Whether your next ski holiday to Italy is either cross country, downhill or a bit of both, here is one helpful hint:

The Italian high season for winter starts Boxing Day (26 December) and runs through to  the Christian celebration of Epiphany (6 January) in Italy. Thus, from the first Sunday after Epiphany, which of course is celebrated with a long weekend, the rest of January is an ideal time to visit, as there are less people  on the trails and slopes and hotels will be offering better deals.

The whole month of February is considered the other High Season, so expect crowds and no deals on your accommodation.