The Milky Way, or as locals call it, Via Lattea, is one of the largest ski areas not just in Europe, but in the world. It is a massive ski area in the Italian and French Alps, covering Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Claviere, Cesana, Pragelato, and Montgenèvre. This means that you can ski across two countries in one trip.
We have skied in the Milky Way several times since it is easy to get to. Plus, Bruno, my husband, is from Piemonte, so we find ourselves in this part of Italy quite often. I have also written about skiing in Sestriere, which is one of the main resorts in this area. Having skied here in different conditions, I can confidently say that this area is fantastic for intermediate skiers, but it also offers plenty for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
With its varied terrain, a mix of traditional alpine villages, and high-altitude slopes, it’s a fantastic destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. In this post, I will share all you need to know about skiing in the Milky Way, and if you prefer a visual guide, you can watch my video on YouTube.
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Milky Way ski area
Download the Sestriere Piste Map
The Milky Way has 300 slopes covering 400 km of terrain, most of which are south-facing, meaning you’ll get plenty of sunshine throughout the day. This makes for pleasant skiing, especially in mid-winter, but in the late season, the afternoon snow can get softer, particularly on sun-exposed slopes.
However, higher-altitude areas like Sestriere and Montgenèvre have northwest-facing slopes, which help preserve the snow better. If you're skiing later in the season, sticking to these higher, shaded areas can offer better snow conditions.
Piste type Number of runs
Blue Runs 58 km
Red Runs 193 km
Black Runs 69 km
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Where to ski in the Milky Way
Via Lattea consists of multiple ski resorts, all connected by ski lifts and cable cars, making it easy to explore the entire area without taking off your skis. However, strong winds or heavy snowfall can sometimes affect lift connections, so it’s always a good idea to check lift status before heading out, especially if you plan to ski between resorts.
Sestriere: High-Altitude Excellence
Perched at 2,035 meters, Sestriere is the highest resort in the Milky Way. Its elevation ensures reliable snow conditions throughout the season. Over the years, it has hosted more than 30 Ski World Cup events, as well as the Winter Olympic Games in 2006.
Beginners: Gentle slopes near the village are great for learning.
Intermediates: A variety of red runs, including Olympic courses, offer fun challenges.
Advanced: The men's downhill Olympic course and black runs provide an adrenaline rush.
Sauze d’Oulx: Vibrant Après-Ski & Extensive Terrain
If you’re after the largest ski resort, you should go to Sauze d’Oulx, which is home to a quarter of the ski area’s runs. Sauze d’Oulx sits at 1,509 meters and boasts a vast network of slopes. It’s perfect for those seeking dynamic skiing and a vibrant après-ski scene.
Beginners: Some areas are steeper, but nursery slopes exist.
Intermediates: Endless red runs through scenic woodlands make for incredible skiing.
Advanced: Limited black runs, but some off-piste options exist.
Montgenèvre: Family-Friendly Resort in France
As the sole French resort in the Milky Way, Montgenèvre at 1,860 meters blends traditional Alpine charm with modern facilities. It’s particularly appealing to families and beginners.
Beginners: Wide, gentle slopes near the village make learning easy.
Intermediates: A solid selection of blue and red runs.
Advanced: Limited challenging pistes, but some off-piste areas.
Sansicario: Tranquil Slopes Amidst Nature
At 1,700 meters, Sansicario is located in the heart of the Milky Way. Its car-free centre and relaxed vibe make it a great choice for those wanting a quieter ski holiday.
Beginners: Sunny, gentle slopes for learning.
Intermediates: Red runs with beautiful mountain views.
Advanced: Women’s Olympic (2006) downhill course for a thrilling ride.
Claviere: Quaint Village with Scenic Slopes
One of Italy’s oldest ski resorts, Claviere (1,760m) offers a charming village atmosphere and scenic runs.
Beginners: Gentle nursery slopes make this a great place to start.
Intermediates: A mix of blue and red runs provides plenty of variety.
Advanced: Some off-piste and challenging runs.
Pragelato: A Haven for Cross-Country Skiing
Pragelato is a lesser-known gem in the Milky Way, offering a different kind of ski experience. While it doesn’t have as many downhill slopes, it’s a paradise for cross-country skiing and off-piste exploration.
Beginners: Limited downhill runs but great for learning cross-country skiing.
Intermediates: Nordic ski trails and scenic routes provide a peaceful escape.
Advanced: Backcountry terrain and deep snow routes for expert skiers.
A cable car connects Pragelato to Sestriere, making switching between Nordic and alpine skiing easy. The resort is best suited for those looking for a quieter, nature-focused experience.
Snow conditions and the best time to ski
The Milky Way ski area is snow-reliable, thanks to its high altitude. More than 80% of the skiable terrain is above 1,900m, ensuring good conditions throughout the season.
Season Length: December – April
Best Snow Conditions: January – March
Average Snowfall: 214 cm per year
How to get to the Milky Way, Via Lattea
The Milky Way ski area is easily accessible. The closest and most convenient airport is Turin Airport, with plenty of direct flights from London and other European cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Milan Malpensa, which is slightly further away.
The Milky Way ski area is easily accessible, especially if you fly into Turin Airport, which is the closest major airport. From there, you only have a 1.5-hour drive to the ski area. During ski season, there are additional direct flights from London and other European cities to Turin.
Alternatively, you can fly to Milan, which is another major international hub. From Milan, it takes around two and a half to three hours to drive to the ski area.
You can get to the ski resorts by driving, airport shuttle, or train & bus connections. Renting a car is the most flexible option, especially if your accommodation is not right next to the lifts. I always recommend booking in advance to get the best deal. You can check Rentalcars or Discovercars for the best car rental prices.
Where to Stay in the Milky Way
There are plenty of accommodation options across the different ski resorts, whether you’re looking for luxury hotels, cosy chalets, or budget-friendly apartments. Finding the right accommodation depends on the kind of ski experience you're after. If you love the idea of stepping out of your accommodation and straight onto the slopes, Sestriere is perfect. It’s at high altitude, which means great snow conditions, and it has a nice mix of runs for all levels.
But if you are looking for a fun après-ski scene, you should stay in Sauze d’Oulx, where you’ll find bars, great restaurants, and a social atmosphere after a long day on the slopes.
Montgenèvre is ideal for families or those who want a more relaxed stay. Plus, you get easy access to both Italian and French slopes.
If you prefer a quieter and more laid-back ski experience, Sansicario and Claviere are ideal. They offer a mix of intermediate and advanced slopes, making them perfect for those who want great skiing without the crowds.
Here are some top places to stay in the Milky Way:
Hotels in Sauze d’Oulx
Chaberton Lodge & Spa: A stylish mountain retreat with spa facilities, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes.
Hotel Splendid: A great option close to the lifts, offering comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
Hotels in Sestriere
Hotel Hermitage: Located near the slopes, this hotel offers cosy Alpine-style accommodation and great access to Sestriere's runs.
Il Fraitevino Hotel: A modern hotel in the heart of Sestriere, just 300 metres from the ski slopes.
Hotels in Montgenèvre
Le Chalet Blanc Hôtel & Spa: A luxurious mountain hotel with a fantastic spa, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
Résidence Club mmv Le Hameau des Airelles: A great choice for families, offering spacious apartments with ski-in/ski-out convenience.
Hotels in Claviere
Hotel Bes & Spa: A boutique hotel offering modern rooms and a relaxing spa, located close to the ski lifts.
Hotel Piccolo Chalet: A cosy hotel with traditional décor, offering ski-in/ski-out access.
Hotels in Sansicario
Hotel Sansicario Majestic: A modern hotel offering panoramic mountain views and a wellness centre.
Sansicario R4: A ski-to-door accommodation offering modern apartments with stunning mountain views and direct slope access.
Hotels in Pragelato
Locanda Allevè Hotel Ristorante: A historic hotel offering rustic rooms, an excellent on-site restaurant, and easy access to cross-country skiing trails.
Villaggio Gofree: A holiday park offering chalet accommodations, a wellness centre, and a free shuttle to the ski lifts.
Ski Pass & Lift Access
When you buy a Milky Way ski pass, you have access to all the ski resorts in Italy, with lifts and cable cars connecting the entire area. However, if you want to ski in Montgenèvre (France), make sure to purchase a pass with the Montgenèvre extension, as not all passes include access to the French side.
Final Tips for Skiing the Milky Way
Book ski passes & accommodation in advance, especially during peak season. Start early to make the most of the ski area in a single day.
Check the weather before skiing to Montgenèvre, strong winds can close the lifts and finally check out my guide on the best ski resorts in Europe for more ski destinations.