Alta Badia Ski Resort

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Alta Badia ski resort.
Alta Badia ski resort.
Dramatic terrain in Alta Badia ski resort above Corvara.
Dramatic terrain in Alta Badia ski resort above Corvara.
Sassongher looms over Corvara & Colfosco in Alta Badia ski resort.
Sassongher looms over Corvara & Colfosco in Alta Badia ski resort.
The early bird catches the perfect groomed trails at Alta Badia.
The early bird catches the perfect groomed trails at Alta Badia.
San Cassiano, one of five major Alta Badia villages.
San Cassiano, one of five major Alta Badia villages.
The Alta Badia village of Colfosco has family friendly ski slopes.
The Alta Badia village of Colfosco has family friendly ski slopes.
Alta Badia rifugios serve the world
Alta Badia rifugios serve the world's best calimeros!
Alta Badia is central to the famous, but sometimes busy, Sella Ronda.
Alta Badia is central to the famous, but sometimes busy, Sella Ronda.
Forested slopes near Armentarola in Alta Badia.
Forested slopes near Armentarola in Alta Badia.
Alta Badia has huge numbers of mountain huts, both old & new.
Alta Badia has huge numbers of mountain huts, both old & new.
On mountain dining in Alta Badia is sensational.
On mountain dining in Alta Badia is sensational.
As is on mountain boozing! Apres ski bars area everywhere in Alta Badia.
As is on mountain boozing! Apres ski bars area everywhere in Alta Badia.
Alta Badia skiing.
Alta Badia skiing.
Passo Gardena is the boundary of Alta Badia & Val Gardena ski resorts.
Passo Gardena is the boundary of Alta Badia & Val Gardena ski resorts.
Alta Badia skiing.
Alta Badia skiing.
After a long lunch, some Alta Badia sun soaking is mandatory.
After a long lunch, some Alta Badia sun soaking is mandatory.
Then some fortifying fluids before the ski run down to Corvara.....
Then some fortifying fluids before the ski run down to Corvara.....
A spot of shopping perhaps in Alta Badia
A spot of shopping perhaps in Alta Badia's main centre, Corvara.
And of course cocktails.........
And of course cocktails.........
Alta Badia ski resort.
Alta Badia ski resort.

Alta Badia Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Alta Badia

Alta Badia3.5/53
Alta Badia3.5 out of 5 based on 3 reviews
  • Recommend
    100%
  • Would Revisit
    67%
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Wagner Custome Skis

Dolomites Ski Resorts

3 Peaks Dolomites
Arabba Marmolada
Brixen - Plose
Civetta
Cortina d'Ampezzo
Dolomites
Gitschberg Jochtal
Kronplatz
San Martino - Passo Rolle
Val di Fassa
Val Gardena

Alta Badia Maps & Stats

    Alta Badia Ski Trail Map
  • Alta Badia Ski Trail Map
  • Vertical (m)
    1,324m - 2,550m (1,246m)

    Dolomiti Superski
    950m - 3,269m (2,319m)
  • Average Snow Fall
    Unknown
  • Lifts (53)
    11 Gondolas / cable cars
    30 Chairs

    Dolomiti Superski
    450 lifts
  • Opening Dates & Times
    Late Nov to early April
    8:30am to 4:30pm
  • Terrain Summary
    Runs - 130km (Alta Badia only)
    Longest run - 7km
    Advanced - 7%
    Intermediate - 25%
    Beginner - 68%

    Dolomiti Superski
    1200km of trails
  • Lift Pass Price
    Day Ticket 23/24
    Adult: €67 to 74
    Child: €45 to 52
    Child u/8yr: Free with adult

    Dolomiti SuperSki
    (Valid all Dolomites resorts)
    Adult: €72 to 80
    Senior >65yr: €65 to 72
    Child: €50 to 56
    Child u/8yr: Free with adult
    All passes are cheaper if pre-purchased online
    Ikon Pass also conditionally valid

    Dolomiti Superski Trail Map
  • Dolomiti Superski Trail Map

  • Sella Ronda Trail Map
  • Sella Ronda Trail Map

  • Great War Circuit Trail Map
  • Great War Circuit

  • Armentarola Ski Trail Map
  • Armentarola Ski Trail Map

Alta Badia Ski Resort Italy

Nestled between the Sella massif and the looming Sassongher, Alta Badia ski resort provides the traditional Italian alpine experience in an exquisite setting. Offering classic Dolomites on-piste terrain and a veritable moving feast of bars, mountain huts and restaurants, Alta Badia is far more than just a ski or snowboard experience.

Alta Badia is fantastic thanks to fast and comfortable ski lift connections, sensational snow making, wide and well-groomed slopes, plus traditional Ladin, Mediterranean and South Tyrolean eating (and drinking) experiences that are hard to match. Beginners, intermediates & gourmands alike will enjoy all this region has to offer.

Pros & Cons for Alta Badia Ski Resort

Pros

  • Superb piste trails for beginners, intermediates & families.
  • Modern interconnected lift system.
  • Glorious scenery.
  • Huge number of high-quality mountain huts & rifugi.
  • Central access to all major Dolomites ski resorts.
  • The best mountain bars & restaurants in the Dolomites.
  • Exceptional snow making system covering all piste trails.

Cons

  • Limited advanced or challenging terrain.
  • Some lifts & piste trails overcrowded.
  • Some villages (La Villa) in near total shade for much of winter.
  • Natural snowfalls are less reliable than in the past.

Pro or Con (depending on your perspective!)

  • Part of the Sella Ronda & Great War ski circuits.
  • Après ski is abundant, but aside from two notable exceptions, the nightlife tends to be a little quieter & more refined than in other Dolomites’ ski resorts.
  • Ikon Pass is now valid in the resort for up to a week.

Skiing & Snowboarding, Lifts & Terrain

Alta Badia has over 130km of piste trails serviced by 53 lifts. The resort's efficient lift system provides direct access to the famous Sella Ronda and Alta Badia's signature advanced slope, the World Cup run, the Gran Risa.

Check out the full ski trail map for Alta Badia below.

Alta Badia Ski Trail Map
Alta Badia Ski Trail Map

Much of the terrain in Alta Badia is gentle and perfect for beginners & intermediates, but the surroundings are quite spectacular and more challenging terrain is close by in surrounding resorts or off-piste.

International visitors may be pleased to know that Ikon Pass is valid in Alta Badia & the Dolomites, but with certain conditions/limitations. Of course, the Dolomiti Superski pass is also valid.

For more information about ski lifts, terrain, maps & lift passes, see the Alta Badia Skiing & Snowboarding page.

Snow & Weather

The ski terrain at Alta Badia is predominantly above 1,800m elevation so is guaranteed cold winter temperatures for premium snow conditions. With the exception of the north-aspect runs into La Villa, most of the trails get some quality sunshine through the day too.

That said, the Dolomites have seen a general decline in snowfall over recent decades, so the Italians have been great innovators in snow making technology. To its credit, in a lean snow season, Alta Badia will have nearly all its piste trails open & skiing beautifully. We have skied the resort in both snow feast (2018) & famine (2017). Both trips were equally enjoyable!

Where is Alta Badia Italy?

Alta Badia ski resort is made up of the villages of Badia, La Villa, San Cassiano, Corvara, and Colfosco. It is in the centre of the Dolomites, 36km south of Brunico (Bruneck), and 170km north of Venice.

Gateway international airports are Venice (VCE), Munich (MUC) & Milan Malpensa (MXP). Airports at Verona, Treviso & Innsbruck (130km) are options for travelers from the UK or within Europe. Bus & private transfers are available from each airport.

Train travel to Alta Badia is possible from all the airports to Brunico railway station. A short bus ride is required into the heart of the Dolomites.

For more information on the best way to get there, see the Travel to Alta Badia page .

Alta Badia Accommodation

The choice of hotel, apartment, guesthouse and rifugi accommodation options at Alta Badia can be daunting. Several villages are within the resort, and each have merits. From the Powderhounds perspective, Corvara, with its central location, sunny disposition and range of services and facilities is the best place to stay. The villages are summarised below.

Search & book all Alta Badia ski accommodation.

Corvara - The heart of Alta Badia, Corvara has a sunny disposition, major lifts allowing easy access to all points, all major shops and services, the best bars in the region, wide range of lodgings from the high end La Perla to a host of excellent guesthouse accommodations.

La Villa - Over-shadowed (literally) by Piz La Ila & the Gran Risa, much of the town does not see the sun during winter - including the excellent Hotel Christiania (ski-in ski-out) only metres from the bottom of the Gran Risa. Some options above the road get more sun & direct access adjacent warm & sheltered intermediate & beginner slopes. For a combination of light & dark, the Hotel Gran Risa is in prime position at the end of the world cup slope in the centre of town.

San Cassiano - Probably the sunniest town in Alta Badia, it’s slightly off the beaten path location make it a real option for visitors. Some of Alta Badia’s most scenically beautiful and fun runs (number 11 & 12) leads back to the town. The gondola Piz Sorega gives direct access from San Cassiano to the myriad of lifts & beginner /intermediate trails on the plateau.

Badia - At the end of the line accessing the main slopes from Badia every day would be tedious, not to mention the return at the end of the day.

Colfosco - Darkened by shadow from the Sella massif for most of winter and with gentle slopes plus a mind-numbingly painful set of lifts, it is best avoided except if a novice later in the season. Enough said!

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Rifugi, Bars, Restaurants & Nightlife

The ski resort & villages of Alta Badia are a revelation in the eating, drinking and be merry stakes. Whether it a calimero to get the heart started in the morning, a gourmet lunch, spritzers or gin & tonics in the afternoon, lively après or a dinner & ski after-dark combo you will be sated at Alta Badia.

For suggestions on the best places to gorge oneself & replenish lost calories from skiing, see our Alta Badia Food & Nightlife page.

Ski Rentals Lessons & Guiding

Ski rentals from Powderhounds partners are available in the Alta Badia villages of Corvara & San Cassiano. Receive a discount when you search & book via our Alta Badia Ski & Snowboard Rental page.

A gargantuan number of ski instructors, ski schools & mountain guides earn their keep in the ski resort & adjoining valleys. To narrow down the field, search & book via our Alta Badia Ski Lessons & Guiding page.

Nearby Ski Resorts

Alta Badia is of course part of the Dolomiti Superski area and is directly lift and piste interlinked with the massive ski resorts of Val Gardena, Val di Fassa & Arabba Marmolada.

The huge and modern Kronplatz is 30km north toward Brunico, providing an easy day trip via local buses (the number 460). Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort is a short taxi ride away up to the spectacular Lagazuoi. Quiet but delightful Civetta is accessible via ski bus from Marmolada's Malga Ciapela or Cortina's Fedare.

Reviews

The Powderhounds reviewed Alta Badia several seasons ago, had a great time & are due to return soon. Click on the review link in the left column (or top of the page if on a mobile) to read the various reviews!

See how Alta Badia and the other Dolomites ski resorts compare to the rest of the Italian ski resorts on the Italy ski resort ratings page, or compare to the rest of Europe on the European ski resort ratings page.

Follow Powderhounds Europe on Instagram to see where we are currently skiing. Follow our main Powderhounds page on Facebook to stay in touch with up-to-date info, tours, and discussions.

Tours in or near Alta Badia

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari
HOSTED SKI SAFARI | DOLOMITES
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Days
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
A special ski adventure set amongst the awe inspiring landscape of the Dolomites. Linking 9 ski resorts via groomed slopes by ski, taxi, helicopter & snowmobile, spend 5 nights in mountain rifugi under the guidance of your dedicated host. Join a "fixed date" tour or get your own group together for a custom tour.
Price p/p From price based on fixed date tours during the 2024 season, twin/double-share room.
Base/invoice currency is in EURO incl taxes.
USD 4,176
View Details
 
CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari
HOSTED ON-PISTE SKI SAFARI
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Days
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
The very best skiing in the Dolomites linking 6 ski resorts & spending 4 nights in mountain rifugi under the guidance of your dedicated host. Ski the best groomed trails in the Dolomites on this classic ski safari. Join a "fixed date" tour in January or March.
Price p/p From price based on fixed date tours in 2024, twin/double-share room.
Base/invoice currency is in EURO incl taxes.
USD 3,496
View Details
 
DOLCE TEMPO Dolomites Ski Safari
HOSTED RELAXED PACE SKI SAFARI
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Days
Ability: Intermediate to Strong Intermediate
Ski the best of the Dolomites at a relaxed pace, linking 6 ski resorts & spending 4 nights in mountain rifugi under the guidance of your dedicated host. Ski the best groomed trails in the Dolomites on this classic ski safari. Join a "fixed date" tour in January
Price p/p From price based on fixed date tours, twin/double-share room.
Base/invoice currency is in EURO incl taxes.
USD 3,496
View Details
 
See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Alta Badia here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Skiare SILVER Packages
MIXED GROUP GUIDED INSTRUCTIONAL PACKAGES
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Ski Days
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Make the most of your Dolomites ski holiday, guided by local instructors showing you amazing Dolomiti skiing, sights & restaurants, whilst helping you to improve your skiing. Based in Alta Badia, fixed date packages are based on 7 nights, however can also be fully customised for groups of 4 or more ....
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share in low season.
Base/invoice currency is in AUD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,504
View Details
 
Dolomites Powder Skiing Safari
GUIDED POWDER SKI SAFARI | VAL GARDENA
8 Days | 7 Nights | 6 Skiing
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
The ultimate guided Dolomites powder ski safari incorporating lifts & touring to access the best snow & terrain the region has to offer. Experience a night in a classic mountain hut & ski up to 2,000 m vert descents. Join a "fixed date" tour or get your own group of 4+ together for a custom tour.
Price p/p From price based on fixed date 8-day tours, min 6 people, twin/double-share room.
Base/invoice currency is in EURO inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,365
View Details
 
Val Gardena VIP Downhill Race Tour
HOSTED ON-PISTE VIP SKI SAFARI
6 Days | 5 Nights | 4 Ski Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Ski the Val Gardena World Cup Downhill course & experience the race as a VIP in the 'Saslong Camel Humps Lounge'. For advanced skiers only, the fully hosted & guided tour spends 5 nights in a deluxe rifugio above Val Gardena, skiing the best black runs in the Dolomiti SuperSki. Join the fixed date December 2023 tour.
Price p/p From price based on twin-share, fixed date tours in Dec 2023
Base/invoice currency is in EURO incl taxes.
USD 3,100
View Details
 
See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Alta Badia here
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