5 Reasons to Visit Alta Badia

Travelers choose to visit the Dolomite Mountains for many reasons: outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, relaxation to name just a few. Perhaps no area within this beautiful mountain region embodies all of what the Dolomites have to offer more than Alta Badia. An oasis of scenic beauty, abundant traditions and year-round recreation, this welcoming little valley is truly a treasured gem. Here are five reasons it should be at the top of your “must-see” travel list.

Luxury
What better setting to experience a luxurious spa treatment, enjoy a delectable meal, or sip on a glass of fine wine than against the backdrop of majestic mountains and peaceful green pastures? Alta Badia is a luxury-seekers dream, with a number of 5-star hotels, spas, and restaurants fit for a king. Enjoy a peaceful massage after a long day on the slopes, or dine on award winning cuisine before turning in for the night in world-class accommodations.  You’ll feel like you’ve graduated to royalty.

Culture
The people who reside in Alta Badia are very proud of their ancient Ladin heritage, as evidenced in both the language they speak and the centuries old traditions still carried on there today. This fascinating culture is centered on the agriculture and preservation of the beautiful local terrain and the unique artisan work produced there. Traditional Ladin dishes, prepared the same way for generations, offer a tasty tribute to the area’s distinct way of life. Even listening to the linguistic sound of the Ladin tongue being spoken, a language that’s use can be traced back to the Bronze Age, is an experience in the rich and deep-routed culture found in Alta Badia.

Natural Parks
Alta Badia is home to several nature reserves and natural parks, perfect for those seeking the opportunity to commune with nature in its purest state. Rural, unblemished landscapes set amidst rolling hills and towering mountain ranges makes these parks a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. These parks are home to local wildlife and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the mountainous region that surrounds them. They provide visitors with the unique chance to experience the pure essence of nature and the raw beauty of the world around them.

Skiing
Ski enthusiasts have been coming to Alta Badia for years to experience the world-class ski runs that are found there. And it’s certainly no secret – the World Ski Cup is held there every year on the Gran Risa slope. One of the more popular ski adventures is the Sellaronda, a tour that extends around the Sella Mountain group and is touted as one of the most beautiful skiing tours in the world. It covers approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles) with a combined descent of 4,500 meters (almost 15,000 feet!), and adjoins the passes of Sella, Pordoi, Campolongo, and Gardena. If you want to experience skiing that you’ll never forget, Alta Badia is the place to do it.

History
Perhaps nothing provides testament to a location’s history quite the way ancient architecture and time-worn buildings do. Alta Badia happens to be host to a variety of interesting structures to explore. The Sanctuary Saint Croce dates back to the early 1400s and is located at the foot of the majestic mount Saint Croce. The Chapel Saint Barbara sits perched on the crest of a breathtaking cliff and contains lovely historic paintings and artwork within its aged walls. Take a stroll down the 1.5 kilometer long path known as the Valley of Mills, where visitors can get an up close glimpse of how these ancient establishments once worked and what an important role they played in Ladin history. A walk through Alta Badia is akin to a fascinating walk back in time.

Of all the valleys in the Italian Dolomites, Alta Badia is one of the most welcoming and entertaining. It offers such a wide variety of activities, from world-class skiing, to relaxing spa treatments to cultural and historical discoveries, there is truly something for everyone in this mountain oasis.