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Holidays and emotions in the heart of the Dolomites: Corvara

Corvara Italy

In Trentino Alto Adige, in the heart of Alta Badia, there is a small mountain village: Corvara in Badia. It is a real jewel set in the snow-covered mountains of the Dolomites, the Italian mountain range declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

A place to spend a holiday dedicated to nature and sport in both summer and winter.

Ski in Corvara

Corvara Italy ski
Ski slopes in Corvara, Alta Badia, Dolomites. Credits to: Tampa/Shutterstock

Corvara is located in the heart of the Alta Badia ski area, so it is possible to cover the Sellaronda route in both directions. Corvara offers very modern skiing facilities: 18 lifts, 2 cable cars, 4 ski lifts, 12 chair lifts and very attractive alpine ski runs, even for those who do not want to move to other valleys.

There are also other winter sports opportunities in Alta Badia: 80 km of hiking trails, countless ski mountaineering ascents with guides, 34 km of cross-country ski trails, 3 toboggan runs, the Alta Badia snow park on the Piz Sorega plateau, the Fun Slope Biok snow park on the Bioch slope and the Kidslope Pralongià II park for younger skiers and snowboarders.

Besides, Corvara is a stop of the Sellaronda Skimarathon, a night-time ski touring race in pairs on the slopes of the 4-pass Dolomiti Superski Sellaronda around the Sella Group.

Skiing on the Boè descent

The Boè lift – built in 1972 – is one of the main lifts in Corvara. It was a project of particular importance, because it represented a link with Arabba, but above all with what later became the famous Sellaronda.

In addition, the Boè descent is very characteristic, as it crosses a dense coniferous forest with a series of very exciting walls.

Corvara in summer

Who said that this beautiful town should only be visited in winter? In summer, even without snow and ski resorts, it offers many tourist activities.

The historic centre of Corvara was badly hit during the First World War. Of its past, today, only the Gothic Church of Saint Catherine remains. It was built in the second half of the 15th century with a delightful set of frescoes along the walls and in the apse.

Go for a walk

From the centre of Corvara there is a rich network of walking and hiking trails, many of which can be reached simply by cable car. Here are some of them:

  • Piasciadu Falls: the path starts near the biotope lake, it enters the forest and it continues on level ground to a large meadow at the foot of the waterfalls.

    Corvara Pisciadu Waterfalls
    Pisciadu Waterfalls in Corvara, South Tyrol, Italy. Credits to: Torruzzlo/Shutterstock
  • Colfosco Church: from the historic centre, descend and take the Sassongher road. The walk continues uphill to the intersection with the Merscia road: from here the flat, sunny path to the church in Colfosco begins.

    Corvara Church of Colfosco
    Colfosco Church, South Tyrol, Italy. Credits to: princeztl/Shutterstock
  • La Villa – Sompunt Lake: Another beautiful walk around Corvara is the one from La Villa to Sompunt Lake.
  • Pralongià Plateau: at an altitude of approximately 2,100 m – between Corvara, La Villa and San Cassiano – lies the ‘Amphitheatre of the Dolomites’ or Pralongià Plateau. From here you can admire breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks of the Dolomites and the imposing Marmolada glacier.
  • Boè Lake: Boè Lake can be reached comfortably with the Piz Boè cable car from Corvara, or with a 3-hour round trip starting from Passo Campolongo.
  • Biotope Lake: The lake is divided into three parts: a bathing lake, a children’s pond and a regeneration lagoon that ensures the biological cleanliness of the water. A recreational area with sun loungers and showers has been created around the lake; while a bar/restaurant is located in the small wooden house built on the banks of the lake.

Top 5 hotels in Corvara

According to Tripadvisor list, here you can find the 5 best hotel in Corvara in Badia with the best quality-price ratio.

  1. Hotel Sassongher. It is located in the Sellaronda ski area, in a very quiet location, 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre.
  2. Hotel La Perla. It is a luxury hotel, located near the city’s New Church.
  3. Berghotel Ladinia. It is a b&b that is very reminiscent of typical mountain shelters.
  4. Ciasa de Munt Lifestyle. It is a b&b characterised by an elegant and refined design that, at the same time, enhances the value of Ladin traditions.
  5. Hotel Miramonti. It overlooks the famous Sella Group and, thanks to its richness and variety, attracts tourists of all kinds.

What to see nearby

  • Canazei (53 minutes by car)
    Canazei is located in the magnificent natural environment of the Val di Fassa. In winter, the town is the ideal destination for those who love mountaineering, hiking and skiing in all its forms. While, in summer, it becomes a paradise for mountain bike lovers.
  • Ortisei (46 minutes by car)
    Ortisei lies on the slopes of Monte Rasciesa in Val Gardena. The beauties of the city are not only to be found along the snow-covered slopes: the old town can be a great alternative for those who want to take a day off from the slopes.
  • The Five Towers (46 minutes by car)
    The Cinque Torri are a complex of five spurs of Dolomite rock, with a distinctive pale grey colour. They are appreciated by hikers, but also by mountaineers, because they are accessible by various routes with very different difficulties. There is also an open-air museum along these paths.

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