No doubts, Italian Dolomites is truly fantastic place to be, winter or summer, ski or hiking. Tremendous scenery, cute villages, and apres-ski always present in its best. There is always question where exactly in Dolomites – the area is vast, and the options are numerous. Let’s try to sort it out, should we?
I’m only including in my little essay the places I visited recently, but Dolomites are not limited to it. So, this is not your full guide to Dolomites, but it should help to narrow your choices. Let’s start.
Val Badia.
This picturesque valley is a perfect spot for those who are looking for sport activities and scenery, and who don’t really care about bigger posh ski villages. Except of Aman Rosa Alpina, this is not the place to show up, high-shop, high-dine, or sport your branded ski gear (well, you always can if you wish, but you will get more of appreciative spectators for your Gucci ski suit in Cortina di Ampezzo, no doubts). Val Badia is a place to ski, bike, hike, and to be as outdoorsy and casual as you are. My Canadian clients would appreciate it tons.
Corvara, Val Badia. The biggest village of the valley. (1,568 m altitude). My favourite hotels in Corvara so far are La Perla (perfect gem for my taste) and Marmolada.
Official site Hotel La Perla
San Cassiano, Val Badia (1,537 m). Tiny but somehow upscale village. Aman Rosa Alpina is iconic if you can afford it and if you like minimalistic design and high-end high-tech style which is in between of Armani Milano from inside and Bulgari London from outside. If you are more for traditional Dolomites and homey feeling, Ciasa Salares is more affordable and very enjoyable option.
La Villa, Val Badia (1,483 m). Also tiny and less upscale than two above but suitable for those who come to ski, hike and bike – those activities are well taken care of, and there are few shops and restaurants outside of your hotel. Not much more. I was staying at La Majun, and it was lovely even not top of the top.
Val Gardena.
Well, it is not that far – you can actually hike from Val Badia to Val Gardena – I did.
But the world is different there. I would recommend Val Gardena to those who want it more Tyrol-like and tourist-attractive. Good for families who ski or hike during the day, but want to stroll through the cute town with shops and restaurants afterwards, and to relax in resort style hotel with big spa and numerous swimming pools.
Also Val Gardena has more ski-in ski-out options than Val Badia.
Ortisei (St. Ulrich), Val Gardena
It is relatively big village, lovely to stroll around, few really nice shops, many places to stop for drink of bite, and direct gondola access to the sweeping Alpe di Siusi and Seceda peaks.
Places to stay:
Adler Spa Resort – amazingly beautiful landscape, few in and out swimming pools with spectacular views, great spa, location just in the heart of the village. Keep in mind that there are many families with small children, and main restaurant can be noisy. There is an option for adults only environment.
Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa. I was not staying just visiting, but I loved what I’ve seen. Family owned and very well taken care of.
Official site Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof
Selva di Val Gardena
Smaller village than Ortisey, but also ski-in ski-out, and charming. I didn’t have chance to visit Hotel Tyrol, but I have feeling in could be one of my favourites.
Official site Hotel TyrolVal Adige.
Another hike, and you are in different world ones again: Val Adige. This is an essence of South Tyrol, and I should say it is more your summer than winter. I mean, you can still ski from here, but the essence of Val Adige is connection to nature, hiking trails, spa, wellness.
Bolzano is a main hub, and thanks to SKYALPS air company (small but great in service and growing fast), you can get right there with direct flights from many European hubs and such places as Sardinia, Puglia, Greek and Spanish islands – many unexpected options to combine Dolomites with your favourite summer destinations.
Official site SKYALPS air companyAnother well-known town of the area is Merano, famous for spa, wellness, and elegant promenades.
Where to stay at Val Adige?
Hotel Saltus. Just 8 km from the lively Bolzano town, in picturesque mountain forest surrounding, Hotel Saltus is a sanctuary to relax, breath, deep in infinity pool, enjoy eco spa, and be pampered by people who are in total harmony with where they are and who they are.
Official site Hotel Saltus
Miramonti. “You’re a free spirit, in charge of your life – so why not take your hands off the steering wheel for a while, and let go?” – that is what you read when open Miramonti web. Pure gem in total equilibrium with nature, high end in a good human way.
Official site Hotel Miramonti
Chalet Mirabell. Bigger property than two above, instagram-worthy landscape, spectacular views.
Official site Chalet Mirabell
Ones again, there is much more in Dolomites. I’m just giving you few highlights and the simplified map to start from. Feel free to contact me for more. [email protected] for more inspiration and your perfect Dolomites experience.
More about Val Badia, Dolomites, in this blog
