Weekends Away
SKIING
If you are a winter sports enthusiast, Milan is a very strategic location for weekend getaways for skiing and snowboarding in Italy. Milan is located at the base of the Alps. You can even see the majestic mountains on a clear day from the top of the Duomo or for a less romantic view, from the corner of Via Farini and Viale Stelvio.
Courmayeur
Courmayeur, on the Italian side of the Monte Bianco, or Mont Blanc if you prefer, is a resort that has grown in popularity with skiers from all over the globe. It is indeed a truly international entity with more languages being spoken here than at the U.N. Skiing is possible at up to an altitude of 2,700m (the village lies at 1,200m) with the main action commencing on Plan Checruit at 2,200m. The only skiing in the village is in Dolonne (a "suburb" of Courmayeur) that is limited to absolute beginner's terrain. However, there is at least one beginner's area at the higher level, and plenty of green (easiest) trails for skiers with few miles under their boards to practice.
The majority of the slopes are best suited to decent intermediate skiers; and there are selected areas for very good skiers to challenge their abilities.
Livigno
Gaining poularity throught the web, Livigno is quickly becoming a favourite for the young sportsman/woman. Once they learn of its very favourable price structuring and its penchant for fun on the slopes and after, Livigno is sure to become a hit with the young, budget conscious set at least. It is indeed time, for here is a resort that is the ideal ski holiday destination. Livigno has some very fine skiing possibilities, dynamite dining in some of the best and most reasonably priced restaurants in skidom, a fun, laid back atmosphere, and, to top it all off, duty free shopping.
Bormio
Try Bormio, the resort is neatly divided into an "old town" and a "new town" and each in its own right should deliver exactly what you feel you might be looking for.
Bormio in Italy's Sondrio province is a unique combination of the old and the new. It is a mountain town at the foot of Passo Stelvio, which, by the way, is open to skiers and cars only in summer. The old town which is where the majority of shopping and some of the hotels are located, still retains much of its magical Italian charm and way of life.
What it lacks in style, however, it more than makes up for in convenience.
Bormio is skiable to just over 3,000 m from convenient lifts operating from the "new town". There are about 75km of prepared slopes awaiting skiers of all different standards. Most of this will start at Bormio 2,000, and branch in all directions, including upwards. Even at these heights there are plenty of slopes for the less experienced skier, including the total beginner.
Foppolo
Foppolo may be the biggest resort closest to Milan. Keep in mind, if you are travelling by car, the road to Foppolo is not for the faint of heart!
SEASIDE
The closest beaches to Milan can be found in Liguria. The most well known places in Liguria are Portofino, Genoa and the "Cinque Terre" which are 5 picturesque coastal villages. As well as being an excellent historial place to visit, Genoa also has the largest Acquarium in Europe, there is also a children's science museum and other attractions suited to children of all ages.
Here you find information about all the resorts in Liguria: https://www.aboutliguria.com/