Skiing in Alta Badia

We headed back to one of our favourite places, Alta Badia—a region close to my heart since I’ve been skiing here from the age of six. This time, we experienced it in all its winter glory, with breathtaking views, great ski runs, delicious Italian food, and plenty of chances to relax.

As we hit the slopes, the mountains of Alta Badia stretched out around us, inviting me to carve through the snow. Even with warmer weather (it even rained one day), the slopes were in great shape, offering a range of runs for all skill levels. Most of the pistes are blue, with a few reds for a bit more excitement, and some challenging blacks if you are looking for an extra thrill.

More Than Skiing.
But Alta Badia is far more than just skiing. This area has a fantastic food scene, too. After a day on the mountain, I loved diving into the local cuisine, with hearty mountain dishes and unique regional flavours served up in charming huts and cozy restaurants. 

When it was time to relax, the hotel’s wellness facilities were just what I needed. A big hot tub with panoramic views of the snow-covered Dolomites was the perfect way to unwind and recharge.

And there’s plenty for non-skiers, too. Alta Badia has loads of winter activities beyond the slopes, like snowshoeing through beautiful forests, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing—something for everyone to enjoy.

Tailored luxury for unforgettable moments
Hotel Gran Paradiso has a variety of room types to suit your needs, from classic standards to luxurious suites, making it ideal for a romantic getaway or a memorable family holiday. Most rooms come with a convenient balcony, so you can wake up surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Dolomites—a lovely way to start your day.

Take some time to unwind in the beautiful and bright Sky Wellness Centre, which I think has one of the nicest pools in northern Italy. Located on the top floor of the hotel, this spa pool offers breathtaking views of the majestic Dolomites in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, all while being surrounded by lovely forests. 

We enjoyed the relaxing benefits of the indoor and outdoor pools, complete with Jacuzzi and a refreshing "ice cube" pool. The Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and Turkish bath provide great options for relaxation and detox. Plus, the well-equipped gym ensures you can keep up with your fitness routine during your stay.

Discovering Alta Badia: get to know local traditions with Nos Ladins-We Ladin

Alta Badia is a place where culture and traditions are passed down from generation to generation. The Nos Ladins-We Ladins project aims to bring visitors closer to local traditions and lifestyle through appointments with the locals during the winter months.

Experience the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Ladins who live there. Spend time with an herb expert, a snow rescuer with his dog, a young baker, a telemark enthusiast, a local gamekeeper, a young weaver, and a cross-country skiing and biathlon teacher. These appointments are available from December to March.

New experiences include cross-country skiing, mountain rescue lessons with dogs, telemark skiing, a walk in the woods with a herbalist, the art of weaving, respecting the fauna in the woods, and baking with a local baker.

Limited spots are available, so book your appointment the day before at the Alta Badia Tourist Offices or online at www.altabadia.org.