Travel Eye on Livigno (Italy)

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Overview:

Livigno, due to some strange legal and geographical reason, has tax-free status. Isolated in its own wind-swept valley across the border from St Moritz, Livigno is also the focal point for telemarkers in Europe. It's found at 1815m and this high altitude means excellent snow conditions, although the skiing is somewhat disrupted by the valley.

The area caters for middlemarket clientele, suiting both families and couples. It provides well for intermediate skiers and for beginners when the snow is good. There is a wide range of activities available for nonskiers.

The accommodation here is almost evenly split between hotels and apartments. There is a wide choice at the budget end of the market, with a handful of fairly unsophisticated 4-stars at the other.

As for the slopes (110km of runs), Livigno offers great stuff for beginners and intermediates, both boarders and skiers. Apart from a few black runs and off-piste, experts will find little challenge.

You can also 'ski in, ski out'. The lift system is efficient enough to negate queues, but because the slopes are separate there can be a fair amount of inconvenience. Perhaps Livigno's biggest turn-off is the transfer time - it's three to five hours from the nearest international airport.

It's great for snow, beginners and cheap shopping, but it's remote and can be a little soulless.

Locality:

Livigno is in N Italy, just E of the Swiss border (25 mls NW of Bormio, 27 mls E of St Moritz in Switzerland, 174 mls NE of Milan, 145 mls NE of Bergamo airport. In a remote position, stretched along the base of a broad, flat valley and surrounded by dramatically high alpine peaks.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to:

There are four ski-schools that operate throughout the resort; tuition in snowboarding and cross-country skiing is also available. Ski-passes are available for the Livigno area or there is the Alta Valtellina pass covering Livigno, Bormio and surrounding resorts.

This is a duty-free resort so plenty of retailers stocking a wide range of tax-free alcohol, perfume and jewellery. There are also good bargains when it comes to local wines and speciality foods. Some boutiques and electrical shops can be found in the area.

During the daytime there is a wide range of winter-sports activities including downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, tobogganing, sleigh rides and paragliding. There is an option of indoor rock climbing and guided horse riding.

In summertime , walking, riding, mountain biking, golf and fishing are all popular pastimes.

The nightlife here is lively, with a choice of discos and numerous bars. It is very low key in summer.

There is a reasonable choice of restaurants, cafes and pizzerias, with few that will stretch the budget too far. The smartest venues are usually found at the better hotels.