Purpose built as a ski resort by the Fiat car company in the 1930s, Sestriere is an alpine village located in the north-west corner of Italy, right on the French-Italian border. Nestled high up at an altitude of 2,000m, Sestriere is one of the most prestigious resorts in Italy. It is a shining star in the region’s Via Lattea string of resorts, more commonly known by the nickname ‘Milky Way’. The resort’s sporting heritage is also truly world-class, as it has hosted not only two ski world championships, but also an Olympic Winter Games, in 2006. It also regularly plays host to World Cup ski events.
Living in Sestriere and Things To Do
Since hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006, Sestriere has been completely modernised with a series of high-speed ski lifts and other first-class facilities. Its unique selling point is the unparalleled amount of choice you have as a skier or snowboarder. The resort provides an awe-inspiring 146 pistes which together total almost 400km of runs. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an off-piste animal, there really is something for everyone. The pistes are divided between two north-west facing peaks. A modern gondola provides fast access out of Sestriere into the rest of the Milky Way system. For the avid winter sports fan, this is a galaxy of delights. There is even the chance to try night skiing on the Olympic Kandahar piste - you can follow in the path of Italian ski legend Alberto ‘La Bomba’ Tomba, who won the first ever night slalom race in Sestriere, in 1994.
Sestriere isn’t only a winter resort. In summer, there are many things to do in Sestriere. You can play golf on Europe’s highest 18-hole course, the Via Lattea Golf Course, situated at a breath-taking 2,035m. Or you might fancy taking to two wheels for a faster-paced pursuit. In the last decade there has been a significant increase in the number of mountain bikers hurtling down the slopes in summertime. Sestriere is a member of the Alpi Bike Resort system (open from June to September), and is carving itself a reputation as a world-class destination for mountain biking. The resort also features regularly in the annual Giro d’Italia cycling road race, making it a popular destination for cycling fans who want to test themselves on the same slopes as their heroes.
Snow and Weather Report for Sestriere
Sestriere’s relatively high altitude means it is often blessed with excellent snow conditions. The most recent snow report shows that in 2017, Sestriere experienced a total snowfall of 465cm, with a maximum base depth of 120cm and a maximum summit depth of 250cm. The average snow base depth was a healthy 58cm, with an average summit depth of 164cm. Sestriere enjoyed 16 snow days in total and the biggest snowfall was 100cm. The resort also has approximately 90 snow cannons at its disposal, covering more than 60% of slopes, to ensure excellent snow coverage, regardless of the weather conditions. For the latest snow report in Sestriere, check out our resort information page here.
As for the general weather, Sestriere is naturally more wintry than alpine resorts located at a lower altitude. The village reports average monthly temperatures ranging between -4°C (January) and 12°C (July). An up-to-the-minute weather report for Sestriere can also be found in our resort guide here.
Investment Potential in Sestriere
Sestriere has fantastic investment potential thanks mainly to its unsurpassed range of skiing and snowboarding. You could spend half a season here and never have to ski the same run twice - this is a major selling point if you are thinking of buying a property in Sestriere. It is also the best (and highest) base from which to explore the 400km of Milky Way runs. The village itself is well-maintained, with a more modern style of architecture than many typical alpine resorts. This architecture, very much in fashion right now, is typified by the resort’s famous twin hotel towers, built in 1934 by then-Fiat boss Giovanni Agnelli as a retreat for his company’s workers based in Turin.
The village offers a superb choice of more than 40 bars and restaurants, including some of the best pizza places in all of the Alps, plus a local cinema. The nearest school is only 1.5km away. The resort’s location is also a real selling point, particularly for those who like to travel in Europe, thanks to its close ties to both France and Italy.
Transport to Sestriere
The nearest international airport is Turin (approximately 90km away), from which you can drive in around an hour-and-a-half. Public transport is also an option - a bus transfer should take no more than two hours, depending on conditions. Please note that due to its high altitude, there is no direct train route to Sestriere. You would have to get the train to Oulx and then take a taxi or bus.
Jan 02, 2024
