Sestriere in summer is quite different to the busier winter season. From a bustling ski resort in one of Italy’s largest ski areas, the town takes on a much mellower vibe in the summer months. Something of a hidden gem destination in Italy, a luxury summer holiday to Sestriere provides the perfect escape to the mountains, which you can enjoy entirely at your own leisure. Whether you’re interested in getting involved with the many things to do in Sestriere and the Via Lattea region in summer, or you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing escape in a beautiful alpine environment, Sestriere is a summer destination in the Alps worth your consideration.
Location
Sestriere is located at a high altitude of 2,035m. In fact, it is one of Italy’s highest towns. The resort is found in the Metropolitan City of Turin in the Piedmont region of the Italian Alps, surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, pine forests and nature parks. The town is one of several that form the Milky Way ski area in winter. It is located only 90 minutes from the city of Turin, with less than 2 hours drive from Turin airport.
Owing to its high altitude, the weather in Sestriere remains temperate even in summer. Average temperatures hover around 15°C to 19°C in July, which is both the hottest month of the summer and the one with the most sunshine.
About Sestriere Resort
Sestriere was originally founded as a ski resort by Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of Fiat, in the 1930s. It’s heritage is as a holiday destination for workers of the Fiat factory plant, located in Turin. The resort would become the archetypal model for many French resorts following its inception. It gained further fame over the years as the founder’s grandson, the famous industrialist Gianni Agnelli, would frequently visit Sestriere for ski holidays. In 2006, Sestriere was one of the three Olympic villages for the Turin Winter Olympics, giving it even more acclaim.
The two red and white towers in Sestriere have existed since it was first built, and remain emblematic of the resort’s heritage. However, outside of the main town you will find many more traditional satellite villages including Pattemouche and Prageleto. These small hamlets of Sestriere chalets brim with character and authenticity, rewarding exploration of the resort and its mountain region.
Recently, Sestriere has been growing in popularity as a summer Alps destination. Once the snow melts, dairy farmers bring their cattle up to the verdant slopes for grazing and cheese production. Indulge in this local produce at a local restaurant or pack up a picnic for an unforgettable lunch in the mountains. This sense of authenticity is just one of many reasons to try a summer holiday to Sestriere.
What to do in Sestriere in summer
Biking in Sestriere
For things to do in Sestriere, biking should be number one on your list. Fans of both mountain biking and road biking will be well-rewarded on a luxury summer holiday to Sestriere. In the summer, the Sestriere-Fraiteve gondola opens up access to higher altitudes. It brings you to the top of Mount Fraiteve, treating you to spellbinding panoramic views across the area and leading to a number of mountain biking routes back down to Sestriere. Between the trails on Mount Fraiteve and more natural routes around the resort, mountain biking in Sestriere has over 100km of trails to explore. For further variety, head over to nearby Sauze d’Oulx, where there’s an additional 100+km of trails of varying difficulties.
Road biking in Sestriere is also a popular summer pastime. For years, the town has featured challenging climbs in stages on both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France. Sestriere holidays give keen road bikers the opportunity to test themselves on routes cycled by the very best in the world.
Hiking in Sestriere
Hiking in Sestriere has something for all abilities. From relaxing, easy wanders through the pretty pine forests around the resort to challenging routes in both length and elevation, across to other towns in the Via Lattea region. Hiking is the best way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the mountains of the Alta Val Susa and Val Chisone, where Sestriere lies.
Further down the valley from Sestriere, you will find the quaint, picturesque village of Pragelato. Pragelato sits at the gateway to the Val Troncea Natural Park, one of three natural parks in the Via Lattea area. The park is a great place for hiking, and one of the best places to discover local flora and fauna.
Other things to do in Sestriere
There are lots more summer activities worth a mention in this Sestriere resort guide. Sestriere makes a great base for golf holidays in Italy. In fact, it’s home to one of the highest courses in the country. There’s an 18-hole golf course in Sestriere itself, with two short courses found in the nearby towns of Bardonecchia and Claviere.
However, for the largest variety of activities in Sestriere in summer, you must make a trip to the monumental Sestiere sport centre. Discover numerous multipurpose sports pitches offering everything from football to tennis to basketball and volleyball. You will find gym facilities and spa facilities, as well as Lago Losetta, a small lake for fishing holidays in the mountains. Also featuring play areas, bars and restaurants, it really is a great place to visit on family holidays to Sestriere.
Summer Activities in Via Lattea
The surrounding villages and towns that make up the Via Lattea ski area in winter offer an abundance of additional activities on a summer holiday to Sestriere. The aforementioned village of Pragelato is home to horse riding along alpine trails. Further down the valley, Fort Fenestrelle is the largest alpine fortification in Europe; a site of supreme historical and cultural significance, it’s not to be missed.
Exhilarating activities for all ages can be found elsewhere in the region. The Chaberton Adventure Park in Cesana Torinese has ziplines, tree top trails and activities galore! Children will love the summer camp, Olympic park and fun parks of Sansicario. Elsewhere, you can experience via ferrata in Claviere, or race down the alpine coaster of Bardonecchia.
Bars and Restaurants in Sestriere
The cuisine you’ll experience at the best restaurants in Sestriere showcases local ingredients alongside a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Italy is often regarded as having the best food in the world, so you’ll enjoy some fantastic cuisine on a Sestriere summer holiday! In Sestriere, simple and straightforward meals utilise locally sourced ingredients, that provide the best of both Italian and Alpine traditions.
There are several great restaurants in Sestriere in summer open for an enjoyable meal. Head to Pinky Food & Drinks Sestriere in town for a delightful Italian aperitivo in its spacious outdoor area, before tucking into a delicious homemade pizza. Another great pizzeria is in the village of Pragelato; Al Mulino is a family-run pizzeria, famous for its fantastic desserts.
QB Sestriere is another of our favourite summer restaurants in Sestriere. A lovely bistro serving Piedmontese cuisine, stop here for lunch, dinner or drinks on their fantastic panoramic terrace. Be sure to try their great selection of wines and other drinks. For late night revelry, Tabata is the main club that stands out for Sestriere nightlife.
Sestriere Accommodation – Baita 1697
Baita 1697 is located in an old hamlet known as Pattemouche. This is one of the satellite villages of Sestriere, found just down the valley outside Pragelato. The chalet breathes authenticity, starting life as a 17th century classic Piedmontese farmhouse. Now the property operates as a luxury Sestriere chalet, sleeping 10-18 guests across five double bedrooms and a children’s dormitory.
Inside the chalet, domed ceilings of exposed stone and intimate lighting create a homely, welcoming atmosphere. Luxurious furnishings of greys and browns add a touch of class while maintaining the traditional alpine vibe. The chalet features a generous 450m² of interior space, with equally impressive outdoor areas for guests to utilise. A roof terrace offers views over the charming village and down the valley. Plus, the terrace has the added bonus of a traditional hot tub and open fireplace for relaxation and warmth. The chalet also boasts its own garden, the perfect spot for alfresco dining.
A definitive highlight of Baita 1697 is its service. The property runs as either a self catered or catered chalet in Sestriere. This gives you the freedom and flexibility of choice on your summer holiday to Sestriere. Additionally, the owner’s can help organise a variety of special packages and events for your stay. These include local and traditional cooking classes, wine workshops, yoga and health retreats, and more! Your luxury summer holiday to Sestriere can be entirely customised to your desires.
Summer Holidays in Sestriere
Summer holidays in Sestriere are what you make of them. There are plenty of activities in Sestriere and the Via Lattea region for all ages and interests. Alternatively, the alpine resort offers a more peaceful, relaxing escape to the mountains should you wish. One where enjoying the amazing scenery and sampling local dishes in your catered chalet in Sestriere is the most activity you’ll experience all week. Whatever your desire, Sestriere in summer is a great option for something a bit different from your typical summer holiday.
Are you interested in learning more about Sestriere in summer? Or just interested in a summer holiday to the Alps in general? If so, we can be of service. Speak to one of our Summer Alps Specialists on +44 1202 203659, or send us an email instead.
