This car-free Alpine town sits high in the Italian mountains with 100km of ski slopes. Winter activities include sledding and ice skating, while local bars serve duty-free drinks.
At 1,816 meters above sea level in the Italian Alps, Livigno sits near the Swiss border with snow-covered slopes from November to May. You'll find 600-year-old wooden cabins along streets lined with duty-free shops, and can ski down Olympic-grade runs that will host the 2026 Winter Games freestyle competitions. The Carosello 3000 cable car takes you to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, while the village's mountain huts serve steaming bowls of traditional Alpine cuisine.
Getting to Livigno
You can reach Livigno through three routes, with most travelers coming via the Alta Valtellina from Bormio. From Switzerland, drive through the Munt la Schera Tunnel or take the Forcola di Livigno pass (open summer only, elevation 2,315 meters). The closest major airport is Innsbruck, 180km away, while Milan Malpensa lies 250km south. In winter, the Swiss route through the single-lane tunnel becomes the only northern access point.
Winter Sports in Livigno
The valley contains two ski areas: Carosello 3000 and Mottolino. A network of 32 lifts, including six gondolas, connects 115 kilometers of slopes between 1,816 and 2,798 meters. Beginners can practice on wide, gentle runs near the village, while intermediate skiers will find challenging red runs higher up. The Mottolino snow park includes a professional-grade half-pipe and multiple jump lines. For off-piste skiing, head to Carosello's north-facing slopes, where deep powder often accumulates.
Climate and Seasons
Winter temperatures in Livigno typically range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F), maintaining snow cover from late November until early May. Summer days warm up to around 10-20°C (50-68°F), though temperatures can drop below freezing at night throughout the year. The high valley's position creates an unusual watershed - its streams flow toward the Black Sea instead of the Mediterranean.
Shopping and Duty-Free Status
Livigno's duty-free privileges date back to 1910. The three-kilometer main street contains over 250 shops selling tax-free designer clothing, electronics, and spirits. Before leaving through the Foscagno Pass, you'll need to declare purchases at the customs checkpoint.
Local Food and Drinks
Mountain restaurants across Livigno serve traditional Alpine dishes like pizzoccheri (buckwheat pasta) and sciatt (cheese-filled buckwheat fritters). The Bombardino - a hot drink mixing eggnog, brandy, and whipped cream - was created here in the 1970s. You'll find mountain huts scattered across both ski areas, where you can stop for lunch with views of the surrounding peaks.
