Trento & the Dolomites - Italy - page 649

€41/121/226. Of the Alta Badia's 130km of slopes, the Gran Risa , 4.5km north of Corvara
in La Villa, is undoubtedly the most legendary.
In summer a cable car ascends into the Parco Naturale di Fanes-Sennes-Braies from the
Passo Falzarego (2105m). Alternatively, pick up trail No 12, near La Villa, or trail No 11,
which joins Alta Via No 1 at the Capanna Alpina, a few kilometres off the main road
between Passo Valparola and San Cassiano. Either trail takes you up to the Alpe di Fanes
and the two rifugi, Lavarella and Fanes.
Horse riding, mountain biking and hang-gliding are other popular valley activities. Ho-
tels often have loan bikes.

Tours

Alta Badia Guides
( 0471 83 68 98; www.altabadiaguides.com ; Via Col Alt 94, Corvara; 5-7pm) Freeride, ski cir-
cuits and ice-climbing courses and tours, as well as snowshoe walks in winter. In summer
they organise climbs, including vie ferrate , trekking and excursions to the natural parks
and WWI sites.

GUIDES

Sleeping & Eating
These resorts are known for their discreet, luxurious hotels. Budget options are scarce,
though shoulder season prices do drop dramatically. Residence apartments and mountain
huts can be a good deal if booked well in advance. Alta Badia ups the Alpine ante with a
number of fine-dining (and often Michelin-starred) restaurants. This gastronomic hot spot
also hosts the Chef's Cup Food Festival ( www.chefscup.it ) in January and from July to Septem-
ber organic farmers markets take over village squares.

Garni Ciasa Urban
( www.garniurban.it ; Via Pantansarè 35, Badia; d €85, apt €100) A simple, welcoming, family-run
place, set in a blissfully peaceful spot right at the top of the village. The uncluttered, spa-
cious rooms have spectacular views of Santa Croce and home-cooked dinners can be ar-
ranged. Note, the Urban of the name is the house saint, not a style or attitude!

HOTEL €

Dolomit B&B

B&B €€