EASYROME

Copyright (c) 2009 directline-holidays.co.uk

Italy's a fantastic place to snowboard and it's one of the cheapest European countries to take a holiday. Snowboarding locations can be found across the northern part of the country, with many resorts linking with neighbouring countries. Remember: if you're planning to drive to Italy, they can't drive. The phrase 'giving way' isn't commonly used!

The most popular destinations

The majority of Italy's resorts are situated in the north of the country, in the Alps. The ten most popular are; Cervinia, Livigno, Alba, Passo Tonale, Prali Sestriere, Sauze d'Oulx, Val Gardena, Courmayeur and Madonna di Campiglio.

Getting around

Due to the fact that Italy has loads of small, remote resorts tucked away off normal public transport routes, driving is the best way to reach them. Italian resorts are not always well located for airports as most places require an average of three hours transfer. Train services are not too convenient - but are cheap - and you can get fairly close to many places. Bus charge are relatively cheap but can be unreliable.

Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio is generally considered to be one of the best resorts in Italy for snowboarders. The Ursus terrain park is a meeting point for snowboarders across the region of Trentino and set at 2,400m, on ex-glacial terrain, it's home to some of the best snow for most of the season, and features a large variety of kickers, rails and other features. Boarders will be pleased to know that snowfall here is higher than in the Dolomite resorts further east, and the climate is colder than in the Italian resorts to the west. The resort is in a bit of a snow pocket.

Courmayeur

Superb off-piste boarding. But remember, this is the sunny - and therefore less snowy - side of Mont Blanc. You can find some great off-piste routes in the area. This is a place for more accomplished riders so bear in mind that there is often a lot less snow on this side of Mont Blanc than there is in Chamonix. Intermediate snowboarders should consider Courmayeur for a weekend break, whereas beginners should cconsider a more snowboard-friendly resort.

Where to stay

On the whole, accommodation is basic and cheap. It is fair to say that around resorts facilities are not as full-on as in France but the hedonistic aprés ski is still the same. For a great snowboarding holiday, Italy is well worth a visit.

Find all the latest prices on skiing holidays, visit http://www.directline-skiing.co.uk/skiing_search.cfm for unbeatble prices on ski holidays.

Article Source: Snowboarding Guide For Italy