Alta Badia is known for its food and as much as a skiing destination. The ski resort forms part of the South Tyrol Dolomiti Superski ski region but in addition to its skiing reputation the valley has taken the combination of skiing and food to the next level making it a must visit winter destination. The Alta Badia valley is made of six picturesque alpine villages: Corvana (1550m), Colfosco (1650m), LaVilla (1430m), San Cassiano (1540m), Badia (1320m) and La Val (1350m).
The terrain here are suited to all standards in the largest single ski area in South Tyrol. Experienced skiers will be able to tackle the famous World Cup black run, Gran Risa, and Bamby 2 and Alting; training slopes for the international giant slalom and men’s slalom. These are all open from the season start with World Cup races staged shortly before Christmas.
Abundance of natural snowfall sometimes arrives late, thus connections between the villages of La Villa, San Cassiano and Corvara will open in late November. However, the slopes are equipped with state-of-the-art snow-making machines which means once the temperature drops below snow making temperature and there aren’t an abundance of natural snowfall there will be snow to enjoy.
The local people of here are proud of their roots, cherishing their village architecture, unique Ladin language and cultural traditions for centuries. This goes along with its food; the Alta Badia gourmet credentials truly are world class, and the area now has variety of season-long culinary initiatives to highlight the winning combination of winter sports and fine cuisine it offers. These include gourmet breakfast in mountain huts, and the so-called “Gourmet Ronda”, a tour of 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, which allows skiers to hop from one hut to another, savouring the selected Michelin-starred South Tyrolean dishes.
Alta Badia has carved out a name for itself not just as a great winter sports holiday destination, but also as a global player for its gourmet credentials. But what really differentiates Alta Badia from other gourmet food destinations is that there’s no snooty side to fine dining here. In fact the very opposite is true, as the region and its great chefs strive to have fun with their talents and bring good food to all.
The same favourable climate that brings abundant of snow to South Tyrol each winter, also brings perfect weather for wine producing during the warmer months and this, coupled with fertile soil and a millennia old love of winemaking are all responsible for the region’s excellent wines which are there to be enjoyed all winter long.
There are lots of other off the slopes activity for non-skiers to enjoy in Alta Badia, these include snow-shoeing, curling, Nordic walking, ice skating, horse riding, ice climbing and sledging – a favourite for all the family. The exciting 3.5km Tru Liosa Foram toboggan run starts at Piz Sorega (2003m) and descends 450 vertical metres through pine forest and meadows to the edge of the village.