Skiing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I couldn’t be more grateful to my parents for teaching me this amazing skill. If you’ve ever been to the Alps and experienced everything the slopes have to offer, you’ll understand why people are willing to spend so much money just to glide down the mountains and embrace the cold. It’s more than just a sport—it’s an experience. The shared passion of fellow skiers, the famous après-ski culture, the cozy mountain huts serving delicious food, and the breathtaking scenery all make it truly addictive.
I have to admit, my favorite place to ski is the Dolomites. There’s something about this region that keeps pulling me back. But last year, for the first time in my life, I decided to switch things up and spend Christmas in Livigno.
Why Livigno?
I chose Livigno because of its high altitude (1,816m) and one of the longest winter seasons in Europe. With climate change making it increasingly difficult to find reliable snow in December, I wanted a destination that would guarantee a proper winter experience—and Livigno did not disappoint.
Everything about that trip was perfect (well, except for the terrible cold I had for the first two days). The weather was ideal, the 115 km of slopes were well-prepared, and the town itself looked like something out of a postcard. Picture charming shops, cozy restaurants, and beautiful Christmas decorations lining the streets—it was pure magic.
Christmas on the Slopes
Every other year, my husband and I spend Christmas just the two of us, finding different ways to celebrate this special time of year. This time, we chose to do it on the slopes—and let me tell you, skiing on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day is now one of my favorite holiday memories.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love big family Christmases—the cooking, the baking, watching festive movies with my mom, late-night conversations with my sister, and playing games with my nephews. But there’s something uniquely special about escaping the usual holiday chaos and simply enjoying a peaceful getaway with my husband (and our cat baby, of course!).
We weren’t the only ones, either. So many families, big and small, were celebrating in Livigno, proving that Christmas in the mountains can be just as magical—if not more—than the traditional way.
Should You Consider Livigno for Christmas?
If you love winter, Livigno is the perfect place to spend the holidays. Even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding (though I strongly encourage you to give it a try!), there’s still plenty to do. You can enjoy long scenic walks by the lake, explore 30 km of cross-country skiing tracks, or take in the stunning mountain views. For those seeking more adventure, Livigno boasts the largest snowpack in Europe and plenty of powder for off-piste skiing.
The only downside? The nearest airport is about three hours away. But for us, it wasn’t an issue—we drove from Innsbruck, which, by the way, has the most spectacular airport location I’ve ever seen. If you don’t know what I mean, just look at this photo!
Will I Be Back?
Absolutely. The atmosphere, the people, the views, the food, and the guarantee of snow made this one of my best holidays ever. If you’re looking for a unique way to spend Christmas next year, maybe it’s time to consider something different. Who knows? You might fall in love with it just like I did.
