. Pizzeria Kilt is known for having the best pizza in the area whilst on the mountain you can stop of at Chalet Monsoleil which is a favourite among foodies! Montgenevre offers a peaceful, family friendly après scene for casual pizza nights and laid-back evenings in cosy lounge areas and Sansicario is more suited to those focussed on the skiing aspect of their holiday for quiet nights winding down before long days on the slopes.
Alongside fine food and lively bars there are loads of non-ski activities to get involved in. Go on a snow-shoe excursion through the forest, try the Olympic Bobsleigh experience, ice skate and indulge in some luxury at one of the spa facilities.
Best time to go
Best time to ski The Milky Way
When is the best time to ski The Milky Way?
The high altitude and varying slope orientation makes for great skiing conditions throughout the season, which begins in December and usually runs through to April. The erratic snowfall of the Italian Alps is catered for with a number of snow making machines which provide extra coverage if mother nature is in short supply. As a popular area with families, holidays like Christmas, New Year, Half term and Easter are the busiest times – see below to find out what’s on during these weeks. The ski area fills up at the weekends with local Italians on their weekend breaks but in spite of this, the slopes are rarely overcrowded and even at peak times, lift queues are usually minimal.
Families in The Milky Way
The relaxed pace on the Italian slopes will be appreciated by families looking for a quiet week of quality skiing and quality family time. Claviere has a fantastically laid-back atmosphere and Sansicario has a quiet ski area and après centred around hotel accommodation. Families looking for a chalet should try Club Med in Pragelato, which offers a touch of luxury just a short bubble ride over to the slopes.
Montgenevre and Sestriere are two of the best resorts for families with young skiers and have some wonderful accommodation to suit, with ski-in ski-out locations such as Le Chalet Blanc Hotel in Montgenevre and Sestriere’s Hotel Cristallo Sestriere which is opposite the ski school meeting area. Both resorts cater superbly for children on the slopes - Sestriereland is a fun playground on the snow at Sestriere and ESF Montgenevre has a kindergarten with a child-oriented nursery area.
Our package holidays make for a smooth journey to the slopes as we offer accommodation paired with flights and transfers for the best deals or self-drive options with channel crossings. There is also the chance to travel independently and book your accommodation on its own. Browse all our deals below or give us a call and our ski specialists will do all the hard work for you.
GroupsGroup Holidays The Milky Way
Our chalets in Montgenevre and Pragelato are fully catered and suited to groups of all shapes and sizes. The hotels in all resorts are also good for groups – book into a large property if you think stragglers might want to join up at a later date - a number our hotels boast central locations and a choice of half board, all inclusive and B&B. Our ski apartments are ideal for groups wanting to cater for themselves and usually mean the best value.
Any beginners can take advantage of the excellent ski schools in the area along with the peaceful atmosphere on the nursery slopes before progressing on to a number of steady runs in their local ski area. Intermediates have loads to do on the mountain with a vast network of red runs linking the neighbouring resorts of the Via Lattea and advanced skiers can enjoy the challenging Olympic runs at Sestriere and Sansicario or explore some untouched piste on a free-riding adventure. The mountain is abound with balcony bars and cafes - the perfect group meeting points with a number accessible from beginner runs where everyone can share stories from the slopes over a bite and a Bombardino. There are also loads of activities for any non-skiers such as snow shoe excursions, trips to the neighbouring resorts and ice-skating and there’s even the chance to soak up some luxury with various wellness facilities.
Groups wanting a more relaxed nightlife could try Montgenevre, where there are some fantastic traditional chalets or Claviere for excellent ski links across the French border and to surrounding Italian resorts. Booking is easy with our holiday packages which are paired with either flights and transfers or channel crossings. If there are members of the group coming from different places or heading out at different dates, have a look at our accommodation-only options where you can secure the hotel, chalet or apartment and let everyone sort out their own travel.
More The Milky Way Holiday Resources
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