We've put together our top five reasons to book a trip to Alta Badia this ski season. If you've never experienced the beauty of the region, we're sure that after reading this you'll be yearning to visit.
Credit Alex Moling
Introducing Alta Badia
Alta Badia consists of 6 villages (Corvara, Colfosco, San Cassiano, Badia, La Villa and La Val) located in the Bolzano province of the South Tyrolean Dolomites. There may only be 130km of pistes in Alta Badia, but the area is part of the Dolomiti Superski so has access to over 500 kilometres of connected pistes. Aside from skiing it is also at the centre of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage and is a foodie's dream with regular food festivals throughout the season - we’ve got our eye on the Gourmet Ski Safari. On top of regular food festivals, Alta Badia is also home to two Michelin Starred restaurants, one of which, was also awarded the Green Star (awarded to restaurants at the forefront of sustainability).
Soon to be launched is a direct flight from London to Bolzano, cutting the transfer time to under 2 hours, meaning you can be in the resort even sooner than in previous seasons. If all that’s not enough to get you excited about skiing in Alta Badia then check our 5 top reasons for making Alta Badia your next ski holiday destination.
Skiing in Alta Badia
By staying in Alta Badia you have direct access to the Sellaronda, one of the most famous ski areas in the world and the largest ski area covered by a single lift pass - The Dolomiti Superski. This vast skiing domain has over 1,200 km of pistes to explore from 860m to 3.270m, meaning snow coverage is fantastic throughout the season.
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Credit Alex Moling
The Sellaronda is a fantastic day trip for competent skiers and snowboarders, but more advanced skiers will want to add on a couple of important stop-overs on their way around. Namely the Gran Risa Giant Slalom Piste which can be found in Alta Badia’s very own La Villa. This run hosts two FIS Ski World Cup races and this December will hold two Giant Slaloms. The other must ski piste for advanced skiers is the famous Saslong, found further round the Sellaronda in Val Gardena. This epic black run hosts the Downhill ski races when they come to the Dolomites.
With a fantastic offering for intermediate and advanced skiers, you’d be forgiven for thinking Alta Badia had overlooked beginners and young children. About 50% of the runs in Alta Badia are considered “less challenging” and there are plenty of lifts that are suitable for children. We’d highly recommend the Funslope in Biok that has over 20 features such as small jumps and snow tunnels. It’s easily reached by going up the Biok chairlift located in the basin between Corvara, San Cassiano and La Villa.
The Food
We weren’t lying when we mentioned the food in Alta Badia, for better or worse, it is nigh on impossible not to overindulge on a ski trip here. From perfectly cooked pizza to Ladin delicacies prepared according to 100-year-old traditions, the food here is locally sourced and produced to the highest standards. The traditional spinach filled ravioli is an absolute must-have and can easily be found in one of the many mountain huts! Don’t be surprised to see the slopes very quiet over lunchtime. .jpg)
Credit Armin Terzer
As previously mentioned, Alta Badia is home to two Michelin starred restaurants; St. Hubertus at the Hotel Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano and La Stüa de Michil at the Hotel La Perla in Corvara. They both serve up the finest traditional Alpine dishes in the region, a highly recommended treat for your visit to Alta Badia.
Throughout the season there are plenty of foodie focused events, including a Gourmet Ski Safari where skiers move between mountain huts trying different specially created dishes from different chefs from around Italy. Sunrisa is another great event for early rising foodies, after watching the sunrise at 2000m and enjoying a breakfast served in a traditional mountain hut, you’ll ski down before anyone else has touched the freshly groomed piste. It really is worth setting your alarm for!
Those are just some of the highlights from the season, but there are many more on offer including the Sommelier on the Slopes and the Wine Skisafari in March - although these are more suited for adults.
The Views
The Dolomites are famous for their stunning backdrops, we’re certain it’s impossible to get bored of them, just try not to get too distracted while you’re out on the slopes. But staying in Alta Badia means you’ll have the luxury of bathing in the beauty of the Sasso di Santa Croce - each sunset you will be treated to glorious shades of pink and orange as the sun sets over the limestone crags. This natural phenomenon is called Enrosadira in Ladin (the local language).
Credit Freddy Planinschek
Non-skiing activities
Away from the vast ski area, there is lots on offer if you’d like a day away from the slopes or you don’t plan on going anywhere near a hard plastic ski boot or comfy snowboard one. There is more than 80km of well-signposted paths that are perfect for walks or snowshoeing - an activity we’d highly recommend trying at least once. You may even be lucky enough to spot some roe deer on your trip.
If walks and snowshoeing aren’t your thing there’s an ice rink & indoor climbing wall if the weather closes in. But if you’re after a bit more thrill there are two excellent toboggan runs, one of which is over 3km long - trust us, this isn’t just for kids either! For the longer of the two toboggan runs, you’ll need to get the Piz Sorega cable car in San Cassiano
The People
The Ladin people are an ethnic group from Northern Italy, they have their own language and traditions that date back thousands of years. Their dedication to maintaining traditions is evident through their agricultural practices and craftsmanship - everything is in harmony with the stunning landscape.
All visitors to Alta Badia will be greeted by warm hospitality and the opportunity to experience a way of life from the people who know the area better than anyone else. For a chance to learn more about the culture, history, language and Ladin myths we’d recommend stopping by the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor.
Browse ski holidays to Alta Badia here, to make sure you don’t miss out this ski season!
You can visit the official Alta Badia website here.
