San Domenico

San Domenico di Varzo is one of those places people who know it would rather keep to themselves. It sits in the Lepontine Alps, in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, a few kilometers from the Swiss border: a small resort, but with 35 km of runs, 1,080 meters of vertical, and a real mountain feel, far from the crowds of the big resorts. The whole resort runs on 100% renewable energy.

Terrain & Slopes

With 7 lifts and 35 km of runs for every level, San Domenico works both for beginners and for more experienced riders looking for quieter slopes. More than 1,000 meters of vertical is a lot for a resort this size, and in the days after a snowfall the upper runs give you great chances to ride fresh snow. The park is small but well kept: a good place to try your first jumps and rails without the pressure of the big parks.

Ski Touring & Freeride

San Domenico is one of the favorite spots for ski tourers from Piedmont: the slopes have technically interesting routes, and the resort encourages touring with dedicated itineraries. For freeriders, powder days turn up nice surprises off the groomers too. Always go out with a transceiver, shovel, and probe, and check the snowpack conditions first.

Getting There

The location is handy: 1 hour 10 minutes from Malpensa airport, 2 hours from Milan, 45 minutes from Lake Maggiore. The Sandobus, a dedicated shuttle, links the resort with the main towns in the area, so it’s easy to get there without a car. The parking lot near the lifts is large and free.

Magic Pass

San Domenico is part of the Magic Pass, a season pass that covers over 100 Alpine resorts in Italy and Switzerland. If you ride several resorts over the winter, it’s one of the best-value options around.