Alta Badia Gets Ready For Skiing In Spring In The Heart Of The Dolomites
In March and April, the days grow longer and weather conditions become particularly favourable for skiing. It is the ideal time to enjoy the mountains and the slopes of Alta Badia, in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where excellent snow quality and meticulously groomed slopes ensure a high-level experience even at the end of the season. In recent years, Alta Badia has strengthened its position as a leading destination for alpine skiing, thanks to an offer that combines efficient infrastructure, high-quality services and an internationally recognised food and wine scene. As tradition dictates, the ski season in Alta Badia draws to a close with a series of unmissable events.
SOMMELIER ON THE SLOPES
The Sommelier on the slopes event aims to promote and further showcase the finest wines of South Tyrol. The final dates of the season are scheduled for 3, 10 and 31 March. The initiative combines unforgettable skiing on the slopes of Alta Badia with the tasting of some of South Tyrol’s most prestigious wines at two mountain huts. Participants will be accompanied by a ski instructor as well as a South Tyrolean sommelier. Participation in Sommelier on the Slopes costs €40.00 and requires advance booking at the Alta Badia tourist offices or online at www.altabadia.org
NOS LADINS – WE LADINS: THE FINAL APPOINTMENTS WITH LADIN CULTURE
It is the people who live in a place who make it truly authentic, rich in culture and traditions passed down from generation to generation. The Nos Ladins – We Ladins project was created with the aim of bringing visitors closer to local life and traditions through meetings with local residents held during the winter months. After all, no one can tell the story of a place better than those who were born there and live there every day. These are the March events: on 4 March, participants will discover the behind-the-scenes operations of a lift system together with Luigi; on 11 March, Moritz will share anecdotes about tourism in Alta Badia, the evolution of hospitality and his personal experiences as the founder of a renowned mountain hut, which still welcomes skiers and hikers from all over the world today; while on 18 March, together with Hannes, participants will learn the secrets of local pastry-making.
BUN DE GRAN RISA: EXPERIENCE THE GRAN RISA AT DAWN
The final Bun de Gran Risa event takes place on 5 March. This exclusive experience offers participants the chance to be the first to ski down the legendary Gran Risa slope, the venue of Alpine Ski World Cup races. The Piz La Ila lift opens at dawn, allowing skiers to witness the sunrise at 2,000 metres and enjoy a perfectly groomed slope prepared overnight. Participants, in groups of up to 15 people, will be accompanied by two instructors from the La Villa Ski & Snowboard School, who will explain skiing techniques as well as the preparation and setting of a race course. The experience also includes a simulated start from the starting gate, a short final slalom, and the presentation of a diploma and souvenir photos. Registration is mandatory and can be completed online at www.altabadia.org or at the Alta Badia Tourist Offices.
RODA DLES SAUS: LADIN CUISINE ON THE SLOPES
The Roda dles Saus returns this winter as well. The week from 15 to 22 March will be dedicated to Ladin cuisine and culture in the La Crusc ski area. Skiing from hut to hut, visitors can savour dishes that originate in the heart of the Dolomites, paired with the finest wines from South Tyrol. Ladin cuisine, simple yet authentic, takes centre stage in the mountain huts within the La Crusc ski area. Each hut specialises in preparing a traditional Ladin dish, cooked step by step according to grandmother’s recipe.
SELLARONDA SKIMARATHON: ON 20 MARCH WITH THE START IN CORVARA
This year, Corvara will host the start of the 32nd edition of the Sellaronda Skimarathon, scheduled for 20 March at 6.00 pm. The eagerly awaited night-time ski mountaineering race will see hundreds of athletes compete along the route around the Sella massif, crossing some of the most iconic landscapes of the Dolomites. The event has by now become an international benchmark for ski mountaineering, combining top-level sport with the promotion of the region and attracting athletes, enthusiasts and fans from all over Europe. For information and updates: www.sellaronda.it
WINE SKISAFARI: A WINE SAFARI ON SKIS AT 2,000 METRES
On Sunday, 22 March, Alta Badia brings the best South Tyrolean wines up to altitude for an exclusive tasting event, taking place from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm at the mountain huts Piz Arlara, Ütia de Bioch, I Tablà and Pralongià. The aim is to bring the winter season, dedicated to food and wine, to a stylish close. The ticket price is €35.00 per person and includes the tasting of all the wines on offer. Tickets can be purchased directly at the four participating huts or online at www.altabadia.org The event is organised by Alta Badia Brand, in collaboration with IDM (Innovation Development Marketing) and with the support of the South Tyrolean Wine Consortium.
THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD CUP RACES IN A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION WITH ROBERTO ERLACHER
In December, the Gran Risa celebrated the 40th anniversary of its first race, held in 1985. To mark this important milestone, a photographic exhibition has been set up in the ski area, telling the story of the Gran Risa through images that capture speed, determination, and legend. It is a tribute to all those who have contributed to making this slope great, as well as to Freddy Planinschek, the official photographer of the event since the very first edition. The exhibition consists of 20 images positioned along the most scenic slopes of Alta Badia, offering enthusiasts a unique journey through sport, memory, and beauty. On 24 March, from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm, visitors can participate in a guided ski tour with Roberto Erlacher, a local athlete who stood on the podium at the first World Cup giant slalom held on the Gran Risa. That year, the winner was Ingemar Stenmark. Booking is mandatory and can be done online at www.altabadia.org or at the Alta Badia Tourist Offices. Participation costs €30.00.
THE SKICAROUSEL VINTAGE PARTY: ON 6 APRIL, ALTA BADIA TURNS RETRO
To close the winter season in a festive mood, Alta Badia has planned an original retro-style event. On Monday, 6 April, both the valley and the ski slopes will be transformed to recreate the atmosphere of a ski resort from several decades ago. Skiers can take part in a vintage ski race on the La Para slope, where one of the last drag lifts with hooks is still in operation. Anyone can participate in the obstacle race, provided that classic skis are used instead of modern carving skis. Registrations can be made on-site on the day of the race. Participants are asked to wear retro ski clothing and equipment to create an authentic “vintage” atmosphere throughout the ski area. The event is organised in collaboration between Alta Badia Brand and the Skicarosello Consortium.
For further information: Alta Badia Tourist Information Offices – www.altabadia.org – Tel.: +39 0471/836176-847037 – Email: info@altabadia.org
