The duty-free 'little Tibet'
In a high, wide valley at over 1,800 metres, close to the Swiss border, Livigno is one of the most popular mountain resorts in Italy, nicknamed "Piccolo Tibet", little Tibet, for its altitude, harsh climate and once extreme isolation: until the twentieth century it was cut off by snow for months, and the Foscagno pass road was kept open in winter only from the 1950s.
Because of this isolation, Livigno has enjoyed tax privileges since the sixteenth century, and today it is a duty-free zone, outside the EU customs area: fuel, alcohol, perfume, electronics and cigarettes cost less, and the long main street is lined with shops. But Livigno is above all a destination for sport: in winter it has over 100 kilometres of ski slopes on both sides of the valley, snow parks among the best in Europe and cross-country trails, and it hosted the freestyle and snowboard events of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. In summer it is a paradise for mountain biking, hiking and trail running, with the Lago di Livigno, an artificial lake that reaches as far as Switzerland.
Tip: check duty-free allowances before buying; the Swiss road via the Munt la Schera tunnel is a toll road with limited hours.
Where it is
More things to see in Lombardy
Where to stay near Livigno
Tours and activities nearby
Offers from GetYourGuide. Some links are affiliate links: if you book we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.