Alta Badia: sport, fun and good food in South Tyrol

Skiing in Alta Badia is one of the experiences that all mountain lovers should try at least once in their lifetime. There is something to suit everyone here, with no fewer than 130 kilometres of slopes to choose from, some of which are rather challenging. Like the “Vallon” and “Gran Risa” slopes.

It’s not the steepness that makes the descent of the “Vallon” slope difficult so much as the constant changes in gradient, direction, snow type and rhythm. The undulating terrain, narrow sections and numerous bends complicate matters further. When you arrive at the chairlift station, you can see how the piste literally winds its way through the rocks of the Sella group.

The chairlift takes you up to an altitude of about 2,500 metres and introduces you to a landscape with an immediate impact: a majestic rocky amphitheatre, a true spectacle of nature, interrupted only by deep clefts and steep valleys.

The “Vallon” black ski run is one of the highlights of Alta Badia with the impressive walls of the Dolomites surrounding it.

The “Gran Risa” slope is sure to astound you as well. Suffice it to say that this slope is among the most technical in the Alpine Ski World Cup. It earned its notorious reputation in the men’s giant slalom races.

The start is at an altitude of 2,077 metres, at Piz La Ila. Soon, you come to a fork: to the right is the easier route, to the left the more famous, more complicated one. You travel down a ski run completely immersed in a dense coniferous forest, close to La Villa.

The name already says it all, or almost: the Sellaronda is a circular route around the great Sella Massif.

Well-supplied with ski lifts, cable cars and chairlifts, it’s easy to get out and ski here, making this area suitable for everyone, even complete novices. All the ski runs are connected in a loop.

The Sellaronda connects four valleys through four passes. It is no coincidence that it is also known as the “Giro dei 4 passi” or “Four-pass route”.

To get started, simply set off from one of the four start points: Val Gardena, Corvara, Arabba or Canazei, then choose whether you want to go round the 40-kilometre route clockwise or anticlockwise.

The fun continues at the Snowpark Alta Badia – one of the best equipped in Italy. With its 17 boxes, 10 rails and 17 kickers, the Snowpark has something to offer the most demanding snowboarders and freestyle skiers, as well as those who want to try it out for the first time. The park is divided into three areas according to levels of difficulty: Beginner, Medium and Advanced, each with different types of obstacles. The park is located on the high plateau of Piz Sorega between La Fraina and Ciampai ski runs, and can easily be reached on Ciampai chairlift number 9.

For our final suggestion, we’d like to invite you to sit down and enjoy some South Tyrolean delicacies.

The best way to experience these is to take part in “Sciare con Gusto” or “Skiing with Taste” – a culinary initiative that originates right on the slopes, in mountain huts and refuges.

All the chefs promote ethical and sustainable cuisine, and they each present a series of innovative dishes, giving free rein to their creativity while at the same time respecting local tradition.