Best Value Italian Resorts
Ski holidays of course have a reputation for being expensive, but this is not always deserved. In Italy, your spending power increases markedly.
Italy in particular has some amazing package deals offered by tour operators. Here your spending power on the slopes increases markedly and with the great quality half-board hotel deals on offer, you don't have to sacrifice on comfort or good food. Here are some of my favourite Great Value Resorts in Italy:
Sauze d'Oulx
This charming village, a British favourite for years, has mellowed, but it's still lively and has excellent value restaurants. Its main attraction is the access to a huge linked ski area of the Milky Way with its 400kms of piste. Intermediate skiers will be in their element here with much of the terrain being ideal for cruising around. A great choice for a good value holiday in a big ski area.
Passo Tonale
This is one of the highest resorts in Italy ensuring good snow and a long season. Like Sauze, it is an ideal destination for skiers all skiing abilities. It is known for the lack of queuing and its long sunny days. It certainly is an unpretentious and inexpensive resort with 30-odd hotels, a few of which are in the luxury range.
Livigno
The transfer of up to 4 hours from Innsbruck is certainly worth getting to 'Piccolo Tibet'. The extensive ski area with its modern lifts manages to retain much of the traditional character of the original three villages. Its is moderately priced. (duty-free since Napoleonic times) and has excellent shopping with good-value stores, designer boutiques and a variety of bars, cafès and restaurants.
Bardonecchia
Italy's most western town on the French border, it is a skiing and boarding paradise with well groomed pistes, most suited to beginners and intermediates. There is plenty to do for the non-skiers with the ice-rink, swimming pool, sports centre etc. The Host of the Turin Winter Olympics snow boarding competitions in 2006, Bardonecchia is known for its excellent priced ski holidays.