Skiing in Alagna Valsesia and how to get there from Milan

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If you’re looking for the ultimate skiing experience in a picture-perfect location, Alagna Valsesia, in the heart of the Monterosa Ski Area, is the ideal choice. Beginners who are skiing in Alagna can find their feet on the gentle slopes close to the base, while intermediate skiers can get stuck into the blue and red runs and long descents from Passo Salati. For the more advanced skiers, there are thrilling black runs and off-piste areas, with direct access to the free-ride zone from Punta Indren.

How to ski in Alagna Valsesia

Whatever your skills on skis are, Alagna is for you. Beginners can enjoy the uncrowded nursery slopes near the village, perfect for getting used to being on skis for the first time. Local Ski schools offer private and group lessons, and these areas have gentle terrain and easily accessible lifts so that newbies can build their confidence in a welcoming environment. 

The Pianalunga area is great for intermediate skiers, with its picturesque blue and red runs offering moderate gradients and lengthy descents. A particular favourite is the Bettolina run, with its stunning views and varied terrain - the perfect environment for working on your skills. 

If you’re coming as an Advanced skier there are demanding black runs such as the Canale dell’Acqua and Malfatta, renowned for their steep pitches. The off piste skiing in Alagna is legendary, with routes like Balma and Vallone d’Olen famed for their stunning terrain and thrilling descents. 

Anyone going off-piste should engage the services of a local mountain guide, as the routes are unpatrolled, wild and extremely challenging – safety first!

Ski area and lift system

Distributed over the Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions, the fabulous Monterosa Ski Area boasts 180 km of interconnected pisted terrain across the Alagna Valsesia, Gressoney, and Champoluc valleys, catering to skiers at every level. There are gentle green and blue slopes for beginners near the village bases; intermediate skiers have an excellent choice of red runs, especially around Pianalunga and Passo dei Salati. If you’re after something a little higher octane, check out the Balma and Malfatta descents for world-class black runs and off-piste options.

The three valleys are seamlessly interconnected via the ultra-efficient lift system, which makes use of gondolas, cable cars, and chairlifts to allow skiers to experience all the area has to offer in just one day. Skiers can move from Alagna to Gressoney without having to take off their skis thanks to the Passo dei Salati cable car.

Alagna Valsesia is proud to call itself Freeride Paradise, a name that showcases a destination that is seriously committed to off-piste and backcountry terrain, with incredible access to high-altitude terrain thanks to lift access of up to 3,275 metres.

Getting to Alagna Valsesia from Milan

There are several options for getting from Milan to Alagna Valsesia depending on how you wish to travel.

Drivers should get on the A4 motorway (Milano–Torino) west from Milan, before joining the A26 (Genova–Gravellona Toce) northbound. Take the exit at Romagnano Sesia/Ghemme, and then follow the signs along the SS299 towards Alagna Valsesia. The journey takes roughly 2 hours (145 km), and drivers must remember to use winter tyres or snow chains during snowy season.

It’s also easy to get from Milan to Alagna Valsesia via public transport, by hopping on a train from Milano Centrale to Vercelli, Novara, or Varallo Sesia, where there are local buses (ATAP or Baranzelli lines) running to Alagna. Although this option takes a little longer (around 3–3.5 hours), you can put your feet up and the views are magnificent!

If you’ve got ski equipment and want a hassle-free journey, there is also the option of booking private transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport directly to Alagna, with prices from around €400.

Alagna Valsesia for family skiing

Alagna Valsesia is the ideal skiing resort for families. The compact village is car-free, which means that you don’t have to worry about little ones moving around safely. Everything is within easy walking distance, and the family-friendly, welcoming hotels and accommodation cater to all ages.

As well as skiing, there is plenty of winter fun to be had in the sledging hills, ice-skating rinks and children’s snow-play areas, which are often found near the beginner slopes, meaning that the little ones can have fun in the snow while their parents ski nearby. For younger skiers still in the learning phase, there are several local ski schools where kids can learn the moves before heading out onto the slopes for real.

The Alagna après-ski scene is welcoming, low-key and laid back, perfect for families and those who like to take in the scenery and unwind with a drink after a day on the slopes. Favourites include the cosy Caffè delle Guide and the characterful Bar Unione for great coffee and Piedmontese classics.

Conclusion

Alagna Valsesia, in Italy, is the perfect choice for skiers looking for incredible terrain and stunning Alpine scenery, just a few hours from Milan. This hidden gem has it all, plus it’s great for families, beginners and seasoned skiers alike, with everything from gentle runs to thrilling, off-piste descents. Located at the foot of Monterosa, the Hotel NH Collection Alagna Mirtillo Rosso is the ideal place to stay when you're on your trip to skiing adventure in Alagna, or any time of year.

FAQs

How do I get to Alagna Valsesia from Milan? 

It’s easy to get to the resort from Milan. You can jump in the car and follow the well-signposted motorway, use public transportation, which takes just a little longer, or even get a private transfer from Malpensa to Alagna.

What are the best ski runs for beginners in Alagna Valsesia?

Beginners have some great runs to choose from. The Wold is a gentle nursery slop with a magic carpet and drag lift; Blue runs Cimalegna and Bodwitch, between Pianalunga and Passo dei Salati are perfect for beginners heading off the nursery slopes; Wold Beginner Zone is a groomed area supported by on-site ski schools which is perfect for beginners looking for instruction.   

What off-piste skiing opportunities are available in Alagna Valsesia? 

The area boasts some iconic Alpine routes with steep couloirs and deep powder, including Balma, Vallone d’Olen, Canale dell’Acqua, and Malfatta. These are accessible via lifts from Punta Indren and Passo dei Salati, and don't forget it’s crucial to use a local mountain guide and the correct avalanche safety gear.

Is Alagna Valsesia family-friendly?

The resort is incredibly family-friendly, with a car-free village, plenty of facilities for kids, ski schools and nursery slopes and cosy, welcoming restaurants that are perfect for the whole family.

What are the safety regulations for skiing in Alagna Valsesia? 

Anyone on the slopes must have third-party liability coverage or risk a fine and possible ski-pass withdrawal. All under‑18s must wear a helmet, and they are also strongly recommended for adults. The alcohol limit must not be above 0.5 g/L or skiers risk a fine, which could turn into criminal charges above 0.8 g/L. Anyone heading off-piste is obliged to ski with a partner, or certified mountain guide, and to take an avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe. Finally, anyone on the slopes must stick to FIS conduct rules regarding speed control, overtaking safely, obeying signs, assisting in accidents, and providing identification if needed.

What dining options are available in Alagna Valsesia?

There are a great range of dining options at the resort, with cosy eateries in the village, mountain dining higher up, with stunning Alpine vistas, and even unique dining experiences, with some restaurants offering high-altitude dinners only accessible via gondolas. You’re spoilt for choice, with something for everyone.

Can I hire a mountain guide for off-piste skiing in Alagna Valsesia?

You certainly can. As the area is renowned for being a ‘Freeride Paradise’, it’s considered to be advisable to engage the services of a registered guide for safety, as well as their local knowledge, equipment and as a way of enhancing skiing techniques.

What is the Monterosa Ski Tour?

The Monterosa Ski Tour is a premier Alpine experience across the Valsesia (Alagna), Ayas (Champoluc), and Gressoney valleys, which allows skiers to access stunning summits including the Capanna Margherita, Europe’s highest mountain refuge at 4,554 metres. The tour combines skiing with overnight stays in mountain huts and takes place over a few days.

Are there any snowparks in Alagna Valsesia?

There certainly are, for all levels. Visitors can head to Funpark Gabiet, above Stafal, a 300m park with 14 rails, six jumps up to 15 metres, two table jumps, two fun boxes, and a beginner area. There is also Funpark Sarezza at Alpe Ostafa near Champoluc, with a 4-metre rainbow rail, a 6-metre half tube, a number of rails, a 4- metre wall, and eight different sized jumps.

What local activities can I enjoy besides skiing?

There are plenty of activities to enjoy as well as skiing, including snowshoeing, sledging, and ice skating, winter hiking trails and fabulous local spas. You can also get to know the village’s culture through the local cuisine and historic sites.