From Lake Como to Livigno: Ski and Relax in Lombardy

Located in the Italian Alps, Livigno will host snowboard and freestyle skiing competitions during the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. It is an excellent choice for these disciplines, as Livigno is already internationally known for its snowparks, freestyle culture and high-quality ski facilities.

For travellers, this means something very appealing: you can experience Olympic-level sport in a destination that also works perfectly as a winter holiday resort.

A short history of Livigno: from isolated valley to Alpine icon

Livigno sits at 1,816 metres above sea level, surrounded by dramatic peaks and wide-open landscapes. For centuries it was a remote mountain village, often cut off by snow during winter. That isolation shaped a strong local identity and helped Livigno develop a unique atmosphere that still feels different from many other Alpine resorts.

Today, it is often called “Little Tibet”, a nickname inspired by its high altitude, bright winter scenery and mountain character.

What to do in Livigno in winter

Livigno is not only about skiing, although skiing is spectacular here. The resort offers a full winter experience, with activities that suit every type of traveller.

Visitors come to Livigno for its downhill skiing and snowboarding, but the real charm is that winter here is never one-dimensional. One day you might be carving wide pistes under a bright blue sky, the next gliding along cross-country trails through the valley, or heading into the quiet forests on snowshoes where the only sound is fresh snow underfoot. There are routes for ski touring, fat biking on snow, ice skating, and of course the simple pleasure of wandering Livigno’s lively pedestrian streets as the mountains glow pink at sunset.

And then comes the part that makes Livigno feel truly special: it’s not just about adrenaline, it’s about balance. Few places do “active morning, pure relaxation afternoon” quite as effortlessly. After hours in the cold, there’s something deeply satisfying about swapping ski boots for a warm robe and letting your body slow down properly.

That’s where Aquagranda Wellness Park becomes a highlight of the trip. One of the largest alpine wellness and sports centres in Europe, it’s the perfect place to unwind with pools, spa facilities and recovery areas designed for tired legs and winter-stiff muscles. In Livigno, combining snow and wellness doesn’t feel like a luxury—it feels like the natural way to experience the mountains.

Duty-free shopping: a rare advantage in the Alps

One of the most searched features of Livigno is its duty-free status. Thanks to its special tax regulations, visitors often find excellent prices on items such as perfumes, alcohol, electronics and outdoor clothing. This makes Livigno not only a ski destination, but also a surprisingly rewarding place for shopping.

How to travel from Lake Como to Livigno

For travellers staying in Lake Como, Livigno is a brilliant next stop. Both destinations are in Lombardy, but they offer completely different experiences: Lake Como is refined and scenic, while Livigno is pure Alpine winter magic.

Most journeys connect through Milan, which acts as the region’s main transport hub. Travelling by car is common, and private transfers are also a popular option for visitors who want a smooth and comfortable route into the mountains. Combining Lake Como and Livigno is one of the most exciting Lombardy itineraries for 2026, especially for those planning a Winter Olympics trip.

Where to Stay in Livigno: A Refined Base for Skiing and the Olympics

Why choosing the right hotel matters

With the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, accommodation in Livigno will be in high demand. Staying in the right location will make your holiday far easier, especially if you want quick access to ski lifts, village restaurants and the pedestrian shopping streets.

A central hotel allows you to experience Livigno properly: stepping outside into the snow, walking to the lifts, enjoying evenings without worrying about transport, and making the most of every day.

Hotel Larice: comfort, style and a perfect central location

For travellers searching for the best place to stay in Livigno, Hotel Larice stands out for one key reason: its unbeatable location. Set in the heart of the resort, it places guests directly in Livigno’s pedestrian centre, just steps from the ski lifts and surrounded by the town’s main winter atmosphere.

In Livigno, staying close to the lifts is not a small detail — it completely changes the experience. When the slopes are right outside your door, your ski day becomes effortless: no shuttles, no long walks in ski boots, no carrying equipment across town. You simply step outside and you are immediately in the mountains.

This is exactly why Hotel Larice is such a smart choice, especially for families and groups. Ski rental shops and services are nearby, making it easy to organise equipment and enjoy the day without stress. Even when you take a break, you remain connected to the resort, with snowy views and skiers passing by just outside.

After a full day on the slopes, the hotel’s rooms and suites offer the perfect contrast: warm, relaxing spaces with a refined Alpine style, combining natural materials with modern comfort. In a destination like Livigno, where every winter day matters, this combination of central location, ski convenience and cosy elegance is what makes the stay truly memorable.

Breakfast and Dining at Hotel Larice: A Livigno Highlight

A winter holiday is defined by small pleasures, and Hotel Larice delivers them well. Breakfast is generous and high-quality, setting you up properly for skiing or exploring.

The hotel also offers a standout dining experience: a sushi restaurant in Livigno, created with a focus on premium ingredients and careful preparation, alongside Italian and local specialities. It is an unexpected touch that feels perfectly suited to Livigno’s modern, international character.

Livigno and the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

Livigno is not only one of Italy’s top ski resorts—it is also stepping onto the world stage. During the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Livigno will host snowboard and freestyle skiing events, confirming its reputation as one of the country’s leading destinations for modern winter sports.

The Olympics will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026, with the Paralympic Winter Games following in March. These Games will be spread across several locations in Northern Italy, and Lombardy plays a major role, linking Milan’s international energy with the alpine venues.

Why Lombardy is one of the most important Olympic regions

Lombardy plays a major role in the Games, connecting the international energy of Milan with some of the most scenic Alpine landscapes in Europe. It is also one of the easiest regions to explore thanks to strong infrastructure and travel links.

For visitors, Lombardy offers an ideal combination: you can attend Olympic events and still enjoy an authentic Italian holiday. This is why destinations such as Lake Como, Milan and the mountain resorts of the north are becoming increasingly popular in travel searches related to the Winter Olympics.

If you are planning a Lombardy trip for 2026, combining Lake Como and Livigno is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the region: elegance by the lake, followed by high-altitude snow and Olympic excitement in the mountains.

LIVIGNO – Useful Contacts & Official Websites:

Related articles:

Lake Como to St. Moritz: How to Travel Best

5 Reasons to Visit Lake Como in Winter

Seven Interesting and Quirky Facts About Lake Como

How to Plan a Trip to Lake Como: Tips and Tricks

Lake Como Weather: When to Take A Journey

Love at first sight: 10 Best Photos from Lake Como