How to Visit Alta Badia, Dolomites, Italy: Best Hiking Trails and Villages

Alta Badia is a mountain region surrounding the valley of Val Badia/Gadertal in South Tyrol in the Italian Dolomites. This holiday area encompasses the villages of Colfosco, Corvara, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia, and La Val.

Nestled between the Fanes Group, the Sella Group, and the Puez Group, Alta Badia is one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.

Showered in Michelin stars and spa hotels, Alta Badia emerges as a haven for those seeking both exquisite dining experiences and rejuvenating wellness retreats. Here in this enchanting valley, luxury and the raw beauty of nature converge harmoniously.

As you explore Alta Badia, you’ll quickly notice that each village (park, mountain hut, etc…) has three names: the Italian name, the German name, and the Ladin name. The Ladin people are the oldest (surviving) inhabitants of this mountainous region. Their culture, heritage, and language continue to thrive here.

Around 9000 years ago, Alta Badia was first discovered by ancient hunters and gatherers. Long-term settlements emerged circa 1700 BC, evident from Bronze Age artifacts discovered in Badia.

In the wake of Alpine integration into the Roman Empire, the populace of the Dolomites regions gradually adopted the Latin spoken by Roman soldiers, shaping it into the distinctive Ladin language, which is still spoken today. 

The Ladin people distinguish themselves not only through their language but also through a rich cultural heritage rooted in mountain farming and artisanal crafts.

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Alta Badia Map

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Where is Alta Badia

Val Badia (Gadertal in German) is a side valley of Puster Valley. The 35-km-long Dolomites valley runs south from Val Pusteria (Pustertal), near Brunico (Bruneck), to the Sella Group. 

Alta Badia is distinctly the mountain region, ski resort, and “brand,” surrounding Upper Val Badia. 

The region north of La Val (Wengen in German) is part of the Plan de Corones (Kronplatz) holiday resort, which includes San Martino in Badia (St. Martin in Thurn), San Vigilio (St. Vigil), Longiarù (Lungiarü, Campill), and other hamlets. 

There are some stunning hiking trails in Lower Badia Valley, which are often overlooked.

If you’re seeking a quiet place to explore (best with a car), consider staying in the Ladin village of Lungiarü, nestled in a side valley of Val Badia. Check out Les Dolomites Mountain Resorts aparthotel (read our review) and Berghotel Sanví.

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Alta Badia Hiking Trails

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1. Armentara Meadows Trail

This enchanting walk across the Armentara meadows begins in the village of Badia.

First, you’ll ascend to the Santa Croce Sanctuary by two cableways (La Crusc 1 & La Crusc 2). From the Santa Croce pilgrimage church, the trail leads beneath the Sasso Santa Croce mountains to the Armentara plateau.

Have a relaxing lunch at Űtia Ranch da André before continuing your descent to Badia.

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Trail Details

Trailhead | La Crusc Church, Badia

Distance | 9 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 3 hours

Difficulty | Easy

Learn More: Armentara Meadows Trail

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2. Lake Pisciadù and Pisciadù Peak Hike

The strenuous hike to Cima Pisciadù (Pisciadù Peak) begins at Passo Gardena, the mountain pass that connects Val Badia with Val Gardena.

From Gardena Pass, you’ll follow a lovely balcony trail to Val Setus, a steep sloping valley characterized by crumbling rocks and scree.

The ascent up Val Setus to Lake Pisciadù is steep and partially secured (no special equipment necessary).

From Lake Pisciadù, you can extend the hike 1 hour to the summit of Cima Pisciadù.

The hike continues to Val de Mezdi, where you’ll steeply descend to Val Badia.

You can return to Passo Gardena, or continue onwards to Colfosco, or Corvara. This hike is a lot of fun, but it’s a challenge.

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Trail Details

Starting Point | Passo Gardena

Ending Point | Corvara

Distance | 12.4 km point-to-point (circuit also possible)

Time Needed | 5 hours

Difficulty | Difficult

Learn More: Cima Pisciadù Trail Guide

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3. Across the Gherdenacia Plateau to Rifugio Puez

This moderate day hike in Alta Badia begins in La Villa and ends in Colfosco. You can also hike it in reverse.

To start this hike, take the Gardenaccia chairlift up from La Villa.

You’ll visit two mountain huts along the route. You’ll also traverse the Gherdenacia karst plateau, which is part of the greater Puez-Odle Altopiano, in Puez-Odle Nature Park.

Highlights of this trail include the view of Vallunga/Langental Valley and the picturesque Gardenacia mountain hut, surrounded by Haflinger horses.

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Trail Details

Starting Point | Gardenaccia chairlift mountain station

Ending Point | Colfosco (or Corvara)

Distance | 13 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 6 hours

Difficulty | Moderate

Learn More: Rifugio Puez Day Hike

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4. Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella

Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella are two mountain huts in Nature Park Fanes-Sennes-Prags, located along the famous Alta Via 1 route.

You can visit these luxurious mountain huts in a day hike starting at the Capanna Alpina mountain hut in San Cassiano.

Most visitors will do an out-and-back hike to these huts. However, you can extend the route all the way to La Villa, if you’re up for a challenge.

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Trail Details

Starting Point | Capanna Alpina, San Cassiano

Ending Point | La Villa

Distance | 20 km point-to-point

Time Needed | 8 hours

Difficulty | Moderately Difficult

Learn More: Rifugio Fanes Day Hike

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5. Sass de Putia Circuit Trail

Sass de Putia/Peitlerkofel is a solitary two-headed mountain in Puez-Odle Nature Park. 

A highly enjoyable hiking path circuits Sass de Putia, weaving through forest and across alpine pastures.

The trail starts at the Passo delle Erbe mountain pass, high above Val Badia. From the pass, follow the road towards Sass de Putia. When you reach the alpine pastures at the base of the mountain’s northern slopes (20 minutes), turn right and follow signs to the Forcela de Pütia/Peitlerscharte mountain saddle. 

The ascent to Forcela de Pütia saddle is the hardest part of the hike. It’s straightforward, but continuously uphill. 

From here, the trail descends across romantic alpine pastures and continues to Ütia Vaciara and Ütia de Göma, two alpine pasture huts directly on the trail.

Insider Tip: You can stay directly at Passo delle Erbe at at Ütia de Börz, an upscale mountain refuge.

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Trail Details

Trailhead | Passo delle Erbe

Distance | 12.8 km circuit

Time Needed | 4 hours

Difficulty | Moderate

Learn More: Sass de Putia Circuit Trail

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6. Sass da Ciampac and Lake Crespëina Hike

Sass da Ciampac is the highest peak in the Cir Group, which is part of the Puez mountain range.

The hike to Sass da Ciampac is a moderate one, beginning at Passo Gardena, the mountain pass connecting the valleys of Val Gardena and Val Badia. Along the way to Sass da Ciampac, you’ll cross the Cir Peaks, drop into Val de Chedul valley, and make a counter-ascent to Forcella de Crespeina, the gateway to the Crespëina High Plateau. 

The ascent to Sass da Ciampac is straightforward and rewards you with wonderful views of Val Badia, the Sella Group, and the Puez Peaks. The descent to Crespëina plateau and Lake Crespëina is more difficult, because of the scree and slippery terrain.

Start early and detour to Rifugio Puez for lunch.

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Trail Details

Trailhead | Passo Gardena

Distance | 14.7 km lollipop-circuit

Time Needed | 6 hours

Difficulty | Moderate – Moderately Difficult

Trail Guide: Sass da Ciampac Hike

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7. Gran Cir Peak Hike

Gran Cir is a prominent peak in the Cir Group (Pizes de Cir in Ladin, Gruppo del Cir in Italian, Cirspitzen in German) within Puez-Odle Nature Park.

This popular summit is easily accessible from Passo Gardena/Grödner Joch. From the mountain pass, it takes 1:30 hours to hike to the summit of Gran Cir. The rewards are many. Atop Gran Cir, you’ll have deliriously beautiful views of the Sella Group, Sassoungo/Langkofel Group, Puez Group and Val de Chedul.

Gran Cir is considered an easy via ferrata (secured climbing route). We wrote about our experience, what gear you need, and more in our Gran Cir Trail Guide.

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Trail Details

Trailhead | Passo Gardena

Distance | 4.5 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 3 hours

Difficulty | Moderately Difficult

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8. Lungiarü – Ütia Ciampcios – Kreuzjoch Hike

Tucked away in a side valley of Val Badia, Lungiarü (Longiarù in Italian and Campill in German) serves as a secret gateway to Puez-Odle Nature Park. 

The Lungiarü – Ütia Ciampcios – Kreuzjoch circuit trail is a well-rounded hike with meadow crossings, impressive mountain views, historic hamlets, and forest trails.

For a low-key outing (families with small children), we recommend hiking to Ütia Ciampcios, or Kreuzjoch saddle out-and-back. The circuit is recommended for surefooted hikers who love quiet trails and unfazed by crumbling, potentially washed out paths. 

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Trail Description

Starting at the Val di Morins Lungiarü paid car park, follow signs to Kreuzjoch, one of the passes that links Val di Funes with Val Badia.

After about 15 minutes, the wide gravel track divides. Bear right on trail 5 and ascend through the forest, passing scenic meadows along the way.

The ascent continues to the Ütia Ciampcios mountain pasture, which boasts one of the prettiest outlooks in the Dolomites. A congregation of Puez mountains stretching between Piz Duleda and Crep dales Dodesc (Antersasc) steals the show. And luckily, hikers can relish the view with regional goodies from the managed Ütia Ciampcios hut. 

Continue following the gravel road to the Kreuzjoch saddle, where views open up to the cinematic Odle/Geisler peaks. 

The circuit hike continues in the direction of Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) along trail 3. After passing the managed Malga Medalges hut, cross the grassy slopes of Medalges and Sobutsch to a viewpoint overlooking Val Badia and the Fanes Group.

Veer left, carefully picking your way across a crumbling and rugged stretch of path, which is partially exposed. 

Ignore the turn-off to Rifugio Genova and cross the pasture to Passo di Poma / Kreuzkofeljoch, following trail 4A. 

At the next junction, turn right on trail 4 to Lungiarü/Campill. This quiet path descends across mountain pastures and then drops steeply down the forest to the bed of the Seres stream. Sections of the path are washed out.

Join the water mill trail (Roda dles Viles in Ladin, Mühlenweg in German) through the historic hamlets of Val di Morins (“Valley of the Mills”) to complete the circuit.

The hamlet of Misci (1612 m) was first mentioned in 1671.  Eight water mills of Val di Morins are a cultural heritage and are fully functional due to the restoration efforts by locals. 

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Trail Stats 

Trailhead | Val di Morins Lungiarü car park / Pares car park. Between mid July and end of August, local authorities collect a parking fee in cash (5 EUR/day for cars and 10/EUR for campers) | Google Maps

Distance | 13.3 km circuit

Time Needed | 5:30 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 949 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Minimum Elevation | 1535 meters

Maximum Elevation | 2484 meters

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9. Lago di Boe and Rifugio Franz Kostner

The day we arrived in Corvara, we walked to Cablecar Boé and took the gondola up for the views. We didn’t get a chance to do a long hike, because it was already late afternoon. But, we did walk to Rifugio Franz Kostner (2500 m) and to the small lake Lago di Boe (2250 m).

At the Cablecar Boé top station, there’s a stunning lookout point and posh lounge with indoor and outdoor seating. From here, the trail leads under the Vallon chairlift to Lago di Boe and then to Rifugio Franz Kostner. Honestly, this trail is boring, and we regretted not taking the Vallon chairlift up. 

Rifugio Franz Kostner is a lively mountain hut with brilliant views of Marmolada, Civetta, and Pelmo. With more time, we would have hiked trail 638 to Piz Boé (next time!). There are also several via ferrata options in the area as well. 

The highlight of our short visit was seeing a herdsman and his two dogs guide a flock of sheep down the mountain.

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Trail Details

Trailhead | Cablecar Boé, or Chairlift Vallon mountain station

Distance | 2 km one-way from Cablecar Boé top station to Rifugio Franz Kostner

Time Needed | 1 – 2 hours

Difficulty | Easy

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When to Hike in Alta Badia, Italy

Early/Mid-June until Mid/Late-October. 

Weather permitting, the best time to hike in Alta Bada is from mid-June to mid-October.

That being said, most chairlifts and cableways only run until late September. There are plenty of trails that don’t require cableway ascents, so if you choose to arrive in October, you’ll still have options. 

Another thing to consider is transit. If you’re planning to visit Alta Badia without a car, you should come between mid-June and mid-September. Starting in October, there are less frequent bus connections.

We think early fall is the best time to visit Alta Badia. Read next:

• Best Time to Visit the Dolomites for Hiking
• Hiking in the Dolomites in September
• Hiking in the Dolomites in October

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Where to Stay in Alta Badia in Summer

Alta Badia is home to an incomparable selection of hotels and accommodations, arguably the finest in the Dolomites. No matter where you stay, you can expect a high level of cleanliness.

Read our Alta Badia hotel guide for a complete overview of the valley’s best hotels.

Most hotels and accommodations in Alta Badia require a minimum stay of two to four nights. Hotel wellness facilities are always included in the rate (like in Austria). 

Below, we’re highlighting some exceptional Alta Badia hotels, aparthotels, and apartments.

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Colfosco Village

Colfosco (Calfosch in Ladin) is the highest village in Alta Badia, situated at an elevation of 1645 meters, between Corvara and Passo Gardena. It lies between the Sella Group and Sassongher on the edge of Puez-Odle Nature Park.

With mesmerizing views of the Sella Group, Colfosco is an excellent base for actively exploring Alta Badia. Its close proximity to Passo Gardena and Passo Sella, makes it easy to explore Val Gardena and Val di Fassa as well. From Passo Sella, you can hike the Sassolungo Circuit Trail and climb the Oskar Schuster via ferrata.

If you stay in Colfosco, you’re also well-positioned to tackle some of the best hikes in Val Gardena, including Piz Duleda, Col dala Pieres, and Monte Pic and Seceda.

Budget-Midrange | Pension Mirandola is a family-run guesthouse with spotless rooms and an on-site restaurant (half board available). Stay here for the warm hospitality, affordability, and location. 

Midrange | Crëp Sella is a sparkling clean B&B with spacious and comfortable rooms. 

Luxury Apartments | Lüch de Costa is a stylish aparthotel in Colfosco. In 2017, this historic farmstead was transformed into several high-end apartments. This is a great place to stay if you want the independence of an apartment but the convenience and finer features of a hotel (spa area, indoor pool, outdoor whirlpool, breakfast, daily room cleaning). 

Luxury | Hotel Kolfuschgerhof excels on every level, from its excellent wellness facilities and superb Dolomites views to its fine dining, featuring local and Italian cuisine. The hotel’s design is a winning combination of Tyrolean chalet-style and alpine-modern. Expect extraordinary service and the best spa views of your life. 

Luxury | Romantik Hotel Cappella is a newly-renovated 5-star luxury hotel in Colfosco sporting the finest contemporary interiors and furnishings in the region. Guests relish the two on-site restaurants, modern lounge bar, and life-affirming spa overlooking the Sella Group. The wellness area features a brine sauna, a steam sauna, Finnish sauna, child/family-friendly sauna, indoor-outdoor pool, and fitness room. The hotel’s energetic and polished staff ensure that all your needs are met. 

Look for accommodation in Colfosco.

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Corvara Village

The town of Corvara is centrally located in Val Badia at the base of Sassongher mountain, between Colfosco and La Villa.

It’s the tourist center of Alta Badia and offers the most in terms of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Several cableways connect Corvara with the surrounding plateaus like Pralongià as well as mountains like Sella.

Midrange | Ciasa De Munt Lifestyle Living strikes just the right balance between urban and the outdoors, with its clean aesthetic, modern elegant lines and location. Guests have access to top-notch wellness facilities, storage lockers, and a  washing machine. A fresh breakfast buffet featuring homemade cakes, cold cuts, and eggs is laid out each morning. Take advantage of the mountainside breakfast offering in their Piz Boé Alpine Lounge (2200 meters). 

Midrange | Sporthotel Panorama is a great value hotel with an on-site restaurant and spa, perched above the village of Corvara. Guests love the setting, outstanding food, and friendly staff. The outstanding room rate will have you overlook the slightly dated interiors. 

Adults-Only Luxury Hotel | Hotel Arkadia is a 4-star hotel in Corvara, with a panoramic swimming pool, sauna area, cardio room, Bar-Bistrot, and award-winning fine dining restaurant, Burjè 1968. Half board only. Many rooms have been recently renovated, but not all. 

Luxury Family Aparthotel | Movi Family Apart-Hotel offers new and stylish apartments for families. This modern property blends everything we love about a hotel (amenities and breakfast buffet) with everything we love about an apartment (self-sufficiency and space). Extra Perks: kids and family spa area with pool, adults-only spa, summer outdoor playpark, entertainment for kids (ages 3-12, 9:30 am – 9:30 pm). 

Luxury | Hotel Marmolada is a superb 4-star hotel which delivers an all-around excellent experience: facilities, parking, breakfast, and spa. Half board is available. When booking, pay attention to room categories: many rooms are newly renovated, but not all.

Luxury | Hotel Col Alto is a 4-star hotel facing Sassongher in Corvara. We were impressed by the staff, the design, the wellness facilities, and the sheer comfort of our room. We arrived at Col Alto after trekking the Alta Via 1 and smelled like wet socks. The Col Alto staff coordinated our laundry pick-up quickly, let us check-in early, and answered our 101 questions about hiking in Alta Badia. 

5-star Luxury | Hotel La Perla is a family-run hotel set in an 18th century building with charming alpine interiors, several restaurants, and a spa. Breakfast and dinner, both included in the room rate, are served in the hotel’s Les Stües restaurant. If you’d like to dine in the hotel’s 1-star Michelin restaurant, La Stüa de Michil, it’s necessary to make a reservation in advance.

Look for accommodation in Corvara.

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La Villa Village

La Villa (Stern in German) is a small village in Alta Badia between Badia and Corvara.

Advantageously wedged between the Fanes Group and Puez Group, La Villa is one of the dreamiest places to stay in Val Badia.

Set further away from Passo Gardena, La Villa enjoys a quieter location than neighboring Corvara and Colfosco.

Sunset views here are unforgettable. When we stayed in La Villa, we hiked to Gherdenacia Plateau, Rifugio Fanes, and the Armentara Meadows. 

Budget-Midrange | Pensione Camoscio is a well-run charming hotel with cozy, Tyrolean-style rooms, excellent breakfasts and dinners, and a peaceful setting. Great value for money. 

Budget Apartments | Ciasa Agreiter in La Villa is a pet-friendly property with beautiful, well-equipped apartments with stunning mountain views.

Luxury | Hotel Ciasa Soleil is a boutique hotel in La Villa that wowed us with its excellent cuisine, relaxing indoor and outdoor wellness facilities, unbeatable sunset views, and striking design. If you’re traveling without a car, Ciasa Soleil is an ideal place to stay, as it’s just steps away from the village bus stop.

Ciasa Soleil’s layout is intimate, yet roomy. No matter where you are in the hotel, there’s a place to relax. There’s an outdoor elevated terrace for reading and resting. The interior wellness area has a lovely relaxation room supplied with snacks and tea. And, the hotel lounge is perfect for an aperitif or post-dinner cocktail. Did I mention the outdoor hot tub? After a long hike in Alta Badia, there’s no better place to be than that hot tub. 

Luxury | Hotel La Majun exudes luxury in the shape of gourmet Ladin cuisine (half board available), modern rooms, and an elegant atmosphere.

Luxury | Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living enjoys an idyllic setting between La Villa and Corvara. This 4-star-superior hotel pampers guests with its heavenly wellness facilities, high-quality half board offering, and stylish rooms.

Look for accommodation in La Villa.

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San Cassiano Village

San Cassiano (St. Kassian in German) is a high-alpine village in Alta Badia between La Villa and Falzarego Pass, the gateway to the Ampezzo Dolomites and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

This is an excellent base for exploring the Fanes Group and the Pralongià High Plateau. From the village, you can walk the Path of the Larches. From Capanna Alpina, you can hike to Rifugio Fanes and Rifugio Lavarella.

Drive over Falzarego Pass to Belluno and Rifugio Lagazuoi, Cinque Torri, Rifugio Dibona (starting point for the Tofana di Rozes Circuit), and Lago Federa are within reach. 

Budget Apartments | Ciasa Milandura offers spacious, clean apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and balconies in San Cassiano. 

Midrange | Hotel Conturines is a very welcoming hotel in the heart of the pedestrian zone of San Cassiano, offering comfortable rooms, high-quality breakfasts and dinners, and a small spa area. Minimum stay requirement in high season.

Top Choice – Luxury Aparthotel | Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence ingeniously blends rustic alpine charm with modern comforts. Guests enjoy spacious apartments with kitchens as well as a wonderful spa area and daily breakfast. 

5-star Luxury | Hotel Fanes dazzles with its first-class spa facilities and skypool, phenomenal food, flawless staff, and magical setting. Breakfast, a Marende (afternoon snack buffet), and dinner are included in the rate. Minimum stay requirement in high season.

Look for accommodation in San Cassiano.

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Badia Village

Badia (Abtei in German) is a village in Val Badia between La Villa and San Martino in Badia. This Dolomites village lies between Puez-Odle Nature Park and Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park at an elevation of 1315 meters.

The La Crusc Cableways connect Badia with Santa Croce Sanctuary (2045 m), a church set below the impressive rock faces of Sasso di Santa Croce Group (Sas dla Crusc in Ladin, Kreuzkofel in German). From here, hikers can descend back to Badia via the Armentara Meadows, one of the easiest and most enchanting walks in the Dolomites.

Budget | Chalet Planvart is a great value B&B in Badia. 

Midrange | Hotel Melodia del Bosco is a family-run hotel in Badia offering newly-renovated rooms, excellent breakfasts, heart-expanding Dolomites views, a spa (Finnish sauna, alpine herbs sauna, steam sauna, relaxation area, gym), and an on-site restaurant. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Badia Hill impresses with its contemporary, drool-worthy design and satisfies with its facilities, restaurant, and bar. This brand new hotel commands unimaginable views of Sasso Santa Croce from its gorgeous spa and infinity pool. Book this hotel if it’s available!! Read our Badia Hill Hotel Review.

Look for accommodation in Badia.

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How to Get to Alta Badia without a Car

It’s easy to get to and around Alta Badia without a car during the summer season (mid-June – mid-September). Grab a summer bus schedule (Südtirolmobil Sommer Fahrplan) when you arrive.

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Venice to Alta Badia

Most international travelers coming to the Dolomites will fly into the Venice International Airport. There’s a direct Dolomiti Bus (No. 72) from Venice (the city) to Corvara, which takes 4:30 hours.

If you’re traveling directly from the Venice Airport to Alta Badia, you should take the Cortina Express instead (read below). 

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Cortina d’Ampezzo to Alta Badia

The Cortina Express runs twice a day from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Corvara and takes 1:07 hours. This bus only runs until early September. Read this guide for more help.

From Corvara, you can hop on bus 460 or 465 to La Villa or another destination in Alta Badia.

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Bolzano to Alta Badia

There is no direct transit connection between Bolzano and Alta Badia. You will need to transfer in Val Gardena. Use the Südtirolmobil website to plan your route.

If you’re traveling from Europe, look for flights to the Bolzano Airport, or trains to the Bolzano train station.

From Bolzano, there’s a direct bus to Val Gardena.

We recommend spending a few days in Ortisei, Val Gardena, before continuing the journey to Alta Badia.

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