A De Laurentiis "cinepanettone", a song by Il Pagante, a book by Emmanuel Carrère. What do they have in common?
The "settimana bianca": the highlight of the Italian winter season. An annual sacred appointment that for most Italians corresponds to the first vacation of the new year, where ski slopes, family, friends, and relaxation are the protagonists.
For Italians, ski week is a serious matter, just like Easter Monday in spring and Ferragosto in summer, and it should not be underestimated and has its rules.
Let's start with the basics: first and foremost, lots of skiing, snowboarding, or at most, sledding. The program is simple: wake up early, get to the slopes first thing in the morning, have a cappuccino at the bar, and get ready for a day of sports. A few refreshing breaks in a mountain hut between slopes. A stop to warm up with hot chocolate or quench your thirst with a beer, a nice lunch, and off to ski all day until 4:00 PM, when the real party begins. The arrival of the afternoon marks the end of the sports day and the start of the party: it begins with après-ski. Pints of beer, loud music, gin and tonics at 4 PM, and dancing in ski boots. It sounds funny to describe, but it must be experienced.
The day doesn't end with après-ski; 7:00 PM arrives, and it's time for real rest: half an hour of relaxation in the spa before dinner, then enjoy a warm soup, a plate of dumplings, or a delicacy typical of the mountain areas. A card game by the fireplace with a glass of wine, and early to bed to start a new day of skiing at dawn the next day.
We’ve defined the rules, so which is the best area to choose for a real Italian-style ski week?
Cortina D'Ampezzo
A great classic. Made famous to the general public in 1956 thanks to the Winter Olympics, a meeting place for writers first, then VIPs, footballers, and showgirls, Cortina is the place par excellence to spend the ski week. Crowned "the Queen of the Dolomites," no one is immune to its glamorous charm that combines sports and nightlife.
Livigno
The Little Tibet. Livigno in winter is an extraordinary playground for those who love sports and adrenaline-seekers. Known especially for its snowparks, considered the best in Europe, its relative inaccessibility makes it even more attractive for those who desire a ski week that isn’t too crowded.
Courmayeur
100 kilometers of ski slopes, nightlife, high-quality gastronomy, and luxury boutiques: Courmayeur needs little introduction. The perfect place even for those who don't frequent the ski slopes and prefer relaxation by visiting the famous Pre-Saint-Didier thermal baths.
After this journey through the gems of the Italian winter, it is clear that ski week is much more than a simple winter vacation; it is a ritual, a celebration of the union between sports and fun, relaxation and social life. From the majestic panoramas of Cortina d'Ampezzo to the wild charm of Livigno, to the sophisticated elegance of Courmayeur, Italy offers a perfect stage for every kind of snow adventure. Whether you are a lover of extreme sports or seeking peace and wellness, there is always a destination ready to welcome you with its wonders. Ski week thus becomes not only a trip on the snow but an unforgettable experience among the mountain peaks.
