Best Skiing in Italy?

Claviere

With some of the best skiing in Italy, this little resort, located at 1760m, offers everything you could possibly want. Claviere has great skiing in the Milky Way, unbeatable scenery and is a picturesque little village with well over a thousand years of history.

Claviere is very easy to get to as well; it is only a ninety-minute drive from Turin. Perfect if you are flying into Turin. My advice is to spend at least a couple of nights in Turin before you head up to the slopes. Turin is one of Italy's greatest cities, with so many things to do and sights to see that even a week isn't enough in the city.

Even arriving by train is a great option—something I always appreciate when traveling in Italy. Trains in Italy are not only affordable but also comfortable and reliably on time. If you're starting in Torino, you can catch a direct train to Oulx, a lovely little town nestled in the Alps. The ride itself is part of the experience—sit back and watch as the flat plains give way to snow-capped peaks and pine-covered slopes.

Once you arrive in Oulx, getting to Claviere is easy. There’s a regular bus service that winds its way up into the mountains, offering more breathtaking views along the way. It’s a peaceful, picturesque journey—and a stress-free alternative to driving, especially in winter conditions.

Where to Stay in Claviere

The Hotel Clari is my pick; it is right in the little village and offers absolutely everything you might need, including a sauna, a gym, and a play area for the children. They even organize discounts at the nearby ski and snowboard schools! There are a few fancier hotels, like the Hotel Bes & Spa if you prefer a little more luxury.

The Skiing in Claviere

Cross-country skiing is top-rate here, with some of the best cross-country skiing in Piedmont. The 16 km circuit from Claviere to Monginevro and back is highly recommended by those who know about these things.

If, like me, cross-country is not your thing, then all is far from lost. Claviere and the surrounding area offer over 400 kilometers of great downhill slopes.

The après-ski scene is good. Not quite as lively as Bardonecchia or Setriere but still lots of fun, and the town boasts some really excellent and typically Piedmontese restaurants. Many reckon that Piedmont's cuisine is the best in Italy, so you're in for a treat. Work up an appetite on the slopes and head to 'L Gran Bouc in Via Nazionale, 24A for dinner.

Claviere is also a great destination for families with young children.

The village has a ski school for kids, as well as a playground and ice skating rink. The Hotel Clari also has a dedicated play area for children and offers babysitting services upon request.

For those looking for a break from skiing, Claviere and the surrounding area offer a range of activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and dog sledding. The nearby town of Briançon also offers a range of cultural and historical attractions, including a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Make sure you get yourself the excellent value Claviere ski pass, which entitles you to unlimited skiing in Claviere and Cesana too.

Please also visit our guides to the other Piedmont resorts:

Limone

Bardonecchia

Sestriere

Sauze d’Oulx

Alagna

Rather ski in the Veneto Dolomites? Click here!