Sestriere

Sestriere nestles between the Susa and Chisone valleys just 17 km from the French border. It makes up part of the milky way ( Via Lattea ) ski area in Italy home of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Originally built by the owers of the Fiat car company in 1934, it is one of the earliest purpose built ski centres. Sestriere ski holidays give visitors access to 400 km of pisted ski runs which consist of 7 green, 118 red, 54 blue, and 42 black runs all serviced by 92 lifts which have the capacity to uplift 70,900 people per hour. As the numbers suggest, Sestriere is best suited to beginners and intermediates although experts have the opportunity of experiencing the thrill of the World Cup giant slalom run which is a steep run starting at a height of 2600 metres. Heli-skiing is another option which they may be tempted to try at this resort.

There are 10 kms of trails available for cross country lovers. Snowboarders are made welcome at Sestriere and there is a snowpark for their use. They also have access to skiing on all slopes and many of the ski school instructors are qualified to teach "boarding".

About the town

There are many bars and restaurants serving traditional Italian food. Visitors must try the tempting pastries with flavours such as anise, chocolate, almond, liquorice and fresh cream all served with a delicious cup of Italian coffee. For a fun evening, Dreamers Bar often has live music and karaoke and the Brahms Pub has a great range of Irish beers to choose from. In addition there are piano bars and the Tabatha discotheque.

If you are looking for good Sestriere hotels then the Grand Hotel is smack bang in the centre of the town and just 2 minutes walk to the ski lifts. Families looking for self catering accommodation might like to take advantage of the Olympic Village Apartments which were built specifically for the 2006 Winter Games. The shopping is great, although expensive, and includes up market boutiques and a variety of speciality shops selling a varity of arts and crafts and local produce.