Livigno is a modern ski resort in the middle of the Stelvio Nature Reserve. It has a high altitude and you are almost always guaranteed snow. The closed off valley suffered from a stagnant economy until the area was declared a duty-free zone under Mussolini’s fascist government. Livigno consists of three old villages, Santa Maria, San Antonio and San Rocco, which are linked by a long road that stretches 4 km down in the valley.
The town has a lot of charming restaurants, a lively après-ski scene and nightlife. There are also many duty-free shops, with a large selection of perfumes, cigarettes and alcohol, which gives the town cult status in Northern Europe and among local skiing communities. It is, however, far from any airports (at least 5 hours’ drive) and is therefore better suited for those driving by car, although even by car it is not easy to get to the remote valley. We recommend continuing from Innsbruck to Landeck in Austria and from there to Zernes in Switzerland and then on through the Munt-La-Schera tunnel up to Livigno. Note that the tunnel is open from 08:00 to 20:00 and is closed at night!
Livigno is also definitely worth a trip in the summer months, when the bustle and activity of the winter season are replaced by peace and quiet and the idyllic atmosphere. Plus there are also a variety of treks up the mountain or to places such as Lake Gallo.
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