Sestriere resort guide - a general overview
Built in 1934 by the founder of Fiat, Giovanni Agnelli, Sestriere was Europe's first officially purpose-built ski resort. Agnelli chose a good spot - located high up at 2,035m altitude at the base of Mt Sises the pistes of Sestriere ensure good snow coverage on the north-west facing slopes and some steep terrain for experts. It also provides easy access to the rest of the Milky Way Ski area with links by lift to Pragelato, Sauze d'Oulx and Sansicario.
The heart of the town, at the base of the ski area, is not the most attractive resort in the Alps, however, it functions well. A network of small piazzas provides a good selection of restaurants for all budgets. There is a choice of lively bars and a fun market in Piazza Agnelli on Tuesdays.
Thanks to its altitude and good snow-making facilities, the snow in Sestriere is more reliable than in other Italian Milky Way resorts and there's more challenging skiing to be found here as well.
Thanks to its affordable accommodation and the fact that children up to the age of eight ski free in Sestriere, it is a popular resort with young families.
Resort stats
400km
2,035m - 2,825m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Turin
- 1hr 30mins
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive ski area part of the vast Milky way network
- High altitude skiing so reliable snow
- Skiing for all levels
- Affordable accommodation
Cons
- Rather purpose built so lacks alpine charm
- Can get crowded at weekends with skiers coming from Turin
- Quiet apres-ski during the week
Restaurants
Sestriere Resort Restaurants
If you fancied leaving your hotel one night to sample some different cuisine, there are plenty of restaurants in Sestriere. The Antica Spelonca in Borgata is a rustic option and serves good quality local dishes. Other restaurants to try in the resort are - Pinky, Last Tango and Ritrovo. Lo Scitolo is the place to head for great pizza!
Sestriere Mountain Restaurants
A good alternative to going back to your hotel for lunch, the woody Raddio di Sole at Anfiteatro offers good quality local food along with live music. Il Capret at Borgata at the bottom of the valley is very popular with skiers and has friendly staff and reasonably prices.
Sestriere Apres Ski
La Gargotte Fashion Café, ski-in at the bottom of the pistes in Sestriere, bop 'til you drop to a mix of the latest hits, the classics and some questionable eurotrash. Raggio di Sole, a more laid-back vibe than Les Gargottes, and less crowded, but the kind of place it is all too easy to settle into, and the wine and beer just keeps on coming and often you'll catch a live band al fresco. For a more exhilarating last run down to Sestriere, make your pit stop at Tana delle Volpe - at 2,555m, that leaves you with 1,000m of vertical drop to ski. The staff are very friendly and it won't be heaving. The spectacular views and amazing board of charcuterie make it well worthwhile! QB - right by the bottom of the slopes in Sestriere, QB has a great vibe, a great wine list, good beers, and the type of apperitivo (little plates of nibbles) spread that will ruin your appetite for dinner! Barabba is in the middle of Sestriere town (about 5 minutes' walk from the slopes); a bit more sophisticated, with great apperitivi and a truly bewildering array of grappas.
Sestriere Nightlife
Tabata disco is the place to head after dinner in your hotel in Sestriere. Brahms and the Pub Black Pepper are also lively.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
