Sestriere is Piedmont’s signature ski resort. It was built from scratch in 1932 by the Agnelli family as the ultimate mountain resort, and it is instantly recognisable by its iconic cylindrical towers, which still house luxury hotels.
Host of many World Cup races and of the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics, Sestriere is the heart of the Via Lattea ski area: 400 km of slopes across Italy and France, making it one of the largest ski areas in Europe.
Sestriere centre: the Olympic experience
The centre of Sestriere, at 2,035 m, sits right on the slopes: the runs literally start a few steps from the hotels. That is the main advantage of staying in the village itself. The ski area is split between the Monte Sises side (technical runs) and Borgata Sestriere/Monte Motta (gentler, longer runs).
The two cylindrical towers (Torre Principe and Torre Littorio) are the symbols of Sestriere and offer a unique stay: round rooms looking out over the slopes, 1930s history and the charm of sleeping in an iconic building. Prices in high season are steep, but it is an experience you will not find anywhere else.
Other hotels in the centre:
- Plenty of 3- and 4-star hotels built between 1960 and 1990
- Aparthotels and apartments on the edges of the village
- B&Bs and guest rooms in the side streets
Prices in Sestriere centre
| Category | High season | Mid season | Low season |
|---|---|---|---|
| The towers (4-5 star) | €200-450 | €130-250 | €90-160 |
| Modern 4-star | €140-260 | €90-170 | €70-120 |
| 3-star | €90-170 | €65-120 | €55-90 |
| Apartment / aparthotel | €100-190 | €70-130 | €55-100 |
Cesana Torinese: the budget option inside the ski area
Cesana Torinese lies 13 km below Sestriere, but it is an integral part of the Via Lattea ski area. At 1,354 m, it is much cheaper than Sestriere, with good-quality accommodation and excellent links to the lifts.
From Cesana you go up to Sestriere on the Cesana-Claviere gondola, which takes you straight into the ski area. Alternatively, the main road takes about 20 minutes by car.
Cesana is ideal for:
- Tighter budgets, with access to the whole ski area
- Families looking for lower prices
- Anyone who prefers a less touristy, more authentic feel
- Access to the Cesana Olympic slalom run (2006 Olympics)
| Accommodation in Cesana | High season | Mid season | Saving compared with Sestriere |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-star hotel | €70-130 | €55-95 | 30-40% |
| B&B | €60-100 | €45-75 | 35-45% |
| Apartment (sleeps 4) | €75-130 per night | €55-90 | 25-35% |
Claviere and Montgenèvre: skiing between Italy and France
Claviere is the last Italian village before the French border, a few kilometres from Montgenèvre in France. The two are seamlessly linked on skis: with the Via Lattea pass you can ski freely on both sides of the Alps, crossing from Piedmont into France with a single turn.
Why stay in Claviere or Montgenèvre:
- Lower prices than Sestriere (20-40% less)
- A less hectic atmosphere
- A unique cross-border experience
- Direct access to the Montgenèvre ski area (France)
| Place | Altitude | Average price | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claviere | 1,760 m | €65-140 | Italy |
| Montgenèvre | 1,860 m | €70-150 | France |
To find the best rates and availability:
See hotel availability and prices in Sestriere and the Via Lattea (affiliate link: the price you pay does not change).
The Via Lattea: 400 km across Italy and France
The Via Lattea links Sestriere, Cesana and Claviere in Italy with Montgenèvre in France, as well as Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario and Pragelato in Italy, in a network of more than 400 km of slopes and 70 lifts. It is one of the largest ski areas in Europe and certainly the largest in Piedmont.
The areas that make up the Via Lattea:
- Sestriere (technical Olympic slopes)
- Sauze d’Oulx (the liveliest village in the Via Lattea)
- Sansicario (quiet and high)
- Cesana/Claviere (the gateway to France)
- Montgenèvre, France (the French extension)
- Pragelato (cross-country skiing and biathlon)
Getting there from Turin
Sestriere is about 100 km from Turin (2 hours by car). For the 2006 Olympics the bus service was improved, and it still runs several times a day from Torino Porta Susa and Pinerolo. If you want to combine Turin (a city of art and fine Piedmontese food) with a ski weekend in Sestriere, the distance is manageable.
FAQ
How do I get to Sestriere from Turin?
By car from Turin, take the A32 Turin-Bardonecchia motorway to Susa, then the SP23 towards Cesana and Sestriere (about 1 hour 45 minutes). By bus, GTT and BusCompany run services from Torino Porta Susa with stops along the Susa Valley (about 2 hours, €8-15). There is no direct rail link to Sestriere; the nearest station is Oulx (30 km), with seasonal shuttle buses from there.
How many slopes does the Via Lattea have?
The Via Lattea has about 400 km of slopes in total, across roughly 146 runs (39 black/red, 70 blue, 37 green) served by 70 lifts. The maximum vertical drop is more than 1,000 m. A week is not enough to ski the whole area: most skiers pick two or three main sectors and explore them in depth. An adult day pass costs about €45-55.
Can I ski into France with a Sestriere ski pass?
Yes. The Via Lattea pass includes the Montgenèvre ski area on the French side. Just ski to the border (the Claviere area) and carry on into France, with no customs formalities. EU citizens do not need documents to cross the border on skis, but it is wise to carry ID. The restaurants on the French side offer a different menu (tartiflette, raclette) that makes the crossing worthwhile in itself.
What is Sestriere’s Olympic history?
Sestriere hosted the alpine skiing events (men’s and women’s giant slalom and slalom) at the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics. The Olympic runs on Monte Sises are still open to skiers during the normal season. For the Games, Sestriere was completely renovated with new lifts and facilities. You can still feel the Olympic atmosphere in the murals and commemorative installations in the village centre.
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