Guide to Sestriere
A virtual tour of Sestriere
Сestriere is part of one of Italy's largest ski regions, Via Lattea ("Milky Way"). In 1997, the resort hosted the World Ski Championships, and in 2006, it hosted events during the Winter Olympics held in Turin. Thanks to these events, Cestriere gained recognition and popularity.
In Cestriere, you will find 400 kilometers of equipped slopes. The main skiing areas are Monte Sises (2600 meters), Monte Banchetta (2555 meters), and Monte Fraiteve (2701 meters). These areas are connected by 92 lifts, serving around 70,000 people per hour. The nearby French resort of Montgenevre is located nearby, but the Cestriere ski pass does not cover access to it.
About half of the slopes are suitable for skiers with intermediate skill levels, while the remaining slopes are evenly divided between beginners and professionals. The more adventurous skiers favor the Motta and Sises sectors, as well as the longest slope in Cestriere, which stretches for 8.5 kilometers from Fraiteve to Sansicario Pariol. There are also off-piste slopes available in the vicinity of the resort for freeride enthusiasts.
You can learn the basics of skiing at one of the resort's ski schools, and there is a daycare center available for children over three years old, where playful teaching methods are employed.
Photos of Sestriere
Tours to Sestriere
Growingly, more and more people are opting for last-minute tours to Sestriere. This Italian ski resort is considered relatively young but has immense potential and is rapidly developing.
When planning a vacation here, keep in mind that snow is rarely a problem as the resort is situated at an altitude of 2035 meters above sea level. Affordable tours or last-minute deals in Sestriere are popular not only among beginner skiers but also among experienced professionals.
The resort boasts a total of approximately 400 kilometers of slopes of varying difficulty and flat terrain, spanning 50 kilometers in length. The best slope here measures 5 kilometers.
Snowboarders will also have plenty of excitement in Sestriere, as the resort features a top-notch snow park dedicated to their needs. As for prices, trips to the Italian mountain peaks in Sestriere are considered reasonable not only for the well-off but also for budget-conscious travelers.
The cost of a full-week tour starts at 1600 EUR per person. If you're looking for a more affordable vacation at a snowy resort, it's advisable to travel here in early December or late March when prices decrease due to lower tourist traffic.
Once you've had your fill of conquering snowy slopes, you can explore the local attractions. Visit the Olympic village or the Cinema Museum. Naturally, these landmarks can't compare to the natural beauty of Sestriere, which can be enjoyed year-round.
Interesting places in Sestriere
After a day of skiing to your heart's content, you can relax not only in your room. For enthusiasts of active leisure, Cestriere offers a sports complex with a swimming pool, gym, sauna, and Turkish bath, a bowling club, tennis court, and ice rink. Those who prefer lively parties will find discos, bars, and nightclubs, while gourmets can explore the numerous Italian restaurants in the resort. The nearest significant attractions are located in Turin.
Flight ticket prices
Sestriere is one of the most famous ski resorts in Italy and is conveniently accessible through the international airports of Turin, Milan and Geneva. The closest option is Turin Airport (100 km), which can be reached by bus or rented car. Flights to Turin are operated by Ryanair, ITA Airways, and Lufthansa. Ticket prices from Warsaw start from 85 euros, from Paris - from 70 euros, from London - from 90 euros.
An alternative option is flights to Milan, from where Sestriere can be reached by train or car. Tickets to Milan from Barcelona cost from 60 euros, and from Berlin - from 80 euros. It is most convenient to book tickets in advance, as prices can vary depending on the season and demand.
The best hotels in Sestriere
Sestriere has accommodation for all tastes: modern hotels, alpine chalets, apartments. Most are close to the ski lifts, others offer a free shuttle service to the lifts. Almost all hotels offer well-equipped storage for your ski equipment. Not far from the resort is the highest alpine hotel, Tana Della Volpe. All its rooms have independent heating and free Wi-Fi, the disadvantages include a lack of parking.
Travel budget
Sestriere is a resort accessible to most tourists. Even at the height of the season, you can find inexpensive accommodation here (for example, apartments for four for 100 EUR per day), cafes and restaurants are dominated by establishments of the middle price segment. Beginners should budget for the cost of renting equipment and at least two or three lessons with an instructor. If you decide to diversify the program and book a tour in Turin (or rent a car and go there yourself), this will also increase the total amount.
| The budget for a trip to Sestriere | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 380 EUR | Accomadation | from 70 EUR |
| Average bill in a restaurant | from 40 EUR | Transport Fare | from 2 EUR |
| Ski pass | 392 EUR for 6 days | ||
| Total: about 1892 EUR for a week for two people. | |||
Sestriere: tips for tourists
Visa to Sestriere
For European citizens a visa is not required to travel to Italy if they possess a valid biometric passport.
The maximum duration of stay for tourists is 90 days within a 180-day period.
Sestriere Airport
110 kilometers from the resort is the airport Turin - Turin Caselle, which is also sometimes called Sandro Pertini Airport. It serves about 400 scheduled flights a week to 33 destinations, 18 of which are food, as well as a number of charters.
Transfer to Sestriere from the airport
The price of a tour to Sestriere usually includes transfers from Turin airport. Those travelling on their own can travel the 110 kilometres to the resort by helicopter, bus, train or taxi. The journey takes an average of an hour and a half to three hours.
Public transport in Sestriere
A regular bus will take you from Sestriere to other cities in the region. The cost of a one-way ticket, as a rule, does not exceed 2–3 EUR. Not far from the resort, in Oulux, there is a railway station, from where you can get to any corner of Italy.
Car hire in Sestriere
Experienced tourists are advised to book a car in advance and pick it up at the airport Turin. The average cost of renting a car is 30–40 EUR per day. The driver must be over 23 years old and have at least a year of experience (for expensive models - three years).
Safety in Sestriere
When you go to a spa, make sure you have medical insurance to cover treatment in the event of injury. Don't forget to wear protective gear, always wear a helmet before you go out on the slope. If you are unsure of your abilities, take some cycling lessons.