Italy
Luxury Ski Chalets in Milky Way
A massive 400km cross-border ski domain spanning the Italian and French Alps.
1 property available
2,035m
Altitude
2,823m
Summit
400km
Pistes
1,473m
Vertical Drop
3.5m per season
Avg. Snow
December - April
Season
About the Resort
About Milky Way
The Milky Way (Via Lattea) is one of the world's largest interconnected ski areas, spanning the Italian Piedmont and French Hautes-Alpes. It unites several distinct resorts, including the purpose-built Olympic hub of Sestriere, the lively and traditional Sauze d'Oulx, the purpose-built Sansicario, the quaint Claviere, and France's historic Montgenèvre. Famous for hosting the alpine events of the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, the domain combines a rich racing heritage with vast recreational terrain.
The Resort
Skiers are treated to over 400 kilometers of pistes, making it a paradise for intermediates who can cruise across international borders in a single day. The Italian side, which forms the bulk of the area, offers spectacular value for money, incredibly well-groomed pistes, and fantastic authentic mountain dining. The atmosphere varies from the vibrant après-ski of Sauze d'Oulx to the cosmopolitan vibe of Sestriere.
The sheer scale of the Via Lattea means the terrain is hugely diverse. Visitors can enjoy high-alpine open bowls, glorious sheltered tree-lined runs through larch forests, and sunny plateaus, ensuring that every day on the mountain feels like a new journey.
On the Mountain
With 400km of interconnected pistes, the Via Lattea is a dream for intermediate and advanced skiers who love racking up mileage. The terrain offers incredible variety, from the high-altitude, snow-sure open bowls of Sestriere to the glorious, undulating tree-lined cruising runs of Sauze d'Oulx and Sansicario.
Piedmont Alps / Hautes-Alpes
Straddling the Italian-French border, this region offers dramatic Alpine scenery, combining high-altitude Italian sunshine with reliable Southern Alps snowfall.
Location
Where is Milky Way?
Resort Details
Ideal For
Milky Way is perfect for
Intermediates
Endless cruising red runs across 400km of connected terrain, perfect for building confidence and speed.
Mile-Hungry Skiers
The ability to ski across the Italian-French border and explore multiple distinct resort valleys on a single pass.
Value Seekers
Lift passes, food, and drink are notably cheaper than in equivalent massive French or Swiss mega-domains.
Après-Ski Fans
Sauze d'Oulx is legendary for its vibrant, fun, and affordable nightlife scene.
Full Collection
All 1 properties in Milky Way
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Where to Eat
Dining in Milky Way
Ciao Pais
Sauze d'Oulx (On-mountain)
A historic, cozy mountain hut hidden in the trees, accessible on skis or via a snowy path.
Ristorante Naskira
Sestriere (Hotel Shackleton)
Upscale regional Italian cuisine paired with an extensive list of excellent local Barolo wines.
Capanna Mollino
Sauze d'Oulx (Sportinia mid-station)
A bustling mid-mountain lunch spot offering fantastic homemade pasta and a great sunny terrace.
L'Assietta
Sauze d'Oulx (Village center)
A lively central spot with a great terrace, famous for excellent meats, pizzas, and transitioning into vibrant après-ski.
Common Questions
Milky Way FAQ
When is the best time to ski in Milky Way?
The ski season in Milky Way typically runs Early December to late April. The resort averages 3.5m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. Always check border lift closing times to ensure you don't get stranded in the wrong country at the end of the day.
What is the skiing like in Milky Way?
Milky Way offers 400km of pistes with a vertical drop of 1,473m. With 400km of interconnected pistes, the Via Lattea is a dream for intermediate and advanced skiers who love racking up mileage. The terrain offers incredible variety, from the high-altitude, snow-sure open bowls of Sestriere to the glorious, undulating tree-lined cruising runs of Sauze d'Oulx and Sansicario. It forms part of the Piedmont Alps / Hautes-Alpes ski area.
What makes Milky Way special?
A massive 400km cross-border ski domain spanning the Italian and French Alps. Milky Way is a modern mountain resort, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include extensive terrain, intermediates, advanced, après ski, lively town.
What are the snow conditions like in Milky Way?
Milky Way receives an average of 3.5m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 2,823m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. Recent snowfall: Extensive snowmaking covers 60% of the domain.
Is Milky Way good for intermediates?
Milky Way is well-suited for several types of visitors. For intermediates: Endless cruising red runs across 400km of connected terrain, perfect for building confidence and speed. For mile-hungry skiers: The ability to ski across the Italian-French border and explore multiple distinct resort valleys on a single pass. For value seekers: Lift passes, food, and drink are notably cheaper than in equivalent massive French or Swiss mega-domains.
How do you get to Milky Way?
The nearest airport is Turin Caselle (TRN), about 90km away (approximately 1h 30min by transfer). Frequent direct bus transfers and private taxis run from Turin airport to the main Via Lattea resorts. Milky Way is also reachable by train via Oulx. Very accessible by train. Take a train from Turin to Oulx, then a 15-30 minute local bus ride to Sauze d'Oulx or Sestriere.
How much is a lift pass in Milky Way?
Lift passes in Milky Way are available as Via Lattea Italy Day Pass (EUR 58), Via Lattea International 6-Day Pass (EUR 340). Passes often cover the wider Piedmont Alps / Hautes-Alpes area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Purchase the International pass online in advance for discounts and to avoid morning ticket office queues.
Where are the best places to eat in Milky Way?
Standout dining in Milky Way includes Ciao Pais (A historic, cozy mountain hut hidden in the trees, accessible on skis or via a snowy path.), Ristorante Naskira (Upscale regional Italian cuisine paired with an extensive list of excellent local Barolo wines.), Capanna Mollino (A bustling mid-mountain lunch spot offering fantastic homemade pasta and a great sunny terrace.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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