The Milky Way the must-visit ski resort

What is the Milky Way area?

The Milky Way is one of the largest ski resorts in Europe, located between Italy and France, in the heart of the Cottian Alps. It extends in Piedmont, in the Susa Valley and Chisone Valley, and includes some of the most famous mountain resorts in Piedmont: Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana Torinese, Claviere, and, across the French border, Montgenèvre.  The name "Milky Way" evokes a poetic and powerful image: a collection of snowy slopes that shine like stars, connected by modern and panoramic lifts. It is a perfect destination for those who love snow, sports, and nature, but also for those seeking relaxation, good food, and alpine tradition.

Where is the Milky Way and how far is it from Turin?

The Milky Way area is located about 100 kilometers from Turin, in the northwest of Italy, almost at the border with France. Thanks to the A32 Turin–Bardonecchia motorway and the SS24 and SS23 state roads, the resort is easily reachable in about an hour and a half by car from the Piedmont capital.  The proximity to Turin is one of the strengths of the area: it allows many tourists to arrive even for a weekend or a short vacation, without long journeys.

How many slopes are there in the Milky Way?

The Milky Way offers over 400 kilometers of ski slopes, connected by 70 ski lifts including chairlifts, gondolas, and ski tows. The slopes are distributed across various slopes and altitudes ranging from 1,380 meters in Cesana Torinese to 2,800 meters at Monte Motta, above Sestriere.  The variety of slopes is one of the main reasons why the area is so loved: there are blue slopes for beginners, red for intermediate skiers, and black for experts, all perfectly groomed and served by modern lifts.  The resort is continuously connected: you can start in the morning from Sauze d'Oulx, pass through Sansicario, reach Sestriere, and then descend to Claviere or even Montgenèvre in France without ever taking off your skis.

What locations are part of the Milky Way?

Sestriere  It is the most famous resort and the heart of the entire area. Built in the 1930s by the Agnelli family as a modern tourist resort, today Sestriere is a symbol of Piedmontese skiing and home to important international competitions. Here you will find the highest and most panoramic slopes, the best-equipped hotels, and a lively nightlife.  Sauze d'Oulx  Known as "the balcony of the Alps," it is famous for its slopes among the woods and for its welcoming atmosphere. It is very popular among young people and foreigners, especially the English, who choose it for its combination of sports and fun.  Sansicario  A quiet and modern resort, ideal for families. The slopes of Sansicario wind through woods and open landscapes with views of Monte Chaberton. Here you will find slopes suitable for all levels and state-of-the-art facilities.  Cesana Torinese  It is the geographical heart of the Milky Way and the connecting point between the Susa and Chisone valleys. It offers an authentic mountain atmosphere, with stone houses, ancient alleys, and plenty of tranquility. It is perfect for those who want a relaxed stay but close to everything.  Claviere  It is one of the oldest towns in the valley and is located right on the border with France. Its slopes connect Italy directly to Montgenèvre, offering the opportunity to ski in two countries in the same day.  Montgenèvre (France)  Located at 1,850 meters, Montgenèvre is the French gateway to the Milky Way. Its sunny slopes and picturesque village attract skiers from all over Europe. Here you can breathe an international atmosphere, with a perfect mix of French hospitality and alpine style.

Why is the Milky Way famous worldwide?

The fame of the Milky Way is due to several factors. First of all, it is one of the largest connected resorts in Europe, and its variety of slopes allows it to satisfy any type of skier. Moreover, the area became famous thanks to the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, which took place right on these mountains. Sestriere and Sansicario hosted the alpine skiing events, while Cesana was the venue for bobsleigh and luge.  Since then, the Milky Way has remained a benchmark for winter sports lovers and regularly hosts World Cup ski races, sporting events, and international competitions.

Can you ski even if there is no natural snow?

Yes. The Milky Way has a modern snowmaking system, with over 1,000 snow cannons covering about 60% of the slopes. This means that even in seasons with little natural snow, conditions remain excellent and the slopes are perfectly skiable from December to April.

What can you do in the Milky Way besides skiing?

The Milky Way is not just skiing. Its valleys offer activities for all tastes:  Snowboarding and freeriding for the more sporty Snowshoeing and panoramic walks for nature lovers Wellness and spas in hotels and mountain wellness centers Restaurants and alpine huts where you can taste typical dishes such as polenta, fondue, raclette, soups, and mountain cheeses  Those seeking relaxation can indulge in shopping in local shops, visit Christmas markets, or simply admire the view of the snow-covered mountains.

Is it suitable for families?

Absolutely yes. The Milky Way is also designed for families with children: it has baby slopes, ski schools with specialized instructors, school camps, and play areas in the snow. Many locations organize events for children, entertainment, and educational activities to discover the mountain in a fun and safe way.

How to get to the Milky Way from Turin?

From Turin, you can easily get there in several ways:  By car: A32 motorway to the Oulx exit, then continue towards Cesana, and from there you can reach every location in the resort. By train: Turin–Bardonecchia railway line, stopping at Oulx; from there, buses connect the main ski resorts. By direct bus: During the winter season, daily shuttle buses are active from Turin to Sestriere and Sauze d'Oulx.  The use of winter tires or snow chains is recommended, especially in the colder months.

When is the best time to visit the Milky Way?

The official ski season runs from early December to mid-April, but high-altitude slopes often allow skiing even longer. The best time for those seeking perfect snow is between January and March, while December is ideal for Christmas holidays, with the lights of the towns and the festive atmosphere. Even in summer, however, the Milky Way transforms into a green paradise: you can go trekking, mountain biking, golfing, and walking in the woods.

What are the advantages of choosing the Milky Way for a vacation?

Choosing the Milky Way means experiencing a complete and varied vacation. There are kilometers of slopes, breathtaking landscapes, good food, Piedmontese hospitality, and an international atmosphere thanks to the connection with France. It is a destination suitable for athletes, families, couples, and groups of friends.  Each location has its own identity: the elegance of Sestriere, the liveliness of Sauze d'Oulx, the tranquility of Sansicario, the tradition of Cesana, and the charm of Claviere and Montgenèvre.  In short, the Milky Way is a constellation of experiences on the snow, a place where the mountain is truly lived, between sports, nature, and authentic hospitality.