Sestriere

Luxury Ski Chalets Sestriere

Finest Holidays offer some catered and self-catered luxury chalets in Sestriere. The Italian ski resort of Sestriere is located at an altitude of 2,035 metres between the two valleys of Susa and Chisone (Piedmont region) and consists of four villages: Sestriere Colle, Sestriere Borgata, Champlas du Col and Champlas Janvier. The winter sports resort is the undisputed star of the Vialetta/Milky Way ski region and regularly hosts major international sporting events, including numerous stages of the Alpine Ski World Cup. Sestriere further cemented its international reputation by hosting the Alpine competitions during the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics.

Founded by the Italian industrialist family Agnelli in the 1930s as a winter holiday resort for employees of the Fiat factory in Turin, Sestriere, whose skyline is dominated by the two towers (red and white) built at the behest of Giovanni Agnelli, is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders with 400 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes stretching across the border as far as into France. The Olympic mountains guarantee fun for all levels, from beginners to experts.

LUXURY SKI HOLIDAYS IN SESTRIERE

Sestriere, a regular venue for Alpine Ski World Cup races, is part of the Via Lattea/Milky Way winter sports area, a 400-kilometre ski area that stretches from Cesana, Claviere, Sansicario, Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere across the border to Montgenevre on the French side. It is one of the most snow-sure ski areas and is ideal for intermediate, advanced skiers and snowboarders. Nearby is the Val Troncea Nature Park with its impressive alpine flora, including edelweiss, golden eagles and the goat-like chamois. From après-ski to watching international competitions and discovering the region's culinary traditions - whether in the mountain huts dotted across the Alpine landscape or in the numerous restaurants, there's always something to do. In addition to skiing, shopping and eating, Sestiere offers sled dog rides and many activities in summer, such as hiking and mountain biking, there is also an 18-hole golf course. Explore the nearby villages with its Italian flair. There are several great viewpoints from which you can observe the breathtaking landscape. Don't miss the famous Chaberton mountain, a highlight of any visit to Sestriere. As one of the highest ski resorts in the Alps, Sestriere nestles in an area of gentle pastures. Moreover, the resort is one of the pioneers of snowmaking, so the slopes are open throughout the season (from the beginning of December to the end of April).

SKIING IN VIALATTEA/MILKY WAY

Where other than the Vialattea ski area, the fifth largest in Europe, could be better for some skiing in Piedmont? Each of the different ski areas within the "Milky Way" boasts unique slopes and numerous opportunities to relax after a day spent in fresh snow. As the ski terrain stretches across the border as far as into France, skiers and snowboarders should set off early to make sure they reach the many lift connections in good time. Without doubt, Sestriere is the leading lady of the Vialattea. The already high international profile of the winter sports resort gained a further boost of attention as it became one of the locations for the 2006 Winter Olympics. With more than 100 kilometres of ski slopes, Sauze d'Oulx is one of the largest ski areas in the Vialattea region. Due to the varying degrees of difficulty, it is a true paradise for skiing enthusiasts. "Sportinia", at 2,000 metres altitude, is the starting point for the more challenging pistes that wind their way through the woods. Along with the authentic atmosphere of the small village set in beautiful countryside, makes this ski domain one of the most popular on the Vialattea. At 1,509m altitude, 71 slopes and 13 lifts.

Picturesque Pragelato at 1,518m altitude has 50km of well-prepared slopes that wind between 1,535 and 2,700m above sea level, allowing exciting descents for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Its slopes are well suited for exciting off-piste skiing in fresh snow or spring snow, while several routes that penetrate into fascinating landscapes within the Val Troncea Natural Park are a strong attraction for cross-country enthusiasts. Acknowledged as one of the most challenging and technical circuits at international level, here they have the chance to compete with the tracks that were the scene of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics (Cross-country, Nordic combined, Ski jump). The Pattemouche-Anfiteatro cableway links to the Milky Way ski area.

Sansicario at 1,700m altitude is located on a plateau on the slopes of Monte Fraiteve and consists of Sansicario Borgo, a typical mountain village surrounded by unspoilt forests, and Sansicario Alto, which sits on a terrace above the Susa Valley with magnificent panoramic view of the Montgenèvre Pass, Monti della Luna and Monte Chaberton. The slopes are so excellent that Sansicario Alto was chosen as the site to host the Super Giant and Downhill Women's Alpine Skiing competitions during the 2006 Olympic Winter Games. The two villages have 44 pistes and 7 ski lifts.

With 19 pistes, including some for beginners and advanced skiers, Cesana is nevertheless best suited to experienced skiers and snowboarders. Situated at an altitude of 1,354 metres, the village is a central point in the Vialattea ski area. There are 10 kilometres of cross-country ski trails and 25 ski lifts. The Cesana-Ski Lodge gondola takes you to the ski slopes of Sansicario Alto, with a possible ski-to-ski connection to the slopes of Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere. The small hamlet of Clavière is nestled at the point where the Italian part of the Vialattea meets its French neighbour. Situated in splendid landscape at the foot of the imposing 3,131m Monte Chaberton, which dominates the valley. Lovers of skiing, snowshoeing and nature will find immaculate powder and 46 pistes immersed in the forests. Clavière lies at an altitude of 1,760 metres.

The Montgenèvre ski area stretches from 1,860m altitude up to 2,700m in the upper part of the ski slopes. Just a stone's throw from Italy, sunny Montgenèvre is the French part of the Vialattea and thus offers not just the charm of a small mountain village, but also the possibilities of a large international ski area with more than 400km of pistes leading all the way to Sestriere. In addition to superb views, high snow quality and slopes for every taste, the "front de neige" delights young and old alike. The Montgenèvre ski area alone is home to 51 pistes and 23 different lifts.

BARS & RESTAURANTS

At nightfall, Sestriere attracts snow sports enthusiasts and creates an international party vibe. On the central square, Brahms Pub and La Caverna are good choices. Tabata, the No. 1 discotheque in Sestriere, is the place to party until the small hours. World-famous DJs, Olympic gold medallists, above all Italian skiing idol Alberto Tomba, blue bloods such as His Serene Highness Albert II. of Monaco and the crème de la crème of Italys cinema scene like to hang out here when on ski holidays in Sestriere.

At 2,550m altitude, La Tana della Volpe is a bar and restaurant with a difference - dinner followed by a torch-lit hike (per reservation). Typical regional dishes and a terrace offering a splendid 360-degree panoramic view of the mountains. Near the terminus of the legendary Banchetta chairlift.

RistoranTino & C. is a place of challenging combinations, balanced with aesthetic taste (and service) consistently up to the mark. A mix of East, Mediterranean and Alps with an affluence of well-mixed local and exotic ingredients for a multicultural fusion from appetizer to dessert. Particularly interesting wine list with 300 different labels, but the sommelier will also suggest less usual beer or sake pairings. Mountain atmosphere with essential furnishings and, in season, a crackling fireplace. Michelin star restaurant in Sauze di Cesana, 7km to Sestriere.

Opened 1972, Last Tango has not yet danced its last dance. The mountain-style dining room has plenty of character, with exposed beams and an open fire. Numerous regulars flock here for specialties such as "meat pierrade" and "fondue bourguignonne". Excellent selection of mountain cheeses and a wine list that highlights small, talented Piedmontese producers.

Refuge Alpette sits at 2,300m altitude right above Sestriere. The building housing the restaurant is the former cable car arrival station. The restaurant's large dining room with its bay window gives a superb view over the pass. Typical cuisine, with specialities including tartiflette and venison stew with juniper berries. Fine list of Piedmontese wines. When the weather permits, guests can take advantage of the terrace.

Il Cardo is one of the prettiest and most welcoming restaurants in Sestriere. The meals, served in an enchanting alpine-style décor dining room, are typical of the Piedmontese tradition - hearty, unpretentious and accompanied by a well-stocked wine list. Pleasant terrace, weather permitting, to take in the splendid setting, surrounded by mountains.
(Photo © iStock/Getty Images)