Latest posts for the topic "Livigno or a Resort like it?"

Livigno or a Resort like it?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:21:08 GMT

Same sort of thread as Tony H tbh.

Ive priced up Livigno and its in our budget for the 1st week in January for the 5 of us using a T/O, self catering. Firstly anyone got any info on the place and can you find out what the snow falls been like in previous years anywhere ?

Or La Tania in France which has 41% snow making just incase and again in our budget.

Bugger, its 9 months off and i feel under pressure already!

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:39:15 GMT

This might help......

One of the most wonderful resorts in the Italian part of the Alps is Livigno. All the obligatory ingredients of a good winter stay you can find in it. What is more, you'll be surprised by the variety of entertainment. The easy availability and organization; the care to the last detail will ensure your good stay whenever you choose to visit this beautiful place.

The ski runs are situated on six slopes, with different level of difficulty. All in all 33 lifts service as many as 46A 460 persons per hour. (3 cable cars, 14 chairlifts, 16 ski lifts). The overall length of the Alpine ski runs is 115 km, the longest of which is 4 km.

The lovers of athletic feats will enjoy the 40-km prepared cross-country ski runs adopted for different techniques.
For snowboarders there is a special park with a half-pipe.
Each year in December you may take part the international "Sgambeda" ski marathon, which is also the official opening of Livigno's winter season (usually around 14th of December).

In fact, there were three villages, which merged into one residential and resort area, long about 6 km.

The resort offers wonderful opportunities for intermediate skiing on sunny and vast 'motorway' slopes. However, the resort is most famous for being a duty free zone, due to its remoteness and some historical reasons. There are over 200 shops, mostly selling the usual duty-free goods: alcohol, cigarettes, cigars, quality chocolate and perfume. They say it's far easier to get a litre of whisky than a litre of milk in Livigno!

Even today, it's rather difficult to reach Livigno. The nearest international airports are Milan (at about 220 km) and Zurich (250km); the access is through a lot of it on mountainous roads, which can be dangerous during the winter, so you have to be driving carefully!

Strangely enough, there is no legal or logical reason for Livigno to be a duty free zone. There are legends that in the past all tax collectors went missing when they came up searching for taxes. On the positive side though, nowadays you can find in Livigno a number of cheap and ambient bards, cafes, restaurants, pizzerias... The number of shops per capita is one of the highest in Europe (5000 people, more than 200 shops). The number of hotels is also astounding - a little less than one hundred.

Although not especially close to any other resort, those with their own transport (or patient enough to use the bus service) and have a 6 day or longer lift pass, can also ski in Santa Caterina, Bormio, and San Colombano and one day in the famous Swiss Engadin resorts which include the Diavolezza glacier, St Moritz, Celerina, La-Punt-Chaumes, Maloja, Pontresina, Samedan, S-Chanf, Sils-Maria, Silvaplana, Surlej, Survretta and Zuoz.

Day trips to the world-famous St Moritz are very popular among tourists of all ages and background.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:50:10 GMT

Have you just copied and pasted that!

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:05:08 GMT

mfc wrote:Have you just copied and pasted that!

My mum always told me not to tell lies so I won't, yes I did. :oops:

But.... I have been to livigno many times both Winter and summer I love the place, it's not everybody's cup of tea but we like it, you here stories of it being rowdy but I have never experienced that, I think the village is big enough to hide a multitude of sins, have always found the locals incredibly friendly that is in the summer as well as winter when ski resorts are generally trying to make as much dough as they can.
The skiing is a good place for intermediates and there are plenty of beginner pistes the down side is there is not much accommodation on the piste if you don't mind a short walk or catching the bus
it never bothered us.
It has the bellavista pizza restaurant which sells the best pizza I have ever tasted and the Bar agata, it's a locals bar don't expect loud music it's friendly local bar the owners are fantastic people I would highly recommend it.
And to finish off it looks like we are going to spend a week there this summer, we were there last summer and did not here an english voice.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:20:25 GMT

You can also get there from Innsbruck which is the shortest transfer if you can get a flight.

been there twice myself and the only thing stopping me going again is the scenery. Its ok but it can't compare with say La Plagne.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:18:55 GMT

Mike3000 wrote:You can also get there from Innsbruck which is the shortest transfer if you can get a flight.

been there twice myself and the only thing stopping me going again is the scenery. Its ok but it can't compare with say La Plagne.

I have never been to La Plagne but I would guess that it is purpose built, detracts somewhat from the rest of the scenery me thinks :wink:

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:39:07 GMT

I've not been to Livigno, but I have been to Bormio, Colombano and Santa Caterina.

Bormio is a bit busy but goes up to 3000m. Santa Caterina is also high, a very nice small resort, great for intermediates, same too Colombano which was deserted when I went a couple of years back.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:50:14 GMT

[quote=Ian Wickham
I have never been to La Plagne but I would guess that it is purpose built, detracts somewhat from the rest of the scenery me thinks :wink:

Hi Ian,
Yes some of the buildings in La Plagne are ugly (very ugly) but its the mountains I look at and so I am able to ignore the buildings most of the time.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:30:14 GMT

Mike3000 wrote:[quote=Ian Wickham
I have never been to La Plagne but I would guess that it is purpose built, detracts somewhat from the rest of the scenery me thinks :wink:

Hi Ian,
Yes some of the buildings in La Plagne are ugly (very ugly) but its the mountains I look at and so I am able to ignore the buildings most of the time.

Those ugly building become a part of the view, unless you have blinkers on :wink:

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:26:31 GMT

Mike3000 wrote:You can also get there from Innsbruck which is the shortest transfer if you can get a flight.

been there twice myself and the only thing stopping me going again is the scenery. Its ok but it can't compare with say La Plagne.

I spent 2 weeks in Livigno last year and had a nightmare journey too and from Innsbruck. Fine if you actually land there and don't get diverted and as long as the tunnel is open then it's about 2 hours, we ended up having a 6 hour journey there and back after being diverted on the way there and the tunnel was shut on the way back (at night). We met people in resort that spent about the same time driving there from the UK, they also saved a small fortune in petrol (GBP8 to fill up in resort on the way back) and filled the car with duty free booze.

The one thing I noticed when we were there, and I'm sure other people can clarify if this is normal, it was really really windy every single day. At the beginning of our first week the highter lifts were shut for a few days.

I do like Livigno, I would go back but it's not my favourite resort.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:01:35 GMT

NellyPS wrote:

Mike3000 wrote:You can also get there from Innsbruck which is the shortest transfer if you can get a flight.

been there twice myself and the only thing stopping me going again is the scenery. Its ok but it can't compare with say La Plagne.

I spent 2 weeks in Livigno last year and had a nightmare journey too and from Innsbruck. Fine if you actually land there and don't get diverted and as long as the tunnel is open then it's about 2 hours, we ended up having a 6 hour journey there and back after being diverted on the way there and the tunnel was shut on the way back (at night). We met people in resort that spent about the same time driving there from the UK, they also saved a small fortune in petrol (GBP8 to fill up in resort on the way back) and filled the car with duty free booze.

The one thing I noticed when we were there, and I'm sure other people can clarify if this is normal, it was really really windy every single day. At the beginning of our first week the highter lifts were shut for a few days.

I do like Livigno, I would go back but it's not my favourite resort.

I not known too much wind in Livigno either summer or winter but I always fill up with petrol there :mrgreen:

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:59:48 GMT

Ive been twice and i would deffo go again. Didnt go this year just for variety, but livigno has got a lot to offer. I really missed the apres ski of livigno this year :0

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:33:18 GMT

82ross wrote:Ive been twice and i would deffo go again. Didnt go this year just for variety, but livigno has got a lot to offer. I really missed the apres ski of livigno this year :0

Go in the summer it's even better :mrgreen:

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:03:02 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

mfc wrote:Have you just copied and pasted that!

My mum always told me not to tell lies so I won't, yes I did. :oops:

But.... I have been to livigno many times both Winter and summer I love the place, it's not everybody's cup of tea but we like it, you here stories of it being rowdy but I have never experienced that, I think the village is big enough to hide a multitude of sins, have always found the locals incredibly friendly that is in the summer as well as winter when ski resorts are generally trying to make as much dough as they can.
The skiing is a good place for intermediates and there are plenty of beginner pistes the down side is there is not much accommodation on the piste if you don't mind a short walk or catching the bus
it never bothered us.
It has the bellavista pizza restaurant which sells the best pizza I have ever tasted and the Bar agata, it's a locals bar don't expect loud music it's friendly local bar the owners are fantastic people I would highly recommend it.
And to finish off it looks like we are going to spend a week there this summer, we were there last summer and did not here an english voice.

Hi Mr W, I know this is a relatively old thread but Livigno is one of the places I've been looking at for New Year. Can you recommend anywhere to stay. An appartment/chalet or hotel near to main lift would be good. :D

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:06:17 GMT

snowb4ndit wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:

mfc wrote:Have you just copied and pasted that!

My mum always told me not to tell lies so I won't, yes I did. :oops:

But.... I have been to livigno many times both Winter and summer I love the place, it's not everybody's cup of tea but we like it, you here stories of it being rowdy but I have never experienced that, I think the village is big enough to hide a multitude of sins, have always found the locals incredibly friendly that is in the summer as well as winter when ski resorts are generally trying to make as much dough as they can.
The skiing is a good place for intermediates and there are plenty of beginner pistes the down side is there is not much accommodation on the piste if you don't mind a short walk or catching the bus
it never bothered us.
It has the bellavista pizza restaurant which sells the best pizza I have ever tasted and the Bar agata, it's a locals bar don't expect loud music it's friendly local bar the owners are fantastic people I would highly recommend it.
And to finish off it looks like we are going to spend a week there this summer, we were there last summer and did not here an english voice.

Hi Mr W, I know this is a relatively old thread but Livigno is one of the places I've been looking at for New Year. Can you recommend anywhere to stay. An appartment/chalet or hotel near to main lift would be good. :D

Yes I have a couple of places, how many bedrooms do you require, there is no fee for this service :wink:

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:13:13 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

snowb4ndit wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:

mfc wrote:Have you just copied and pasted that!

My mum always told me not to tell lies so I won't, yes I did. :oops:

But.... I have been to livigno many times both Winter and summer I love the place, it's not everybody's cup of tea but we like it, you here stories of it being rowdy but I have never experienced that, I think the village is big enough to hide a multitude of sins, have always found the locals incredibly friendly that is in the summer as well as winter when ski resorts are generally trying to make as much dough as they can.
The skiing is a good place for intermediates and there are plenty of beginner pistes the down side is there is not much accommodation on the piste if you don't mind a short walk or catching the bus
it never bothered us.
It has the bellavista pizza restaurant which sells the best pizza I have ever tasted and the Bar agata, it's a locals bar don't expect loud music it's friendly local bar the owners are fantastic people I would highly recommend it.
And to finish off it looks like we are going to spend a week there this summer, we were there last summer and did not here an english voice.

Hi Mr W, I know this is a relatively old thread but Livigno is one of the places I've been looking at for New Year. Can you recommend anywhere to stay. An appartment/chalet or hotel near to main lift would be good. :D

Yes I have a couple of places, how many bedrooms do you require, there is no fee for this service :wink:

At the monent it is for 8 adults all couples.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:21:00 GMT

snowb4ndit wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:

snowb4ndit wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:

mfc wrote:Have you just copied and pasted that!

My mum always told me not to tell lies so I won't, yes I did. :oops:

But.... I have been to livigno many times both Winter and summer I love the place, it's not everybody's cup of tea but we like it, you here stories of it being rowdy but I have never experienced that, I think the village is big enough to hide a multitude of sins, have always found the locals incredibly friendly that is in the summer as well as winter when ski resorts are generally trying to make as much dough as they can.
The skiing is a good place for intermediates and there are plenty of beginner pistes the down side is there is not much accommodation on the piste if you don't mind a short walk or catching the bus
it never bothered us.
It has the bellavista pizza restaurant which sells the best pizza I have ever tasted and the Bar agata, it's a locals bar don't expect loud music it's friendly local bar the owners are fantastic people I would highly recommend it.
And to finish off it looks like we are going to spend a week there this summer, we were there last summer and did not here an english voice.

Hi Mr W, I know this is a relatively old thread but Livigno is one of the places I've been looking at for New Year. Can you recommend anywhere to stay. An appartment/chalet or hotel near to main lift would be good. :D

Yes I have a couple of places, how many bedrooms do you require, there is no fee for this service :wink:

At the monent it is for 8 adults all couples.

I'll have to do some investigation I have never seen a lot of catered chalets in Livigno but then again I have not looked very hard for obvious reasons, I know an english lady who rents out a lot of apartments all in one block, but your have to catch the regular bus service to the lifts, sound like the "N" lot now. At the high end of the market there is a nice spa resort hotel ski back which will be pricey.
Really depends how much you wanna spend 8)

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:23:28 GMT

Just looked at transfer costs :shock: Would it be better to do a hotel package? Not really that fussed about catered accomodation...sounds like good food's to be found easily elsewhere.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:28:54 GMT

snowb4ndit wrote:Just looked at transfer costs :shock: Would it be better to do a hotel package?

The place I'm staying in the summer has two two bed apartments both bedrooms with own facilities, stayed there last summer really nice,Transfer costs=I normally drive, so unknown, cost out the package
let me know and I'll pass on any info I know re location, restaurants, bars and ski area

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:37:22 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

snowb4ndit wrote:Just looked at transfer costs :shock: Would it be better to do a hotel package?

When I have been (twice) we have hired a car at the airport. I really enjoy the drive though it is long and you need to allow 5 hours with stops. Its nice to have lunch by lake Como.

Also the car is useful in Livigno, we used it to get to the other side of the valley instead of using the buses.

Mike

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:01:10 GMT

Mike3000 wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:

snowb4ndit wrote:Just looked at transfer costs :shock: Would it be better to do a hotel package?

When I have been (twice) we have hired a car at the airport. I really enjoy the drive though it is long and you need to allow 5 hours with stops. Its nice to have lunch by lake Como.

Also the car is useful in Livigno, we used it to get to the other side of the valley instead of using the buses.

Mike

I always found it a pain driving around Livigno in the winter, I used the bus.......I'm Partial to lunch time drinkey wouldn't like to break the law :wink:

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:54:30 GMT

Euro95 each for 8 return...seems about right for that distance

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:14:18 GMT

I've been looking at some packages which seem good value for money. Where is the best part of Livigno to stay? Does San Rocco opposite the Carasello cable car sound good? I have no idea of the best position.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:30:55 GMT

snowb4ndit wrote:I've been looking at some packages which seem good value for money. Where is the best part of Livigno to stay? Does San Rocco opposite the Carasello cable car sound good? I have no idea of the best position.

I always stay in Saroch it is about a two or three minute bus ride to the Carosello tele cabine, this area has some nice restaurants and bars, not over commercialized

http://www.theskicompany.co.za/livigno/livigno_map.htm

http://www.livigno.com/en/ospitalita/index.htmhttp://www.livigno.com/en/ospitalita/index.htm

http://www.lungolivigno.com/home.jsp?idrub=3&lang=2

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:36:58 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:

snowb4ndit wrote:I've been looking at some packages which seem good value for money. Where is the best part of Livigno to stay? Does San Rocco opposite the Carasello cable car sound good? I have no idea of the best position.

I always stay in Saroch it is about a two or three minute bus ride to the Carosello tele cabine, this area has some nice restaurants and bars, not over commercialized

http://www.theskicompany.co.za/livigno/livigno_map.htm

http://www.livigno.com/en/ospitalita/index.htmhttp://www.livigno.com/en/ospitalita/index.htm

http://www.lungolivigno.com/home.jsp?idrub=3&lang=2

Thanks Ian, I'll have a look at these sites.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:36:57 GMT

AHHHHHHHHH LIVIGNO,FIRST ITALIAN SKI TRIP,FIRST OF MANY.MY WIFES FAVOURITE SKI DESTINATION(SHES MEZZA ITALIANA).SO MANY PROS AND CONS WITH THE PLACE,BUT HERE GOES;PROS-SNOW SURE-village @ 1800m,MOSTLY SLOPESIDE HOTELS,REASONABLE LIFT PASS PRICES FOR A RESORT WITH `120 PLUS km OF PISTE,THE BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD @ THE BAIT DEL GHET PIZZARIA( FREE DRINKS AT THE BAR IF YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR A TABLE OR YOUR BILL ON THE WAY OUT!!!!!!!),GREAT BARGAINS ON UPGRADING SKI-GEAR/ELECTRONIC CONSUMABLES/GRAPPA ETC AND THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE EVER. HOWEVER-CONS;OTHER THAN FLIGHTS INTO INNSBRUCK,ITS A 5 HOUR TREK FROM BERGAMO,NOTHING FOR THE EXPERIENCED OR MILE HUNGRY INTERMIDIATES,NOT A PARTY-ZONE AT NIGHT EXCEPT FOR A NIGTHCLUB AT THE FAR END OF THE VILLAGE AND NOT MUCH TO DO FOR NON-SKIERS DURING THE DAY.NEVER GET ROPED INTO A TRIP TO THE SAN SIRO AS ITS A 10 HOUR ROUND TRIP,BUT DEFINATELY DO THE DAY EXCURSION TO ST MORITZ JUST OVER THE BORDER.THERE ARE MUCH BETTER SKI RESORTS IN ITALY(SELLA RONDA,MADONNA,CERVINIA ETC),BUT LIVIGNO IS A GREAT ALL-ROUNDER,GOOD FOR BEGINNERS/EARLY INTERMIDIATES AND WELL WORTH THE VISIT.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:36:31 GMT

Alright - no need to shout )

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:33:13 GMT

corrasello wrote:AHHHHHHHHH LIVIGNO,FIRST ITALIAN SKI TRIP,FIRST OF MANY.MY WIFES FAVOURITE SKI DESTINATION(SHES MEZZA ITALIANA).SO MANY PROS AND CONS WITH THE PLACE,BUT HERE GOES;PROS-SNOW SURE-village @ 1800m,MOSTLY SLOPESIDE HOTELS,REASONABLE LIFT PASS PRICES FOR A RESORT WITH `120 PLUS km OF PISTE,THE BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD @ THE BAIT DEL GHET PIZZARIA( FREE DRINKS AT THE BAR IF YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR A TABLE OR YOUR BILL ON THE WAY OUT!!!!!!!),GREAT BARGAINS ON UPGRADING SKI-GEAR/ELECTRONIC CONSUMABLES/GRAPPA ETC AND THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE EVER. HOWEVER-CONS;OTHER THAN FLIGHTS INTO INNSBRUCK,ITS A 5 HOUR TREK FROM BERGAMO,NOTHING FOR THE EXPERIENCED OR MILE HUNGRY INTERMIDIATES,NOT A PARTY-ZONE AT NIGHT EXCEPT FOR A NIGTHCLUB AT THE FAR END OF THE VILLAGE AND NOT MUCH TO DO FOR NON-SKIERS DURING THE DAY.NEVER GET ROPED INTO A TRIP TO THE SAN SIRO AS ITS A 10 HOUR ROUND TRIP,BUT DEFINATELY DO THE DAY EXCURSION TO ST MORITZ JUST OVER THE BORDER.THERE ARE MUCH BETTER SKI RESORTS IN ITALY(SELLA RONDA,MADONNA,CERVINIA ETC),BUT LIVIGNO IS A GREAT ALL-ROUNDER,GOOD FOR BEGINNERS/EARLY INTERMIDIATES AND WELL WORTH THE VISIT.

It all comes down to what the individual wants, I don't really want nightclubs or a party town just a log fire and a bottle of vino, but I have not skied Livigno for at least 12 years, but I would want at sometime for little W to experience Livigno in winter it has not got milage but it has a uniqueness, I will argue the point with you that the best pizza in town is at Bellevista :thumbup:

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:21:45 GMT

CANT ARGUE WITH THE PIZZA DEBATE,WHERE IN ITALY DO YOU GET A BAD ONE?TRY THE POLLENTA AI FUNGHI NEXT TIME YOU ARE THERE AT THE BELLA,IN THE BASEMENT RESTAURANT,NEXT TO THE LOG FIRE AND A BOTTLE OF THE LOCAL VAL DI SONDRIO WINE.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:22:15 GMT

Dude, seriously, CAPS LOC. My eyes hurt.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:25:06 GMT

corrasello wrote:CANT ARGUE WITH THE PIZZA DEBATE,WHERE IN ITALY DO YOU GET A BAD ONE?TRY THE POLLENTA AI FUNGHI NEXT TIME YOU ARE THERE AT THE BELLA,IN THE BASEMENT RESTAURANT,NEXT TO THE LOG FIRE AND A BOTTLE OF THE LOCAL VAL DI SONDRIO WINE.

One summer I went on a hike got up to a refuge at 2800m and had Polenta and home made sausage, out of this world, I wanna go now 8)

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:32:14 GMT

Sorry Pablo,but i hate the shift key for names etc.Have you been to Livigno or just enjoying this stream of powder houndness?!!!!!!!!!Steve.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:33:44 GMT

I have not been to Livigno but I loved La Thuile for the short visit, the tree skiing looked insane, mostly North Facing too.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:43:49 GMT

La Thuile is on our hit list,looks good and with the runs over into France seems to be quite a large area.Can you recommend hotels as that large complex looks a nigthmare,any ones slopeside?

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:45:30 GMT

The French side isn't worth anything more than the novelty of skiing in to France. I was actually staying in Sainte Foy for the week when we decided to ski over to La Thuile from La Rosiere. I could spend a week in La Thuile, no idea of hotels though, sorry. Maybe someone else would have a better idea...

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:52:11 GMT

only 9 months to go until the snow reappears.

Re:Livigno or a Resort like it?

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:53:13 GMT

It hasn't even disappeared yet :lol: