With the sharp drop in temperatures, many people are already dreaming of a snow weekend spent on the slopes and engaging in winter sports, but where should one go? The best mountain destinations in Italy were officially revealed by the new ranking from the JFC Observatory, which, for the 2026/2027 season, unveiled which tourist spots and ski resorts are the most appreciated.
Two distinct rankings were published, one dedicated to mountain destinations and the other to ski areas with at least 100 kilometers of downhill runs, complemented by several thematic recognitions.
The top 10 most beloved mountain destinations
Which is the most beloved mountain destination in Italy? There is no doubt: it is Cortina d’Ampezzo, which holds the crown, beating Madonna di Campiglio. Only 169 votes separate the two destinations. Further behind, but on a strong rise, is Bormio: the Lombard destination takes third place with 4,825 votes, gaining four positions from the previous survey. But it is not only the most loved; the destination earns three additional recognitions: it is the most famous, the most fashionable, and with the best slopes. The true Queen of the Dolomites.
Behind the podium are Livigno, in fourth, and Courmayeur, in fifth. Sixth place goes to Canazei, which collects 4,212 votes, confirming the weight of the Dolomite towns in the preferences of mountain enthusiasts. Seventh place for Cervinia, with 4,079 votes.
Towards the end of the ranking, Ponte di Legno-Passo del Tonale makes a comeback to eighth position with 3,290 votes. Sestriere loses ground, slipping to ninth with 2,759 votes. Rounding out the top ten is Ortisei, which climbs two spots to reach 2,551 votes.
Just outside the top ten, Corvara sits eleventh with 2,520 votes. It is precisely this South Tyrolean locality that registers the sharpest rise compared to the previous winter, bringing it close to the most-voted destinations.
The top 10 most beloved mountain destinations in Italy:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL), 5,485 votes;
- Madonna di Campiglio (TN), 5,316 votes;
- Bormio (SO), 4,825 votes;
- Livigno (SO), 4,532 votes;
- Courmayeur (AO), 4,355 votes;
- Canazei (TN), 4,212 votes;
- Cervinia (AO), 4,079 votes;
- Ponte di Legno-Passo del Tonale (BS/TN), 3,290 votes;
- Sestriere (TO), 2,759 votes;
- Ortisei (BZ), 2,551 votes.
Other awarded destinations
Among the other recognitions awarded by the JFC Observatory, the Corvara award stands out, ranking first in the category for destinations with the best hotels. The center of Alta Badia earns 905 votes, edging out Cortina d’Ampezzo and Selva Val Gardena.
One of the most significant new entries is Predazzo. The Trentino town secures first place among the most accessible destinations with 902 votes, even though it did not appear in the previous edition. The recognition considers accessibility for people with mobility impairments, evaluating which destinations are perceived as most suitable for offering everyone the chance to enjoy snow sports. Second place goes to Abetone, with 764 votes, ahead of Canazei.
Madonna di Campiglio earns two more top spots. It is the destination most appreciated by families, followed by Andalo and Canazei, and it also ranks first for the range of services, surpassing Livigno and Bormio. Yet the latter delivers a environmental surprise. With a leap of 17 positions from last year, it earns the title of the most green destination. Behind it are Livigno and San Candido, completing the podium.
The best ski resorts
The leadership of the ranking for ski areas changes, too. Alta Badia is the best ski resort in Italy, with 3,446 votes, advancing two places. The South Tyrolean resort narrowly surpasses the SkiArea Madonna di Campiglio, which loses the first place and stops at 3,417 votes.
Third is Livigno, with 3,393 votes, also rising by two positions. Notable is also Val Gardena, which places fourth, while Cervino Ski Paradise climbs to fifth, improving by three positions from the previous edition. Completing the top 10 are Ponte di Legno-Tonale, Via Lattea, Val di Fassa, Monterosa Ski, and Kronplatz.
It isn’t only the overall ranking that distinguishes Italian ski resorts. The SkiArea Madonna di Campiglio earns top marks for both the quality of the slopes and safety, while Alta Badia stands out for its lift infrastructure. Those seeking a destination acclaimed for snow guarantees find Cervino Ski Paradise at the summit. For quality/price ratio, the leadership goes to Val di Fassa, which remains first for the seventh winter in a row.
