With its unspoilt nature, stunning scenery, abundance of organized events and, of course, countless bike trails, Alta Badia is a cyclist's paradise.

Road bike enthusiasts can venture out on numerous road routes to explore the area: from La Villa, you can head towards Corvara, over the Passo Gardena mountain pass and along the Val Gardena valley, turning off towards Gudon and, from there, cycling back up the Val di Funes valley, over the Passo delle Erbe mountain pass and down towards San Martino in Badia, looping back to La Villa: a run of over 100 km of road taking in valleys and mountain villages.

If you want to join a guided hike, the San Cassiano cross-country ski school is just one place you can sign up.

Or for something the whole family can enjoy, how about a fun afternoon sledging? There are endless opportunities: from the Piz Sorega plateau (2,003 m), for example, there is a 3.5km-long sledge run built to ensure the safety of young and old.

And in the unlikely event of bad weather? Don't worry, there's plenty of other things to do. For instance, the public indoor swimming pool is just a 5-minute walk from the La Bercia Chalet; or why not visit the Ladin Ursus Ladinicus Museum, which is another interesting alternative to sports activities. It's home to the remains of Ursus Ladinicus, a native species of cave bear that lived in this very area 40,000 years ago, and you can also find out how dolomite rock was formed.

In addition to regular ski fields, there are a number of themed trails within easy reach of La Villa that are a must-try experience: the world-famous Sella Ronda full-day circuit, the First World War Ski Tour (Giro della Grande Guerra) and Tour of Mount Lagazuoi.

In addition, guests staying at the La Bercia apartment can take the ski bus, which stops just 100 m from the Chalet and is included in the price.

Some of the most popular rides would have to be the Dolomites round tour (known as the Grande Giro delle Dolomiti), the tour taking in the Passo delle Erbe mountain pass and the tour round the Sella mountain group. The Dolomites round tour, above all, is a particularly demanding bike ride at around 175 km, packed with uphill and downhill stretches, hairpin bends and no less than five mountain passes. Starting in La Villa, you head for the Passo Gardena mountain pass (2,121 m) and circle round the Sella mountain group, first going over the Passo Sella pass (2,240 m) and then the Passo Pordoi pass (2,239 m). Continue on towards Cortina d'Ampezzo by way of the Passo di Falzarego pass (2,105 m). From Cortina, Passo Tre Croci (the three crosses pass, 1,805 m) will take you towards Lake Misurina and, from there, you head towards Dobbiaco, riding the length of the Val Pusteria valley back to La Villa. 

So it will come as no surprise, then, to learn that the "pale mountains" (as the Dolomites were known until the first half of the 19th century when French geologist Déodat de Dolomieu studied their composition and had the rock dolomite named after him) are something of a Mecca for trekking enthusiasts. Alta Badia, in particular, offers numerous trails varying in difficulty but all sharing that magnificent backdrop. For instance, you can follow the scenic trail that runs from Piz La Ila to Pralongià, an easy stroll just over four kilometres long that's suitable for the whole family. If you're looking for more of a challenge, you can hike from La Villa up to the Ütia de Puez hut (2,475 m), which takes you through the Puez-Odle national park.

For the real experts, the trail that goes from Corvara to Piz Boè - the highest and most spectacular peak in the whole valley - is simply a must.

In collaboration with Alta Badia Shop & Rental Ski of San Cassiano, Chalet La Bercia can arrange mountain-bike or e-bike rentals that will be delivered directly to us.

Alta Badia is the perfect place to escape the summer heat and enjoy a holiday in the great outdoors. Surrounded by the stunning panorama of the Dolomites - which were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 - you cannot help but be enchanted by this valley, which starts at an altitude of 1,300 m and rises to 3,150 m above sea level. Its unspoilt nature and numerous sports facilities make it perfect for a get-up-and-go sort of holiday: Alta Badia provides ample opportunities for active people, whether you want to enjoy a gentle stroll with the whole family foraging for mushrooms or a leisurely bike ride down in the valley, or are in search of more adrenaline-fuelled pursuits, like paragliding or some serious mountaineering.

And there's no shortage of child-friendly attractions, like the Paraciora deer park - where kids can watch deer running free across the meadows - or the Colfosco adventure park, less than 15 minutes away by car.

The Dolomites are famous the world over, so much so in fact that they're seen in the popular imagination as a symbol of the Alps as a whole and, in 2009, were declared a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO.

In Alta Badia, a bike is simply a must, whether you just want a leisurely sightseeing trip around neighbouring towns down in the valley or want to test yourself with a more demanding ride. If you want to immerse yourself in some of the most pristine nature you're likely to find, away from roads and cars, what you really need is a mountain bike.

However, carrying a bike in the car can be awkward or even downright dangerous. And if there's four of you in the car, it borders on the impossible!