Via Lattea (Milky Way) Ski Area — Complete Guide
Published 1 November 2025
The Via Lattea — or Milky Way — links five Italian resorts and one in France into one of Europe’s larger ski areas. If you’re staying in Sauze d’Oulx, this is the ski area that comes with your lift pass. Here’s how to make sense of it.
What is the Via Lattea?
Via Lattea means “Milky Way” in Italian. It connects six resorts across the Italy–France border:
Italy: Sauze d’Oulx (1,510m) · Sestriere (2,035m) · Sansicario (1,700m) · Cesana Torinese (1,354m) · Clavière (1,760m)
France: Montgenèvre (1,860m)
The total area covers approximately 400km of marked pistes with around 146 runs — genuinely one of the larger ski areas in the Alps. One lift pass, all six resorts.
The resorts
Sauze d’Oulx — your home base
Sitting at 1,510m, Sauze is the most popular resort in the Via Lattea with the British market. It combines strong lift access, excellent intermediate terrain, an active après-ski scene and authentic Italian village character. The gondola from the village up to Sportinia plateau (~1,800m) is the main access point each morning.
Sestriere — the highest resort
At 2,035m, Sestriere is the highest resort in the area and the most famous internationally — it hosted alpine events at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. The altitude means reliable snow and a longer season. Some of the best black run terrain in the area is found here. More international in character than Sauze; less of a traditional village feel.
Sansicario — the quiet link
A smaller, quieter resort at 1,700m that connects Sestriere to Cesana. Sansicario hosted the women’s downhill and super-G at the 2006 Olympics. Good for a quieter lunch stop mid-traverse.
Cesana Torinese & Clavière
Cesana (1,354m) sits in the valley; Clavière (1,760m) sits directly above it, closest to the French border. Smaller and more low-key. Clavière is the last Italian resort before the connections cross into Montgenèvre.
Montgenèvre (France)
Right on the border at 1,860m. Skiing into France is one of the Via Lattea’s signature experiences — you cross the border on skis, no passport control, then descend into a French resort for lunch. Included on the standard Via Lattea pass.
Note: Montgenèvre also connects to the French Milky Way (Voie Lactée), which includes Serre Chevalier — but this extension requires a different or upgraded pass.
Terrain breakdown
The Via Lattea is an intermediate paradise:
| Difficulty | Character |
|---|---|
| Green | Limited — mostly nursery areas near resort bases |
| Blue | The dominant terrain type; long valley runs connecting the resorts |
| Red | Good variety; best around Fraiteve and the Sestriere area |
| Black | Most demanding runs near Sestriere and the Fraiteve couloirs |
The highest point is Fraiteve at 2,820m — accessible from both Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere. The long descent from Fraiteve back down towards Sauze is one of the best runs in the area.
The ski pass
The Via Lattea pass covers the full connected area including Montgenèvre. Pass options:
- Day pass — one day, any resort
- Multi-day pass — choose consecutive or non-consecutive days within a period
- Season pass — full season access
Discounts typically apply for children, seniors and groups. Prices change each season — always buy online at vialattea.it for current pricing. Online booking also saves time queuing at the ticket office.
Full ski pass guide including tips →
Tips for getting the most from the Via Lattea
Do the full traverse at least once. Sauze d’Oulx to Montgenèvre in France is a full-day adventure. Pick a clear mid-week day, start early, take the time to explore. It’s one of the highlights of skiing here.
Spend a full day on the Sestriere side. The terrain around Sestriere and the Olympic area is noticeably different — more open, higher altitude, with excellent red and black runs. Worth a dedicated day rather than just passing through.
Get to Fraiteve (2,820m) on a clear day. The views from the summit — across to France, back across the Italian Alps — are exceptional. The descent back towards Sauze is one of the best runs in the area.
Study the piste map before you go. The ski area is large enough to get disoriented without a rough mental map of how the resorts connect. The full piste map is at vialattea.it/en/slopes-and-facilities/.
Check snow conditions across the area. Snowfall and grooming vary between the Italian and French sides of the area. The Via Lattea snow report gives depth readings across all resorts.
Getting there
Fly to Turin Caselle Airport (TRN), approximately 80km from Sauze d’Oulx. Shared transfers take around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Getting here guide → · Airport transfers →
Frequently asked questions
How many km of pistes does the Via Lattea have?
The Via Lattea has approximately 400km of marked pistes across around 146 runs, connecting six resorts in Italy and France.
Can you ski from Italy to France in the Via Lattea?
Yes. The Via Lattea connects to Montgenèvre in France, and a standard Via Lattea ski pass covers the crossing. You ski across the border without any passport formalities — it’s one of the area’s signature experiences. The full traverse from Sauze d’Oulx to Montgenèvre and back is a classic full-day route.
Is the Via Lattea good for intermediate skiers?
Yes — it’s widely regarded as one of Europe’s best intermediate ski areas. The long blue and red runs connecting the resorts are perfectly suited to confident beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers will find challenge on the blacks around Sestriere and the Fraiteve couloirs.
What resorts are in the Via Lattea?
Six resorts: Sauze d’Oulx, Sestriere, Sansicario, Cesana Torinese and Clavière in Italy, plus Montgenèvre in France. All are covered on a standard Via Lattea lift pass.
What is the highest point of the Via Lattea?
The highest accessible point is Fraiteve at 2,820m, reachable from both Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere. This altitude means reliable snow cover through most of the season and exceptional views on clear days.
Is the Via Lattea the same as the French Milky Way?
No — the terms overlap but refer to different areas. The Italian Via Lattea connects Sauze d’Oulx to Montgenèvre. The French Voie Lactée (also called the Milky Way) connects Montgenèvre to Serre Chevalier. A standard Via Lattea pass does not include Serre Chevalier — you’d need an upgraded or different pass to ski that extension.
How long does it take to ski from Sauze d’Oulx to Montgenèvre?
Allow a full day for the full traverse comfortably. Experienced skiers who know the area can make the crossing and return more quickly, but if you want to explore the terrain along the way (especially Sestriere and the Fraiteve summit) and take a proper lunch break, a full day is realistic and enjoyable.
All information based on the Via Lattea ski area as of the 2025–26 season. Always check vialattea.it for current lift and piste status.