Trip Report: Alta Badia - Dolomites, Italy
Summary
A Ten-day trip to the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. We based from the Alta Badia Valley which includes the to villages Badia, La Villa, San Cassiano, and Corvara. This lush alpine valley sports numerous ski lifts that also run in Summer and Fall to provide quick access to the higher alpine region—the Dolomites. This is a quaint valley over the hill from the more populated area of Cortina.
Our objective with this visit was to immerse ourselves in one region of the Italian Dolomites (as they are huge), and become familiar with the area utilizing some of the ski lifts for access to the higher terrain. While in the alpine, numerous possibilities exist to explore a variety of mountains utilizing ‘Via Ferrata’ (iron way) routes. Geared with a harness with dual lanyards, a helmet, and some nimble mountain footwear—following theses high alpine routes provide excitement and adventure, along with continual 360 views of stunning scenery.
There are many mountain huts providing remote accommodation while on day and multi-day adventures. We took in some of the scenery while on a 3-day mountain trek combining travel over high mountain passes, occasional ‘via ferratas’ to attain a couple of summits. We over-nighted in quaint alpine huts serving warm meals accompanied by beer, wine or cappuccino. Comfortable beds and bedding are included, which enable you to travel essentially with a light day pack while out .
During the 10 days, a good bit of our time was based from the Alta Badia valley near the town of San Cassiano. We stayed at a delightful B&B, Garni Irsara, which was full of mountain charm and hospitality including a daily start of cappuccino, croissants, and muesli with yogurt. Evening dining consisted of exploring the numerous restaurants and pizzerias in the nearby villages.
Needless to say, tons of options exist for daily hikes, ferratas, or summits to keep one busy for weeks right from this valley. Also great options for mountain biking, rock climbing and shopping for souvenirs on rest days.
Map
Highlights
Spectacular scenery in an alpine setting
Great spot for an active vacation- hiking and mountaineering, biking.
The sky is the limit for ‘Via Ferrata’
Numerous options for accommodation from budget to luxury—great cuisine.
Rich heritage of local traditions of farming, forestry, and alpine culture.
World war 1 history- alpine history
Season/Time Frame
Loved our timeframe- September (ski lifts run thru the 3rd week of September). Summer is high season and more tourism then. The area could be visited in winter too for skiing both lift served or backcountry with huts.
Minimum time 10 days, two weeks a great trip!
Logistics
Rent a car with navigation to get around. Once in the Alta Badia Valley, there is also a bus system.
Options for airports in Milan, Venice, or Innsbruck. We used Milan, but might try the other options next time. The route from Milan will take you through Bolzano and the wine region of Lake Garda. Plan a day each way going and coming to arrive/depart the Dolomite region
Out-Takes
Love this particular region and would go back. Less busy than Cortina.
You can rent Ferrat gear locally so no need to bring any stuff unless you are there for rock climbing or serious mountaineering.
Bring a 40liter pack for multi-day treks with the complete clothing for the alpine (nimble mtn. footwear, gore-tex, and layers for cool mountain weather.) Hiking pole a plus.
Italy is not a budget trip - travel is on par with USA maybe even a little more $$.
