Livigno Information

Apres-ski

Livigno has around 150 bars – more than any other ski resort in the world (Vail is second with about 110). Given the choice of venues for après-ski in Livigno, and the low price of alcohol, it's easy to get into the party atmosphere.

The numerous bar venues are spread out along the main valley road and one doesn't have to walk far to find a convivial atmosphere. Recommended venues include Marcos Pub (tel: +39 0342 970 820; www.marcospub.it) at the base of lift 18 which shows live sports on their big screen, Gulliver Pub (tel: +39 0342 997 379) that has a huge selection of beers and spirits, and Ypioca (tel: +39 0342 971 163), a good cocktail bar.

Eating out

There are more than 100 places to eat in Livigno; mostly small, family-run and family-friendly café-diners serving traditional Italian food. Almost all offer a daily, fixed-price menu turistico.

On the mountain the Costaccia Restaurant (tel: +49 0342 996 152), located at the top of the Tagliede gondola, has a reputation for great food and offers spectacular views.

In the village the Ristorante il Cantuccio (Via Saroch 1005) has one of the better selections of pasta dishes, whilst Ristorante la Pòsa (Via Taglieda 98) is one of the best pizzerias.

For something different the Latteria Livigno (tel: +49 0342 970 432; www.latterialivigno.eu) is actually a modern working dairy but serves up exquisite cheeses along with fresh ice cream.

In terms of gourmet options, Chalet Ristorante Gourmet Mattias (tel: +49 0342 997 794; www.chaletmattias.com) has a Michelin star.

Serving traditional cuisine with a modern twist, the Ristorante Hotel Camino (tel: +49 0342 979 262; www.hotelcamino.it) is located about 5km (3 miles) from town and is regarded as one of the resort's best eateries.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

There's quite a lot to do in Livigno away from the ski slopes these days. There are swimming pools in the Spöl and Helvetia hotels, while many accommodation options have gyms and fitness centres.

The resort actually has its own high-altitude gym and Olympic-sized pool complex, Aquagranda (+39 0342 970 277; www.aquagrandalivigno.com), which is however promoted as an altitude fitness centre more than a leisure pool, but is open to all. Other popular activities in the resort include bowling, badminton and billiards.

Outdoors, there's a range of activities to sink your teeth into; including snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice driving, ice skating, snowmobiling, quad biking and paragliding.

A new option in the resort is fat biking – cycling on snow using bikes with very chunky snow tyres – which are available to rent with 20km (12 miles) of winter biking trails to enjoy.

Family fun

On the whole, Livigno is a good choice for families with affordable dining and wide, sunny slopes. The only main downside is the busy road through the centre.

On the slopes the resort has put a lot of effort in to creating play areas, both for kids on skis and just in their snow boots. The Livin'Ice Park, created from 8,000 cubic metres of snow, is one of the highlights.

There is a choice of pre-ski-school nurseries, although there is no care available for under-threes and several have limited hours such as mornings or weekdays only. Lupingo Kinder Club (tel: +39 0342 996 276;www.scuolascicentrale.it), linked to the ski school in the centre of the resort, has longer opening hours and accepts children from age three.

Retail therapy

There's an incredible 200 or so shops in Livigno, the vast majority of which are small local stores selling alcohol, tobacco, perfumes and consumer electronics – in short, anything that usually carries a hefty tax burden.

Beyond the duty-free excess, there is the regular resort selection of ski shops and souvenir outlets, as well as a few jewellers, grocers and fashion boutiques.

Splashing out

Ice-driving courses are offered on an ice circuit in the village under the watchful eye of resident driver Oliviero Bormolini (tel: +39 0342 997 287). Learn the techniques in the warm before taking to the circuit in one of a variety of cars.

Hotels

As one of the world's largest ski resorts, Livigno has developed rapidly since it first emerged in the 1950s and today there is a vast range of places to stay. The majority of accommodation is found in hotels and apartments, mostly 2- or 3-star offerings, as well as a few catered chalets.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap