Alta Badia in summer

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.

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Bike rental

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!

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.

Trekking in the Dolomites

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.

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.

The Dolomites by motorbike

The Dolomites are not only hugely popular with walkers, they're also a classic destination for bikers from all over Europe. In summer, under blue skies and a bright shining sun, few can resist the allure of the high mountain passes. With their hairpin bends and excellently maintained roads, they represent an irresistible challenge for any biker.

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.

Cycling in Alta Badia

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.

Or you can take part in the "Sellaronda Bike Day", a non-competitive event that sees the mountain passes around the Sella mountain group closed to traffic, giving cycling enthusiasts the run of the roads.

Alta Badia in winter

In winter, Alta Badia is covered with a thick blanket of snow, transforming the landscape with its cloak of muffled silence. Covered in white, the peaks of the Dolomites (which were declared a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO in 2009) have an even more special appeal. Far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you'll find yourself in a fairy tale world that has inspired many a legend, the most famous of which is the saga of the Kingdom of Fanes.

Alta Badia is home to countless opportunities for sports enthusiasts in winter, too, especially skiing - a long-standing tradition in these parts - but there's also hiking and sledging alongside numerous indoor activities.

This valley, though, doesn't just cater to the sports crowd: it's also an ideal destination for anyone looking for a little rest and relaxation, pampering and good food.

Dolomiti Superski

The skiing tradition in Alta Badia actually dates all the way back to 1947 when the first ski lift in Italy was built. Today, skiing enthusiasts have access to the most beautiful skiing region in Italy, known as the Dolomiti Superski area, comprising 12 ski resorts for a total of 1,200 km of perfectly groomed runs. Alta Badia alone has 54 lifts and an impressive 130 km of pistes of all levels of difficulty: from blue runs (for the less expert skier), red runs (for intermediates) through to black runs (for the more expert). More specifically, you have the Piz La Ila gondola running from La Villa straight up to the Gran Risa, one of the valley's few black runs and one of the most famous given that it's the setting for the World Cup men's giant slalom.

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.

So much more than skiing

When snow settles over the landscape and the Dolomites stand out against the clear blue sky, it's time to don a pair of snowshoes and set off on a hike to explore the area's true nature.

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.

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