Cervinia-Valtournenche
Must-DoIconicSki the Italian side of the Matterhorn with glacier skiing to 3,883m. Long cruising runs, snow-sure from November to May, and a cross-border pass to Zermatt. Less expensive than the Swiss side with more sunshine.
Courmayeur
Must-DoAdvancedMont Blanc's Italian face — the Skyway rotating cable car is an engineering wonder. The piste map is small but the off-piste is enormous with a mountain guide. The Vallée Blanche descent to Chamonix is a lifetime experience. Town is sophisticated.
La Thuile
BudgetHidden GemConnected to La Rosière in France — a cross-border ski area that punches well above its weight. Tree skiing, reliable snow on north-facing slopes, and significantly cheaper than Cervinia or Courmayeur. A locals' favourite.
Monterosa Ski (Champoluc/Gressoney)
AdvancedHidden GemThree valleys linked by lifts beneath Monte Rosa. Long descents (the Indren run from 3,275m is 2,000m vertical), genuine off-piste, and very few foreign tourists. The best value in Valle d'Aosta for advanced skiers.
Pila
FamilyBudgetConnected by cable car to the city of Aosta — ski by day, explore Roman ruins by evening. Compact, family-friendly, and the cheapest resort in the valley. Perfect for a short break combining culture and skiing.
Our pick
Cervinia for the altitude and the Matterhorn views. La Thuile for best value. Monterosa for advanced skiers seeking adventure without crowds.