Gressoney, Monterosa Ski

Right in the heart of the Monte Rosa ski area, Gressoney is an ideal base for exploring one of Italy’s quieter ski regions. Towering peaks surround the valley, with long red and black runs perfect for fast carving, plus some of the country’s best off-piste terrain. Hiring a guide opens up huge 1,000m descents across wide snowfields and challenging gullies, with consistently uncrowded slopes and excellent powder conditions.

Gressoney has a relaxed, authentic alpine feel, with accommodation spread across a string of sleepy villages. Staffal offers the best piste access, with many properties just steps from the lifts, while Gressoney La Trinité and Gressoney St Jean sit further down the valley, both reachable by free ski bus. These villages are especially picturesque, with cobbled streets, wooden buildings and cosy bars and restaurants for low-key evenings.

Nightlife is limited, so the focus here is firmly on skiing by day and unwinding at your hotel in the evening.