Tucked away in the heart of the Italian Alps, Pragelato has quietly become a winter escape of choice for South African celebrities and sports stars craving something more refined than the typical ski hotspot. Less about flash and frenzy and more about charm, authenticity and restorative mountain living, this Alpine village offers a slower, more stylish take on snow holidays.
Adding to the destination’s rising profile, Ryle De Morny has recently been spotted soaking up the crisp mountain air and postcard-perfect scenery of the Italian Alps, further cementing Pragelato’s status as a quietly cool winter playground for South Africans in the know.
A presenter, actor and elite athlete, Ryle De Morny joined the Expresso Morning Show in 2021 and is also a familiar face from Top Billing. As South Africa’s most decorated male lifesaver and the “fastest man on sand,” his winter escape highlights Pragelato’s draw for those seeking balance, recovery and time away from the spotlight.
Old-World Alpine Charm
Pragelato feels like a step back in time – think cobbled streets, wooden chalets, bell towers dusted in snow and locals whose warmth rivals any roaring fireplace. Unlike the busier Alpine resorts, the village retains an intimate, lived-in feel that appeals to travellers who value privacy, space and authenticity over spectacle.
Set within Italy’s celebrated Piedmont region, the experience is further elevated by one of the country’s most revered food and wine cultures. Known as the birthplace of slow food, Piedmont is synonymous with earthy, seasonal cuisine, from hand-rolled pastas and rich risottos to indulgent truffle-infused dishes in winter. The region is also home to some of Italy’s most prestigious wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, making every meal an occasion and every evening a celebration of place. For South Africans who appreciate culinary depth as much as beautiful surroundings, Pragelato offers a snow holiday that delights far beyond the slopes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DUkarxGinhN/
Snow for Every Pace
While Pragelato sits within one of Italy’s most celebrated ski regions, its appeal stretches far beyond downhill skiing. Cross-country trails weave gently through pine forests, snowshoeing routes invite quiet exploration, and scenic gondola rides offer breathtaking views for non-skiers who simply want to soak it all in.
This balanced approach to winter travel (active but not exhausting, indulgent but not overdone) is exactly what’s drawing couples, creatives and athletes alike to the region. It’s easy to see why it suits both high-performance recovery and romantic escape.
All-Inclusive Comfort
For South Africans accustomed to seamless travel, Club Med Pragelato Sestriere delivers an all-inclusive snow holiday experience that blends effortlessly into its mountain surroundings. Gourmet Italian dining, ski passes, lessons, après-ski entertainment and wellness facilities are thoughtfully included, removing the usual stress of planning and budgeting a European ski trip.
It’s this combination of structure and freedom that makes Pragelato particularly appealing: guests can be as active or as relaxed as they wish, without compromising on quality, comfort or atmosphere.
From easy access via major European airport hubs to the comforting rhythm of village life, Pragelato strikes a chord with South Africans who appreciate understated luxury. It offers a snow experience that feels immersive rather than performative – a place to reconnect, reset and enjoy winter at a gentler pace.
With familiar faces like Ryle De Morny choosing the Italian Alps for their cold-weather escape, Pragelato is fast emerging as the Alps’ best-kept secret, and one perfectly aligned with the evolving tastes of South African travellers.
