Sansicario

For the Sansicario sector, the operator lists 48 slopes served by 7 lifts, without publishing a separate total length. The resort is, however, directly part of the Vialattea, which offers more than 400 km of slopes in total. The local ski area extends from approximately 1,350 metres at Cesana Torinese, which is connected by the lifts, up to the 2,701-metre summit of Monte Fraiteve, with more than 1,300 metres of skiable vertical drop.

In their lower section, Sansicario’s slopes pass through peaceful larch forests and, as they climb higher, open onto the wide, panoramic slopes of Fraiteve. The sector is particularly popular with intermediate skiers, thanks to its many long, flowing red runs, which are generally less crowded than those in Sestriere. Beginners and families can use the ski-school areas and easier slopes near Sansicario Alto, while a reasonable level of skiing ability is recommended for tackling the full descents from Fraiteve.

The most representative run is Fraiteve Olympique, a technical piste built for the women’s downhill, super-G and combined events at the 2006 Turin Olympics. Alongside the Olympic piste are long red and black variants, more challenging pitches and enjoyable stretches through the forest. The mountain’s layout makes it possible to alternate sporting descents with more relaxed runs, with the option of skiing from the highest point of the ski area down to Sansicario and, when conditions permit, continuing towards Cesana.

The lift network was largely upgraded for the 2006 Olympic Games. The main lifts allow skiers to climb progressively from Cesana and Sansicario Alto towards Fraiteve, but the system is not among the most modern and uniform in the Alps: alongside the more efficient chairlifts, there are still fixed-grip lifts and drag lifts, which can slow some journeys. Nevertheless, the layout of the slopes and the considerable vertical drop make it possible to enjoy fairly long descents without having to use the lifts continuously.

Sansicario’s greatest strength is its central position in the Vialattea. From Monte Fraiteve, Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx can be reached directly, while descending towards Cesana, skiers can continue in the direction of Claviere and France’s Montgenèvre. Sansicario is therefore an excellent base for exploring the entire ski area, although for longer itineraries it is necessary to check whether the connecting lifts are open and carefully calculate the return times.

Compared with the livelier Sestriere and Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario has a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, with residences, hotels and services clustered near the slopes. Sansicario Alto is practical and convenient for a snow holiday, while the nearby historic village retains a more authentically Alpine character.

In summer, the slopes of Fraiteve become a destination for hiking, mountain biking and e-biking. Several routes connect Sansicario with Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Champlas and Col Basset, crossing high-altitude pastures, forests and military roads. The resort also offers walks suitable for families and is an interesting starting point for discovering the historic hamlets in the area around Cesana Torinese.