Italy's Most Beautiful Mountain Villages in the Snow

When snow covers slate rooftops, turns cobbled streets into fairy-tale corridors and wraps bell towers in soft white cloaks, Italy’s mountain villages reach their most spectacular. You don’t need to ski to enjoy them: a walk, a good meal and a breathtaking view are all you need.

The Alps: Grande Bellezza Under Snow

Bormio (Lombardy)

The medieval heart of Bormio is a UNESCO-worthy gem: stone arches, frescoed facades and narrow alleyways that have remained unchanged for centuries. In winter, with thermal baths steaming in the cold air and the Stelvio run serving as Olympic backdrop, Bormio is perhaps the most complete mountain town in Italy.

Must do: evening stroll through the old town, followed by dinner with Valtellina bresaola and pizzoccheri.

Ortisei (South Tyrol)

The capital of Val Gardena is also one of the world’s great woodcarving centres. Hundreds of workshops produce intricate sculptures in cembro pine, a tradition that goes back centuries. At Christmas and throughout winter, the village glows with warm light and the smell of fresh-baked strudel.

Must do: visit one of the woodcarving workshops and take a night snowshoe walk.

Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto)

The Queen of the Dolomites needs no introduction, but it is worth noting that Cortina in winter is as much a cultural destination as a ski resort. The Corso Italia pedestrian street, the neo-Gothic church, the Rinaldo Zardini Palaeontological Museum and the excellent restaurants make it compelling even on a rest day from skiing.

Asiago (Veneto)

The high Asiago plateau is one of the most underrated winter destinations in northern Italy. The village itself, rebuilt after the First World War destruction, has a melancholic beauty enhanced by snow. The surrounding woodland is perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Sauze d’Oulx (Piedmont)

Part of the Via Lattea circuit, Sauze preserves a genuinely Occitan character unusual for an international ski resort. The old village above the modern resort has stone houses, a Romanesque church and great views over the Susa Valley.

The Dolomites: Villages with Views

Arabba (Veneto)

Tiny Arabba, at the foot of the Marmolada glacier, is one of the most authentic villages in the Dolomites. The views of the Sella massif from the main square are among the finest in the Alps.

San Cassiano (South Tyrol)

Famous for its three-Michelin-star restaurant but also a genuinely beautiful village with traditional Ladin architecture. The quiet lanes and the Church of Saint Cassian are worth visiting in their own right.

Canazei (Trentino)

The main village of Val di Fassa combines access to Sella Ronda skiing with a charming Ladin character. The evening stroll along the main street, with views of the Marmolada, is unforgettable in winter light.

The Apennines: Surprise Winter Villages

Scanno (Abruzzo)

Scanno is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy at any time of year, but in winter with snow it becomes something extraordinary. The medieval lanes, the heart-shaped lake visible from above and the traditional women’s costumes make it unique.

Pescocostanzo (Abruzzo)

A perfectly preserved medieval village near Campo Felice ski resort. The lacework tradition, the town square with its Renaissance loggia and the stone houses create a scene that seems untouched by time.

Fiumalbo (Emilia-Romagna)

Gateway to the Cimone ski area, Fiumalbo is a charming Apennine village with a well-preserved medieval centre and a strong local food tradition including tigelle and crescentine.

Planning Your Village Visit

Mountain villages are most atmospheric in the early morning (before the crowds) and in the evening. For the best experience:

Avoid the ski rush hours (9-10am and 3-5pm when skiers are on the slopes)
Book dinner in advance at popular local restaurants
Many villages have free parking a short walk from the centre
Check for local winter events: Christmas markets, torchlight parades and traditional festivals add an extra dimension