Ski resorts
Livigno: snow-sure skiing in Italy’s Little Tibet and where to stay
A high valley near the Swiss border, a long season and duty-free shopping. This is Livigno, a 2026 Olympic venue, and the hotels where the mountains are right outside your window.
Livigno lies in a high valley in Lombardy, close to the Swiss border, and has earned the nickname Italy’s Little Tibet. Winter is long here, the snow is often good and the air is crystal clear, with mountains surrounding the valley on every side.
Livigno is also one of the few places in Europe with duty-free shopping, and many combine their ski holiday with a trip to the shops. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Livigno hosted the snowboard and freestyle events.
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The high valley
Livigno sits high, which brings a long season and good snow. The valley is long and open, with the village along the valley floor and ski areas on both sides, making it easy to find sunshine throughout the day.
Livigno has a lively centre with shops, restaurants and bars, and the atmosphere is relaxed and international.
The slopes and snow parks
The Mottolino and Carosello ski areas lie on opposite sides of the valley, with runs for every level. Livigno is especially known for its snow parks, considered among the best in Europe, and it is popular with snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
For families and beginners there are wide, gentle runs close to the village.
A day in Livigno
The morning often starts with breakfast and views over the valley, before you take the lift up on the sunny side. After lunch you can cross the valley and try the runs on the other side, or spend time in the snow park.
In the afternoon it is time for some duty-free shopping, a break in the spa and a good Italian dinner.
When is the best time to visit Livigno?
Livigno often has a long season, from early winter until well into spring. January and February can be cold, with good snow, while March and April bring plenty of sunshine. Half term is popular, so book early.
Skiing with children in Livigno
Livigno has ski schools, children’s areas and plenty of gentle runs, and several hotels cater well for families. Off the slopes there are activities such as a water park and winter walks.
Food and evenings in Livigno
Evenings in Livigno bring Italian food from the Valtellina region, such as pizzoccheri, a traditional buckwheat pasta dish with cheese and vegetables. Many hotels have a spa, and the town has bars and restaurants for every taste.
Getting to Livigno
The nearest major airports are Bergamo, Milan and Zürich. Livigno is remote and the journey takes a few hours, but it passes through beautiful mountain scenery. Buses and transfers also run during the season.
Shopping and winter life
Its duty-free status makes Livigno a popular place to shop, with stores selling everything from ski equipment to perfume and electronics. The main street is lively in the afternoon, and it is easy to combine some shopping with a coffee or a glass of wine.
Off the slopes you can go cross-country skiing on the valley floor, try snowshoeing or relax in one of the spas. Livigno also has a water park, popular with families on days with poor weather.
Where to stay in Livigno
Stay close to the lifts for ski-in/ski-out access, or in the centre for shops and restaurants. Here are three hotels we would happily choose.
Hotel Lac Salin Spa & Mountain Resort: spa and skiing
A hotel with ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, close to the Livigno ski area.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Lac Salin
Hotel Concordia: for families
A family hotel with a spa, close to the ski area.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Concordia
Hotel Amerikan: calm and spa
A mountain hotel with a spa, close to the Livigno ski area.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Amerikan
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in St. Moritz.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Livigno
Where should I stay in Livigno?
Hotel Lac Salin offers ski-in/ski-out access and a spa, Hotel Concordia suits families well, and Hotel Amerikan has a spa and a peaceful location.
Why is Livigno duty-free?
Livigno has a historic status as a duty-free zone, so you can shop without VAT in the town’s stores.
Was Livigno an Olympic venue in 2026?
Yes, Livigno hosted the snowboard and freestyle events at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
How do you get to Livigno?
Fly to Bergamo, Milan or Zürich and drive or take a transfer to Livigno. The journey takes a few hours through mountain scenery.