Best logistically easy Ski Resort in Italy (from IAD)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:is everyone bring their own equipment or renting there?

We’ve done both. If we are going just to ski we bring equipment. If we are combining it with other activities we just bring boots and helmets. We did a cortina/Venice combo and dragging skis through Venice would have been very difficult! I use a boot/helmet backpack which I can also stuff with most of my ski clothes. Then I can bring a much smaller suitcase.

[Anonymous]

Our family is evenly divided between 2 full days in Geneva or Milan after skiing for 5 days. What's your vote or big things to consider between the two? (From what I read, Geneva Christmas markets will be closed by the time we would get there)

[Anonymous]

I’m the poster who has done this multiple times and I don’t recommend renting a car from Geneva (or Milan) unless you’re only going to be in the ski area for a couple of days. You don’t need a car while you’re at the ski resort because everything is walkable, and it could be difficult to drive up the mountain in bad weather. There are lots of companies providing transport to the resorts from the major airports (I’ve used Alps2Alps as well as others and your hotel might also offer to arrange).
As regards Cervinia or Cortina - both would be great. Cortina is a more charming town. Cervinia is more snow-sure.
As to whether to stay in Milan or Geneva afterwards, I’d pick Milan but I think Geneva is pretty boring! Milan also much cheaper, if that is a factor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m the poster who has done this multiple times and I don’t recommend renting a car from Geneva (or Milan) unless you’re only going to be in the ski area for a couple of days. You don’t need a car while you’re at the ski resort because everything is walkable, and it could be difficult to drive up the mountain in bad weather. There are lots of companies providing transport to the resorts from the major airports (I’ve used Alps2Alps as well as others and your hotel might also offer to arrange).
As regards Cervinia or Cortina - both would be great. Cortina is a more charming town. Cervinia is more snow-sure.
As to whether to stay in Milan or Geneva afterwards, I’d pick Milan but I think Geneva is pretty boring! Milan also much cheaper, if that is a factor.

great summary. thanks

[Anonymous]

We did Cervinia last year and it was awesome (arrived Milan, departed Geneva).
Re-upping this thread because I cannot seem to find a similar place to go this year. We had a great alpiney/lodgey inn with 1/2 board in Cervinia with decent size triple/quad rooms (6 adult-size people total). Can't seem to find similar/better lodging at other resorts. Or a great resort(s) to focus on.
Our preference is for Italy (because food) but willing to look into France or Switzerland. But seeing much more individual chalets, which are beautiful, but we don't want to be cooking for a ski vacation.
Need within 2 hours (up to 3 hours) from airports Geneva, Milan, Venice, Zurich (or any United destination).

[Anonymous]

W in Verbier is great.

[Anonymous]

Fly direct into Geneva. Drive from Geneva for about an hour, go through Mont Blanc tunnel - Courmayeur is the first resort you will reach. It’s small and expensive and good advanced skiing but not good for beginners. Carry on driving and you can get to Cervinia, Champoluc or La Thuile within another hour or so. Lots of other smaller resorts around there too but these three are the biggest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did Cervinia last year and it was awesome (arrived Milan, departed Geneva).
Re-upping this thread because I cannot seem to find a similar place to go this year. We had a great alpiney/lodgey inn with 1/2 board in Cervinia with decent size triple/quad rooms (6 adult-size people total). Can't seem to find similar/better lodging at other resorts. Or a great resort(s) to focus on.
Our preference is for Italy (because food) but willing to look into France or Switzerland. But seeing much more individual chalets, which are beautiful, but we don't want to be cooking for a ski vacation.
Need within 2 hours (up to 3 hours) from airports Geneva, Milan, Venice, Zurich (or any United destination).

Try Champoluc. It’s much less busy than Cervinia and a bit more rustic, but has miles and miles of skiing as it is 3 connected valleys. It is the next valley along from Cervinia (and they are actually building a lift to connect them in the next few years) but is very different.
Another Italian option is La Thuile (linked to French resort La Rosiere so you can ski into France), it has a hotel/apartment complex called Planibel which has various board options I think.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whoever flies direct to Naples. That’s closest to the best Italian resorts. Otherwise fly to Venice.

You’ll need to rent a car.

Did you mean to say Milan?

[Anonymous]

We had a shuttle from Geneva to Cervinia last year and it was 3 hours.

A pp mentioned a "more rustic" ski location -- I'm curious in what way because I'd describe Cervinia as fairly rustic. Just the basics in terms of lodging and town (but loved the half board!). The skiing was great for us.

[Anonymous]

Fly to Geneva, drive one hour to Chamonix, and you can ski France, Switzerland, and Italy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fly to Geneva, drive one hour to Chamonix, and you can ski France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Any recommendations for places to stay in Chamonix?

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for an excuse to get to Venice. I assume there's decent skiing within 2 hrs or so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whoever flies direct to Naples. That’s closest to the best Italian resorts. Otherwise fly to Venice.

You’ll need to rent a car.

ok, chatgpt

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking for an excuse to get to Venice. I assume there's decent skiing within 2 hrs or so.

Venice is awful now.