Corvara and Colfosco Ski Resort
Colfosco and Corvara are two out of six villages that make up the Alta Badia ski area sit in the historic Ladin Valley located right in the heart of the Dolomites. It is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, one of the world's largest ski areas in Italy ( part of which also borders and crosses over into Austria). The Dolomites in Italy are a UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site and a famous tourist destination at all times of the year. Corvara ski village is the biggest of the villages in the Alta Badia ski area and is the closest connecting village to the popular Sella Ronda ski circuit. It welcomes visitors from all over the world in both the summer and winter months. Corvara is also the liveliest of the surrounding villages, sitting at a resort height of 1568 metres altitude in a sunny basin. It is a well-known and sought-after ski resort not only for its connection to the Sella Ronda circuit but also for its close connection to the World War One circuit excursion.
Colfosco and Corvara are well known for their non-ski activities, resort entertainment, and contemporary lodging because of their extensive selection of hotels, which ranges from low-cost hostels to five-star establishments. The smaller of the two, Colfosco is the unofficial "second village" of Alta Badia. Additionally, it is situated directly on the Sella Ronda and, at an elevation of 1645 meters, is marginally higher than its more well-known neighbor. The quieter of the two, it provides wonderful lodging and breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomite mountain range.
Colfosco and Corvara are well known for their non-ski activities, resort entertainment, and contemporary lodging because of their extensive selection of hotels, which ranges from low-cost hostels to five-star establishments. The smaller of the two, Colfosco is the unofficial "second village" of Alta Badia. Additionally, it is situated directly on the Sella Ronda and, at an elevation of 1645 meters, is marginally higher than its more well-known neighbor. The quieter of the two, it provides wonderful lodging and breathtaking views of the surrounding Dolomite mountain range.
Both villages have an impressive ski history that dates back to the 1930s; when the first ski lifts were hoisted in the area. The pistes here are mostly suited to beginners and intermediates in general. Advanced skiers will find a few blacks and challenging reds but the Sella Ronda also offers a thrill. Nevertheless, visiting skiers with a Dolomiti Superski pass will have access to the entire ski area and an insurmountable selection of pistes to explore.
Both villages sit above 1500 metres with slopes peaking above 3,000 metres. The slopes at both villages get a great deal of sunlight. There is a total of 130 kilometres of slopes split between beginner, intermediate and advanced; with 70 kilometres of blues, 52 kilometres of reds and 8 kilometres of black runs. There are also a host of off-piste areas to explore.
The ski season in these parts starts in December and runs all through to April. The Dolomites in general registers less snowfall than other resorts in Italy and across the remainder of the European Alps in France and Austria but the area has world-class snowmaking facilities to cover any snow shortages.
Colfosco’s big nursery area and nearby blue runs make it an ideal choice for beginners. Intermediates will also love the easy links to the wider 130km Alta Badia ski area – not to mention speedy access to the Sella Ronda ski circuit. And experienced skiers will want to tackle the Gran Visa piste in nearby La Villa, which is used in the men’s Ski World Cup every December.
Beginners will have a wonderful time in Colfosco’s large nursery area with a gentle and easy blue run to practise on. The Plans Gondola is the advised gondola to hop on in search of easy blues after gaining a bit of confidence at the nursery area. If you are situated in Corvara, the beginner area starts from the resort centre so it's hard to miss. When you have mastered your ski plough and turns, proceed to the wooded slopes located in between La Brancia, Pralongia and Cherz for more blues against a scenic backdrop.
Brave intermediates have a good choice of reds but one cannot visit both villages without tasting the Sella Ronda Circuit. Other challenges lay in the Val Stella Alpina and San Cassiano areas in Corvara. Skiers in Colfosco can test their ski legs closer to the village on the red piste just beneath the Forecelles chairlift.
Advanced skiers who choose to remain within the local area can head over to the neighbouring La Villa (also part of Alta Badia) to access the Gran Visa which features annually in the men's Ski World Cup. Seasoned skiers can also attempt the 1,200-metre descent on the Val Mezdi; one of the Dolomites most popular runs that are bound to test the bravest skiers.
The majority of the pistes in both Colfosco and Corvara are wide, open, mostly sunny and equally perfect for free-riders and snowboarders. The Alta Badia area has a good selection of snow parks as well, most notably in San Cassiano which is well equipped with boxes, rails and kickers. The park has separate beginner, intermediate and expert areas which means every skill is welcome.
Corvara and Colfosco are both situated above 1,500 metres altitude and both have pistes that summit at above 3,000 metres. Although just like the rest of the Dolomites, the area sees less snowfall than others, its dry weather and high altitudes preserve the snow on the ground allowing for good pistes. The area also has snowmaking facilities that adequately covers just over 80% of the slopes.
Colfosco being a lovely, traditional resort is relatively quiet and an overall family orientated resort, however, there are a few bars and hang out places to enjoy an exciting apres-ski evening, nonetheless. Corvara, on the other hand, is the livelier of the two and one of Alta Badia’s most lively ski resorts. The common theme with both villages and the rest of the Alta Badia ski area is that most of the bars and lounges are resident within the hotels there. Sure, both resorts are not particularly recognised as a party or apres-ski attractions compared to other resorts in France and Switzerland, however, we have listed a number of spots where you can let your hair down a little.
Matthiaskeller (Colfosco)
The Matthiaskeller at Colfosco is an amazing traditional Ladin restaurant with a fantastic menu and a great selection of wines. It is not a bar but it tends to get very busy later in the evenings and is a great place to enjoy a few glasses of wine and hearty moments and a handful of après-ski options, including the Matthiaskeller which can be busy at the close of play.
Boconara hut (Corvara)
Boconara Hut is a small but very lively hut located on the slopes at Corvara that is a perfect stopover on your ski route. An atmospheric family-owned restaurant, it has a fantastic panoramic view of the mountain range. It is a lovely mix of traditional and modern Alpine lifestyles and has a great food and drinks menu. It is great for families but it also is a great space for an apres-ski spot for a few cheeky drinks.
Toccami Wine-Bar Cocktail-Lounge
A stylish bar and lounge with traditional Italian decor is located in the lovely 4-star, Hotel Marmolada in Corvara. Toccami is best known for its large wine selection and cocktails. It is an elegant bar and while it doesn't have a raucous party atmosphere, it is a perfect place for a chilled evening out.
L’Murin and Bar of the Hotel La Perle.
Both located in the glamorous La Perla hotel, these hangout spots are great for an early and evening session. The La Perla hotel is exquisite in its display of pure Alpine charm. The bar is a chic and boutique hangout spot with a classy touch. It has an atmospheric circular bar as well as a cosy seating area which is brightened by large windows. Open every day from 8 am until midnight, visitors to the bar can enjoy a range of sophisticated cocktails, aperitifs, wines and tasty pastries. As the evening moves on, the music comes on in L’Murin ( or known as Murin in Winter ) and visitors there are treated to one of the best apres ski evenings in the Alta Badia ski area which includes a fantastic drinks menu, Dj sounds and amazing atmosphere.
L’Got One of the best cocktail bars in Corvara, L’Got is a cosy and luxury lounge and one of the best spots for an evening aperitivo. Excellent service, plush interior, and extensive cocktail menu which everyone raves about. The food menu cuts across an interesting choice of tasty meals from classics such as paninis and other nibbles to tomahawk stakes and octopus soup! L’Got is very lively without being rowdy and out of control. The food and drinks may be a bit pricey but the quality does make up for it.
There is a sufficient and efficient amount of facilities in Corvara and Colfosco. In general, The Dolomites are a well-admired tourist attraction that welcomes large numbers of tourists each year who visit not only for skiing. This means that the facilities at the Alta Badia include and exceed ski and snowsports activities. Skiers and holidaymakers will find great facilities to ensure that the time spent at both resorts will be a smooth seamless experience.
Colfosco and Corvara are well equipped with children's facilities to ensure that children are well safe, entertained and well catered to. Read further for more information
