| p>France, Austria and Switzerland are some of the | | | | some of the more famous ski resorts in Western |
| most famous ski resorts for British skiers and | | | | Europe. Instead, Livigno remains a town with plenty |
| snowboarders. But these traditional favourites are | | | | of rustic charm; the traditional wooden chalets and |
| now also some of the most expensive places to get | | | | small rural buildings are easy on the eye and add to |
| your snow fix. It's not uncommon to pay 7 Euros or | | | | the natural charm of the surrounds. |
| more for an après ski beer in ski bars in Val | | | | But the best thing about Livigno is the price, due to |
| D'isere or Kitzbuhel - and cheap accommodation can | | | | its duty free status which was introduced by the |
| also be hard to find. | | | | Austro-Hungarian Empire about 160 years ago. It's |
| Many skiers are looking to Eastern Europe for a | | | | thought that Livigno's remote nature, which was |
| cheaper ski trip, but while there are certainly bargains | | | | completely cut off from the rest of the country |
| to be found in the Balkans, the resorts tend be less | | | | during the harsh winters, was largely the reason it |
| developed than in Western Europe and offer less | | | | was made into a tax free haven. And even |
| extensive terrain. So what does the cash strapped | | | | nowadays, only three roads connect the town with |
| skier do? | | | | other areas - though improvements in building |
| The answer lies in the not-so-well-known ski resort | | | | technology and snow clearance mean that access is |
| of Livingo, Italy. Set in the Italian Alps at 1816 m | | | | no longer a problem. |
| above sea level, Livigno offers extensive skiing | | | | Perhaps the only downside to Livigno is its slight |
| without breaking the bank. With 33 lifts and 110km of | | | | inaccessibility from major airports. It's around a three |
| skiing, the area attracts all levels of snow sports fans. | | | | hour drive from Bergamo or Innsbruck, but with |
| The wide open runs are perfect for beginners to | | | | regular buses to the resort or cheap car hire in Italy |
| learn and intermediates to progress, and the terrain | | | | readily available, getting to Livigno isn't difficult. |
| park and easy back country access will even keep | | | | So, with plenty of terrain, easily accessible off piste, |
| more advanced skiers and snowboarders happy for a | | | | a warm Italian reception and prices far cheaper than |
| week or more. | | | | other resorts in Western Europe, Livigno is one |
| The town has avoided the rapid building boom of | | | | excellent Italian job. |
| imposing concrete high rise hotels that has blighted | | | | |