From ski slopes to forest trails

Alta Badia in winter

Snowy alpine valley with distant rugged mountains under pale sky at sunset, scattered trees and lone skiers.

Last night it snowed so much, the balcony railing is barely visible. You could stand and admire the scenery for hours, but you need to get a move on. You want to get out there. So, what’s it going to be today? Skiing, snowshoeing or sledging?

Alta Badia in winter is like something out of a fairytale. Icicles hanging from rooftops, the snow settling over everything like a soft fleece blanket. Yes, it’s cold, but the warmth of your duvet is no match for the call of the outdoors. Maybe you’ll hit the ski slopes or go snowshoeing along untouched forest trails. Or even take a walk to where you spotted those traditional stone farmhouses, followed by a trip to a local museum.

It’s your fairytale, do it your way. These are just some of our favourite things to do and see here in Alta Badia.

Overview

  • Dolomiti Superski area
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Sledging
  • Snowshoeing
  • Winter walks
  • Movimënt parks
  • Ursus Ladinicus museum
Two skiers in dark and white gear stand with poles on snowy slope, facing snowy mountains at sunset.

130 km of marked runs

Alta Badia and the Sellaronda

The Alta Badia ski area covers La Villa, Badia, Corvara, Colfosco and San Cassiano, totalling 130 m of perfectly groomed slopes, 53 modern ski lifts and 7 ski schools. If that weren’t enough, the area is part of the legendary Sellaronda circuit linking four mountain valleys around the Sella Massif – the crowning glory of the Dolomiti Superski area. If it’s not endless slopes but adrenaline you’re after, head to the Movimënt winter parks. The nearest lifts are the Gardenaccia chairlift and the Piz La Ila gondola in La Villa, both easily reached in just a few minutes with the free ski bus that stops just outside La Bercia.

Two hikers in turquoise jackets ski touring across a snowy alpine landscape with rugged mountains in the background.

In the silence of the forest

Winter hikes in Alta Badia

You don’t have to stray far from the ski slopes until you find yourself in the stillness of the forest. If you want to slow the pace of your holiday, why not try a snowshoe excursion through fresh snow, stopping off at a mountain refuge for a hot drink and a slice of cake. Alternatively, explore La Villa along one of the many beautiful walks around the area. These easy routes often lead to you discover some little out-of-the-way places you’d never have found otherwise.

Cross-country skiers glide on a snowy trail with mountains and pine trees in the background.

26 km of cross-country ski trails

Hire equipment and book a lesson at the Centro Fondo Alta Badia

In the tiny village of Sciaré near San Cassiano, you can find five cross-country ski tracks of varying length and difficulty, covering 26 km – from the nursery trail to the 4.5 km Gran Ancëi loop. The centre has a hire shop, school, café and restaurant. 

Two people in winter gear walk with sleds along a snowy path beneath sunlit evergreen trees in a alpine landscape.

Ride like the wind

Sledging in Alta Badia – the best spot near La Villa

In nearby San Cassiano, you can find the most popular sledging slope in Alta Badia. The Tru Liösa Foram is just under 4 km long and starts from the top station of the Piz Sorega cablecar, winding through woods and fields, with spectacular views of the Lavarella and Conturines mountains. It’s brilliant fun for all. Look out for nighttime openings throughout the winter.

If we were you…

Skiers descend snowy slope with towering rocky alpine peaks under blue sky.
Child wearing pink helmet and red snowsuit skis down snowy slope, kicking up powder in alpine landscape.

Funparks for all

Snowy adventures for all ages: Movimënt parks

Dotted around the Alta Badia ski area, Movimënt parks are designed to get the adrenaline pumping. With jumps, tunnels, banked turns, kickers, rails and more, you’ll find a range of challenges for kids and adults alike. Don’t miss the winter experiences: from riding a snow cat to nighttime sledging on the Tru dla Liösa Foram sledging run.

Family of four in winter coats and hats walk hand-in-hand down a snowy forest road with tall evergreen trees.

Art and nature

Easy winter walk in Alta Badia: Tru di artisć

From La Bercia, head towards the stream and continue towards Altin, from there follow the path alongside the San Cassiano stream until you reach Armentarola. Along the way you’ll come across works by local artists (Tru di artisć means ‘the artist’s route’ in Ladin). This walk takes around 3 hours there and back again.

Prefer a sunnier route? Then try the Tru dles Viles loop between La Villa and Badia.

Two skiers trek across a snowy mountainside toward wooden cabins with towering rocky peaks in the background.

Walking in a winter wonderland

Snowshoe route in Alta Badia: Armentarola to Rifugio Pralongià

3 hours uphill, 2 hours down. An exhilarating day’s snowshoeing in Alta Badia. From Armentarola, just after San Cassiano, take trail number 18, then 24B and 24A. You’ll hike through meadows and woodland before reaching the wide-open plateau at Pralongià. After the obligatory stop at a refuge, head back down the same way you arrived – take a sledge and you’ll be back down in no time!

Alternative activities

Two people in traditional Alpine folk costumes with embroidered bodices, lace cuffs, and jeweled belts standing by a wooden fence.
Large dinosaur skeleton display in a museum with a visitor observing, glass barriers and informational panels in the background.

Paleontology in the Dolomites

Ursus Ladinicus, the prehistoric cave bear of the Conturines mountains

Journey into the natural and geological history of the Dolomites. Ursus Ladinicus, one of the two branches of the Museum Ladin, is centred around the prehistoric cave bear that inhabited these valleys between 30,000 and 60,000 years ago. Learn about this now extinct creature and the caves where it was discovered a few decades ago, as well as the formation of the Dolomites and the variety of fossils found here. The museum is also open in winter, from Christmas until the end of March.

Four skiers in red tops with race bibs standing on snowy slope with mountains in the background.

Ski World Cup and more

Winter events around La Villa, Alta Badia

Each December the Men’s Alpine Ski World Cup circuit rolls into town, with two races on the Gran Risa slope accompanied by a packed programme of side events. But it’s another event that we’d like to highlight, seeing as we help to organise it: The Ski Carousel Vintage Party – two days of taking to the slopes in full retro skiwear and vintage equipment to mark the end of the season in style. Come and join the fun!

A mountain valley town with scattered houses, green fields, and dense forests set against rugged cliffs under a partly cloudy sky.

Summer holiday in the Dolomites?

Find out what to do in Alta Badia between June and September

From fairytale winter scenery to the infinite possibilities of summer. Explore Alta Badia at your own pace – whether that’s on foot, by bike or in a helmet and harness. All within easy reach of your apartment at La Bercia Alpine Lodge in La Villa. And set against that most iconic of backdrops – the Dolomites.

Hiking and biking in Alta Badia

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