Alta Badia – for excellent cuisine

Situated at the north-east corner of the Sella Ronda circuit in South Tyrol, Alta Badia combines stunning nature, centuries old culture and mouth-watering cuisine. The resort is made up of six main villages – Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia and La Val. Each village offers something different but all are fantastic bases for enjoying the superb skiing and diverse range of activities on offer.

With four Michelin-stars to its name, Alta Badia is famous for its gastronomic scene. As well as many gourmet restaurants, the resort is also popular for its traditional Ladin cuisine and there are a number of food-based initiatives to enjoy in summer and winter through the Peaks of Gastronomy program, from cookery demonstrations to tasting tours.

With excellent nursery slopes and good runs to progress to, Alta Badia is a great choice for beginner skiers but there is also plenty of more challenging terrain for experienced skiers.

Check out the luxury ski chalets in Alta Badia https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/alta-badia

Cortina d’Ampezzo – for fashionistas

Often referred to as “The Queen of the Dolomites”, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a rich history, blending local traditions and heritage with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. Located in the wide and sunny Ampezzo Valley, Cortina was among the first Alpine destinations to host tourists and was home to Italy’s first Olympic Games in 1956. Since then, the resort has gone from strength to strength with its picturesque town center and wide variety of wellness and sporting activities drawing visitors from around the world. In fact, Cortina will again host the Winter Olympic Games in 2026.

Home to one of the best shopping streets in the Alps, Corso Italia, Cortina is extremely popular with fashionistas. This central pedestrian road displays some of the most prestigious and exclusive brands in the world, alongside jewelers, antique shops and artisan’s workshops. A stroll through Corso Italia is a must when visiting Cortina.

Cortina offers 75 miles of slopes and is ideal for beginners but the mountains offer a lot of variety with something to suit all levels. With countless itineraries, snowshoeing is another popular activity here whilst ice skating and curling can be enjoyed at the Olympic Ice Stadium.

Check out the luxury ski chalets in Cortina d’Ampezzo https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/cortina-dampezzo

Kronplatz – for families

Situated in the picturesque Pustertal Valley, Kronplatz is one of the top winter sports resorts in South Tyrol. This dome-shaped mountain between Bruneck-Brunico, St. Vigil-San Vigilio and Valdaora-Oland caters for all abilities. The village gondolas serve excellent easy blue runs for beginners, intermediate skiers can enjoy wide runs down into the valley whilst experts can test their mettle on the Black Five.

Popular with families, Kronplatz has numerous ski schools, family fun parks and sled runs. In addition to swimming, hiking, skiing or ice skating, there are two museums including the MMM Corones, designed and built by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Families will appreciate the quiet village yet there are still some good restaurants and a few bars to satisfy any après ski urges.

Check out the luxury ski chalets at Kronplatz https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/kronplatz

Madonna di Campiglio – for top events

Located on the western fringes of the scenic Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is an upmarket ski resort with100 miles of interconnected runs across three ski areas. This pretty Alpine town has a car-free center, buzzy bars and some excellent restaurants including three Michelin-starred establishments.

The resort plays host to some fantastic events during the winter and summer season. Taking place on the Canalone Miramonti in December is the historic FIS Ski World Cup Men’s Night Slalom whilst in January the Winter Marathon sees antique cars compete in a series of races and time trials on the resort’s icy lake. Another popular event is the famous Habsburg Carnival, which sees Madonna di Campiglio’s streets coming to life with costumes, music and gala dinners.

Off the slopes, visitors have a myriad of activities to choose from, including lift-served tobogganing, ice skating on the lake, dog sledding, ice climbing, paragliding and horse riding to name just a few.

Check out the luxury ski chalet in Madonna di Campiglio https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/madonna-di-campiglio

Val Gardena – for spectacular skiing & extensive scenery

Situated at the north-west corner of the Sella Ronda circuit, Val Gardena is made up of three towns – Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. Ortisei is Val Gardena’s main town and arguably the prettiest of the three with a cobblestone-lined pedestrian area. In the middle of Val Gardena is Santa Cristina, the smallest and most laid-back of the three whilst Selva at 5,100 feet is the highest.

If you are looking for Instagram-like views then Val Gardena is the place to be. The Sella massif and Sassolungo at sunrise or sunset make for a spectacular sight, as does Vallunga, a long valley lined with high mountains on both sides in the Puez-Odles nature park. You can also enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Dolomites from Mount Pic, one of the smaller mountains in Val Gardena.

Part of the Dolomiti Superski region, Val Gardena offers direct access to the Sella Ronda and over 800 miles of slopes – perfect for skiers who like to rack up the mileage.

Check out the luxury ski chalets in Val Gardena https://www.leotrippi.com/italy/val-gardena

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Open all year round, the luxury resort in South Tyrol promises alpine experiences in summer and winter, healthy regional cuisine and a holistic COMO Shambhala retreat with views of vast alpine meadows and picturesque peaks.

Tradition and Design

The hotel at the end of the Alpe di Siusi cable car has been around for several years. The tradition of genuine Alpine hospitality is now being continued by COMO Hotels and Resorts and complemented by timeless COMO design, culinary highlights from COMO Shambhala cuisine and a holistic wellness concept.

With a façade made of natural quartzite stone and a wooden construction that encloses the roof of the main building and is inspired by the natural shapes of the mountains, the resort blends seamlessly into the surroundings of the Alpe di Siusi. Nestled in a landscape characterized by towering peaks, expansive valleys and alpine meadows, the resort has 60 rooms. All rooms and suites are decorated in beige and brown tones, with warm wooden floors and fireplaces creating a cozy atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offer views of some of the most famous peaks in the Dolomite Mountain range.

As the largest high Alpine pasture in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, the Alpe di Siusi is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and active vacationers. In winter, pristine slopes attract beginners and advanced winter sports enthusiasts alike, as the landscape is perfect for alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Thanks to the ski-in/ski-out service, skiers can start their skiing day on red, blue and black slopes directly from the COMO Alpina Dolomites – you couldn’t be closer to the slopes. Experienced ski instructors are also available at the resort. In summer, too, the Alpe di Siusi offers a wealth of activities in the picturesque natural surroundings of South Tyrol, which guests can set off on directly from the hotel: from hiking and mountain biking to climbing, paragliding and horse riding.

Body & Soul

After a day in the mountains, the COMO Shambhala Retreat is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and relax body, mind and soul. The new spa offers a holistic wellness program with a focus on revitalization. A 72-feet indoor pool, a panoramic outdoor pool, sauna, relaxation areas, fitness center and a beauty sanctuary offer plenty of space to slow down. The highlight is always the sweeping panoramic view of the mountains.

Culinary fans are in for a treat, as the COMO Alpina Dolomites treats guests to culinary delights with products from local farmers and seasonal menus in two restaurants: the bright and informal Alpina Chalet in the fresh mountain air and the intimate Mountain Restaurant, which is dedicated to the art of the healthy cuisine philosophy of COMO Shambhala Cuisine. The relaxed Lobby Lounge is the perfect place for drinks and light snacks.

Photos: COMO Hotels & Resorts

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The Törggelen season in the Isarco Valley is very close to the harvest with grapes and apples. It is an ancient South Tyrolean tradition that is celebrated every year in this period: the word “törggelen” derives etymologically from “torggl”, the press. After the harvest, the peasants went on pilgrimage from one press to another to taste the new wine and exchange opinions. In the taverns today South Tyrolean dishes are served and everywhere you can smell the scent of roasted chestnuts. In October and November a guide accompanies the participants on an excursion through the vineyards around Bressanone to experience this local custom up close.

The viticulture that characterizes the Bressanone landscape is also the origin of Törggelen. And it is precisely around the wine that the wine tour offers another autumn experience in the city. In September and 15 October the Bressanone tourist office offers a guided tour of the city with tasting of three typical wines in places with a refined atmosphere: in the Renaissance courtyard of the Hofburg, in the historic setting of the Elephant Hotel and in the Vitis del Finsterwirt / Oste wine shop.

Also in September and October, there is an autumn hike on the Plose, the mountain of Bressanone with a refreshment stop in the hut. A simple route, suitable for everyone, which starts from the arrival of the Plose cable car through a panoramic path, where you can enjoy the spectacle of colors and the majestic peaks of the Odle and Sass de Putia.

Finally, in October and November, the holiday areas of Rio Pusteria, Bressanone, Chiusa-Barbiano-Velturno-Villandro, Naz-Sciaves and Luson offer their guests, the “Emotions in the hut”, a very special insight into their peasant culture. of the mountains and their craft traditions.

Photos: IDM Alto Adige/Alex Filz

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The Dolomites of Val Gardena are known for impeccable skiing; however, there are some other winter adventures to make the most of your snow vacation. Here are the top Dolomites Experiences.

Sunrise

Dedicated to all those who want to experience the pleasure of being the first to leave their tracks on a track, after the passage of snow cats in the night. Even before the usual opening of the lifts, the cable car takes skiers every Tuesday to Dantercepies and every Thursday to Seceda, where the first rays of sun illuminate the Sassolungo group with a magical light. With a rich and complete breakfast, the moment becomes an experience.

The Legendary 8

The ski area of ​​Val Gardena is also the most traditional valley in South Tyrol, with an extremely varied offer of slopes for all levels of difficulty. Each slope has its own history and some have a very special one, such as those that were the site of the World Ski Championships in 1970, and are therefore contemporary witnesses of over 100 years of skiing tradition in this Ladin Dolomite valley. “The Legendary 8” are the most beautiful and meaningful slopes of Val Gardena and extend for a total of 23 miles.

Snowshoeing

Feel the unspoiled nature in the Unesco World Heritage Site and walk through the landscape rich in Ladin culture. Accompanied by an expert mountain guide, you will explore the most beautiful places in Val Gardena. Particularly magical is the evening excursion with snowshoes under the starry sky, ending the evening in a welcoming refuge.

Walk with Torches

The culture of Val Gardena, the natural scenery and a touch of romance are the main characteristics of this experience. Both during the evening torchlight procession in the woods on the “Troi Unika” thematic path, and during the torchlight procession through the center of Ortisei, you will find yourself immersed in the stories of the Gardena craftsmanship.

Special Nights

Those are special nights to experience on tour with the Fat e-bike, with the sled, with snowshoes, practicing cross-country skiing in the moonlight: all ways to enjoy the crystalline mountain air, with the imposing Dolomite peaks. A special highlight for skiers is the yearly Sellaronda Ski Marathon where participants will complete the circuit at night. During the event, the path will be illuminated using only the participants’ helmet torches.

Photos: Dolomites Val Gardena

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With the abundance of hotels and destinations, it’s easy to lose track. Would I prefer an active vacation with sauna in the evening? Or rather culinary experiences with friends? Do I dream of luxury and relaxation or am I looking for relaxation in nature? But which hotel and destination suits me best? We might have the answer. Tell us which vacation type you are – and discover the most beautiful hotels according to your wishes!

Sustainability

Slow travel as a lifestyle

Sustainability is not a trend for you, but a lifestyle. Do you value regional food, are you careful about what you consume, and do you want a hotel that is also conscious and climate-neutral in its approach to life? Here are two hotels that will make you happy. That’s a promise!

The Alpin & Relax Hotel Gerstl in the Val Venosta puts great value on regional food from the immediate surroundings. Whether in the infinity pool, the natural bathing pond or the sauna, the mountain view is always included. Recharge your batteries, feel tranquility and absolute liberty. At this place, where familiar hospitality, modern style, South Tyrolean tradition and strong holiday emotions are unified, the beauty of life is put in the center of attention, every day.

Montivas Lodge in Livigno is built entirely from ecologically valuable materials. In addition to a completely sustainable energy concept, a first-class organic breakfast awaits you in the morning. At Montivas Lodge ethics meets aesthetics. The building was built exclusively using environmentally friendly materials to make your sustainable holiday and the words go for green a reality.

Wellness

Warm and cozy

Every visit to the sauna is relaxation for you. Nothing relaxes you more in the winter months than pleasant scents and cozy warmth? Then off you go to the Garberhof in South Tyrol. A unique spa with a large pool area and sauna worlds awaits you here. The special thing: Italy’s largest Hamam, which takes you to a world of ethereal scents and a special cleansing ritual. Surrounded by sunny orchards, the hotel merges with the scenic beauty of South Tyrol. It’s an oasis of tranquility where you will find the ideal conditions to experience a feeling of total freedom.

The Cyprianerhof in the Dolomites of South Tyrol is a wonderful place to unwind. Here you can not only look forward to the breathtaking panorama of the Rosengarten, but also to the brand new Similde Spa. Jump into the pool with Dolomite water, enjoy an infusion in the glass sauna or a bubble bath in the whirlpool – mountain view included. The close connection to nature is reflected in the hotel. The impressive Catinaccio/Rosengarten rises impressively in front of the 5-star hotel. It is a sight that inspires the eyes and touches the soul.

Luxury

No wishes remain unfulfilled

No infinity pool, no you. When you go on vacation, it may – no, must – be unique and luxurious. True luxury can be experienced at the five-star Hotel Fanes in the South Tyrolean Dolomites. Whether in the sky pool or in the private whirlpool: Here you relax at the highest level. The hotel in Alta Badia, in the heart of the Dolomites, lies in the picturesque scenery of the village of San Cassiano. It is a charming and elegant destination where you breathe a centuries-old art of welcoming. A precious place for regeneration and special attentions.

Alternatively, head to Lake Garda: The Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise awaits you with an excellent pool and wellness paradise on 21,000 square feet. You can sleep in luxurious suites and glamorous private villas. It’s Dolce Vita pure at Lake Garda. Surrounded by olive trees, above the small medieval village of Lazise and only a few minutes away from the extensive southeast shore of Lake Garda.

Design

Here beats the aesthetic heart

You love design and innovative ideas. When choosing your hotel, aesthetics also play a role. The more inspiring, the better. The Parkhotel Holzner in South Tyrol is sure to make your design heart leap for joy. Let yourself be captivated by the charm of the Gründerzeit and discover modern elements in the midst of history. Built in 1908, the hotel is located 4,000 feet above sea level on Ritten Mountain, and offers a stunning view of pastures and forests, lovely hills, and rugged mountain peaks. It is an alpine refuge surrounded by fresh mountain air and ancient giant trees. All that only a 15-minutes cable-car ride from the city center of Bolzano.

Another tip: Hotel Muchele near Merano. 40 modern suites and excellent food await you. Wine lovers, architecture fans and free-spirited souls love the easy-going atmosphere that prevails here. Best of all, if you like the Moroso furnishings, you can buy a few pieces right away. A hotel as a showroom, so to speak. If that’s not something for design lovers. Hotel Muchele is part of the Vinum Hotels South Tyrol, top vacation addresses for everyone who wants to experience wine culture up close.

Water

Time out by the lake

Whenever you sit by the water, you are happy. A vacation without sea or lake – hardly imaginable! Then off to Lake Garda to the five-star luxury hotel EALA in Limone sul Garda. This exclusive 5-Star L hotel on Lake Garda is inspired by and owes its name to a wonderful animal that has always lived on the shores of Lake Garda: the swan, eala in Celtic. Enjoy the view in the spa or while swimming in the infinity pool. If you prefer to jump directly into the lake, a private beach area on the lakeside awaits you. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the two restaurants – with a view of the lake, of course.

A bit further north, near Bolzano, the Hotel Seeleiten welcomes you to Lake Caldaro. Two lake accesses including a sunbathing lawn and beach bar ensure wonderful days on the water. Directly in front of the hotel on Lake Caldaro there is a wonderful, spacious Mediterranean park with numerous secluded retreats that invite you to relax and sunbathe. The heated natural swimming pool in the green holiday oasis provides pleasant refreshment in between. You can also go out on a pedal boat or rowing boat, or on one of the hotel’s own stand-up paddles.

Wine & Dine

La Dolce Vita

For this vacation type we travel a bit further south. Vacation means for you: Dolce Vita! You want to enjoy the days, be pampered with culinary delights and just enjoy. Then you should definitely go to the Boutique Hotel Castello di Semivicoli in Abruzzo. A place that is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet and wine lovers. There are only eleven individual, charming rooms. During the day the main thing here is to enjoy life – with good food and even better wine. Visit the Masciarelli winery estate and cellar or, during the grape harvest, watch and appreciate the development of their wines, from the vineyards to your table, through a constant and patient work. If you want to enjoy the flavors of Abruzzo, they organize dedicated cooking classes. For explorers they provide bike rental and organize excursions and guided tours.

If you prefer a livelier atmosphere, you can stay at one of the five hotels in the Lungarno Collection. Whether in Florence or Rome, here you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city and a luxury hotel in one. From romantic spaces to an eclectic taste of the contemporary, from classic Italian style to a new concept of bespoke hospitality, each hotel in this exquisite collection boasts a unique personality.

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Cortina is a wide valley surrounded by a 360° array of mountains and the resort with the highest number of via ferratas in the Dolomites, with one or several on many of its most famous peaks, including Tofane, Cristallo and Faloria. There are easy ones suitable for beginners and families as well as difficult ones for the most experienced hikers and outdoor adventurers.

Via ferratas date back mainly to the First World War, when exposed routes and itineraries used by soldiers needed to be equipped with cables and ladders. However, several via ferratas were built beforehand. The first one in the Ampezzo valley, one of the first in the Dolomites, if not the very first one, was built in 1905 by the blacksmith Minighel. He forged nearly 270 pitons and fixed them on the vertical wall, creating a quicker, more direct route from the Glanvell Refuge to the Giussani Refuge. Today, the via ferrata is known as La Scala del Minighel (Minighel’s Ladder) and is still considered to be one of the must-dos of the area. Here are some via ferratas with various levels of difficulty. Be aware, none of them are for the fainted heart!

Some stunning via ferrata routes in Cortina:

Starting with an easy one, Via Ferrata Fanes Waterfalls has a vertical climb of 600 meters. This is an easy, panoramic and scenic via ferrata route, partially within gorges and steep valleys, that leads to the meeting point of the valleys of Fanes and Travenanzes – an area of great landscape and hydrogeological majesty. The sequence of potholes, rapids and waterfalls along the Rio Fanes is extraordinarily beautiful and the Lower Fanes Waterfalls are among the highest and largest in the Dolomites.

The route winds through the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites and is ideal for families and children or for those who attempt a via ferrata for the first time. It has a number of stunning views and equipped sections with metal cables in the most exposed points and is doable in either direction.

The ascent of the Rio Fanes River, is the most challenging section with a descent into the gorge, the thrilling experience of crossing the waterfall, climbing up to the summit of the opposite side with metal cables, crossing a bridge over long and spectacular rapids and finally taking a brief equipped path along a ledge behind the waterfall. Animal lovers and children will find this route particularly interesting, as it offers the chance to catch sight of the rare eagle-owl and the red and grey wallcreeper.
You can find more info on this via ferrata here.

For the more adventurous, there is Via Ferrata Strobel – Punta Fiames, Pomagagnon at a medium level of difficulty. However, a mountain guide is recommended. The vertical gain is 950 meters to an altitude of 2,250 meters (approx. 7,300 feet).

Punta Fiames, overlooking the valley of Fiames, is the western pinnacle of Pomagagnon. Well exposed to the sun, the ferrata Strobel is accessible almost all year round.

This via ferrata is one of the most classical of the area, offering an amazing view on the whole Ampezzo valley. It goes up through the west face of Punta Fiames, along ledges and chimneys and a variety of landscapes. The route, exposed in some parts but well equipped, wanders back and forth up the flank of the west wall with a series of steep protected sections among ledges, stunning rock ceilings and sections of not so steep paths covered by dwarf mountain pines, very typical of the area.
You can find more info on this via ferrata here.

Now, for the master mountain climber there is Via Ferrata Olivieri – Punta Anna, Tofana di Mezzo. This one is at a difficult level, with a vertical gain of 1,480 meters (4,800 feet) and an a altitude of 2,576 meters (8,450 feet); therefore, we recommend a mountain guide.

Punta Anna is the first buttress of the peak Tofana di Mezzo, part of the Tofane mountain range. The starting point is very close to the Hut Pomedes, ideal spot for a coffee or a drink on one of the most stunning terraces of the Dolomites.

The via ferrata is quite difficult and exposed: the ascent, almost entirely equipped with cables, follows the steep southern arête up to Punta Anna. It’s undoubtedly one of the most spectacular via ferrata routes in the Dolomites: its steep exposure and beauty make it extremely rewarding and the view on the imposing Tofana di Rozes is unforgettable. Experts and thrill-seekers can extend the ferrata by combining it with others close by, including the ascent to the summit of the Tofana di Mezzo, the highest peak in Cortina.
You can find more info on this via ferrata here.

Press release and photos courtesy of Cortina Marketing.

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