SESTRIERE – A FREERIDE HIDDEN GEM
Sestrière Might Just Be the Best Backcountry Snowboard Resort You’ve Not Been To… Yet!
A word from MINT Snowboarding director, Dave Simpson, on why he believes Sestrière is a rare freeride haven of Europe, one that all backcountry enthusiasts should visit:
For so many great reasons Sestrière, Italy is a backcountry snowboarding hidden gem, and that’s why we’re heading back for our third Off Piste Freeride camp in January 2025. I’ve taken clients there twice already, here’s a few of my reasons why you should join me there this winter.
Unrivaled Mountain Access
One of the best things about Sestrière is its easy access to vast and epic area of freeride terrain. As part of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area, which also includes Montgenèvre in France and Sauze d’Oulx, it offers over 400km of pistes. Add in the 3,000m cable car, and you’ve got an entryway to an expansive backcountry playground. Add a splitboard to the mix and your options really are endless. We’ve explored countless descents on our past trips, both solely lift accessed and with additional short splitboarding ascents, and there’s still so much more waiting to be discovered.
Alpine Powder
Sitting at 2,035m, Sestrière enjoys deep snowfall throughout the season with a mix of wide-open alpine bowls, technical descents, and tree runs. On top of that, you can enjoy powder runs that take you all the way back to your hotel. Check out these dreamy fresh tracks during our first trip there in winter 2023:
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Our Guide
Our guide Gigi is a local legend. Sponsored by Rossignol, (yes that’s the same board company that sponsors our other favourite freerider, Xavier de Le Rue) he’s spent most of his life riding these mountains. He’s a master of his craft—passionate about the mountains, powder, freeriding, and splitboarding. But beyond his skill, Gigi’s just an incredible person to spend time with. His energy is infectious, and he’ll not only guide you to the best freeride terrain but also help you sharpen your backcountry riding skills.
It’s Quiet
One of the things that really surprised me about Sestrière is just how quiet it is. Sure, locals from Turin show up on the weekends but even then its not crazy and they’re mostly riding on-piste. More than that though, you just don’t see that many people riding in the backcountry, maybe that’s because there so much of it that everyone is spread out, either way there’s plenty of snow for everyone.
The Food—Because You’ve Earned It
After two trips here I can say the food in Sestriere’s mountain restaurants is on another level. The service, quality, and prices are unbeatable compared to other resorts. A personal favorite of mine, and one I make sure to take clients to at least twice during the camp, is Ristorante Da Casse. I can’t say enough good things about this spot—you’ll just have to experience it for yourself, but I’m certain it’ll be one of the best lunches you’ve ever had.
Bombardino
And of course, there’s the legendary Bombardino! This warm cocktail of brandy and egg liqueur, topped with whipped cream, is a must do at least once. It’s the perfect way to warm you up and unwind after a day out with Gigi, don’t worry, he’ll get involved too.
Why You’ll Love It
Sestriere isn’t a flashy or overhyped resort, which is why you may not have heard of it. But that’s why we love it there. It’s an authentic Italian ski resort and freeride destination that offers everything you want for a perfect backcountry course. The combination of epic powder, endless backcountry terrain, incredible food, Gigi and no crowds makes this one of the best freeride spots in Europe.
If you’re keen to join us in this snowboarding paradise, here’s some details of our Off Piste Freeride course in 2025:
- Dates: 26th January – 1st February 2025
- 6 nights half board hotel accommodation
- 5 days professional guiding with Gigi Lozzi & a UIAGM Mountain Guide
- Splitboard intro & rental
- & much more
Click here for full details of our Sestriere Off Piste Freeride course in 2025.