The soul of The Via Lattea is in its motto - ‘Ski without borders or boundaries’. There are 6 linked resorts that span from Italy into France, making it the fourth biggest ski resort in world. Even more impressive, is its history and meaning as one of Italys oldest and prominent ski areas. But what makes it really special, is how it’s remained untouched, uncrowded and unbelievably good.

The Via Lattea is approximately 90km from Turin and is comprised of the following resorts:  Sestriere, Pragelato, Sauze D’Oulx, Sansicario, Claviere as well as the french resort of Montgenèvre.  They all started as little mountain towns in the early 1900’s and slowly grew as more people from neighbouring towns and cities pursued their love for skiing.

The ski resort of Sestriere was built in the 1930’s by the Agnelli family, the owners of the Fiat car empire . After the end of the Second World War, with a growth in industrial and economic development, sport became a bigger part of peoples lives and skiing thrived in the valley ski towns. Since then, the Via Lattea has been one of the most fashionable ski resorts in Italy.

The Via Lattea is also one of the few locations to have held the most Ski World Cups in history. Since 1967, it has hosted 61 Ski World Cups, the Ski World Championships in 1997, the Ski World Cup Finals in 2004 and the Olympic Winter Games in 2006. 

It’s easy to say that people of Via Lattea live and love to ski.  Thanks to its location in the Alps, it has regular snow falls during the winter months, snowing mostly at night and shining sun during the day.  There is also extensive artificial snowmaking, which helps in giving slopes amazing snow conditions throughout the winter.

It’s Italian heritage is felt in the small details - from the delicious food, incredible wines, the afternoon drinks in the sun, the hospitality of individuals, moon lit snow mobile descents after mountain chalet dinners, the coffee drinking and that ‘kiss on each cheek’ greeting you get from friends and strangers alike.  That, coupled with the amazing mountains and skiing conditions make it one of the most remarkable ski areas in the world.

Another very easy option is to travel by train as most airports will have either a train or metro station that will link you to Oulx ( Cesana - Claviere - Sestriere) train station.
Oulx train station is conveniently located a short 10-30 minute drive from the ski lifts and there are daily direct services to Torino, Milan, Chambèry, Lyon and Paris.

Driving to and from these resorts can be great if you own a car or want to rent one. From Turin or Milan just follow the A4/A32 highway to Oulx, from there just follow the signs of the individual resorts. From Lyon or Geneva follow the A43 towards the Frejus Tunnel, where you continue until you exit the highway in Oulx.