Livigno, Italy. Livigno, Italy: hotels. Italy, ski resort Livigno

Few ski lovers know where Livigno (Italy) is located. The map shows that the resort is so close to Switzerland that it is difficult to determine at a glance which state it belongs to. However, Livigno is known not only among avid skiers or snowboarders. Shopaholics around the world also know this place, because by a lucky chance the villages of this skiing area are also entitled to duty-free trade. So here, among other things, you can perfectly purchase, especially alcohol and ski equipment. What other pleasures does the resort offer? How to get there? Which route should I choose? The answers to all these questions you will learn from this article.

History of the resort

The skiing zone itself is quite young, but the villages of which it consists are old. In San Antonio, Santa Maria and San Rocco has something to see - churches of the XVI century with frescoes, patriarchal houses and cobbled streets. As the name Livigno (Italy) shows, there were frequent avalanches. Disregarding the danger to life, the area was mastered by smugglers. Along with the illegal transportation of goods, they developed and distillery cattle. And since the lords favored the development of highland lands, they looked at their smugglers' smuggling antics. So it turned out that even during the reign of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, duty-free trade flourished here. And since the 70s of the last century, the ski infrastructure began to develop. Three villages as a result merged into one resort. The skiing area continues to develop unchecked. Every year new lifts, hotels and restaurants open, new routes appear.

How to get to the resort

Distance from major cities and international motorways is the only disadvantage of the ski area. The resort is 35 kilometers from Bormio and 220 kilometers from Milan Airport. From the capital of Lombardy to go by train to Tirano, and from there by bus to Livigno. You can drive to the Italian resort and from Switzerland. Therefore, many consider the starting point of Zurich airport. Especially easy is the way on your own or rented car - almost all the time on autobahns. But the pass of Forcola di Livigno (2315 m) is open only in the summer, at another time of the year the resort from Switzerland can be reached only through the tunnel of Munt Le Chaer. Only one road - through the pass Foscanyo Pass - offers Italy. The ski resort of Livigno is located just a few kilometers from the Swiss border, near the resort of Zernec.

Transport communication within the skiing area

Free buses run through the three villages forming the skiing area (green and blue routes). They connect Livigno with Bagni Vecchio and Nuovi, Val di Dentro and Pontresina. There are these beads with an enviable regularity from 7.30 am to 8 pm. In addition, holders of a six-day ski pass can take advantage of the special bus Livigno (Italy) - Engadin (Switzerland) and test their strength on the northern slopes of the Alps. The same ticket gives an opportunity to ride on the tracks in San Colombano, Santa Caterina and Bormio. But in Livigno itself there are more than a hundred kilometers of tracks for skiing. They are divided into three regions: Carosello, Motolino and Val-Federia (this latter is on the other side of the ridge).

Ski infrastructure

Livigno (Italy) is considered a young resort. But he has already caught up with such world leaders as Courchevel, Montafon, Saalbach-Hinteglemm, Val d'Isere and Madonna di Campiglio. The popularity of this place is largely promoted by duty-free trade, which puts this Italian resort on a par with Andorra. In 2012, Livigno was awarded the "World Snow Award" and received the prestigious title "Best holiday destination in Europe". Every year in December, there is an international cross-country ski marathon Sqambeda, because Livigno has more than 60 kilometers of tracks for this kind of sport. It is clear that the rest of the infrastructure - hotels, restaurants, skating schools, après-ski entertainment - is at the highest level. There is something to do here and snowboarders, climbers, lovers of riding dog sleds. Not far from Livigno there is a beautiful lake.

Trails and lifts

The skiing area is divided by the foot of the valley into two parts - Carosello and Motolino. Their height is approximately equal to about 2800 meters. On both slopes there are predominant routes of medium difficulty, but on Carosello there are more opportunities for beginners in skiers. But the aces can show the class behind the crest of the ridge in Val di Federia and descend to Trepalla. In Motolino, ski lifts take visitors to the top of the Monte della Neva, from where the red and black routes begin. In Carosello there is also no shortage of difficult descents. As for freeride, because of the avalanche danger this kind of entertainment without a guide is prohibited. Violators face a fine of up to 500 Є. For snowboarders there are many interesting descents in Livigno (Italy). Reviews speak of two half-pipes, a border-park and a boarder race track that operate in Motolino. In Fontane-Vetta operates a fan park. As for the lifts and cable cars, they are in the skiing area enough to ensure that no queues are created even in the high season.

When it is better to come to Livigno (Italy)

In this part of Lombardy it is always good to rest. No wonder this place belongs to the region "Milan and Lakes". In summer there is a whiff of the Mediterranean climate. From May to September, the daily temperature does not fall below the mark at +24 ^o C. In April and October, it is also warm - +18 ^o C. But if you are interested in skiing and snow slopes, then you better visit the resort in the period from November to May . And even in the winter months do not forget the sunblock. On the Italian slopes of the Alps it is sunny, the temperature during the day is always about +5 ... + 9 ^o C. High zonality provides abundant snow cover even in the warmest winters.

Livigno (Italy): hotels and apartments

Three ancient villages quickly reoriented, shook off a raid of provincial boredom and began to take lovers of mountain skiing in accordance with all EU standards. However, there are many small family hotel owners, where the hostess personally bakes croissants for breakfast. Italy is known as a country of very expensive hotels. However, this rule does not apply to Livigno. Here apartments can be found at a price of 350 Є per week. Of the eighty hotels, about fifty have on their sign three stars, but there are seventeen of the higher category. Among them, you can recommend Intermonti 4 * and Posta 4 *. But judging by the reviews, vacationers prefer to stay in numerous apartments, cottages and chalets.

Schools of skiing and fun après-ski

The main attraction of this place is the fabulously beautiful nature of Livigno (Italy). Pictures of mountain peaks, valleys, small villages and ancient stone churches are asked for pages of posters and calendars. For those who are tired of skiing, the local bureau offers walking tours, horseback riding and dog sledding. The resort has an indoor swimming pool and baths, where you can instantly take off the fatigue with the feet chained to the mountain boots. With the advent of April time, 130 restaurants, about a hundred bars, five pubs, two night clubs open their doors hospitably. And this is not counting catering establishments at hotels and pizzerias, which are not numbers. Perfectly prepared in Camana Veglia, Bellavista, vintage drinks will be served at Galli's Pub. A local drink is Bombardino - brandy, egg liqueur and whipped cream.