Cervinia is the best late season resort in Italy. Its skiing rises to the Plateau Rosa glacier above 3,400 m, the highest lift served terrain in the country, so it holds reliable snow into late spring long after lower resorts have closed. Livigno and Santa Caterina back it up with cold, high altitude pistes, while the high Dolomites of Selva and the snowmaking heavy slopes of Madonna di Campiglio keep spring skiing good well into April. For a late season trip, altitude is everything, and these are the Italian resorts that have it.
By the Ski Resorts for Kings editorial team · Last reviewed May 2026
Number one because nothing in Italy matches its altitude. The skiing climbs to the Plateau Rosa glacier above 3,400 m, the highest lift served snow in the country, linked over to Zermatt, which keeps pistes reliable into late spring when most resorts are bare. The terrain is wide, sunny and gentle, ideal for soaking up spring sunshine on guaranteed snow. For a late season trip where snow security matters most, this is the clear pick.
A high, cold valley near the Swiss border that sits at altitude throughout, with a base near 1,800 m and slopes climbing well above, so the snow stays dry and reliable later than most. Add the duty free prices and the lively bar scene and it is a strong all rounder for a spring trip. The pick when you want late snow with energy and value rather than a quiet glacier.
A quiet, high Valtellina resort with cold, north facing slopes that hold snow well into the spring, beneath the giant Stelvio massif. The terrain is uncrowded and genuinely good, and the lack of crowds is a real bonus late in the season. The connoisseur's pick for snow sure spring skiing without the resort noise.
The high Dolomites combine respectable altitude with some of the best snowmaking in the world, which keeps the famous Sellaronda circuit skiing well into April most years. The scenery in spring sunshine is unbeatable and the linked terrain is vast. The pick for a big mileage spring trip with spectacular views and dependable groomed snow.
A high, stylish Dolomiti di Brenta resort with excellent snowmaking and well groomed pistes that stay in good shape late in the season. The chic town and smart dining make it a comfortable spring base. Choose it for reliable late snow paired with a polished, grown up resort rather than a glacier.
A high, purpose built Milky Way resort at altitude that keeps its extensive terrain skiing through the spring, with snow sure pistes and a sociable weekend crowd. Built for the 2006 Olympics, the area is broad and reliable. The pick for late season mileage and a lively base at honest prices.
A high Valtellina town with a serious World Cup descent and the towering Stelvio nearby, holding good snow late while offering thermal baths to ease tired legs. The skiing is steep and rewarding for confident skiers. A distinctive spring pick that pairs snow sure altitude with hot springs and history.
A high Mont Blanc resort with north facing terrain and serious altitude on the massif above, which keeps spring snow in good condition, plus the option of legendary off piste descents for the well guided. The town is charming and the dining superb. The pick for a stylish spring base with big mountain options.
A quiet, high resort near the Swiss border with cold slopes and the famous Canalone steep run, holding snow well into the spring away from the crowds. It is small but characterful and snowy. The contrarian pick for confident skiers who want late snow and solitude over size.
The glamorous Dolomites grande dame combines high pistes, excellent snowmaking and dazzling spring scenery, holding groomed snow late while offering the best town atmosphere on this list. The skiing is gentle and the setting unforgettable. The pick for a spring trip that prizes style, scenery and dining alongside dependable snow.
| Rank | Resort | Why it lasts | Watch out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cervinia | Glacier above 3,400 m, highest in Italy | Gentle, can be windy up top |
| 2 | Livigno | High, cold valley, dry snow late | Remote, long transfer |
| 3 | Santa Caterina | Cold north facing slopes, quiet | Small area |
| 4 | Selva Val Gardena | High Dolomites, top snowmaking | Sun softens lower runs |
| 5 | Madonna di Campiglio | Strong snowmaking, well groomed | Pricey, not a glacier |
| 6 | Sestriere | High Milky Way, snow sure | Purpose built, less charm |
| 7 | Bormio | High Valtellina, Stelvio nearby | Steep, less for beginners |
| 8 | Courmayeur | Mont Blanc altitude, north faces | Limited piste mileage |
| 9 | Madesimo | High, cold, uncrowded | Small, best for confident skiers |
| 10 | Cortina d'Ampezzo | High pistes, snowmaking, scenery | Gentle, expensive |
Late season skiing lives and dies on altitude, so let height be your first filter. The only true snow guarantee in Italy is a glacier, which is why Cervinia and its Plateau Rosa sit at the top, skiing reliably into late spring when valley resorts have long closed. After that, look for high valleys and cold, north facing slopes like Livigno and Santa Caterina, which hold dry snow far better than sunny lower terrain.
Understand how spring snow behaves and plan your days around it. South facing pistes turn to lovely corn snow in the morning and slush by afternoon, so start early and chase the shade as the day warms. The high Dolomites resorts like Selva and Madonna di Campiglio rely on world class snowmaking rather than pure altitude, which keeps groomed runs excellent but means the magic happens on the pistes, not off them, late in the year.
Match the base to what else you want from a spring trip. Cervinia is the snow safe choice, Livigno and Sestriere add value and energy, Bormio offers thermal baths for tired legs, and Cortina brings glamour and scenery. For the wider picture, see our Europe late season ranking and the broader late season in the Alps, consider an early trip instead via apres ski in Italy, and plan from the Italy destination guide.
Lift passes, transfers, lessons and hire all cost less booked ahead. Spring trips can be excellent value, so lock in early.
Compare lift passesBook a transferFind lessonsReserve ski hireTravel insuranceCervinia. Its skiing rises to the Plateau Rosa glacier above 3,400 m, the highest lift served terrain in Italy and linked to Zermatt, so it holds reliable snow into late spring when lower resorts have closed. For pure snow security late in the year, nothing in Italy beats it.
On the high glacier at Cervinia and the linked Zermatt side you can ski well into spring, and Cervinia's glacier area runs longer still. Most high resorts such as Livigno, Selva and Madonna di Campiglio aim to stay open into mid April in a normal year, snow permitting.
Often, yes. Outside the Easter peak, spring weeks can offer lower lodging prices, quieter slopes and long sunny days. High value resorts like Livigno and Sestriere are especially good for an affordable late season trip.
Spring snow softens through the day, turning from firm corn in the morning to slush by afternoon on sunny slopes. Start early to catch the best surface, chase north facing and shaded runs as it warms, and favor higher resorts where the snow stays cold longer.
Cortina d'Ampezzo and Selva Val Gardena. The high Dolomites in spring sunshine, with long days and dramatic peaks, are among the most beautiful places to ski anywhere, and both pair that scenery with strong snowmaking that keeps the pistes in good shape late.
It can be, especially at high resorts like Courmayeur on the Mont Blanc massif, where spring stability opens up classic descents for well guided skiers. Lower down, the off piste deteriorates as it warms, so go high, go early and ski with a guide who knows the spring snowpack.
If you want a snow safe Italian spring trip, with the high resort, the chalet or hotel, the lift pass and the transfer handled, tell us the dates and group below and we will route your brief to operators who know which Italian resorts still ski well in April.
Every brief is read by a real planner. You will hear back within two working days, in season.