Always first for the action. . . it’s Livigno!
Italy’s premier ski resort gets the winter fun well under way
LIVIGNO often has a head start on the competition but this year, thanks to an abundant snowfall at the beginning of October, the premiere Italian resort really has got off to a flyer! It’s no surprise: located amid the majestic Alps in the beautiful province of Lombardy, Livigno is one of the most snow sure resorts in Europe. This is why it’s a mecca for snowsports lovers from all over the world, from novices and families wanting fun to world-class skiers and boarders.
While the official winter season kicks off on 30th November, there is a special, super-value Skipass Free offer this winter, which will be valid from 1st December to 20th December and from 5th April to 1st May. During these periods, skiers can obtain their ski pass free of charge, when staying in a hotel for at least four nights or in an apartment for at least seven nights in any of the ski resorts accredited accommodation options.
Always popular with families, this year Livigno will offer super-value weeks dedicated to families. The “Family Week - Kids Go Free” events take place from 18th to 25th January; 22nd to 29th March and 29th March to 5th April. During these weeks, a child under 12 accompanied by two paying adults goes completely free of charge, while every other child under 12 years goes for half price – this amazing offer includes everything from accommodation in all accredited accommodation to ski rental, ski passes and ski schools. Family week kids go free
New dedicated transfer services will now run every Saturday to make access to Livigno more accessible. Families can now pre book transfers from one of three airports in Italy: Malpensa, Linate or Orio al Serio to any accommodation in Livigno with Livigno Express as well as from Innsbruck in Austria. Prices start from £75 return per adult and £60 return for children 0 – 12 years old.
Freeriding, also known as backcountry or off-piste, is becoming increasingly popular among winter sports fans. As part of the freeriding-project, and a unique service in Italy, there will be a daily local information service on snow stability, supplementing the regional avalanche bulletin issued by ARPA in Bormio, as well as that issued by the Swiss Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF). Every morning this new feature will keep skiers informed about local snow conditions thanks to the news issued on APT Livigno’s website (www.livigno.eu), published on displays at ski-lift stations and in a newsletter.
When visitors are not actively enjoying the thrills of the slopes for themselves they can enjoy the action at a full programme of major sporting events throughout the season. This kicks off from 11th to 15th December with the Sgambeda, the international Nordic skiing race, which is part of the FIS Marathon Cup and was won by Norwegian skiing ace Petter Northugg last year. From 1st to 8th March, it’s Carnival time, Livigno-style, with traditional parades and celebrations.
This year also sees the cross-country ski track expanding, which has been named in honour of local legend Marianna Longa, who won silver and bronze medals for Italy at the World Championships in Liberec in 2009; and who up until 2011 developed her own skills on this very track. This year the Marianna Longa track will benefit from its very own snowmaking system, which will ensure consistently perfect snow cover on around 5km of track. An incredible 30km of cross-country ski trails are available, in total, spreading across Livigno’s valley and all the way to Alpe Vago.
In the run-up to the climax of Livigno’s winter season on 1st May, Livigno hosts the world-famous La Skieda from 29th March to 5th April, the international telemark festival, and from 1st to 6th April, the Fiat Nine Knights, a truly spectacular and exciting free ski contest, which will see during the best nine athletes in the world challenge one another with inspiring tricks, jumps and manoeuvres in a medieval-style castle made entirely of snow.
Prices start from £1185 for seven nights in Livigno for a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children up to 12 years old) self catering in a 3* apartment or £1605 in a 2* hotel on a half-board basis. Prices include ski rental, skipass and ski lessons for all the family.
For more information on Livigno or to book your ski holiday visit www.livigno.eu/en
For all press enquiries please contact:
Lynsey Devon, Heaven Publicity
Phone: 44 (0)20 3544 1563
Mobile: 44 (0)7717 078862
@HeavenPublicity
Livigno, Valtellina’s flagship resort, is set between the Stelvio National Park and the Swiss National Park. The town has preserved its environmental, natural and architectural characteristics. This is why Livigno is a paradise for anyone who loves holidays close to nature. Livigno conveys peace and serenity and is ideal for a winter or summer holiday, taking strolls along foot and cycle paths or enjoying mountain biking and trekking, alpine skiing, snowboarding, telemark and Nordic skiing.
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