Alta Badia

Welcome to the magnificent Alta Badia, a jewel in the heart of the Dolomites. This mountainous region of South Tyrol, known for its extraordinary natural heritage and rich cultural traditions, offers visitors an incredible variety of experiences.

Alta Badia is famous for its striking alpine landscapes, world-class ski slopes and hiking trails, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts in all seasons. But it is not just a paradise for adventurers: with its high-quality cuisine, fascinating history, and relaxation and wellness offerings, Alta Badia has something to offer all types of travelers.

This guide will take you on a journey of discovery of all that Alta Badia has to offer: from the best ski slopes to the most scenic hiking trails, from gourmet restaurants to traditional eateries, from historical and cultural sites to the most relaxing spas.

Whether you are a sports lover, a culture enthusiast, a foodie in search of new culinary experiences or simply looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Alta Badia will welcome you with open arms and make you fall in love.

So get ready to discover and fall in love with this beautiful region of the Dolomites: Alta Badia is waiting for you!

Here are the main mountain resorts in Alta Badia and their special features.

Corvara

Located at an altitude of 1,568 meters, Corvara is the largest and best-known mountain resort in Alta Badia. It is an ideal starting point for ski and snowboard enthusiasts thanks to its strategic location, at the center of the Sella Ronda ski circuit and near the Puez-Odle Natural Park. Corvara also boasts a spa, a communal swimming pool and various shopping opportunities.

Colfosco

Colfosco, at 1,645 meters above sea level, is the highest resort in Alta Badia and offers a quieter, more relaxed environment than Corvara. Trekking enthusiasts will find numerous hiking trails here, including the path leading to Pisciadù, famous for its spectacular waterfalls. For ski enthusiasts, the slopes of the Col Pradat ski area offer splendid views of the Sella Group and Val Mezdì.

The Villa

Located at an altitude of 1,433 meters, La Villa is another point of interest in Alta Badia. This charming town is famous for its castle, Colz Castle, and the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, which dates back to the 15th century. The Villa also offers a wide selection of ski slopes for beginners and experts and is part of the Gran Risa ski circuit, hosting an Alpine Skiing World Cup race every year.

San Cassiano

San Cassiano, at 1,537 meters above sea level, is a charming resort with a wide range of exclusive hotels, gourmet restaurants and luxury boutiques. It is the perfect place for those seeking a relaxing and wellness vacation. San Cassiano is the starting point for excursions to the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, one of the most beautiful nature reserves in South Tyrol.

Abbey

Badia, located at 1,324 meters above sea level, is a mountain resort characterized by a typical Ladin atmosphere. The famous Santa Croce Sanctuary, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Dolomites, is located here. Badia offers excellent opportunities for skiers and hikers, with perfectly snow-covered slopes and a dense network of trails including the scenic route to Lake Seres.

Alta Badia has mountain resorts that can meet the needs of all visitors. Whether you love skiing, hiking, culture or wellness, you are sure to find your ideal mountain resort in Alta Badia!

The heart of the Dolomites is rich in natural beauty, and among its brightest gems shines Alta Badia.

This area offers an exceptional combination of enchanting peaks, beautiful vistas, rich biodiversity and sprawling trail networks. But the natural beauty of Alta Badia is not limited to its ski slopes. There are several outstanding attractions to discover.

The Sella Group, rising majestically between the Gardena, Badia, Fassa, and Livinallongo valleys, is one of the most fascinating mountain massifs in the Dolomites. Not only because of its remarkable vastness, but also because of the charm of the routes there, both in winter and summer.

Ideally, the Sella Group can be described as an imposing rock castle, around which is a well-known ski circuit, the Sellaronda. The latter, which can be traveled either clockwise or counterclockwise, passes over four Dolomite passes-Sella, Gardena, Campolongo, and Pordoi, touching on the ski areas of Canazei, Selva di Val Gardena, Arabba, and Corvara.

In summer, the Sella Group offers numerous opportunities for hiking and climbing. Among the most popular routes is the ascent to Piz Boè, the highest peak in the group at 3152 meters. A well-developed network of trails and shelters makes even the most remote places in the massif accessible.

The spectacular shapes and mighty vertical walls of the Sella Group are the result of millennia of erosion and the geological forces that have shaped the Dolomites. Its limestone and dolomite rock formations are especially fascinating at sunset, when they turn the typical pink-orange colors of the phenomenon known as enrosadira.

The grandeur of the Sella Group, with its myriad of routes and its important presence in the Dolomite cultural landscape, makes this massif a key element of the natural heritage of Alta Badia and the Dolomites in general.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puez-Odle Nature Park is a true sanctuary of biodiversity. Hikes here invite you to discover a mosaic of natural habitats, from alpine meadows to coniferous forests, inhabited by a wealth of flora and fauna.

The Puez-Odle Nature Park covers 10,722 hectares in the Gardena Valley region of South Tyrol. It is one of the most important points of interest in Alta Badia, thanks to its wealth of amazing natural landscapes.

The park includes the Odle group and the Puez mountains, characterized by typical Dolomite rocks. It is known for its recognizable peaks, ridges, and myriad hiking trails, overlooking the breathtaking Dolomite landscape.

Among the network of trails through the park is the popular trail called the Zannes Nature Trail, which is also the first trail accessible to people with disabilities in South Tyrol. Some of the popular activities in the park include trekking, hiking, bicycling and, of course, scenic photography.

For the more adventurous, the park also offers multi-day hikes, with trails crossing alpine meadows, forests, and rocky plateaus.

Lake Braies is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Trentino-South Tyrol and one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Italy. Also known by its German name Pragser Wildsee, it is located deeply in the Braies Valley, a side valley of the Puster Valley.

The lake is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, set among the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites. Its enchanting emerald green waters reflect the surrounding mountains, offering a panorama of rare beauty.

Given its enchanting location, Lake Braies offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy walking along the path around the lake, or renting one of the quaint rowboats to explore the lake from the center.

In conclusion, Lake Braies is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in the Dolomites, a must-see attraction for anyone visiting this beautiful region.

The Valley of the Mills is one of the most fascinating destinations in Alta Badia. Located in the town of Longiarù in the Badia Valley, this valley is home to a collection of ancient mills that testify to a centuries-old tradition of hard work and rural life.

In the Mill Valley, you have eight historic mills, some of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These buildings, constructed entirely of wood, were once essential to the life of the local community. They were used to grind wheat, barley and rye and to press hemp oil.

Today, most of the mills have been restored and opened to the public, allowing visitors to discover how grain was processed and offering a unique immersion into the daily life of times past.

The Mill Valley offers multiple hiking and walking opportunities. The main trail crosses the valley and connects the different mills, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while discovering these extraordinary relics of the past. Along the way, you will find information panels explaining the features and functions of the mills.

The Pisciadù Waterfalls represent one of the most fascinating natural attractions in Alta Badia. These majestic waterfalls are located in the vicinity of the Sella group in Val Badia, an area rich in natural beauty including rivers, mountains and incredible views.

The Pisciadù Waterfalls are fed by the stream of the same name that flows from the Pisciadù Radio Glacier, between the peaks of the Dolomites. The water rushes hundreds of meters in a series of spectacular drops, creating a fascinating natural spectacle that attracts tourists and nature enthusiasts from all over the world.

To reach the Pisciadù Waterfalls, you can opt for one of the many hiking trails starting from Corvara in Badia.

In summer the trails offer fascinating hiking among breathtaking alpine landscapes, while in winter the frozen waterfalls become a popular destination for ice climbing enthusiasts.

In addition to hiking and climbing, the area surrounding Pisciadù Falls offers many other activities, including mountain biking, rock climbing, and, in winter, skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski resorts.

Passo delle Erbe (or Würzjoch in German) is a picturesque alpine pass located in the heart of the Dolomites, at an elevation of 2003 meters above sea level. It lies between the Badia Valley in South Tyrol and the Funes Valley, offering spectacular views of the Puez-Odle Nature Park.

From Passo delle Erbe there are breathtaking views of the Sass de Putia massif, one of the most distinctive mountains in the Dolomites due to its shape. This makes the pass an ideal vantage point for photography enthusiasts as well as nature lovers.

During spring and summer, the surrounding area is filled with colorful alpine flowers, while in autumn the landscape becomes an explosion of colors thanks to the shade-changing vegetation. In winter, the pass becomes the starting point for magnificent snowshoeing or ski touring.

The pass is also home to a ski resort, equipped with lifts and slopes for skiing or snowboarding.

Herb Pass is a popular starting point for several hikes. One of the most popular routes is the one leading to the summit of Sass de Putia, suitable for experienced hikers given its moderate daifficulty.

Another popular trail is the one leading to the Genova Hut (Schlüterhütte in German), offering panoramic views of the Dolomites, including the Odle Group, Sella and Marmolada.

Alta Badia is a dream destination for ski enthusiasts. Famous for their pristine slopes and breathtaking views, the mountains of Alta Badia offer a variety of skiing options to suit all skill levels.

Alta Badia boasts more than 130 kilometers of slopes, perfectly groomed and prepared to provide the best possible experience for skiers. The slopes range from the easiest for beginners to the most challenging for experienced skiers. An efficient ski lift system makes it possible to move comfortably and quickly between the different areas of the resort.

The Alta Badia ski area encompasses six charming mountain resorts, each of which offers its own starting point for ski adventure:

• Corvara
• Colfosco
• The Villa
• San Cassiano
• Abbey

Access to departure stations is usually easy and convenient, thanks to an efficient transportation system.

Sella Ronda

One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of Alta Badia is the Sella Ronda, a circular ski tour that winds around the Sella Group massif. This route, about 40 kilometers long and easily covered in a day, offers incredible views and passes through four different Dolomite valleys.

Alpine Skiing World Cup

Alta Badia regularly plays a leading role in the Alpine Ski World Cup, hosting one of the most important stages of the circuit. Gran Risa, the race track, is famous for its final section, one of the steepest and most technical on the circuit, which tests even the best skiers in the world.

Ski schools and equipment rentals

For those new to skiing, or wishing to improve their skills, there are several ski schools with qualified instructors ready to provide personalized lessons. Equipment rental is also no problem, with numerous well-stocked stores offering everything you need for a day on the slopes.

Après-ski and gastronomy

After a day of skiing, Alta Badia offers a wide choice of après-ski venues. From mountain huts serving Ladin specialties, to trendy bars where you can sip a drink while listening to live music. In addition, the area is renowned for its exquisite gastronomy, which expertly mixes Ladin, Tyrolean, and Italian traditions.

Skiing in Alta Badia is a complete experience: sports, fun, relaxation and gastronomy, all surrounded by a winter landscape that looks like something out of a postcard. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, Alta Badia has something to offer everyone who loves snow and mountains.

Alta Badia, offers a wide range of accommodations for all tastes and budgets. Popular options include hotels, guesthouses, apartment rentals and campgrounds, many of which offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Again, as in many locations in the Alps, it is definitely advisable to book early to get the best possible choice.

Whatever your travel style or budget, Alta Badia has something to offer to ensure a memorable stay.

Getting to Alta Badia is relatively easy, thanks to several transportation options.

If you travel by car, major highways easily connect to the region via the A22 (Brenner-Modena) highway. Take the Bressanone/Val Pusteria exit subsequently continue on the SS49 towards Val Pusteria and eventually on the SS244 which will take you directly to Alta Badia.

If you prefer the train, the nearest stations are Brunico, Bressanone and Bolzano, where you will find bus and cab services that will take you directly to Alta Badia.

Alternatively, if you are traveling by plane, the nearest airports are Bolzano(100km), Innsbruck (130km), Verona (250km), Venice (180km), and Milan (350km), which offer various shuttle connections to Alta Badia.

Finally, during the winter, there are transfer services to and from major Italian ski destinations to facilitate the arrival of ski tourists.

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