Introduction to Livigno Ski Resort Italy

Located high in the Italian Alps, Livigno ski resort Italy’s Sondrio province lies close to the border with Switzerland in the north of the Lombardy region. At the lofty elevation of 1,816m (5,958 feet) above sea level, the charming village with its quaint baita architecture is considered the highest inhabited parish in Europe and has around 6,300 residents. It even uses its own dialect for local street names and maps.

There are just three roads exiting the town. The Via Forcola follows the Aqua Granda River south towards Switzerland through the Livigno Pass (Forcola di Livigno), and with an elevation of 2,315m (7,595 feet) it is only open in summer. The second route, also destined for Switzerland, runs north through the Munt La Schera tunnel and the third heads south-east through the Foscagno Pass towards Bormio, Livigno’s main neighbour.

Despite its remote situation, the Livigno Ski Resort Italy has some surprising cultural attractions. It is home to several music groups and bands including the Corpo Musicale, a folk group, the Monteneve Chorus and the Carcent Theatre Group. They all play a part in entertaining visitors in all seasons. There is also a lively Sporting Club which has produced a number of Olympic skiers along with world-class rally car driver, Gigi Galli.

History of Italy’s Livigno Ski Resort

Originally a self-sufficient farming community with a lucrative sideline in smuggling, Livigno was “discovered” as a ski resort in the 1950s. Set in a broad valley, the Alpine village boasts stunning mountain scenery, surrounded by snow-capped peaks against a clear blue sky.

The creation of the Lago di Livigno reservoir unfortunately destroyed part of the old village, but the iconic wooden chalets that remain are brimming with character and charm. The most significant buildings, besides the Town Hall and baita huts, are the local churches. The Caravaggio Church has a painting attributed to the famous 16th century painter Caravaggio, and the 16th century Saint Rocco Church was built in thanksgiving for sparing the village from the plague.

In the early 1950s, limited access to Livigno due to the snow meant that only a few winter sports enthusiasts, mainly Germans, enjoyed this winter playground. They would haul their toboggans up the slopes to ride the endless virgin slopes. By 1959, Livigno had two ski lifts. The opening of the Munt La Schera tunnel in 1965 improved access for both summer visitors and winter skiers and by then Livigno boasted six hotels.

The growing popularity of winter sports in Italy meant that by 2002, Livigno ski resort was in huge demand with 100 hotels and 32 ski lifts. Today, the long ridges provide a total of 110km of excellent ski runs, including 12 black, 37 red and 29 blue pistes plus around 30km of cross-country trails.

Getting Around Livigno

Livigno ski resort is Italy’s hidden gem, offering reliable snowfall and a good choice of slopes for all abilities served by a reliable lift system. A free bus service transports skiers to the outlying lifts along with an affordable taxi and minibus service. However, guests staying at the Hotel Alexander are in a prime location, right at the foot of the Teola Pianoni Bassi Ski Lift.

Ski Resort Amenities in Livigno Italy

The unpretentious village has its own Alpine charm with a main pedestrianised street lined with traditional bars, restaurants, supermarkets and specialist shops. Livigno has enjoyed tax advantages dating back to the 16th century, and currently enjoys a duty-free status first granted by the Austrian Empire in 1840. Although the sovereignty of Livigno has changed over the years, it has retained its coveted VAT exemption, making it a great destination for those looking for extra value, particularly when shopping for some of Italy’s luxury goods.

Due to the high altitude, Italy’s Livigno ski resort has a long season from late November through to the end of April.  It offers good quality skiing at affordable prices and is the ideal choice for families and those who enjoy après-ski socialising but do not hanker for a rowdy nightlife.

As a winter ski resort, Livigno continues to thrill snowboarders, downhill and Alpine skiers. In summer it welcomes a host of hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers who enjoy this breathtaking destination in the Italian Alps.

Summer Activities from Hotels in Livigno

While the winter months from November to April see Hotels in Livigno packed for the winter ski season, this scenic destination is prime for summer vacations too. Quieter and more serene, the “off-season” at Hotel Alexander has lower prices. Like many hotels in Livigno, it offers special summer activities at attractive rates.

Hiking and Biking in Livigno

Hotels in Livigno provide easy access to some of the 1500km of biking and hiking trails in the High Valtellina. These ancient footpaths were originally old cart trails and paths used for agriculture, access and management of the high pastures. They are now repurposed to provide scenic trails for walkers, climbers and mountain bikers.

Several nature walks explore meadows awash with Alpine flowers from June onwards amid stunning scenery with snow still highlighting the mountain peaks and valleys. Some hikes include refreshment stations, providing welcome snacks in scenic surroundings at ski lift stations and other points within easy reach of hotels in Livigno. Explore the valley, follow the River Spol down the valley or hike to some of the still Alpine lakes in the area.

Two local guidebooks are available from the Tourism Office at Via Sarock 1098/A Plaza Pacheda. The Livigno-Valdidentro Guidebook includes 62 routes with maps, length, time and level of difficulty. Guided walks are also available and more details can be found at the Tourist Office.

All the trails are clearly mapped and include informative waymarkers. The information on signs not only helps users to find their way, but also has location codes on the back that can be read back to rescue stations in the event of an emergency. 


Fishing


Fly fishing is a popular summer sport for guests staying at luxury hotels in Livigno. The River Spol feeds into the reservoir/lake in Livigno which feeds the River Inn. It eventually flows into the Danube before reaching the Black Sea.

Equipment and information about sport fishing trips can be found at Unione Pesca Sportiva on Plaza dall Schola, 425. Pick up some bait and a few tips from local fishing enthusiasts for a day of peaceful river or lake fishing near Livigno. 

Water Slides and Fitness at Aquagranda


Aquagranda is open year-round and provides an excellent open-air space for watersports and relaxation as well as a gym, pool and spa. Located on Via Rasia in south Livigno, this fun centre covers 10,000 square metres and is the second highest fitness facility in the world after Mexico City. It is divided into different zones such as:

•     Slide & Fun (pool with water slides, castle, whirlpool and jets)
•     Wellness&Relax (spa facilities, tanning beds and massages)
•     Fitness & Pool (fully equippedgym and pool with yoga and swimming classes)
•     Health and Beauty (doctors and health professionals)

Whether you want to improve fitness with high-altitude training or enjoy a family fun day out, Aquagranda has everything you need to complement the beautiful pool, Turkish bath, spa and gym at Hotel Alexander. 


Kayaking and Boating on Livigno Lake


Livigno Lake is within walking distance of most hotels in Livigno including the Charme Hotel Alexander. Stroll through the woods to reach this scenic lake which is partly in Stelvio National Park. Swim out to the floating raft, explore the surrounding in a pedalo, man the oars in a rowing boat or rent kayaks by the hour, half-day or day and enjoy a gentle paddle at one with nature. Stand-up paddleboards are also available for those wanting to build upper body strength with this fun activity. 


Mushroom Picking


Mushroom picking is a fun pastime and is currently free and unrestricted outside the Stelvio National Park and the Paluaccio di Oga Nature Reserve. You need sturdy footwear and clothing suitable for hiking. A pocket knife, cleaning cloth and a wicker basket or ventilated container is required to transport your precious mushrooms home. Avoid plastic bags and other material that may cause the mushrooms to sweat as this triggers fermentation and can make even edible mushrooms toxic and unsafe to eat. 

Once you have identified an edible mushroom, pull it from the soil including its full root and wipe clean immediately. If in doubt, do not touch any species that may be toxic, and do not put any doubtful specimen next to edible mushrooms. 

Booking a summer break at hotels in Livigno is a great way to experience a different side to this popular ski resort destination.

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