Alta Badia: A place where wonder has no end

There are places that know how to touch your soul, that surprise you each time you visit them and make you feel as if it were the first time you’ve ever been there. Alta Badia is one of those places, a corner of paradise nestled in the Dolomites, where nature, culture, hospitality, and food and wine come together in perfect harmony.

The last time I was here it was March, when the winter season was drawing to a close. On that occasion, I had first discovered the Badia Hill, a young and modern establishment that knows how to combine comfort, design and impeccable hospitality. It had already won me over then, and coming back here for the opening of the new winter season was an equally magical experience.

The timeless charm of Badia Hill

Entering Badia Hill is like being welcomed into a warm and comfortable nest, where every detail is taken care of to make you feel special. The fireplace in the main room invites you to relax, perhaps with one of the perfect cocktails offered by the bar. Next door you’ll find a delightful Cigar Room and breakfast room, while the restaurant Al Porcino stands out for its excellence both in food and wine.

My old room, number 109, welcomed me back : the same double bed with a breathtaking view, a small cozy sitting area, a modern bathroom and even a private sauna. In the morning, the Dolomite panorama was lit with pink and orange lights, gifting me sunrises that looked like something out of a painting.

On the top floor, the wellness spa is an oasis of relaxation: between the skyline pool with mountain views, the relaxation area with a fireplace and bookcase, and the saunas (including one with an outdoor area), it's impossible not to find your own corner of peace.

Adventures between nature and food and wine

Of course, I couldn't resist the temptation to ski. The slopes of Alta Badia offer a unique experience: miles of descents, all different, that never seem to end. But this time, in addition to the days on skis, I had two unforgettable experiences.

The first was a night snowshoe hike on the Armentarola plain. In a moon-lit night, I immersed myself in an enchanted landscape, where the silence was broken only by the sound of snow under my steps. The starry sky and the reflection of the moon on the snow made this experience almost surreal.

The second was the Gourmet Skisafari, an annual event that celebrates the opening of the winter season with a food and wine trail. Five mountain huts, five starred chefs, five dishes dedicated to the flavors of the mountains, accompanied by the best wines of South Tyrol. Despite not being able to complete all the stops (a perfect excuse to return!), each tasting was a journey into the authentic flavors of this land.

Alta Badia: Tradition and modernity

Alta Badia is not just a destination; it’s a whole experience. This area, inhabited by the Ladin people, is steeped in centuries-old history and traditions. The Ladins, one of Europe's oldest linguistic minorities, have been able to preserve their culture and identity, which is still reflected today in their language, cuisine and local customs.

The Ladin culinary tradition, for example, is based on simple but flavorful dishes, such as cajincí arestis (ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta cheese) or les turtres (pancakes filled with spinach or sauerkraut). Each bite tells a story of love for the land and respect for raw materials.

The Dolomites themselves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, frame this extraordinary area. Their majestic peaks and breathtaking landscapes offer a sense of wonder that is renewed in every season, from snowy winter to verdant summer.

It’s a place that leaves its mark.

Every time I leave Alta Badia, I take with me unforgettable memories: the beauty of nature, the welcoming people, the unique flavors and the emotions I felt. But above all, I take with me the desire to come back, because here there’s always something new to discover, or another adventure to experience.

Alta Badia is not just a place; it’s a state of mind. An invitation to slow down, to wonder, to let yourselves be surprised. A place where every moment becomes special, and where the beauty of the Dolomites reminds you how extraordinary nature is all around us.

I can't wait to be back. What about you? Are you ready to be enchanted?