If you are looking for a great destination for your summer holiday in the Dolomites, you should look into the Alta Badia region. With many beginner to advanced hiking trails, exciting via ferrata routes and gravel roads perfect for mountain biking, Alta Badia is the ultimate destination for outdoor lovers.
About Alta Badia
Badia (in German: Gadertal) is a ca. 35-kilometre-long valley in the South Tyrol region of the Italian Dolomites. It branches off the Puster Valley in the North and runs south until the Campologno and Gardena Passes. Alta Badia is the name for the southern and higher-lying part of the Badia valley. Parts of the region lie within the borders of Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park to the East and Puez Odle Nature Park to the West.
Alta Badia is known as an upscale mountain ski resort. It was, in fact, the birthplace of commercial skiing in Italy. The first lift facilities were built in Corvara right after the Second World War. Source: Wikipedia
My favourite towns around Alta Badia
From quaint, tiny villages to luxury mountain resorts, Alta Badia has no shortage of places and hotels to choose from. I spent a lot of time in this area, mostly living in my campervan, but these days, whenever I am back, I go for a bit more luxury and stay in towns and hotels. If you are coming to Alta Badia, here are the towns I recommend you base yourself in.
1. Corvara
Corvara is the most famous town in the Alta Badia region. It was built at the foot of Mount Sassongher to the North and the Sella Group to the southwest. Corvara is known as the birthplace of commercial ski tourism in Italy, which began to bloom soon after the Second World War.
Because of its somewhat secluded location, Corvara is one of the few places in the Dolomites, where an overwhelming majority of the population still speaks Ladin – a distinct language that dates back to Roman times. Thanks to this, many places, summits and valleys have three names: Italian, German and Ladin, which can be a little confusing for a first-time tourist. Pay attention to road signs in the area, which are often in 3 languages.
During the summer, the Col Alta gondola from Corvara brings hikers up to the Pràlongia mountain plateau, a paradise for beginner hikers.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, Corvara also has plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy even on a rainy day.
My hotel recommendations in Corvara
2. Colfosco
Colfosco (Calfosch) is the highest village with permanent residents in the Alta Badia region. It lies between Corvara and the Gardena Pass. If you want to wake up to beautiful views of the Sella Group from your hotel balcony, and direct access to restaurants and shops is not a priority when choosing your holiday destination, then you should stay in Colfosco. After all, it is only a stone’s throw away from Corvara.
My hotel recommendations in Colfosco
3. San Cassiano
San Cassiano is another one of my favourite towns in the Alta Badia region. The town has a lovely cobblestone street with a few shops & restaurants. San Cassiano was built at the foot of the Lavarella and Conturines Massifs, and a Silhouette of the Sass de Putia in the far distance (pictured above) is a recognisable feature of this town’s panoramic backdrop.
San Cassiano offers easy access to many trails in the Fanes-Sennes Nature Park. The Piz Sorega gondola takes tourists up to the Pràlongia mountain plateau.
My hotel recommendation in San Cassiano
Best hikes around Val Badia
Without further ado, let me get to the most important part of this post. Below are my recommendations for the best hikes in the Alta Badia region. Many of these hikes require a gondola to reach the trailhead or return to town. I always mention it in the description. You can find the lift operating times here.
To better understand the trail network in the Alta Badia region, I recommend buying the Tabacco Map no. 7 or Kompass Map no 652.
TIP: Consider investing in the Alta Badia summer card, which gives you unlimited lift access in Alta Badia for the duration of your stay.
1. Col De Locia & Fanes Plateau
Distance: 17.3 km / 10.8 mi
Elevation gain/loss: 670 m / 2200 ft
Time required: 6-7 hours
Difficulty level: moderate to Col De Locia, then easy across the plateau
Trail numbers: 11
This is a great hike if you want to spend a whole day in the mountains without overly exerting yourself. The first part of the hike is the hardest. It starts at the large parking lot near the Capana Alpina Hut and continues to the Col de Locia saddle. This part of the trail leads steeply up a mountain using stone-carved stairs. There are wooden railings installed for security. If, like me, you are not a big fan of stairs, you might not enjoy this section much.
After you reach Col de Locia, you will start hiking across the high alpine Fanes mountain plateau on a pleasant, undulating trail. Part of this trail is shared with mountain bikers, so try to stick to one side.
You can choose to go as far as you want before turning around and returning the same way. I recommend turning back once you reach the Fanes mountain hut (8.6 km into the hike). If you want a slightly shorter day, then you should only walk until the Ucia de Gran Fanes alpine hut (6.4 km into the hike).
2. Passo Gardena – Rifugio Puez – Colfosco
Distance: 12.3 km / 7.6 mi
Elevation gain: 580 m / 1900 ft
Elevation loss: 700 / 2300 ft
Time required: 5-6 hours
Difficulty level: moderate
Trail numbers: 2, 4
Get a taste of Alta Via 2, a high alpine traverse. The section between Passo Gardena and the Puez Alpine hut can be walked in a day. This hike starts on Passo Gardena and ends in Colfosco, so it’s best to take a public bus to reach the trailhead.
The first two kilometres of the trail, from the start to the saddle, are the hardest. They involve some loose scree and some steep sections. After that, it’s smooth sailing all the way to the Puez hut. My favourite view along the entire trail is the panoramic vista of Vallunga, with Sassolungo in the distance. It is a few hundred meters before reaching the hut (7 km into the hike).
The way back initially follows the same route, then branches at a fork towards Colfosco. You can either hike all the way down to Colfosco or follow the map below and take the trail at the foot of Sassongher to the top of the Col Pradat gondola, then ride the gondola back to town.
3. Cima Piscadiù
Distance: 9.9 km / 6.2 mi
Elevation gain: 1060 m / 3500 ft
Time required: 6-7 hours
Difficulty level: difficult with a few scrambling sections
Trail numbers: 29a, 29b, 651, 676, 666
Cima Piscadiú is one of the summits of the Sella Group, at the foot of which Corvara and Colfosco were built.
This trail is only for serious adventurers, as some sections involve scrambling. Cables have been installed on the most challenging parts, and those who don’t feel comfortable on steep trails will benefit from packing a via ferrata set. Because of the many loose rocks, a helmet is non-negotiable on this trail.
The route goes clockwise around Bruneck, Exner and Colfosco towers, which are a part of the Sella group. Rifugio Piscadiù lies approximately at the halfway point of the trail. You can refuel here before continuing to the top.
4. From Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega across Pralongià High Alpine Plateau
Distance: 11.9 kilometres / 7.4 miles
Elevation gain: 300 meters (950 feet)
Time required: 4-5 hours
Difficulty level: easy to moderate
Trail numbers: 24, 23, 21A
Hiking across the Pralongià Alpine Plateau is pure enjoyment. The plateau can be reached using the Piz Sorega gondola from San Cassiano, the Piz La Ila gondola from La Villa or the Col Alta gondola from Corvara.
Suppose you want to experience the best of the Pralongià Alpine Plateau and escape the crowds that it attracts during the summer. In that case, I recommend following the one-way trail from Valparola Pass to the Piz Sorega gondola. For more information on this trail, head to my other article.
5. From Passo Gardena to Colfosco
Distance: 4.8 km / 3 mi
Elevation gain: 50 m / 160 ft
Elevation loss: 300 m / 980 ft
Time required: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: mostly easy with a few short moderate sections
Trail numbers: 8
The traverse between Passo Gardena and Colfosco is mostly downhill, making it a great choice for those who struggle with uphill hiking. There are beautiful views of the Sella group and Sassongher along this trail. In my opinion, the views-to-effort ratio is hard to beat.
Once again, this is a one-way trail, so leave your car at the hotel or this parking lot in Colfosco and take the bus to Passo Gardena. The bus stop where you get on is called Pera Ciaslat and is near the car park. Once you finish the trail, take the Colfosco gondola down. The bottom station is next to the above-mentioned parking lot.
6. From Passo Campologno to Rifugio Kostner via Sasso Quadro
Distance: 4.4 km / 2.7 mi
Elevation gain: 450 m / 1500 ft
Elevation loss: 340 m / 1120 ft
Time required: 2-3 hours
Difficulty level: Mostly moderate with a few short, difficult sections
Trail numbers: 636, 637, 638
If you want to see some interesting rock formations, typical of the Dolomites, this is the hike for you. Unfortunately, I did most of this trail in pouring rain, but I still got to see the mystical Sasso Quadro (pictured above).
To reach the trailhead for this hike, take the bus from Corvara and get off at Passo Campologno, Albergo Boè bus stop. Walk to the Campologno – Bec De Roces chairlift and take it up to the hut.
From Rifugio Bec De Roces, start your hike on path no 636 following the signs for Rifugio Kostner. There is a short cable-protected section around 2/3 of the way up. If you are not comfortable with light scrambling, choose a different hike.
You can have lunch at Rifugio Kostner (2.2 km into the hike) before starting your descent to the top of the Boé gondola. Take the gondola down, and you will end up back in Corvara.
7. From Colfosco to Pisciadù Waterfalls
Distance: 4.4 km / 2.7 mi
Elevation gain/loss: 140 m / 460 ft
Time required: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty level: easy
Trail numbers: 650, 28
This beginner-friendly loop trail leads from Colfosco across alpine meadows to the Piscadiù waterfalls (pictured above), then back following a forest path. In the first half of this trail, you will be sharing the path with mountain bikers, so try to stick to one side. Families with toddlers will be happy to hear that they can push a stroller on this path.
There are spectacular views of the Bruneck and Exner towers as you hike towards the waterfalls. Once you reach the point just below the falls, look up and try to spot climbers on the via ferrata Brigata Tridentina, which I mention later.
The trail starts near the Colfosco gondola, Pera Ciaslat bus stop, and parking lot.
8. Sass De Putia Circuit
Distance: 12.8 km / 8 mi
Elevation gain/loss: 570 m / 1870 ft
Time required: 4-5 hours
Difficulty level: moderate
Trail numbers: 8A, 4B, 35, 8B
If I had to pick my favourite hike in the Alta Badia region, this would be the one. As the name suggests, the trail circles around the Sass De Putia (Peitlerkofel) mountain. Unlike many other hikes in Alta Badia, you don’t need to be tied to a gondola schedule to complete this route. You do, however, need a car to get to the trailhead, as it is a bit further away from any of the nearest towns.
The Sass De Putia circuit starts at Passo Delle Erbe, which is approximately 45 45-minute drive from San Cassiano or Corvara. For more info, head to my article dedicated to the Sass De Putia circuit.
Top via ferratas in Alta Badia
1. Sassongher
Difficulty level: beginner
Elevation gain: 510 meters / 1670 feet
Time required: 3-4 hours
Sassongher is the iconic mountain in the Alta Badia region. Its Southern walls seem unscalable to a regular hiker. However, here is the good news: if you have a good head for heights and an adventurous spirit, you should give the beginner via ferrata Sassongher a go. The route runs on the northern side of the mountain, which looks much less intimidating than its southern counterpart.
I did this route with a friend back in mid-September, with a blanket of fresh snow covering the peaks.
Read more: A Quick Guide To Via Ferrata Sassongher In Val Badia.
2. Gran Cir
Difficulty level: beginner
Elevation gain: 380 meters / 1250 feet
Time required: 2-3 hours
Gran Cir is a great short summit route that starts right on the Gardena Pass, close to Colfosco and Corvara. Thanks to only 380 meters of elevation gain, the summit can be reached in as little as 1 hour. That’s why it has become a popular spot for both sunrise and sunset photography. The actual via ferrata section along this trail lasts only for a few meters, and the rest is a steep hike to the summit along the rocky slopes of Gran Cir.
Read more: Guide to Via Ferrata Gran Cir In The Heart Of The Italian Dolomites.
3. Brigata Tridentina
Difficulty level: intermediate
Elevation gain: 730 meters / 2400 feet
Time required: 3-4 hours
Brigata Tridentina is a classic via ferrata route in the Alta Badia Region. If you hire a local guide, chances are you will be taken up this trail. Albeit busy, the via ferrata Brigata Tridentina is really worth the hype. It has waterfalls, a suspension bridge, and a great refuge at the end of the route where you can refuel. What more can one want?
Read more: Tackling Dolomite’s Famous Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina Al Pisciadù
4. Sass Dla Crusc (Heiligkreuzkofel)
Difficulty level: beginner (with optional intermediate extension to Cima Dieci)
Elevation gain: 880 meters / 2900 feet
Time required: 5-6 hours
Sass Dla Crusc is another prominent peak in the Alta Badia region and can also be reached via a beginner’s via ferrata route. I did this via ferrata during my most recent visit to San Cassiano, and now I wonder why I waited so long to do it. The summit views are spectacular and engross a panoramic view of the entire Badia Valley to the West and the rugged landscape of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park to the East.
5. Sass De Putia (Peitlerkofel)
Difficulty level: beginner
Elevation gain: 930 meters / 3050 feet
Time required: 5-7 hours
Sass De Putia is a lone-standing peak. I already mentioned it before when I talked about the Sass De Putia circuit hiking trail. This via ferrata leads to the summit and can be done as an extension of the circuit.
This is another beginner-friendly via ferrata route, and the cables only stretch for ca. 200 meters near the summit. From the top, you get uninterrupted views of the entire panorama of the Dolomites as well as the skyline of the Austrian Alps to the North.
Read more: Guide to Via Ferrata Sass De Putia In The Puez Odle Nature Park
(E)-Bike routes around Alta Badia
E-mountain biking has exploded in popularity in recent years, and I also joined the trend. During my last trip to the Alta Badia region, I even brought my own e-bike to try some of the popular trails. I recommend you give them a go as well.
1. From San Vigilio through the Tamersc Valley and the Fanes Alpine Plateau
Total round-trip distance: 50.5 km / 31 mi
Elevation gain: 1370 m / 4500 ft
San Vigilio is a little village in the Tamersc Valley, which branches off the Badia Valley. Depending on which town you are based in, it will take ca. 30 minutes to reach it. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one directly in San Vigilio.
The route to Fanes Plateau starts in the village and follows the entire Tamersc Valley. This part of the bike route is very gentle. Once you reach Rifugio Pederü at the end of the valley (ca. 12 kilometres into the trail), the route starts going up steeply to Rifugio Fanes. Refer to the elevation profile below.
Continue uphill from Rifugio Fanes following the Alta Via 1 trail. Be mindful of hikers who will share this part of the route with you. Once you reach the Fanes Plateau, the path undulates across mountain pastures. You can go as far as Col de Locia; however, the further you go, the worse the road becomes, so turn around at whichever point and distance you feel comfortable.
2. San Cassiano – Corvara – Colfosco – Piscadiù Waterfalls – Pràlongia Plateau – San Cassiano
Total round-trip distance: 31.7 km / 20 mi
Elevation gain: 1020 m / 3350 ft
This is an excellent route if you want to see the highlights of the Alta Badia region in one day. You can start this route in either San Cassiano or Corvara. Both have e-bike rental options. This is a circuit trail with one short side trip to the Piscadiù waterfall, so you will end up where you started after a full day of exploring.
The trail stays mostly on gravel paths apart from a few short sections in Corvara, on which you have to share the road with cars. The highlight of this biking route is the Pràlongia plateau, from where you get elevated views of the peaks surrounding Alta Badia, including the Dolomites’ highest peak, Marmolada.
Other regions in the Dolomites worth visiting
- Puster Valley (Val Pusteria)
- Fassa Valley (Val Di Fassa)
- Gardena Valley (Val Gardena)
- Funes Valley (Val Di Funes)
- Primero Valley (Val Primero)
- Cortina D’Ampezzo & Central Dolomites
- Tre Cime Nature Park
