Best Small Resorts for Prep School Skiers

Santa Caterina

Santa Caterina is an excellent option for prep school groups because of its peaceful setting and small village layout. Everything is close together, meaning pupils spend less time walking around in ski boots and more time skiing! The resort has a calm, traditional feel and avoids the crowds found in larger Italian destinations. 

The ski area is well suited to structured lessons, with wide pistes and clear progression from beginner to intermediate terrain. Slopes are generally quieter, which helps build confidence and allows instructors to focus on technique without the pressure of busy runs. The straightforward layout also makes supervision easier for staff, as meeting points and lifts are easy to identify. 

Why it works well for prep schools: 

• Small, quiet village with minimal walking 
• Calm slopes ideal for learning and confidence-building 
• Easy to supervise and navigate 
• Encourages focus on skiing rather than distractions 

Passo Tonale 

Passo Tonale is another great option for prep schools. Many hotels are located directly opposite the pistes, allowing pupils to step straight from accommodation onto the snow. This removes the need for buses or long walks and keeps daily routines simple and efficient. 

The resort itself is compact and purpose-built, making it easy to orientate younger skiers. Beginner areas are close to the main lifts, and ski school meeting points are clearly organised. The overall environment feels safe, open, and well suited to groups who are skiing for the first time or still developing basic skills. 

Why it works well for prep schools: 

• Hotels directly opposite the pistes 
• Very short distances between accommodation and lifts 
• Beginner-friendly slopes near the village 
• Simple, structured resort layout 

Bormio

Bormio is slightly bigger than the other resorts on this list – however, it’s still a top choice for prep school groups, particularly those with a wider range of abilities. It offers a traditional alpine town atmosphere alongside a varied ski area, giving pupils a sense of a “real” mountain resort without being overwhelming. 

The resort is best suited to groups that include confident beginners and intermediates, as some of the terrain is steeper and more challenging. However, its size can be an advantage for progression, allowing pupils to experience longer runs and more varied skiing as the week goes on. 

Why it can suit prep schools: 

• Offers more variety for mixed-ability groups 
• Traditional town atmosphere 
• Good option for progression beyond basic slopes 
• Still manageable compared with very large resorts 

Tarvisio

Tarvisio is one of the quieter ski resorts in Italy and is particularly well suited to first-time skiers and younger pupils. The ski area is small and unintimidating, with gentle slopes that encourage steady improvement. Its relaxed atmosphere helps reduce anxiety for beginners who may feel overwhelmed in larger resorts. 

Because the resort is compact, it’s easy for staff to keep track of groups, and pupils quickly become familiar with their surroundings. While the skiing is straightforward, it is more than sufficient for building strong foundations in technique and confidence. 

Why it works well for prep schools: 

• Very beginner-friendly terrain 
• Calm, low-pressure environment 
• Easy to supervise due to small scale 
• Ideal for first ski trips