Sestriere, host of the 1997 World Alpine Championships, is a modern well designed ski resort in the Vialettea area of the southwestern Alps, near the Italian/French border. Reliable snow, challenging advanced terrain, and a warm sunny climate attract a sophisticated, international clientele.

Set amid stunning Alpine scenery, Sestriere is a modern, purpose-built resort with numerous facilities and an Italian flair, reflected in its architecture. More than 40 shops will keep the non-skier happy, with antique, tailor, sporting goods, jewellery, perfume and confectionery shops all represented. First-aid is also available, along with excellent childcare and ski schools.

There are 3,300 beds in a variety of accommodation, including purpose-built circular towers left over from the world championships, hotels and private residences. Other non-ski activities include ice-skating and bowling, and there are dozens of restaurants serving delicious Italian and French fare, while nightlife is provided by 30 bars and a nightclub.

Sestriere has access to 400kms of slopes over 146 runs in the Milky Way ski region, with an emphasis on the intermediate skier and snowboarder, as well as plenty of terrain for beginners and experts. The longest run is five kilometres. Three gondolas, 35 chairlifts and 54 surface lifts provide piste access and have an hourly capacity of 70,900 people.

There are nine other resorts in the Vialattea region, four of which are completely linked to Sestriere. Claviere is one of these and is Italy’s oldest resort, while Sauze d’Oulx is renowned for its lively après-ski. Nearby Turin, famous for its associations with Fiat, its fin de siècle cafés and a lovely baroque centre of ordered, elegant streets, is one of Italy's most opulent cities.

The ski season at Sestriere runs from December to April, with cheaper pre-Christmas holiday weeks and good deals towards the season’s end. The most convenient means for getting to Sestriere is to fly to Turin and transfer by train and bus combination.