Sestiere
is an international ski resort. It constitutes a part of the famous
"Milky Way" ski circuit, which is a magnificent
area with over 400kms of pistes and excellent skiing possibilities
for all grades in the background of the spectacular scenery.
It gained international renown during February 1997 when it hosted
the World Cup Ski Races and it has been selected to organise the
2006 Winter Olympics. But its popularity as a ski resort dates
back to the early 1930's when the Fiat motor company began to
develop the area. Sestiere was built at high altitude due to favourable
snow conditions. Its slopes are north-west-facing and it has very
extensive snowmaking back-up, too.
Local slopes are suitable for most levels of skiing, with
some tougher runs than most neighbouring resorts. There is steep
terrain and off-piste for advanced skiers, great number of slopes
for intermediates and good facilities for beginners. This is all
supported by a continually improving lift system, which
only gets overloaded at weekends and during major holidays.
Sestiere offers also other activities among which are:
ice-skating, cross country skiing nearby, squash, Aerobics, fitness
room, heli skiing, Turkish bath/sauna.
The apres ski is busy with a few nightclubs, lots of pubs and
some fine places to eat out. Sestriere's restaurants range from
friendly pizzerias and bars to elegant restaurants. Cosmopolitan
and lively, there's highlife at the Tabata disco and with many
overseas visitors. Not only Italians and Brits, but also holidaymakers
from other countries visit Sestiere that creates an international
and familiar atmosphere. Once a week there is karaoke and
live music at Al Kovo. Visitors appreciate the Pinkies Pizzeria
for apres ski drinks and the Brahms Pub for quality of Irish beers.
Sestriere is a surprisingly good value resort, considering its
renown. It is also an excellent base for exploring the Milky Way,
with its own well-organized pistes which can satisfy even the
most demanding winter-sport enthusiasts. Notwithstanding poorly-attractive
architecture (like for Italy), this is still one of the best Italian
winter resorts.