Alta Badia

This is one of the rare ski resorts that can be praised for its fully connected trails. The story becomes even more interesting if you take into consideration their total length of 130 km. But wait, this is not the end of the story...

Beside Alta Badia's 130 km of ski trails, skiers can use about 500 km of Sella Ronda ski trail system or even 1220 km of Dolomiti Superski trail system, covered by the Dolomiti Superski lift pass.

Every skier will find something for themselves here; beginners will like long, blue sunny trails, while more advanced skiers will enjoy curving down the red trails. And as for experts, there is a special treat for them – Gran Risa. This black-marked trail is descending from Piz la Ila (2077 m above sea level) to La VillaSaslong, a racing trail in neighboring Val Gardena. It is worth mention that Alta Badia ski trails will be more appealing to beginners, while more experienced skiers will find their happiness in neighboring Arabba and Val Gardena. (1433 m above sea level) and it is the scene of the World Cup Men's Giant Slalom that takes place in mid December. Skiers who wish to prove themselves can try

The trails in Alta Badia are well prepared and their quality is kept throughout the day. There is snow galore. However, be a bit cautious of the area of Pralongia – because of scarce vegetation there, winds can get too strong and blow away the snow from the trails. At such windy days, try to keep away from the ski lift No.28 because there you will witness a loooong teeth-chattering ride under the bursts of cold north wind.

Besides inevitable Sella Ronda and close by Marmolada ascent, don’t miss out on Skitour Lagazuo. From the area of Armentarola taxi van will take you to the mountain pass of FalzaregoLagazuoi (2778 m above see level). After enjoying the magnificent view from the top of Lagazuoi, follow the red trail down to the valley. You will most easily reach your starting point by taking a horse tandem ride – genuine experience of the first ski lifts. from which a gondola will take you to the top of

Ski lifts are fast and comfortable, most of them being 3 and 4 seat chair lifts, and a couple of gondolas with starting points in the villages at the valley. There are no crowds, although, if you are coming by car, take a gondola in some of the smaller villages, such as San Cassiano or Pedraces, unless you want to pay parking fee.

When buying a ski lift pass, bear in mind that you can buy only half-day or one-day pass at gondola stations; if you wish to buy more day lift pass, you can do it at tourist offices in villages. Alta Badia 6 day lift pass reaches €153 (€173 in high season) and it will pay off if you pay the difference for Dolomiti Superski lift pass that reaches €167 (€190 in high season).

As for accommodation, if you want to pay less, you're guessing already; try searching suits in less popular villages, such as San Cassian, Pedraces, or La Valla. More demanding guests can stay in luxury hotels in Corvara, Colfosco, or La Villa. However, don't take your time when reserving a suite since there are many permanent guests who book their accommodation in advance. All in all, the accommodation in this valley is not among the most acceptable ones.

Alta Badia is the home of Ladins, its native people. Don't be discouraged by their specific speech, besides this puzzling dialect, they are all fluent in Italian and German.

The valley does not offer rich apres ski program, so the ones used to it will not feel quite at home here. However, Las VegasS. Cassian, is worth singling out, as well as the open bar at Piz la Illa, above La Villa. But remember, if you stay a bit longer you will be faced with night skiing (literally night mind you, with no reflectors!) down Gran Risom and making turns between snowcats, so; be careful!:) The only place that is alive after 8 p.m. is Badia Pub in Pedraces. log-cabin, at the ski resort above

More demanding guests won't be disappointed with varied gastronomy offer, authentic food and wines. Afterwards they can relax at some of local wellness centers. Ice-skating in a lively disco atmosphere could serve as a treat for some.

Extreme skiers craving for adrenaline rushes can have at their service a helicopter that will take them to some of the adjacent peaks. The popular descent is from the peak of Sella to Colfosco. Otherwise there are not much opportunities for deep snow skiing. Maybe this is the reason why, due to a great number of blue trails, Alta Badia is not their destination.

If you opt for Alta Badia as your ski destination, your reward will be the beautiful scenery, sunny weather, and well prepared trails. Not such a pleasant surprise will be apres ski offer, as well as, earlier mentioned flaws in this ski resort's organization. But all in all, we warmly recommend it.

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