Sestriere: A Tourist Resort Born for Skiing
The Colle del Sestriere, at an altitude of 2035 meters between Alta Val Susa and Alta Val Chisone, was, until the early 20th century, a high-altitude green pasture covered by meters of snow for half the year. It seemed as though nature had designed it to spotlight the emerging sport of skiing, making it a unique destination for skiing and tourism.
The idea was born with Senator Giovanni Agnelli and his son Edoardo, who together envisioned a great winter resort on that hill. In the winter of 1931/1932, the Alpette Sises cableway was inaugurated, followed the next year by the Banchetta cableway, and in 1937 by the Fraiteve cableway. In October 1932, the Municipality of Sestriere was officially established by Royal Decree, with two skis represented on its coat of arms to emphasize its origins. From the pioneering descents of early skiers, the sport in Sestriere continued to grow, reaching new heights in the 1980s with the birth of the Vialattea ski area, which expanded the boundaries of skiing and opened the resort to international tourism.
Sestriere’s history is filled with memorable sporting moments, including Alberto Tomba’s thrilling victories in the giant slalom and slalom in 1987, which catapulted the Bolognese athlete to international fame. Tomba also won at Sestriere in 1994, securing victory in the first night slalom in Alpine Ski World Cup history. Sestriere’s reputation was further cemented with the 1997 World Ski Championships, the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and numerous Alpine Ski World Cup events.
The 4th Winter Universiade took place in Sestriere, Italy, from February 5 to 13, 1966, hosting 434 athletes from 29 nations around the world.
And now, Sestriere is ready once again, as it prepares to host the Torino 2025 World University Games Winter, formerly known as the Winter Universiade.
