Alta Badia Ski Holidays
It doesn’t shout about itself with wild après-ski parties or extreme verticals, but instead seduces you with breathtaking mountain scenery, immaculate pistes, and an outstanding culinary culture.
This South Tyrolean gem is made up of several postcard-perfect Ladin villages - Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, and Badia - all beautifully interconnected by lifts and slopes. Each village has its own personality, yet together they form one of the most charming and cohesive ski areas in the Alps.
Alta Badia is a crucial link in the Dolomiti Superski area, one of the world’s largest ski networks with over 1,200km of runs accessible on a single pass. It’s also the gateway to the legendary Sella Ronda circuit - a 40km loop that whisks you around the Sella massif in either direction (helpfully colour-coded Orange or Green).
The skiing here is predominantly geared towards beginners and intermediates, but Alta Badia’s real magic lies in its overall experience. Think long, sun-drenched pistes beneath towering limestone peaks, mountain huts serving Michelin-starred lunches, and a warm, genuine hospitality that blends Italian flair with Ladin tradition. This is skiing with soul, and plenty of style.
Alta Badia offers gourmet dining and perfectly groomed slopes right in the heart of the magnificent Dolomites!
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Alta Badia sits between 1,324m in Badia and 1,568m in Corvara, with skiing that stretches from 1,324m up to 2,778m on the Marmolada glacier. The local area offers 130km of pistes - 70km of gentle blues, 52km of cruisy reds, and 8km of challenging blacks - while the wider Dolomiti Superski area boasts an incredible 1,200km of interconnected runs. The resort’s most famous descent is the Gran Risa, a black World Cup slalom run in La Villa that draws top skiers every winter. Alta Badia also provides direct access to the legendary Sella Ronda circuit, which can be tackled in either the Green (anti-clockwise) or Orange (clockwise) direction.
Snow conditions in Alta Badia
If there’s one thing Alta Badia is famous for - besides its cuisine - it’s the reliability and quality of its pistes. The combination of natural snowfall, modern snowmaking technology, and world-class grooming ensures superb skiing conditions from early December to April. Nearly 100% of the slopes can be covered by artificial snow, thanks to heavy investment in snowmaking infrastructure, so even in a lean snow year, you’ll still be gliding over corduroy-perfect pistes rather than dodging rocks. Much of the terrain faces south or east, meaning plenty of sunshine - ideal for long, lazy lunches on panoramic terraces - yet the snow holds up impressively well due to meticulous grooming and the cool mountain air.
With the Dolomiti Superski pass, you can also access the Marmolada glacier at 3,343m for high-altitude, snow-sure skiing. And as for grooming, it’s nothing short of legendary - the slopes are so smooth that locals affectionately call them ‘carpets’, the result of nightly work by the expert piste team ensuring every morning’s first run feels absolutely perfect.
Skiing in Alta Badia
Alta Badia is the ultimate destination for cruisy, scenic skiing. This isn’t the kind of place where you hammer out vertical metres until your legs give up - it’s about savouring the journey. The pistes are wide, forgiving, and immaculately groomed, perfect for clocking up mileage while soaking in those jaw-dropping Dolomite views. Beginners will feel instantly at ease here, with long, gentle blue runs - particularly around Corvara and La Villa - designed for building confidence. The local ski schools are excellent, friendly, and multilingual, so first-timers are in great hands and tend to progress quickly (and happily).
Intermediates, meanwhile, are truly spoiled. Most of Alta Badia’s 130km of pistes are blue or red, ideal for long, flowing runs between villages, with plenty of inviting mountain huts along the way for cappuccino or lunch breaks. Completing the 40km Sella Ronda circuit is a must-do - lift-linked all the way, it’s easily manageable in a day and offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. While Alta Badia leans towards mellow terrain, advanced skiers can still get their adrenaline fix on the Gran Risa black run in La Villa, a challenging World Cup slalom course. Off-piste opportunities also exist for those with a guide, and if you’re craving steeper slopes, the nearby Arabba area or Marmolada glacier are just a lift ride away.
Snowboarding in Alta Badia
Alta Badia is a dream for snowboarders who prefer flow, scenery, and variety over massive terrain parks. The resort’s layout is smooth and intuitive, with plenty of long, rolling runs that are perfect for carving big, satisfying turns. Most of the lift system is made up of comfortable chairlifts, so there’s no awkward dragging or shuffling involved - just easy access to beautifully groomed slopes and stunning mountain views.
For freestyle riders, the Alta Badia Snowpark near the Piz Sorega lift is the place to be. It’s well-maintained and features a great mix of jumps, rails, and boxes for all abilities. And for those who love a good journey, the famous Sella Ronda circuit is a must. Its long, scenic descents are hugely popular with boarders, though it’s worth keeping an eye out for the occasional flat stretch - especially on the Orange (clockwise) route - where you might need to unstrap and push for a bit.
Accommodation in Alta Badia
Alta Badia’s accommodation scene mirrors its overall charm: stylish, family-run, and steeped in quality. Whether you’re after luxury pampering, Alpine tradition, or a cosy base for the family, there’s something for everyone.
What's available at Alta Badia ski resort?
Après-ski in Alta Badia
If your idea of après-ski is dancing on tables in ski boots until 2am, Alta Badia might not be your scene. But if you prefer a glass of excellent local wine, a wood-fired pizza, or a relaxed chat by a roaring fire, you’ll be perfectly at home.
- Always buzzing, Pizzeria Traföi is known for its authentic Italian pizzas and friendly atmosphere. It’s casual, welcoming, and ideal for groups looking to unwind after skiing.
- A Corvara institution, Ricky’s is where everyone seems to end up for that first post-ski Aperol Spritz or Negroni. Expect a lively yet laid-back crowd, great cocktails, and plenty of local charm.
- Located right on the slopes, La Ciasota is a must for a hearty on-mountain lunch. Their pasta dishes and regional specialities - think speck, dumplings, and local cheese - are the real deal. It’s also a great spot for a late-afternoon glass of wine before your final descent.
Facilities in Alta Badia
Each of Alta Badia’s villages is beautifully equipped, striking a balance between modern convenience and that timeless Alpine charm that makes the Dolomites so irresistible. Everything feels effortlessly well organised here - you get the sense that the locals take real pride in keeping things running smoothly, all while maintaining the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that defines the region.
Shopping enthusiasts will love wandering through the boutique-lined streets of Corvara and San Cassiano, where you’ll find everything from chic ski wear and designer accessories to traditional crafts and gourmet local produce. For quieter afternoons off the slopes, there’s plenty to keep you entertained: most hotels boast lovely indoor pools, saunas, and wellness centres, and the area offers curling, ice skating, and scenic winter walking trails for a slower pace of mountain life.
Getting around is refreshingly simple, thanks to an efficient ski bus network that connects all the main villages - so even without a car, hopping between lifts, restaurants, and après-ski spots is a breeze. And then there’s the food, which is nothing short of world-class. Alta Badia has carved out a serious reputation for its gastronomy, with several Michelin-starred restaurants and countless mountain huts serving up inventive takes on traditional Ladin cuisine. Whether you’re tucking into truffle pasta at 2,000m or enjoying a hearty speck platter beside a roaring fire, this is a resort where every meal feels like an event.
Facilities for children in Alta Badia
Alta Badia is exceptionally family-friendly, offering a warm, safe, and genuinely welcoming environment for families with children of all ages. Everything here feels designed with families in mind - from gentle beginner slopes and excellent facilities to the relaxed, unhurried pace of village life. Parents can relax knowing their kids are in good hands, whether they’re taking their first turns on skis or happily building snowmen at one of the play parks.
The local ski schools have a stellar reputation and offer lessons in Italian, German, English, and Ladin, making communication easy no matter where you’re from. The instructors are patient, professional, and brilliant with children - turning wobbly first attempts into confident little skiers in no time. For younger ones, the Movimënt Parks at Piz Sorega, Piz La Ila, and Col Alto are a big hit. These dedicated snow zones are full of gentle slopes, fun obstacles, and games that make learning feel like playtime. And for toddlers or babies too young to ski, both Corvara and La Villa have excellent crèches and kindergartens, allowing parents to enjoy a few carefree hours on the slopes knowing their children are safe, happy, and entertained.
Why choose Erna Low for Alta Badia skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
Join the famous Sella Ronda circuit here and access over 500km of connected slopes in the breathtaking Dolomites.
Jane Bolton, Product Director