Livigno is one of few duty-free areas in Europe. The current tax exemption was first introduced by the Austrian Empire around 1840 and because of cheap perfumes, booze and of course, a ski area, the small village is a hot spot in Italy.
A quite small ski area with 30 ski lift's of witch 14 is short ski-lift's for beginner's/kid's near the village. click here to find the official Livigno web site. click here to find a broad-cast.

This village, apart from most other previously genuine village that has become a ski resort, still has charm. With many easy and nice slopes and the qualities from picturesque buildings and duty-free shopping the area attracts mainly families with kids and during events Tele-mark skiers.

Suited at an altitude of 1800 metres above sea level and with the ski lift system up to above 3000 the area is as "snow-safe" as Italy can be with a long season starting Nov/Dec and ending in April. The wide valley split's the ski system in two parts, and you need to use the bus to go from on side to the other. This Bus system work good (for Italy) and also take you from Hotels/Apartment's to the centre in the evenings if you don't prefer walking.

The village offers shopping, shopping and shopping, but also bar's, restaurant's, disco and after ski. The people behind the village is highly efficient and a lot of event's is taking place during all the season.

The valley is beautiful, open, with no dramatic view's. If you want dramatic view's, take a day to drive down to St. Moritz, and if it is spring, then drive back trough Passo del Bernina.

So, a picturesque valley and village, cheap booze, petroleum, perfumes and stuff as ski clothes, cameras etc. though a price level as in the rest of the Alps in Bar's and Restaurant's. Nice and easy pist's for the family.