Livigno is known for being high and remote, colloquially it’s often called ‘Piccolo Tibet’. The altitude places Livigno above the tree-line, against smooth slopes, just waiting for the snow that cloaks this region between November and May. And the remoteness historically meant Livigno has a duty free status, started during the 16th century when it was difficult to get in and out of Livigno during the winter months. It’s a lot easier to get to now, but the dirty free status remains, so as well as excellent skiing, Livigno is also known for its excellent shopping opportunities. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Livigno are perfect for both a winter or summer visit, but edge heavily towards chalet style accommodation, both traditional and contemporary.

Livigno was originally three hamlets, San Antonio, San Rocco and Santa Maria, but they’ve now merged along the floor of the valley, into a long, thin resort village. Livigno's accommodation is spread through all of the original hamlets. You’ll also find a smattering of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. The ski lifts are at either end, and while there’s a free ski shuttle bus, it finishes in early evening, so we have prioritised hotels close to the lifts and cable cars. The main ski schools and beginners slopes are in the central section, in San Antonio, with more beginners slopes at the southern end, San Rocco and the Carosello ski area. Livigno has some long runs too, and a snowpark. This is also a good resort for cross country skiing.

Off the slopes, Livigno’s après ski scene is lively, but spread out, with hubs around the ski lifts. We’ve already mentioned the shopping, and we also recommend the best places to stay in Livigno to walkers, climbers and all kinds of explorers. Livigno has great trails and cycling routes, and a lake ripe for watersports. Ideal for those who prefer to visit the mountains is warmer climes!

The Best Places to Stay in Livigno

For Couples

• The Hotel Sonne is a charmingly traditional chalet on the outside, yet a stylishly contemporary version of itself inside. Its 16 rooms and suites benefit from a traditional chalet’s use of natural wood and stone, and a preference for cosy rugs to snuggle into, but the overall effect is more rustic minimalism than gingerbread house. We particularly like the large bathrooms, the fantastic spa, and the fact that the whole hotel is heated using geothermal energy, so it’s got a zero carbon rating. It’s also right by the ski slopes.

For Families

• The Hotel Amerikan is a welcoming eco-chalet just 500 metres from the Carosello cable car, and with wonderful alpine views. Its 39 rooms and suites come in an excellent variety of sizes and shapes, from Family Suites to triple and quadruple rooms, and all are memorably decorated with wood panelling and alpine murals. The spa has a great menu, as does the restaurant, which serves Valtellinese and Italian cuisine. There's also a pool and bike hire for the warmer months.

For a self catering apartment or chalet

• If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Livigno’s nearest international airports are Milan’s airports: Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo Airport. All about a three hour drive away. Livigno is fairly close to several major European train stations and lines too.
• If you plan to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• On a good year the ski season in Livigno can last from November through May. But if you’re visiting Livigno purely for the slopes then January is the best time to visit Livigno. The resort is quieter, but it’s the coldest month, and generally the snowiest. February is also a good choice, for much the same reason, and there may even be good snow into March, when the sunnier days equal more hours skiing. December is busier, because of school holidays, and Christmas, and it’s a really lovely time to visit, with everything lit up beautifully, and a really warm atmosphere — great for après ski, but the snow can’t be guaranteed this early in the season. The après ski come March and April hots up again with the sunshine, and this is a great time for eating outdoors at high altitude. Livigno’s summer activities are all about the mountains too, it’s great for walkers, trekkers, bikers, and any number of outdoor adventures against a spectacular background.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the Lombardy region
• Or just expand a little, and include our recommendations for the best places to stay in Bormio
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Livigno