Alta Badia

About Alta Badia

Located in northern Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol, Alta Badia is renowned for its impressive vertical relief—4,000-plus feet—and six charming base villages that each provide unique dining, nightlife, shopping and historic experiences. The resort is known for its varied slopes, with 47% of the runs being easy, making it perfect for beginners, while more seasoned skiers can challenge themselves on the intermediate and difficult trails. Providing access to 311 miles of skiing the Dolomiti Superski area, the Alta Badia valley also offers 80 miles of its own terrain, making it possible to experience the Dolomites in a more intimate setting or on a grand scale.

Alta Badia isn't just about skiing; it's a regular stop on the Alpine Skiing World Cup circuit, hosting the prestigious Gran Risa giant slalom, one of the most challenging courses in the world. This adds a touch of competitive spirit to the serene and picturesque surroundings. The resort's strategic location within the Dolomiti Superski area provides access to an extensive network of slopes, making it a dream destination for ski enthusiasts.

Apart from the slopes, Alta Badia charms visitors with its rich Ladin culture, delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. Cuisine is almost as important as the actual skiing on an Italian ski trip, and in Alta Badia, it’s all about marrying haute fare and alpine adventures. Enjoy a long lunch at one of the resort’s many on-mountain restaurants or treat yourself to a meal at one of base village’s three Michelin-star restaurants. Whether you're seeking thrilling ski adventures or a peaceful escape in a stunning alpine setting, Alta Badia offers a unique blend of tradition, luxury and natural splendor.

How to get to Alta Badia

The closest airport to Alta Badia is the Bolzano Airport (BZO), located about 60 miles away. Private taxis, car rentals and bus transfers are available, and you can look forward to a driving time of around an hour and 45 minutes, depending on the weather and traffic. Additionally, the "Südtirol Transfer" shuttle service offers convenient transfers from the airport to Alta Badia, with prices starting at around €50 EUR ($56 USD) per person, depending on the route. Other options include Innsbruck Airport (INN) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), at 83 and 110 miles away by car, respectively. These airports also offer car rental services, and shuttle services are available seasonally from various providers.

Getting around Alta Badia, Italy, is convenient and accessible whether you're using a car, taxi or bus. On-site travel is facilitated by well-connected public transportation, including buses and shuttle services that link key villages and ski resorts, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the area.

Skiing in Alta Badia

History buffs will enjoy the access Alta Badia provides to the Sella Ronda, a famous ski route that loops around the Sella Mountain range via the interconnected ski resorts that make up some of the Dolomiti Superski region. During World War I, there was a lot of military activity around the Sella Ronda. If you’re plucky enough to make the eight-hour, 49-mile tour, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for trenches, forts and other war-era clues.

Beginner Skiing in Alta Badia

Alta Badia is a dream for beginners, with its abundance of long, wide and gentle slopes perfect for building confidence on skis. The high plateau of Alta Badia is dominated by these easy runs, making it possible for novices to explore most of the resort without encountering overly challenging terrain. The resort’s villages, including Corvara, La Villa and San Cassiano, offer excellent ski instruction and practice slopes, ensuring that new skiers have plenty of support as they learn the ropes.

Thanks to the forgiving terrain and modern chairlifts, beginners can navigate the resort with ease and focus on improving their skills. For those ready to push themselves, areas like Cherz, perched at 6,850.39 feet, provide slightly more challenging slopes along with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Alta Badia’s well-designed layout allows for a smooth progression from beginner to intermediate slopes, making it one of the top-rated resorts for novice skiers in the Southern Alps.

Family vacations in Alta Badia

Winter in Alta Badia is a snowy dream-come-true for families ready to play in the Dolomites! Sure, the slopes are top-notch, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Snowparks and fun-slopes are packed with jumps, rails and wild obstacles that bring the thrill factor for both skiers and snowboarders. If you’re looking for a little more laid-back fun with the family, grab a toboggan and race down the hills—guaranteed giggles and powdery merriment for kids and adults alike!

After hitting the slopes, Alta Badia offers plenty of family-friendly winter fun, like gliding across the frozen Sompunt Lake, where ice skating has been a local tradition since the 1950s. Or maybe you’re feeling a bit adventurous for something more thrilling? There are indoor climbing, bouldering and swimming options. For a truly magical experience, hop on a horse-drawn sleigh ride and take in the jaw-dropping scenery at night with the family. Want to mix in some culture with the kids? Head to the Museum Ladin Ursus to uncover the prehistoric history of this beautiful region.