Skiing in Livigno feels expansive and uncrowded, with wide-open bowls, long cruising runs, and enough variety to keep you exploring all week. The two ski areas have distinct personalities - Carosello is generally gentler and more family-friendly, while Mottolino serves up steeper terrain and world-class freestyle facilities. Snow conditions are consistently good thanks to the altitude and north-facing slopes, and grooming standards are high across both areas.

Skiing for beginners in Livigno

Livigno works well for beginners, with dedicated learning areas at the base of both main ski zones. The nursery slopes near the village provide gentle terrain for finding your feet, and the wide slopes around Carosello 3000 give you space to progress at your own pace. Several easy blues are within reach once you've got the basics down.

The reliable snow means consistent conditions for learning, and the well-groomed runs reduce intimidation. Ski schools operate throughout the resort with English-speaking lessons available. The Italian teaching style tends toward patient encouragement, and the relaxed atmosphere helps nervous first-timers settle in.

Intermediate skiing in Livigno

Intermediate skiers will find Livigno hits a sweet spot. Blues let you build rhythm while descending from upper slopes, and flowing reds add variety and reward good technique. You can rack up serious kilometres between both ski areas without repeating runs.

Carosello 3000 offers the more extensive terrain for intermediates, with long cruising runs from the summit and well-maintained pistes throughout. Mottolino provides varied reds and access to the freestyle facilities if you want to try the parks.

WeSki insider tip: Head to Carosello first thing in the morning for freshly groomed corduroy, then switch to Mottolino after lunch when the sun has softened the snow there.

Advanced and expert skiing in Livigno

Advanced skiers will find genuine challenges here, particularly on Mottolino where steep blacks and off-piste itineraries keep things interesting. The terrain rewards confident skiing without extreme steeps, and there's genuine adventure for those who seek it.

The Val Federia area offers some of the most demanding terrain, with sustained pitch and variable conditions that reward technique. When conditions allow, the off-piste options between marked runs deliver quality powder turns, and the altitude means snow stays cold and light.

WeSki insider tip: The itinerary routes marked on the piste map are avalanche-controlled but ungroomed. These are perfect for a taste of off-piste without the full commitment of backcountry touring.

Snowboarding in Livigno

Livigno is one of Europe's premier snowboard destinations. The Mottolino snow park is world-renowned, hosting major freestyle competitions and offering features from beginner lines through to pro-level jumps. Specialist snowboard instruction is available, including the Burton Learn to Ride programme, and the overall vibe is board-friendly throughout.

Beyond the parks, wide pistes suit carving, natural terrain provides hits and drops, and reliable snow keeps conditions good for freestyle progression.

Off-piste skiing in Livigno

While Livigno isn't primarily a freeride destination, off-piste opportunities exist for experienced skiers. The high altitude preserves snow well, and both ski areas offer lift-accessed itinerary routes between the pistes. More serious backcountry options are available with the right equipment and experience, including trips across the Swiss border. Local guides can take you into untouched terrain in the surrounding mountains.

Livigno snow school and lessons

Several ski schools operate in Livigno, with English-speaking instructors available across all the main schools. Group lessons and private tuition cover everything from first-timers to advanced technique clinics. The resort's freestyle reputation means specialist snowboard coaching is particularly strong.

Dedicated beginner areas make progression straightforward, and many schools specialise in teaching children with kid-friendly meeting points and gentle learning slopes.

Through WeSki, you can add ski or snowboard lessons to your package and have everything arranged before you arrive. Check out Livigno ski deals to get started.

Livigno snow parks

If terrain parks are your priority, Livigno should be near the top of your list. The Mottolino Snowpark hosts World Cup freestyle events and offers features for all abilities, from beginner boxes through to competition-standard jumps. Carosello 3000 also has park facilities, including the Yepi Fun Park for younger riders.

The parks are shaped and maintained by professional crews throughout the season. Regular events, competitions, and coaching sessions add atmosphere for the freestyle community.

Livigno piste map

1. Livigno family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Livigno
3. Planning your trip in Livigno
4. How to get to Livigno
5. Livigno FAQs

Livigno family ski holiday

Livigno works well for families who want a proper ski holiday without the intensity of high-end resorts. The village feels welcoming, the gentle intermediate terrain suits all ages, and there's plenty of space for children to run around. That said, the resort does have a livelier evening atmosphere than traditional family resorts - while families with teenagers may appreciate this, those with young children may prefer accommodation near Carosello 3000, which sits slightly removed from the nightlife strip.

Young children benefit from dedicated kids' areas at both Carosello and Mottolino, where they can learn in safe, traffic-free environments. The ski schools offer engaging children's programmes, and the Yepi Fun Park at Carosello 3000 gives little ones a taste of freestyle. Older children and teenagers are particularly well catered for - they'll enjoy progression on the slopes and at the snow parks, and the main street's shops give them something to explore off the mountain.

Livigno's long, pedestrianised main street keeps everyone entertained with shops, cafés, and activities when legs need a break. The village is easy to navigate on foot, and free ski buses connect both ends. Dining is straightforward too - pizzerias, pasta spots, and traditional mountain restaurants all welcome children without fuss. Italian hospitality extends warmly to younger guests, portions are generous, and the relaxed atmosphere suits families well.

WeSki insider tip: The Lupigno kindergarten at Carosello 3000 combines ski lessons with snow play for children aged 4-8. It's a great way to introduce little ones to the mountain without full-day lessons.

Things to do in Livigno

Livigno's high-altitude valley setting, long winters, and duty-free status give the resort a distinctive feel. The pedestrian-friendly village is lively and easy to explore, with shops, cafés, and wellness centres making rest days feel like a proper part of the holiday rather than time off the mountain. Non-skiers are well catered for, and even keen skiers will find plenty of reasons to mix things up.

Snow activities

Beyond downhill skiing, Livigno is one of the Alps' strongest destinations for winter activities. The wide, open valley floor is perfect for Nordic skiing and winter cycling, while the surrounding mountains offer space for quieter adventures away from the pistes.

• Cross-country skiing: Over 30km of beautifully groomed Nordic trails running through the valley, suitable for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
• Snowshoeing: Guided hikes into the surrounding mountains and forests, offering peaceful scenery and panoramic views away from the lifts.
• Ice skating: Outdoor rink in the village for a classic winter experience, popular with families and groups.
• Sledging: Dedicated runs, including evening sessions under floodlights for post-ski fun.
• Snowmobiling: Guided tours across mountain terrain for a high-adrenaline way to explore beyond the ski area.
• Fat biking: Ride specially designed bikes on groomed snow trails — a Livigno speciality and surprisingly accessible.
• Dog sledding: Husky-powered excursions through snowy landscapes, particularly popular with families.
• Heli-skiing: Expert-only trips accessing remote powder terrain outside the resort boundary.
• Ice driving: Driving experiences on a frozen lake, learning car control in a uniquely Alpine setting.
• Paragliding: Tandem flights offering a bird's-eye view of the Livigno valley and surrounding peaks.

Non-snow activities

Livigno's duty-free status makes it one of the Alps' best resorts for a rest day without snow, but shopping is only part of the appeal. The village has a lively yet relaxed feel, and the range of wellness, culture, and indoor activities means you can easily fill a full day off the slopes.

• Aquagranda Wellness Centre: One of the largest and best spa complexes in the Alps, with indoor and outdoor pools, extensive sauna areas, spa treatments, and a full fitness centre.
• Duty-free shopping: Browse designer clothing, sportswear, electronics, alcohol, and perfume at noticeably lower prices along Livigno's main street.
• MUS! Museum of Livigno and Trepalle: An engaging look at local history, alpine life, and traditions, housed in a beautifully restored building.
• Winter walking: Cleared paths along the valley floor and through the village make for gentle scenic walks without needing specialist equipment.
• Cinema screenings: Modern cinema showing a mix of international and Italian films for relaxed evenings.
• 1816 Birrificio Livigno: Local craft brewery offering tastings and tours — a great alternative to wine and a popular evening stop.
• Indoor climbing and bouldering: Year-round climbing facilities at Larix Park, suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
• Day trip to St Moritz: Around an hour away, this iconic Swiss resort offers lakeside walks, luxury shopping, and a very different atmosphere for a change of pace.

Livigno restaurants

Italian mountain cooking meets duty-free prices in Livigno, making dining here one of the great pleasures of a ski holiday. The food scene blends traditional Valtellina specialities with modern Italian cooking, cosy mountain huts, and family-friendly village restaurants.

Whether you're after a long, indulgent lunch on the mountain or a relaxed evening in the village, Livigno has plenty of excellent options:

• Ristorante Camanel: Traditional Valtellina cuisine in a cosy Alpine setting, perfect for an authentic local dinner.
• La Piòda: A standout for regional specialities like pizzoccheri and bresaola, served in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere.
• Bait dal Gansen: Local favourite known for grilled meats, hearty dishes, and a warm mountain feel.
• Ristorante M'Eating Point: Modern Italian cooking at the base of Mottolino, ideal for casual lunches or early dinners.
• Rifugio Costaccia: Classic mountain hut with panoramic views and satisfying home-cooked food at altitude.
• Tea dal Ghet: Atmospheric on-mountain restaurant specialising in polenta-based dishes and local flavours.
• La Stala: Reliable village restaurant with classic Italian dishes, friendly service, and family-friendly options.
• Steak House Rio: Quality steaks and grills for when you want a break from pasta and cheese-heavy mountain fare.

WeSki insider tip: Try the local speciality pizzoccheri - buckwheat pasta with cabbage, potatoes, and melted cheese. It's rich, comforting, and a true taste of Valtellina, especially satisfying after a long day on the slopes.

Livigno après-ski

Livigno's après-ski scene has a distinctly Italian rhythm - relaxed, sociable afternoons that can easily turn into lively evenings if you're in the mood. The atmosphere is friendly, with plenty of places to enjoy good wine, cocktails, and spirits.

The action usually starts on the mountain as the lifts close, particularly around Mottolino and Carosello, before drifting into the village for dinner, drinks, and late-night bars. Families and couples feel just as comfortable as groups of friends, and while the nightlife is lively, it rarely tips into anything too wild. It's après that adapts to your pace.

Après-ski spots to know:

• Miky's Bar: The classic Mottolino après spot, with DJs, outdoor terraces, and a buzzing atmosphere from lift close.
• Stalet: Popular on-mountain bar at Carosello, known for live music, sunny terraces, and a relaxed crowd in the afternoon.
• Bivio Bar: Central meeting point with a terrace that fills up early — ideal for that first drink off the slopes.
• Marco's Pub: British-style pub popular with English-speaking visitors, good for familiar drinks and a sociable atmosphere.
• Kuhstall: One of the liveliest late-night options, with dancing, DJ sets, and a party vibe as the evening progresses.
• Daphne Cocktail Bar: Stylish and sophisticated, perfect for well-made cocktails and a more refined end to the night.

Livigno map

Planning your trip in Livigno

Livigno accommodation

Livigno stretches along a wide 10km valley floor, so where you stay makes a noticeable difference. Unlike compact resorts, accommodation here is spread across several neighbourhoods, each with its own feel and access points. The main areas are Santa Maria at the eastern end, San Rocco and San Antonio in the central village, and Trepalle, which sits higher up the valley.

Most hotels and apartments are clustered in the central stretch of the village, close to shops, restaurants, and both ski areas. For the easiest ski access, look for properties near either the Carosello 3000 gondola or the Mottolino telecabine - both are well located and serve different sides of the mountain. Staying between the two gives you maximum flexibility and keeps everything walkable.

WeSki insider tips:

• San Antonio is the sweet spot for flexibility, where you're within a 10-minute walk of both main lift stations.
• Carosello-side apartments work well for families wanting quick lift access and quieter evenings.
• If après-ski and late nights are part of your plan, stay central to avoid relying on evening bus services.

Livigno ski pass

A standard Livigno ski pass covers both main ski areas - Carosello 3000 and Mottolino - plus the smaller areas connecting them. With 33 lifts and 115 km of pistes on a single pass, there's no need to upgrade unless you want to explore the wider region. The lift pass also includes cross-country trails, which is worth knowing if you want to try Nordic skiing.

The lift system is modern and efficient, with gondolas accessing both main ski areas from the valley floor. Queues are rarely a problem except during peak weeks, and the lift layout means you can reach the high terrain quickly.

You can select your ski pass options when booking your Livigno ski holiday through WeSki and have everything sorted before you travel.

Equipment hire

Livigno has plenty of hire shops throughout the village, with equipment ranging from basic beginner packages to high-performance demo skis. Booking in advance is recommended during peak weeks, and most shops offer overnight storage so you don't have to carry skis back to your accommodation.

Getting around Livigno

Livigno's ski bus runs the length of the resort from early morning until late evening, connecting all the main accommodation areas with both ski lifts. The service is frequent and reliable, making it easy to stay further from the slopes without feeling cut off. The village's flat, pedestrianised main street is also pleasant for walking - though at 10km end-to-end, you'll appreciate the bus for longer distances.

Taxis are available for late nights or if you prefer door-to-door convenience, and several hotels run their own shuttle services. If you're out in the evening, the bus runs until around 8pm.

How to get to Livigno

Livigno sits in a remote valley near the Swiss border, which means slightly longer transfers than some Italian resorts - but the journey through the mountains is spectacular. The closest airports are Innsbruck (around 180 km), Milan Bergamo (around 200 km), and Zurich (around 200 km). Depending on the season, transfers approach via either the Forcola pass from Switzerland or the Munt La Schera tunnel from the Italian side.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private, shared, and scheduled transfers to Livigno. Add them to your Livigno ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Livigno FAQs

Is Livigno good for beginners?

Yes, Livigno has dedicated beginner areas at both Carosello and Mottolino, with gentle nursery slopes and several easy blue runs for progression. The wide, uncrowded pistes and patient ski schools make it a comfortable place to learn. The only consideration is the altitude - at nearly 1,900m, the village air is thinner than lower resorts, which some beginners notice when they're working hard.

How reliable is the snow in Livigno?

Very reliable. Livigno's high altitude - from 1,816m at the base to 2,900m at the summit - means snow conditions are consistently good throughout the long season (late November to early May). The resort averages around 150 skiing days per season, and north-facing slopes hold snow well. Snowmaking covers key runs as backup, but natural snowfall is usually plentiful.

Is Livigno expensive?

Livigno's duty-free status makes it noticeably cheaper than most Alpine resorts for shopping, fuel, and alcohol. Restaurant and accommodation prices are competitive with other Italian resorts and generally lower than France or Switzerland. Lift passes represent fair value for the terrain on offer, and the overall cost of a Livigno ski holiday tends to be moderate compared to premium destinations.

What is the best area of Livigno to stay in?

Central San Antonio and San Rocco give you the best balance of convenience - walking distance to both main lifts, plenty of restaurants and shops, and good bus connections if you need them. For quieter accommodation with easier on-slope access, Trepalle is worth considering. Wherever you stay, the free ski bus makes getting around straightforward.

Is Livigno good for intermediate skiers?

Livigno is excellent for intermediates. The majority of the 115 km of pistes are red and blue runs - perfect for building confidence and logging miles. Both ski areas have plenty of terrain to explore without repeating yourself, and the uncrowded slopes mean you can ski at your own pace. Confident intermediates will also find some accessible blacks to test themselves on.

Are there queues at the lifts in Livigno?

Generally no. Livigno's lift system is efficient and the resort doesn't suffer from the crowds that plague some more famous destinations. The main gondolas can have short queues at peak times during busy weeks, but they move quickly. Getting to the slopes early or skiing during lunch helps you avoid even minor waits.

Is Livigno good for snowboarders?

Livigno is one of Europe's best destinations for snowboarders. The Mottolino snow park is world-class, hosting major competitions and offering features for all abilities. The Burton Learn to Ride programme provides specialist instruction. The terrain suits boarding, the vibe is board-friendly, and duty-free prices mean cheaper gear shopping. If freestyle is your focus, Livigno is hard to beat.

How long does it take to get to Livigno from the airport?

Transfer times vary depending on your airport and traffic conditions. Livigno's mountain location means longer transfers than some resorts - expect the journey to take a few hours from most regional airports. The route through the mountains is scenic, and the remoteness is part of what keeps Livigno uncrowded and snow-sure. Add a transfer to your WeSki Livigno ski holiday package for a stress-free journey.

Explore other resorts in Italy

Courmayeur - Sestriere - Sauze D'Oulx - Pinzolo - Cervinia - Cortina d'Ampezzo - Val Gardena - Campitello di Fassa - Madonna di Campiglio - Canazei - Ortisei - Val di Fiemme - La Thuile - Kronplatz - Alta Badia - Pila - San Martino di Castrozza - Bardonecchia - Passo Tonale