Via Lattea

Via Lattea, also known as the Milky Way, is a renowned ski area situated in the western Alps, straddling the border between Italy and France. With over 400 kilometers of interconnected slopes, it offers an extensive and varied terrain for skiers of all levels, making it one of the largest ski areas in Europe. 

Rather than a series of parallel valleys like the 3 Valless in France or 4 Vallees in Switzerland, the 400km is spread over 2 main sectors so it's slightly harder to move efficiently over the whole area smoothly. 

One sector is spread across the French-Italian boarder, served by the resorts of Montgenevre and Claviere, the other spreads across 2 valleys and covers the rest of the resorts, a huge web of (mostly) red runs. 

Consult the piste map when you're considering where to stay. Cesana and Sansicario sit bang in the middle of the area, with connections to both sides, and the only way to pass across on skis. 

Here's what the different resorts are like: 

Sestriere: 

Sestriere is the largest and most famous village in the Via Lattea ski area. It was purpose-built for the 2006 Winter Olympics and features modern architecture with high-rise hotels and apartments. The après-ski scene here is vibrant, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to a lively crowd. 

Sestriere is well-connected to the ski area, offering easy access to a vast network of slopes. 

Sauze d'Oulx: 

Sauze d'Oulx is a picturesque village with a rich history and traditional Alpine architecture. It has a vibrant après-ski scene, offering a mix of lively bars and cozy pubs. The village is linked to the ski area via a gondola, making it easily accessible for skiers and snowboarders. 

Claviere: 

Claviere is a small and charming Italian village located at the border with France. It has retained its authentic alpine character, featuring traditional chalet-style architecture. The après-ski scene here is more relaxed and family-friendly, with a few bars and restaurants offering a cozy atmosphere. 

Claviere provides good connectivity to the ski area, with chairlifts and gondolas linking it to the slopes. 

Sansicario: 

Sansicario is a purpose-built resort known for its modern architecture and excellent ski-in/ski-out facilities. It offers a range of accommodations, including hotels and apartments. The après-ski scene is relatively quiet, with a few bars and restaurants providing a relaxed ambiance. 

Sansicario is well-connected to the ski area, providing easy access to the extensive trail network. 

Cesana Torinese: 

Cesana Torinese is a quaint village with a charming atmosphere. It features a mix of traditional and modern architecture, blending old stone buildings with newer constructions. The après-ski scene is more subdued, with a focus on cozy bars and restaurants. 

Montgenèvre: 

Montgenèvre is a French village located on the border with Italy. It has a unique blend of Alpine and Provencal architecture, with wooden chalets and colorful facades. The après-ski scene here is vibrant, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. There's a great collection of Green runs for beginners on the lower slopes, making it better suited than its neighbor Claviere.