The Via Lattea: A Snow-Covered Wonderland Across Italy and France
The Via Lattea is considered a true paradise for skiers, thanks to some 400 km of slopes and 92 ski lifts that offer, straddling Piedmont and France, various tracks of varying levels of difficulty. From the Olympic downhill slope to the numerous school slopes suitable for children and beginners, this ski area caters to everyone.
There are six localities that are part of the district, although it is certainly Sestriere that holds the record for notoriety as well as for the undisputed centrality of its trails, which also reach their peak in height with the Monte Motta lifts. Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere, and the French Montgenèvre complete the panorama.
An Olympic Legacy
There is no doubt that the Via Lattea district received a strong impulse with the 2006 Olympic Games in Turin, which used most of the area’s facilities for skiing and bobsleigh competitions, utilizing about 120 km of slopes with an artificial snow system.
Given the vastness of the district, the kilometres of slopes require time to explore. It is therefore advisable to concentrate on one location per day, in order to calmly explore the multiple possibilities that each site has to offer skiers and snowboarders.
Sestriere: The Heart of the District
The heart of the district is, as mentioned, the resort of Sestriere, built near the pass of the same name, also thanks to the contribution of Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat. Agnelli saw the tourist and skiing potential of this place as early as the 1930s, financing the construction of two hotels (also called ‘the towers’) and the first ski lifts.
Since then, the number of lifts and accommodation facilities has expanded significantly, and now Sestriere offers many opportunities for those who want to spend a beautiful and active white week in the snow.
- Altitude: 2,035 meters
- Peaks: Fraiteve (2,701 m), Mount Sises (2,658 m), Mount Motta (2,850 m), and Punta Rognosa (3,280 m)
- Residential areas: Champlas Janvier, Champlas du Col, Sestriere Colle, and Sestriere Borgata
Night Skiing and Snowparks
Sestriere is famous for creating one of the first night skiing slopes: the Giovanni Alberto Agnelli illuminated slope, equipped with a modern and efficient artificial lighting system. This slope hosts World Cup slalom races and offers an exhilarating night skiing experience.
For snowboard enthusiasts, the Double Black Park is a must-visit. Located at an altitude of 2,400 meters, this 80,000 square meter snowpark offers features for both beginners and advanced riders. It is easily accessible from Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, and Sansicario.
Must-Ski Slopes
Among the 146 pistes in the district, some famous ones include:
- Banchetta
- Fraiteve
- Sises
How to Get to the Via Lattea
- From Turin: Take the A32 Val di Susa motorway towards Bardonecchia, exit at Oulx, and follow the SS24 to Cesana.
- From Pinerolo: Drive along the SR23 through Villar Perosa and Pragelato. From here, you can take a lift to Sestriere or continue by car to Borgata Sestriere.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Principi di Piemonte (Sestriere): A luxury hotel offering spa services and breathtaking views.
- Residence Alouette (Sauze d’Oulx): Ideal for families, with self-catering apartments near the slopes.
Where to Eat
- Ristorante La Baita (Sestriere): Known for traditional Piedmontese dishes and a cozy alpine ambiance.
- L’Ortiche (Sauze d’Oulx): Offers creative takes on Italian classics, perfect for relaxing after skiing.
