Straddling the Italo-French border, the Via Lattea (or “Milky Way”) is one of Europe’s great ski domains, a network of eight main resorts linked by more than 400 kilometres of slopes: Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, Claviere, Pragelato, and Oulx in Italy, along with Montgenèvre in France. It’s best known for its vast variety – every resort feels distinct, every valley has its own personality, and every skier, from first-timers to thrill-seekers, finds a corner of the Milky Way that feels made just for them.
Beginners: Gentle Starts and Easy Confidence
For those stepping onto the snow for the first time, the Via Lattea offers an ideal mix of forgiving slopes, clear signage, and friendly ski schools. The resort of Sansicario is often praised as one of the best places in Italy for beginners. Its wide, uncrowded pistes sit slightly away from the main hubbub, allowing learners to practise turns without feeling rushed or crowded. The ski school here specialises in teaching families and small groups, and the gentle blue runs near the village make it easy to build confidence before moving higher.
Another welcoming spot for newcomers is Cesana Torinese, tucked between Sansicario and Claviere. Its quiet lower slopes and open nursery areas are perfect for those still mastering balance and control. Once the basics are in place, beginners can easily progress up the mountain and join the longer blue runs that weave through the forest, offering that exhilarating feeling of a “real” ski day without overwhelming difficulty.
Even in larger resorts like Sauze d’Oulx, beginners aren’t left out. The Sportinia area above the village has excellent training zones and a network of easy runs, with the added bonus of beautiful views down the Susa Valley.
Intermediates: Endless Variety and Rewarding Routes
If there’s one group that the Via Lattea truly spoils, it is intermediate skiers. The majority of its pistes fall into the blue and red categories, meaning you could spend an entire week exploring without ever repeating the same route.
Sauze d’Oulx is the undisputed favourite for this level. Its forested runs, natural rollers, and sweeping reds are made for cruisers who enjoy long, flowing descents rather than steep challenges. The area between Sportinia and Clotes offers dozens of mid-level pistes that link effortlessly, creating an endless network of scenic runs. It’s also where the atmosphere of the Via Lattea shines – lively mountain restaurants, friendly locals, and that unmistakable Italian blend of energy and warmth.
Sestriere, the highest and most famous resort in the region, gives intermediates the thrill of skiing on Olympic terrain without feeling out of their depth. The slopes used during the 2006 Turin Winter Games are well-groomed and confidence-building, offering a sense of scale and excitement that few resorts match. The two main sectors, Sises and Banchetta, are packed with satisfying reds that can easily be linked into longer routes down to Borgata or across towards Sauze.
Intermediates who want a change of scenery can also enjoy Claviere, a quieter village that connects directly into the French resort of Montgenèvre. The runs on the Italian side are shorter and often empty, ideal for relaxed days when you want to focus on rhythm rather than distance.
Advanced Skiers: Challenges on the Edge of the Galaxys
While the Via Lattea’s reputation is built on accessibility, it’s far from tame. Advanced skiers find plenty to push their limits, both on-piste and off-piste.
In Sestriere, the Kandahar Banchetta and Sises black runs are genuine tests of technique and nerve. The steep upper sections often stay firm through the day, demanding precision and control, while the lower parts open into satisfying fast runs where you can let your skis carve freely.
For experts who prefer exploration over steep gradients, the Via Lattea’s inter-resort routes are pure joy. Linking Sestriere, Sauze, and Sansicario in a single day is a satisfying challenge, combining a range of snow conditions, elevations, and slope styles. The Col Basset area above Sauze also hides a handful of lesser-known off-piste options when the snow is good – bowls, tree runs, and unmarked lines that reward those with local knowledge or a guide.
Crossing into France adds another layer of adventure. Montgenèvre, the oldest ski resort in France, connects seamlessly to Claviere and offers a mix of long, sweeping reds and untouched freeride terrain beyond the lift system. On a clear day, the panoramic views towards the Écrins National Park make every descent feel cinematic.
Families and Mixed Groups: Something for Everyone
One of Via Lattea’s greatest strengths is how well it suits mixed abilities. Families with children, couples at different levels, or groups of friends with varied experience rarely struggle to find common ground.
Sansicario and Claviere stand out for family groups, offering easy navigation, good snow reliability, and enough intermediate runs to keep everyone busy. Ski schools across the area are known for their friendly, multi-language instructors, and many hotels or chalets are ski-in, ski-out, removing the morning rush entirely.
Even those who aren’t skiing find plenty to enjoy – scenic walks between villages, mountain restaurants with spectacular terraces, and relaxed après-ski that feels local rather than loud.
Why Variety Matters
Skiing Via Lattea isn’t about conquering one star mountain, it’s about exploring a whole galaxy of them. The ability to start your day in one village, cross to another valley for lunch, and return on a completely different set of pistes makes every day feel fresh. Beginners improve quickly with so many forgiving slopes, intermediates never run out of new routes, and experts can hunt down black runs and powder stashes all week long.
It’s this range – from quiet corners to Olympic descents, from rustic mountain huts to glamorous high-altitude hotels – that gives Via Lattea its unique character. Whether you ski for the challenge, the scenery, or simply the pleasure of being in the mountains, you’ll find your place somewhere in this incredible network of Italian and French resorts.
Where to Stay
All the resorts are interconnected by slopes and lifts so choosing a base won’t affect your access to the others.
Hotel Sansicario Majestic: Choose Cesina Torinese’s Hotel Sansicario Majestic for its comfortable and well-appointed rooms. Guests have access to the onsite spa, fitness centre, and ski equipment hire. The bar and restaurant cater for everyone, offering tasty Italian dishes to suit even picky palates. Entertainment is provided in the evenings with live music, and for children there is an indoor play area and a playground.
Serendipity Hotel: Renowned for its superb location in Sauze d’Oulx and its exceptional service, this family-owned property boasts a sun terrace and hot tub. Individual rooms have their own terrace or balcony, allowing visitors to enjoy the vista when they aren’t charging up and down the piste. Guests rave about the friendliness of the staff, the heartiness of the breakfast and the comfort and cleanliness of the rooms.
La Maïta: Situated in the French resort of Montgenèvre, this historic building provides atmosphere and modern facilities in equal proportion. Enjoy the mountain views and garden that surround the property while breakfasting on the varied continental and a la carte morning fare. Free WiFi is available throughout the building and each room is equipped with extra long beds, a drying rack and a tea and coffee maker.
How to Get There
You can reach the resorts of Via Lattea from French and Italian airports, but the nearest and most convenient hub is Turin in Italy. There are direct flights to Turin Airport from several UK airports, and the journey takes around 2 hours.
Depending on the resort where you are staying, the Turin transfer ranges from 90 to 110 km and the travel time is between an hour and 1.5 hours.
Overview
UK to TRN Flight Time: 2 hours
TRN to Sauze d’Oulx: 97 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 75 minutes approx.
TRN to Montgenevre: 110 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 90 minutes approx.
TRN to Claviere: 107 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 90 minutes approx.
TRN to Sestriere: 89 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 80 minutes approx.
TRN to Cesana Torinese: 90 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 70 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
When you land you’ll need to transfer from Turin Airport to your resort, so make sure you pre-book your airport transfer with Shuttle Direct. We offer several options from which you can choose.
Taxi: Our airport taxis provide one of the most efficient services for getting from TRN to Sauze d’Oulx, or to any of the other resorts in Via Lattea. After you purchase your plane ticket make sure you book your airport transfer with us. You won’t have to queue for a taxi as your car will be waiting for you when you land.
Private Transfer: For those who want a private transfer from Turin to a Via Lattea resort, we also offer a fleet of higher-end vehicles. Your designated driver will meet you in the Arrivals hall and escort you to your car. You’ll enjoy a smooth drive in a clean and modern vehicle – this door-to-door, professional service is a luxury way to start your ski break in style.
Shuttle Bus: If you are skiing on a budget, our reasonably priced bus transfers from Turin Airport can help you save some pennies. Book your seat on one of these reliable shuttles that depart from a designated stop near the Arrivals terminal and serve all the main resorts in Via Lattea.
Minibus Transfer: Skiing is a social activity, so if you’re travelling with friends or family, we offer a minibus Turin transfer to the Via Lattea resorts. These large vehicles can transport groups or bulky ski equipment for those skiers who are bringing their own kit.
Choosing the Right Transfer
All our Via Lattea transfers are punctual and staffed by helpful drivers. Whichever way you choose to get from Turin to your resort, you’ll enjoy our reliable, friendly service and great communication.
Cost: We understand that a skiing holiday can be expensive, so if you’re seeking value for money, our recommended airport transfer service is the shuttle bus. It’s comfortable, prompt and convenient.
Convenience: When you need a more customised airport transfer, you’ll find that our private transfers, airport taxis and minibus services fit the bill. Whether you need a door-to-door service or specific departure and arrival times, these options are flexible and bespoke.
About Shuttle Direct
As a market leader in airport transfers, Shuttle Direct has been delivering holidaymakers from Turin airport to resorts all over Via Lattea and back again for years. We know the routes and logistics of the area like the back of our hand. Book with us today and relax with confidence.
