Italy — Dolomites & Alps

Italy offers some of Europe's most dramatic and distinctive ski experiences — from the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites with their extraordinary pink-tinged limestone formations to the connected valley skiing of the Aosta Valley and the duty-free alpine town of Livigno.

The Dolomites: A World Apart

The Dolomites represent the most distinctive ski landscape in the Alps. The sharp, vertical rock towers that rise above the ski terrain create a backdrop unlike anywhere else in Europe. The Sella Ronda — a circuit of four connected valleys (Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, and Arabba/Marmolada) — offers one of the great ski touring experiences in the world, traversable in either direction across 40km of connected lifts and piste.

Cortina d'Ampezzo: Italy's most glamorous ski resort returns to the international spotlight as host of the Alpine events in the 2026 Winter Olympics (along with Milano). The resort's exceptional Olympic heritage, dramatic Dolomite scenery, and sophisticated village character make it one of Europe's great ski destinations. The 2026 Olympics will see the resort's infrastructure upgraded to international competition standard.

Livigno: Italy's duty-free alpine resort sits high in the Alps near the Swiss border, offering exceptional snow reliability due to its high altitude (1,816m base) and continental climate. Duty-free status makes Livigno noticeably more affordable than comparable Italian resorts for accommodation, food, and ski equipment.

Alta Badia: The heart of Ladin culture in the Dolomites, Alta Badia offers a unique combination of excellent skiing, extraordinary mountain restaurants (among Europe's best), and the warm hospitality of a distinct linguistic and cultural community.

Insurance for Italy

Italy has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with New Zealand. Medical treatment at Italian Alpine hospitals is charged at private rates for NZ visitors.

Mountain Rescue: Italian mountain rescue (CNSAS — Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico) is well-organised but can be costly for uninsured visitors. Helicopter rescue in the Dolomites costs approximately €2,000–€8,000 depending on complexity.

European Health Insurance Cards: EU/EEA EHIC cards are not available to New Zealanders. NZ citizens must carry comprehensive travel insurance with snow sports cover for all Italian skiing.