One of the oldest ski resorts in Italy, Limone Piemonte is nestled in the Alps, just a stone’s throw from the border with France. It was established as a ski station in the 1890s after the arrival of the railway and was made easily accessible from the French Riviera by the 3,182-metre-long Col de Tende Road Tunnel.
Things to do in Limone Piemonte
Around 80 kilometres of trails traverse the Riserva Bianca, which encompasses the ski areas of Limone-Sole, Tre Amis and Limonetto. It features trails to suit all abilities and boasts comfortable chair lifts built in the lead-up to the 2006 Winter Olympics. Aside from its downhill runs, Limone Piemonte is renowned for its off-piste skiing.
For a cultural fix, head to the Museo Dello Sci Agostino Bottero, which is named after one of the ski resort’s early entrepreneurs. It occupies the local library and houses exhibits dedicated to the social history of the town and its connection to winter sports. Nearby is the stone-built Chiesa Sant'Antonio di Padova, which was originally established in 1657.
Limone Piemonte can be used as a base for visiting the Certosa di Pesio, a magnificent charterhouse that dates back to the 12th century. It features a tranquil cloister that opens out towards the forest and a 250-metre-long portico lined with Romanesque-style columns. Step inside the 16th-century church to see frescoes by Jan Claret and Antonio Parentano.
Getting around Limone Piemonte
Limone Piemonte is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Turin and just under two hours from Turin Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Limone railway station and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around the region.