The Via Lattea (Milky Way) is one of Italy’s largest ski circuits: 400 km of slopes connecting Sestriere, Cesana, Claviere, Montgenèvre, Sauze d’Oulx and Sansicario across the Italian-French border. The circuit also connects to Les Sybelles in France for an even wider area. Choosing where to stay depends on your skiing priorities and preferred atmosphere.
Sestriere: The Classic Choice
Sestriere is the most famous village in the Via Lattea and the highest (2,035 m). The resort was built from scratch in the 1930s by FIAT magnate Giovanni Agnelli and retains its distinctive modernist character, including the two cylindrical tower hotels (Torre Principe and Torre Villard) that have become icons.
Advantages:
- Central position in the ski area
- Large ski school, extensive beginner terrain
- Liveliest evening scene in the Via Lattea
- Olympic legacy from the 2006 Turin Winter Games
Sestriere prices (high season):
- 4-star: 150-280 euros per room
- 3-star: 100-170 euros per room
- The tower hotels (Principi di Piemonte): 200-400 euros
Sauze d’Oulx: Character and Value
Sauze d’Oulx (1,509 m) has a genuine character that Sestriere lacks: an old Occitan village with narrow streets, a historic church and a local identity that predates the skiing. Prices are 15-25% lower than Sestriere.
Advantages:
- More affordable than Sestriere
- Charming old village atmosphere
- Good range of local restaurants
- Direct connection to Fraiteve and the wider circuit
Sauze prices (high season):
- 4-star: 120-220 euros per room
- 3-star: 90-150 euros per room
Sansicario: Quiet and Ski-Focused
Sansicario (1,700 m) is a small purpose-built resort between Sestriere and Cesana. It is quiet, car-free at the centre, and has excellent ski-in ski-out access. Not much evening life, but ideal for families who want peaceful surroundings.
Claviere: The Border Village
Claviere (1,760 m) sits right at the Italian-French border and connects most easily to the French side of the circuit (Montgenèvre). Small and unpretentious, with genuinely low prices (20-30% below Sestriere) and good skiing.
The French Connection: Montgenèvre
Staying in Montgenèvre (just across the French border from Claviere) is an option worth considering for those who want easy access to the full circuit at French prices (often comparable to Italian ones). Note that ski pass pricing is the same for the international circuit regardless of which side you stay on.
Skiing the Full Via Lattea
A 6-day Via Lattea pass (2025-2026 prices: approximately 260-280 euros) covers all connected areas including the French sections. The circuit is vast enough that you could spend a week without repeating the same run.
Ideal 5-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Sestriere and immediate surroundings
- Day 2: Sauze d’Oulx side and Fraiteve
- Day 3: Cesana, Claviere, Montgenèvre (France)
- Day 4: Sansicario and back-country runs
- Day 5: Best-of repeat
Getting to Sestriere / Via Lattea
- By car: A32 motorway to Oulx, then 25 km up to Sestriere. 1.5 hours from Turin, 3 hours from Milan, 1.5 hours from Genoa.
- By train: nearest station is Oulx (TGV stop on Paris-Turin line), then local bus or taxi
- By plane: Turin airport (2 hours), Genoa (2 hours)
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