Livigno, Italy: A Poor To Prosperous Ski Resort

This tax incentive was started in the later 1800s to keep people living here; and, of course, to help Italy keep an eye on its land and borders. Other Italian villages make complaints about these continued benefits given solely to Livigno. The tax incentive continues on today because of the poverty that dominated the region for centuries. Today's inhabitants benefit mostly because of the hardships their grandparents faced.

These hardships didn't stop at poverty back then either. Because of an altitude over 1800 meters, Livigno suffered inadequate supply shipments, snubbing by the Italian government, frostbiting cold and death-swallowing avalanches. The last one killed seven people, destroyed more than a dozen houses and left a chilling wake of snow cover until the spring thaw. In fact, the first papers documenting the area-from the Middle Ages-referred to Livigno as "vinea et vineola." This actually translates from German to "Avalanche"-a seriously hard place to make a living.

The first people to come to Livigno were shepherds, poor migrants who toiled the land into something productive. Today, the sons and daughters of those shepherds enjoy a much easier way of life. Not only are more people bringing business and jobs, but also there are more economic opportunity and advancement. Neither Italy nor the EU rebuffs Livigno today. The area even has one of Italy's highest birth rates, corroborating the census that life here is finally getting easier.

The Livigno resort itself is located a few meters over 1800 meters. The Akua Granda or Spol River passes through the area year round. Livigno is part of the Italian Alps, though Switzerland has some rights to the mountain as they are close by. If bargain hunters are looking for last minute deals in the Alps-with tax-free benefits to boot-Livigno may be the best place to search.

The ski area itself is best suited to beginner and intermediate level skiers, located right above the Valtellina alpine valley near Switzerland. The slopes are the long, wide-open type, allowing beginners to zoom downhill without the pressures of running into someone or something. A week or two here will make a beginner more confident in attempting other narrower and faster slopes elsewhere in the Alps. Plus, any number of the ski schools will show you the ropes for a few euros per session. If you wait until last minute, however, it may cost you a bit more.

The resort itself is part of the Alta Valtellina Ski Area. On one side of the valley, you'll find Carosella and the Costaccia, while on the other, you'll find the Mottolino ski area. You can buy a ski pass (either in advance or last minute) that will give you access to Bormio and Santa Caterina ski areas too. Many of the ski areas are above the resort proper, so it' possible to ride to the top, ski down and have easy access to your hotel or accommodation without riding up again. With over 90 individual pistes and 110 km of runs, you'll be lucky to find your way back without a guide or map.

Historically speaking, Livigno Italian ski resort was visited by only a few outsiders and mainly catered to an Italian crowd. Because of newfound fascination, Livigno receives foreigners from England, Austria, Germany, and even Canada, the USA and Brazil. The slopes are guaranteed snow crusted while the prices are assuredly cheaper than higher-brow ski resorts. With Swiss prices so close and other Alps resorts closer, Livigno makes just as much economic sense as somewhere closer to home. (Hint: There's an airport two hours away. Getting here for a quick getaway is possible.)

The numbers tell why people are flocking to Livigno Italian ski resort, booking all-inclusive or last-minute packages. There are a total of 57 runs-six black, 25 blue and 26 red-plus kilometers of downhill pistes. If you like to get off the slopes, then you can try your skis at some 40 km of cross-country routes. There are over 30 lifts capable of transporting over 45,000 skiers and snowboarders per hour. The highest lift can take you to 3000 meters and with the lowest at 1800 meters-that's a difference of 1200 meters-snow is assured (24 snow cannons provided)! The slopes face a southeast and northwest direction, giving sun and snow lovers the time of their lives.