Livigno, a (duty-free) ski area, is on the boarder of Italy and Switzerland, 25 miles from Bormio. Livigno is one of the largest and highest ski areas in the region. Although it is such a large area, it came from humble beginnings as a series of three small villages along a short stretch of road. Nowadays, the Livigno streets are lined with charming old buildings. The village is known for its extreme cold, so don’t forget to pack your thermals. It can get so cold in the area that it has been nicknamed “Piccolo Tibet” by the locals. There is no need to worry too much about the cold though, as there are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can warm up and grab some delicious pizza or pasta. Dining out in Livigno is affordable, and there are also over 200 duty-free shops in the area to take advantage of.

The ski resort has lots to offer for both novice and experienced skiers/snowboarders. At Mottolino, there is a half pipe and a snow park for the snowboarders amongst us. Cross-country skiers and hikers can enjoy themselves there too.