This Is the Italian Alpine Town That Will Host Snowboarding and Freestyle Events in the Winter Olympics

"Sometimes called Italy's "Little Tibet," this town in the Rhaetian Alps-with a population of around 6,800-is famous for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. Nestled in the heart of the Alta Valtellina in Lombardy, right on the Swiss border, it sits at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet and is surrounded by imposing mountains that wrap around the valley. Thanks to its various snow parks, Livigno was chosen to host snowboard and freestyle competitions during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics."

"Until the 1950s, Livigno was completely isolated during the winter, when heavy snow would make the roads connecting it to Italy and Switzerland impassable. After a 1951 avalanche that killed seven people, the townspeople banded together to ensure that Livigno wouldn't be cut off anymore in the winter. Following improved roads came the first ski lift-and with it, the first tourists. According to John Cusini, a local restaurateur, because Livigno has only been welcoming tourists for the past 70 years, it has retained its authenticity."

Livigno, nicknamed "Little Tibet," sits in the Rhaetian Alps in Alta Valtellina, Lombardy, at nearly 6,000 feet on the Swiss border and is encircled by steep mountains. The town of about 6,800 is known for freestyle skiing, snowboarding, and multiple snow parks and was selected to host snowboard and freestyle competitions for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics. Severe winter isolation persisted until the 1950s; a 1951 avalanche prompted residents to improve access, leading to roads, the first ski lift, and the arrival of tourists. Local restaurateur John Cusini emphasizes that limited decades of tourism have preserved the town's authentic mountain character alongside modern resort features.

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