Winter Tours in Italy

The combination of delicious food, spectacular scenery and a warm welcome make Italy the perfect destination all year round. However, it’s towering alpine peaks of the iconic Dolomites and Gran Paradiso National Park, provide exciting terrain for winter tours in Italy. From cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to downhill skiing, the diverse landscapes create a vast outdoor playground for winter activities.

Italy is only a short flight from the UK, and you can arrive in Turin or Innsbruck, just over the border in Austria, to get quick access to your winter destination. Winter temperatures can bring periods of fine settled weather and from Christmas through to the end of February average daytime temperatures range between +4º and -15º C in the shade. These temperatures can feel surprisingly comfortable, largely because the air is very dry, and you will often be on the move.

On winter tours in Italy, cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to explore the snowy scenery and you’ll find a large number of loipe (pre-cut skiing tracks) that wind through a beautiful winter wonderland. Because cross-country skis can be used on both flat ground and steep ascents, they’re great for exploring mountainous areas such as the Dolomites.

Whichever method of transport you choose on winter holidays in Italy, you’ll be greeted with idyllic alpine scenery and mountain views. After a day of exploring scented pine forests draped in snow and epic peaks, unwind in the sauna or outdoor hot tub and tuck into some traditional Italian dishes back at the hotel.

Italy Winter Tours

8 Days from USD 2550

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

PREMIUM: Walk in Italy's most spectacular mountain range

Winter

8 Days from USD 2400

Guided Group (Incl. Taxes)

Ski surrounded by the Italian Dolomites' jagged peaks

Winter

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Best 5 Places for Skiing in the Dolomites

Sexten Valley: Making up Italy’s iconic Dolomites, the Sexten Dolomites is a fabulous region full of history and skiing trails that snake through the South Tyrol and north-eastern Italy. Nestled between the Sexten Dolomites and the Carnian Alps is the Sexten Valley, a wildly beautiful and nature-filled area that has become synonymous with skiing and mountain climbing. Alpine meadows and ancient pine trees create a romantic backdrop while the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Three Peaks of the Dolomites, are the main focal point.

Alta Badia: Arguably one of the most well know skiing regions in Italy in the heart of the South Tyrolean Dolomite Mountains, Alta Badia is a popular destination for winter holidays in Italy. Its gentler slopes of San Cassiano and Corvara are perfect for anyone that is new to skiing but still wants to explore the stunning scenery of the Dolomites. There’s a real sense of calm in the air which provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can develop your skills. But if you’re a seasoned skier, there are 130km of well-maintained slopes to explore.

Madonna di Campiglio: Affectionately known as the Pearl of the Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is a popular location for awinter activities in Italy. Skiing was introduced to the area in the early 20^th century owing to its picturesque setting and alpine peaks that are hugged by the Dolomites and the Adamello Presanella range. With approximately 150km of slopes to explore, Campiglio is one of the largest ski areas in Italy. If you like a challenge, you can also trek along the Via Ferrate for some of the finest views in the world.

Villabassa: Enjoying a mild climate with plenty of sun and a dreamy position high up in the heart of the Dolomites, Villabassa is a much-loved destination for winter trips to Italy. This pretty spa village has become the starting point for skiing and winter walking along the Val Pusteria trail. But it’s not all about the skiing here, Villabassa also has a rich history and is home to several religious buildings such as St Anna Chapel and St Magdalene Church which houses a splendid Franz Kock organ.

San Cassiano: One of the prettiest alpine villages in the Dolomites, San Cassiano nestles at the foot of Continurines and Lavarela. In the winter months, adventure seekers travel here to ski down the famous Foram toboggan run, which stretches for over 7km from Lagazuoi. The Armentarola cross-country skiing centre also attracts the regular skiing crowd as it forms a part of the exceptional Dolomiti Nordic Ski. For some wonderful apres-ski, there’s a wide selection of restaurants and bars in the village where you can mingle with other skiers and walkers in the area.

From ancient ruins to alpine peaks, Albania swept me off my feet with its wild beauty, warm hearts, and unforgettable surprises at every turn.

Zaphna Manser Highlights of Albania

My thoughts on this trip are a bit mixed.

Pros:
Our tour guide, Veriano, was fantastic—funny, thoughtful, and incredibly knowledgeable. He was truly one of the best parts of the trip. He took great care of us and paced the itinerary well, allowing us to see and experience a lot without feeling rushed. Having him handle all the logistics in advance was a huge benefit—it allowed us to maximize our time and fully enjoy each location. One highlight was the convertible bus ride from Amalfi, which he arranged as a surprise—absolutely unforgettable! I also really enjoyed the group of fellow travelers—such kind, interesting people who added so much to the experience.

Cons:
Working with Exodus was more challenging than expected. Their process seems geared primarily toward travelers from the UK, especially when it comes to flights and logistics, so coming from elsewhere was more complicated and less cost-effective. The trip also got off to a rocky start—the initial tour leader who was supposed to meet us at the airport was 40 minutes late, and no one from Exodus or the local team contacted us. It left several of us wandering the airport, unsure of what to do. Thankfully, things improved significantly once we connected with Veriano.

I had mixed feelings about the hotel (Hotel Due Torri). There was rarely anyone at reception, which made it difficult to get assistance when needed. Meals were served in a large, hot, noisy dining room where the hotel owner’s dog frequently barked, and the breakfast staff came across as unhappy and even dismissive—at one point, a breakfast staff member made fun of one of us in Italian saying, “I guess she can’t read”. That said, there were bright spots—Salvatore and a few other team members were warm and welcoming, and the cooking demonstrations were enjoyable. Unfortunately, the food itself didn’t measure up to other meals I’ve had in Italy.

Like many travel experiences, this trip had both highlights and lowlights. Overall, I’m grateful for the opportunity and the wonderful people I met, but I’d likely consider a different travel company in the future.

Julia Lamb Highlights of the Amalfi Coast