The quality of Italian slopes is attested to by the world famous skiers the country has produced and the fact that Italy has hosted the Winter Olympic Games.
The most popular Italian ski resorts are in the Dolomites and the Alpine peaks of the Valle d'Aosta.
Italy's ski resorts may not be able to compete on scale with resorts such as Courchevels, but they do boast some of the most distinctive Alpine resorts, particularly Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The pastures and wooded slopes rise from the valley up to 2,000 metres and a further 1,000 metres is added by the sheer cliffs, spires and crags of pink limestone.
The whole area is scenic, but Cortina provides the most spectacular views of the peaks.
Most of the skiing is not challenging (which is true of skiing in Italy generally), except for the south-facing couloir of Forcella Staunies.
Santa Caterina is a beautiful village with much to offer those seeking a more traditional ambiance.
The pistes have something for all abilities, although experienced skiers are less well served than beginners or intermediates.
The ski school is one of the best in the region and it is as scenic as any of the small Austrian resorts.
Expert skiers should head to the Aosta Valley Ski area which has a total of 180 individual pistes and has wonderful panoramic views.
An Aosta Valley lift pass gives access to the ski resorts of Courmayeur, Etroubles, Pila, Alagna Valsesia, Breuil-Cervina, Crevacol, La Thuile and Saint-Rhemy-en-Bosses.
The area has pistes above 2500 metres so skiing is assured all season.
Courmayeur has the best reputation of any ski resort in Italy and is situated at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Other popular resorts are Cortina, host to the Winter Olympics in 1956, and Madonna di Campiglio.