THE RESORT
Introduction
Alta Badia is where world-class skiing meets Michelin-starred dining in the heart of the UNESCO Dolomites.
Set in the heart of South Tyrol, Italy, Alta Badia is one of Europe's most refined ski destinations — a network of six Ladin-speaking villages nestled beneath the dramatic pale towers of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. With approximately 130 km of groomed pistes, around 53 lifts, and direct access to the legendary Sella Ronda circuit and the vast Dolomiti Superski network of approximately 1,200 km across 12 valleys, Alta Badia offers skiing on a grand scale.
But Alta Badia isn't just about the skiing. The region is renowned for its extraordinary mountain dining — from Michelin-recognised restaurants to traditional Ladin mountain huts (Ütias) serving generations-old recipes. Add to this a trilingual culture (Ladin, Italian, German), spectacular summer hiking, and a genuine community atmosphere, and you have a destination that rewards every kind of traveller.
Mountain Statistics
Ski Area
~130 km of groomed pistes
Altitude Range
1,400 – 2,778 metres ⚠️
Lifts
~53 lifts in Alta Badia
Terrain Breakdown
47% Easy | 35% Intermediate | 18% Difficult ⚠️
Snowmaking
~400 snow cannons covering ~80% of slopes ⚠️
Dolomiti Superski
~1,200 km across 12 valleys
Season
Early December to mid-April ⚠️
Villages
Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia, La Val
Languages
Ladin, Italian, German (English widely understood)
Signature Feature
Gran Risa FIS World Cup slope
Key Circuit
Sella Ronda — 40 km loop
Currency
Euro (EUR)
THE EXPERIENCE
Why Alta Badia?
Dolomite drama. Michelin dining on the mountain. The Sella Ronda at your door. And a culture unlike anywhere else in the Alps.
The UNESCO Dolomites
Alta Badia sits within the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites — a landscape of pale limestone towers, vast meadows, and dramatic cliffs unlike any other mountain range. The scenery alone makes this a destination worth the journey.
Dining Like Nowhere Else
Few ski resorts can match Alta Badia's gastronomic credentials. Michelin-recognised restaurants sit alongside traditional Ladin Ütias where you can savour centuries-old recipes. The annual "A Taste for Skiing" programme brings destination dining directly to the slopes.
The Sella Ronda Circuit
The legendary Sella Ronda is a 40 km ski circuit around the Sella massif, linking four Dolomite valleys. Alta Badia is one of the key access points, making it easy to ski the full loop in either direction.
Perfect for Families & Groups
With well-groomed blue and red runs (82% of terrain), dedicated ski schools in every village, family-friendly accommodation, and a car-free village atmosphere, Alta Badia is ideal for families and mixed-ability groups.
Ladin Culture
The Ladin people of the Dolomites have their own language, traditions, and cuisine. Staying in Alta Badia means experiencing a living culture that predates modern borders — from traditional architecture to Ladin folk evenings.
Year-Round Appeal
Summer transforms Alta Badia into a hiking and cycling paradise. Hundreds of kilometres of trails, mountain biking, via ferrata climbing, paragliding, and the Movimënt adventure parks offer something for every season.
TRAVEL
Getting There
The journey to Alta Badia winds through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe.
From Australia
Most Australian guests fly into one of three gateway airports via a European hub (typically via Dubai, Singapore, Doha, or a major European city). From the airport, transfer options include pre-booked shuttles, train-and-bus connections, or hire car.
| Airport | Approx. Distance | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Innsbruck (INN) | ~130 km | ~2 hours |
| Venice Marco Polo (VCE) | ~200 km | ~3 hours |
| Munich (MUC) | ~320 km | ~4 hours |
By Shuttle/Transfer
Pre-booked shuttle transfers operate from selected airports and transport hubs. Rail connections are available through the European network, linking to San Lorenzo or Brunico stations with onward buses to Alta Badia.
- Airport shuttle services from Innsbruck, Venice, and Munich
- Train to Brunico/Bruneck, then local bus to Alta Badia villages
- Eligible accommodation may include a South Tyrol Guest Pass for local transport
Driving
From Innsbruck: A13 Brenner Motorway south to Bressanone/Brixen exit, then Val Badia road to Corvara (~130 km). From Venice: A27 north to Belluno, then SS51 and mountain roads via Falzarego or Campolongo Pass (~200 km). Snow tyres or chains are mandatory in winter. Carry an Australian licence plus International Driving Permit.
Getting Around
Village ski buses connect all six Alta Badia villages and lift stations throughout the winter season. Many are free with a valid lift pass or guest card. The villages are compact and walkable.
ORIENTATION
Maps
Trail Map
The Alta Badia trail map covers all linked ski areas and can be downloaded from the official Alta Badia website or picked up from guest services at any lift station.
Village Map
Alta Badia comprises six villages: Corvara (the central hub), Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia, and La Val. Each has its own character and lift access points. Village maps are available at local tourist offices.
Dolomiti Superski Map
For the full Dolomiti Superski network map showing all 12 valleys and connections, visit dolomitisuperski.com.
ON-MOUNTAIN ACCESS
Lift Pass Options
The Dolomiti Superski pass is your key to one of the world's largest connected ski networks.
Alta Badia Local Pass
For guests planning to ski mainly within Alta Badia, a local pass covers all lifts and pistes in the valley. This is usually the more focused and cost-effective option when you don't need access to the wider Dolomiti Superski network.
Dolomiti Superski Pass
The Dolomiti Superski pass provides access to approximately 1,200 km of slopes across 12 interconnected valleys — including the Sella Ronda circuit. Ideal for stronger skiers, repeat visitors, and anyone wanting to explore beyond Alta Badia.
| Pass Type | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Alta Badia Local | Alta Badia valley only | Focused ski holidays in the valley |
| Dolomiti Superski | ~1,200 km, 12 valleys | Explorers, Sella Ronda, multi-valley |
Ask Travelplan to compare pass options for your group — call 1300 754 754.
EQUIPMENT
Ski & Snowboard Rentals
Quality rental equipment is available in every Alta Badia village, steps from the lifts.
Rental outlets operate throughout the valley, often close to lifts or ski schools. Equipment includes skis, snowboards, boots, and sleds, with workshop services and storage at selected locations.
Corvara
Sport Alfredo, Ski Service Lift Col Alto, Ski Rental Da Carlo, Ski Service Boè
Colfosco
Sport Pescosta, Sport Edoardo
La Villa
Alta Badia Shop La Villa, Ski Service Costa Renato, Nolo Ski Rental, Varallo Sport
San Cassiano
Alta Badia Sport, Ski Rental Ski Bar, Ski Service Peppi
Badia
Skiland, Ski Top Badia, Ski Service La Munt
La Val
Ski Top La Val
LESSONS
Snow School
Seven ski schools across the valley offer lessons for every age and ability level.
Ski Schools
Alta Badia has seven official ski-school operations covering downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing:
- Ski and Snowboard School Badia Pedraces
- Ski and Snowboard School San Cassiano
- Ski and Snowboard School Ladinia Corvara
- Ski and Snowboard School La Villa
- Ski and Snowboard School Dolomites
- Ski and Snowboard School Colfosco
- Cross Country Ski School Alta Badia (Sciaré/Armentarola)
For Families
Group and private tuition is available across all ability levels. For families, match accommodation and lesson location carefully — the most convenient school is usually the one closest to your child's meeting point. Pre-book lessons during peak dates.
WHAT'S NEW
New & Notable for 2026/27
Every season brings improvements to Alta Badia — here's what's planned.
2026–27 Season Highlights
- La Para & Abrusé Lift Replacements: Replacement of existing J-bar lifts has been announced for the area. ⚠️ Final operating arrangements for 2026–27 remain subject to operator confirmation.
- Piz Sorega Gondola: A new gondola installation has been planned for Piz Sorega. ⚠️ This should be treated as a planned project — confirm completion date with the operator before promotion.
- Season Dates: Some published material shows the 2026–27 season as 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027. The Dolomiti Superski pass validity period may extend beyond these dates.
THINGS TO DO
Activities
Beyond the pistes — Alta Badia offers something for every member of the group, in every season.
Winter Activities
Snowshoeing
Guided snowshoe walks through winter landscapes and signed trails
Cross-Country Skiing
Trails around Sciaré/Armentarola with dedicated ski school
Tobogganing
Sledging runs accessible by lift — family favourite
Ice Skating
Subject to conditions and provider availability
Winter Hiking
Signed walking paths through snow-covered valleys
Wellness & Spa
Hotel spas and wellness centres throughout the valley
Ski Touring
Backcountry touring subject to conditions and guide availability
Mountain Dining
Ütia (mountain hut) lunches — a destination experience
Summer Activities
Hiking
Hundreds of km of trails through the Dolomites
Mountain Biking
Road cycling and MTB routes around the Sella
Via Ferrata
Protected climbing routes on Dolomite rock faces
Paragliding
Tandem flights over the Dolomites (weather-dependent)
Movimënt Parks
Adventure parks at Piz Sorega and Piz La Ila
SummerPark La Crusc
Play stations, dragon cave, gold panning, small animal area
Museum Ladin
Ursus ladinicus — Ladin cultural museum
Adventure Park Colfosco
Treetop ropes course and outdoor activities
FOOD & DRINK
Dining
From Michelin-starred kitchens to centuries-old mountain huts — Alta Badia is a culinary destination in its own right.
Michelin-Recognised & Notable Restaurants
⚠️ Check current operation, concept, and Michelin status
Mountain Huts & Rifugios
Alta Badia's mountain dining spans traditional Ladin dishes, Italian and South Tyrolean cooking, classic refuges, and contemporary alpine lounges. Selected huts participate in the seasonal "A Taste for Skiing" culinary programme.
AFTER SKIING
Après & Nightlife
From legendary mountain-bar sessions at Club Moritzino to relaxed village evenings — Alta Badia keeps the energy going.
Alta Badia's après-ski scene centres on the mountain huts and bars where skiers gather as the lifts close. Club Moritzino above La Villa is the most famous — a high-altitude party venue with DJs and live music that has become legendary in the Dolomites.
In the villages, the atmosphere is more relaxed. Corvara has the liveliest evening scene with cocktail bars, wine lounges, and hotel bars. San Cassiano and La Villa offer refined after-dinner drinks. The overall tone is more Italian — fine wine and good food — than the loud party culture of Austrian or French resorts.
For families, evening activities include village strolls, stargazing (the Dolomites have excellent dark skies), and hotel entertainment.
ESSENTIALS
Groceries, Shopping & Services
Each of the main villages has small supermarkets and local shops for daily essentials, groceries, and provisions. Corvara has the broadest selection. Look for:
Groceries
Small supermarkets in Corvara, La Villa, and San Cassiano. Local bakeries and delis in most villages.
Sport Shops
Ski and outdoor shops in all main villages for gear, accessories, and souvenirs.
Services
Banks, ATMs, pharmacies, medical centres. Tourist information offices in Corvara, La Villa, San Cassiano, and Badia.
Local Products
South Tyrolean specialities: speck, local cheeses, wines, grappa, and traditional Ladin crafts.
NEED TO KNOW
Other Information
Practical tips for Australian travellers heading to Alta Badia.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Languages
Ladin, Italian, German. English widely understood.
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Emergency Number
112 (European emergency)
Visa
Australian passport: up to 90 days visa-free
Power
230V / 50Hz, Type C & L plugs
Travel Insurance
Buy comprehensive travel insurance covering skiing/snowboarding, medical expenses, and evacuation. Standard policies may exclude snow sports — check the PDS carefully.
What to Pack
- Layered ski clothing (thermals, mid-layer, waterproof outer)
- Warm gloves, goggles, helmet (or hire at resort)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm — UV is intense at altitude
- Comfortable après-ski footwear with good grip
- European power adapter (Type C/L)
- International Driving Permit if planning to drive
Useful Links
WHERE TO STAY
Accommodation
From luxury hotels to farm stays — find the perfect base in one of Alta Badia's six villages.
Alta Badia offers a wide range of accommodation styles across its villages. Choose the village that matches your priority: central lift access and dining in Corvara; Gran Risa access in La Villa; quality hospitality and Piz Sorega access in San Cassiano; a mountain setting in Colfosco; La Crusc and family appeal in Badia; or a quieter stay in La Val.
Luxury Hotels
Full-service 4- and 5-star properties with spa, dining, and concierge
Garni Hotels
Bed and breakfast style with South Tyrolean hospitality
Apartments
Self-catering residences ideal for families and groups
Farm Stays
Certified Gallo Rosso farm-stay properties with authentic experience
B&Bs
Smaller, family-run accommodation with local character
Chalets
Private chalets and rental properties for groups
Use the accommodation search at altabadia.org or contact Travelplan Ski for curated options.