Holidays in Sestriere in summer and winter: where to sleep and what to do

Sestriere is an important one both summer and winter tourist resort, most famous for being one of the largest Italian and European ski resorts. This ski resort born in 1934 is part of the Italian-French ski area of ​​the Milky Way, was one of the venues of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. The village is located on a high pass at 2.035 meters above sea level, between Val Chisone and Val di Susa.

The birth of this ski resort was due to Giovanni Agnelli senior, founder of Fiat, who in the early 30s he had built in this area two hotels in the shape of a tower, which later became the symbol of the locality e two cable cars. Later, more hotels were built, a ski jump, the first chair lifts and an 18-hole golf course, the highest in Europe.

Sestriere, in addition to being a renowned ski and winter sports resort, is one of the most fashionable places in Italy. During the winter holidays, the town hosts around 20.000 tourists every day. Together with the villages of Pragelato, Claviere, Sauze d'Oulx, Cesana Torinese, San Sicario and Monginevro (in France), it constitutes theMilky Way ski area.

What to do in Sestriere

In the holiday resort of Sestriere they can be practiced numerous sports and outdoor activities during the whole year. Some can be practiced only in certain periods such as skiing, snowboarding and all winter sports, while for example the heated it is open all year round and has two pools (one indoor and one outdoor).

In winter

In total the Sestriere has 146 slopes and 92 ski lifts. The total length of the ski slopes is 400 kilometers, of which 120 equipped with artificial snow systems. Sestriere also has one of the few locations where it is possible skiing at night on a lighted track. Its slopes host each year important races World Cup of Alpine Skiing.

In winter, Sestriere is not only a destination for winter sports such as alpine skiing and cross-country skiing, but you can also play other sports and activities. For example, you can do the ice skating, snow hiking in snowmobile, stroll through the woods on dog sledding and the inevitable walks with the ciaspole between woods and snow-covered paths.

In summer

The favorite activities of tourists and vacationers who stay in Sestriere during the summer are the trekking and guided excursions, which allow you to better appreciate the wonderful nature that surrounds the town and its unique mountain landscapes. Its location across two valleys allows it to be close to numerous hiking trails.

Even the trips in mountain bike in organized groups that alone are one of the most popular experiences because, as for walking, they also allow you to admire the whole surrounding area. They are also available Electric bicycles that allow you to discover the area without much effort.

In the summer it is possible to play golf on the 18-hole course, the highest in Europe, play tennis and participate starting of soccer. Nature lovers will be delighted horseback riding. Numerous offerings complete the offer outdoor and sports activities dedicated to children.

Where to sleep in Sestriere

Although it is a location located at a high altitude, Sestriere has a good tourist accommodation offer with over 200 structures of various types. The main structures where to stay are the hotels e hotels, the tourist apartments and holiday houses, but there are also chalet and some campgrounds.

If you prefer to be in a quieter area and with more contact with nature, you may prefer the Borgata Sestriere area. There best area to stay is the central area of ​​Sestriere, to have nearby bars, restaurants, shops and especially the ski lifts.

Hotel: for those looking for comfort and services

Hotel Shackleton Mountain Resort - 4-star hotel, one of the best choices ever to stay

Snow White Hotel - 200 meters from the ski lifts and a 5-minute walk from the center of Sestriere

South West Hotel - 3 star hotel, a good choice to stay in both winter and summer

Hotel Banchetta - 3-star hotel in the Borgata Sestriere area for those seeking tranquility and contact with nature

Hotel Il Fraitevino - 4-star hotel in a central position, an excellent choice especially during the winter period

Hotel Cristallo - 4-star hotel very close to the ski lifts and with an excellent restaurant inside

Olympic Hotel - a good choice especially for short stays or weekends, very close to the ski lifts

Lair Of The Fox - hotel located at 2.600 meters above sea level, for those who prefer to sleep on the top during the winter

Chalet: for couples and romantic holidays

Chalet Edelweiss - chalet with kitchenette and all necessary amenities, 10 minutes walk from the ski lifts

Cozy Bungalow - for those who prefer to stay in a quieter area

Chalet Weal - a 5-minute walk from the ski lifts and 300 meters from the center of Sestriere

Apartments: for families with children and long holidays

TH Sestriere | Olympic Village - one of the best choices ever for those looking for an apartment in a residence

Teleo Vacanze - Olympic Village of Sestriere - super-equipped apartments with all comforts and very close to the ski lifts

Olympic Village Apartment - for long-term stays and for families with children

Resort Palace Sestriere 1 and 2 - one of the cheapest choices where to stay

Sestriere cheap accommodation and hotels

Olympic Hotel - you can find economic rates for both short stays or weekends and for long holidays and white weeks

Chalet Edelweiss - a great choice for a family with children who are also looking for a kitchenette and all necessary services during the holiday

South West Hotel - both in winter and in summer this hotel offers good rates, with excellent value for money

How to get to Sestriere

reach the Sestriere you can only use the car or the bus, as there is no train station given the high altitude, over 2.000 meters. Please remember that in winter, if you are traveling by car in the mountains, snow tires or chains on board are mandatory.

If you want to get there by car it is advisable to take the A32 motorway, Turin-Bardonecchia and exit at Oulx (Val Susa). From there you must continue on the state road 24 up to Cesana Torinese and then the provincial road 23R which leads up to Sestriere. From Oulx to Sestriere it takes about 20 minutes.

If you prefer to arrive instead on the train you can reach the Oulx train station with one of the trains that depart from Turin. From Oulx then you can reach Sestriere by taxi or by one of the buses.

Il bus it can also be a good choice to reach Sestriere during any period. Buses leave from Turin, Milan, Genoa and many cities in northern Italy, especially during the winter.