Livigno is a spread-out resort in a wide, remote valley, with skiing on the mountains on both sides. It’s high up, with a long season and all the great snow that you’d expect. There’s a bit of something for everyone, from the pro-level fun parks to the many village-side beginner slopes, and the fun, wide cruising slopes that are good for relaxed intermediates and improving beginners. It can be wild up here, and there’s not all that much tree cover when it is, but it’s this remoteness that has given Livigno a boost – it’s friendly to those on a budget.
Livigno was given tax-free status in 1960 to help sustain a year-round population in the remote mountains, and nowadays it is one of the best value resorts in Italy with no VAT on anything. Although it’s a bit spread out, Livigno is an old mountain town and still has a traditional alpine appearance with a friendly, lively feel. Food and drink offerings tend to be good value, simple and effective, and there is a lot of accommodation.
The remoteness of Livigno makes getting there quite tricky. The transfer time from Bergamo airport can be up to five hours – coming from the Austrian side is faster.