When most travelers think of the Italian Alps, glamorous names like Cortina d’Ampezzo or Courmayeur often come to mind. But beyond the glitz and ski resorts, Italy’s northern highlands are home to dozens of lesser-known alpine towns where nature, tradition, and authentic charm converge. These underrated gems offer everything from panoramic hiking trails and glacial lakes to medieval architecture and local food that tastes like a well-kept secret. Here are 10 alpine towns in Italy you’ve likely never heard of—but absolutely should.
1. Chamois (Aosta Valley) – The Car-Free Mountain Retreat
Chamois holds a special title: it’s the only municipality in Italy that can’t be reached by car. Accessible only by footpath, cable car, or bicycle, this tranquil village sits at 1,800 meters and offers a serene escape surrounded by the majestic Matterhorn range. With its traditional wooden houses, silence broken only by cowbells, and endless alpine trails, Chamois feels like a step back in time—and into pure mountain bliss.
2. Sauris (Friuli Venezia Giulia) – The Hidden Jewel with German Roots
Tucked away in the Carnic Alps near the Austrian border, Sauris is a fairytale village that combines alpine beauty with a unique cultural twist. It’s home to a German-speaking minority and has preserved its own dialect, architecture, and smoked prosciutto (prosciutto di Sauris). Surrounded by dense forests and emerald lakes, Sauris is ideal for summer hikes or cozy winter getaways. The pastel houses with flower boxes only add to the postcard-perfect setting.
3. Rasa (South Tyrol) – Where Time Stands Still
Part of the larger municipality of Naz-Sciaves, Rasa is a peaceful mountain hamlet that offers sweeping views of the Isarco Valley. Far removed from the crowds, it’s a place where hay still dries in wooden barns and alpine pastures bloom with wildflowers. Rasa is the kind of town where a simple walk becomes an unforgettable scenic experience—and where local cheese and speck taste like they were made just for you.
4. Ollomont (Aosta Valley) – For Wild Peaks and Ancient Paths
Set deep in a glacial valley near the Swiss border, Ollomont is a haven for hikers and mountaineers. It lies on the historic route of the Alta Via and the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail. Towering peaks, ancient stone houses, and pristine air make this a perfect stop for those seeking alpine authenticity. Despite its dramatic surroundings, Ollomont remains off most tourist maps—a fact that adds to its magic.
5. Foppolo (Lombardy) – A Hidden Ski Haven
Though not completely unknown to Italian skiers, Foppolo remains a quiet alternative to the flashy resorts of the Dolomites. Nestled in the Bergamasque Alps, it offers excellent slopes in winter and lush trails in summer, all without the inflated prices. The charming town itself features stone-roofed chalets, and the surrounding peaks offer dramatic views, especially at sunset. Foppolo is a great base for outdoor adventure minus the crowds.
6. Vigo di Fassa (Trentino-Alto Adige) – Ladin Culture and Dolomite Drama
Often overshadowed by its neighboring resort Canazei, Vigo di Fassa is a treasure trove of Ladin heritage and dramatic scenery. The town is set at the foot of the Rosengarten massif, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rose-hued glow at dusk. From traditional wooden houses to hearty alpine food and bilingual culture, Vigo di Fassa offers an immersive experience in both landscape and lifestyle.
7. Valdieri (Piedmont) – Where Wild Nature Meets Royal History
Located in the Maritime Alps, Valdieri is one of Piedmont’s most underrated alpine towns. It was once the summer retreat of the Italian royal family and is still home to the charming Reali Terme spa complex. Nearby, the Valle Gesso offers wildlife-rich parks, alpine lakes, and challenging trekking routes. Whether you come for the history, hot springs, or natural beauty, Valdieri has a wild elegance that lingers.
8. Forni di Sopra (Friuli Venezia Giulia) – Wildflower Heaven
This alpine village in the Dolomiti Friulane Natural Park is a floral wonderland in spring and summer. Known for its biodiversity, Forni di Sopra is surrounded by meadows, jagged peaks, and rare mountain flowers. The town has kept its traditional look, with wood-shingled homes and frescoed facades. It’s ideal for families, climbers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in unspoiled nature.
9. Rhemes-Notre-Dame (Aosta Valley) – A Paradise for Wildlife Lovers
Tucked into the Gran Paradiso National Park, Rhemes-Notre-Dame is a remote alpine village surrounded by waterfalls, meadows, and glacier-fed streams. It’s a sanctuary for ibex, marmots, and golden eagles—and a paradise for photographers. The village itself is a vision of stone houses and wooden balconies, with a peacefulness that feels almost sacred. It’s perfect for those who want to disconnect from everything but nature.
10. Mezzoldo (Lombardy) – The Forgotten Pass Town
Once an important stop on the Via Priula, an ancient trade route connecting Bergamo to the north, Mezzoldo has faded into quiet obscurity. Surrounded by forested slopes and alpine ridges, this town feels far removed from modernity. Hiking trails lead to panoramic ridges and abandoned military forts, and in winter, it becomes a cozy retreat under a thick blanket of snow. Mezzoldo is the perfect spot for slow travel and mountain solitude.
The Italian Alps are much more than glossy ski resorts and luxury chalets. In its quiet corners and lesser-known towns, the region hides an entire world of breathtaking beauty, enduring traditions, and peaceful rhythms. These 10 underrated alpine destinations offer everything you could want from the mountains—without the crowds. Whether you’re seeking adventure, silence, culture, or just views that make your jaw drop, Italy’s hidden mountain towns deliver all of it and more.
