Seek and find
Last update: today
Anyone who loves good food and skiing should definitely visit South Tyrol. I've been there twice now and think skiing in Italy is truly next-level in terms of gastronomy. In the heart of the Dolomites, I returned to the beautiful Alta Badia ski resort. It boasts over 100 km of slopes and dozens of excellent mountain huts for a leisurely lunch. Here, skiing and gastronomy go hand in hand! Throughout the ski season, there are all sorts of fun culinary events that will make your ski trip even more special. Add to that the beautiful wellness hotels, charming villages, and top-notch restaurants for the evening, and you'll never want to leave. In this guide, you'll read why a culinary ski trip to Alta Badia is a must-see on your bucket list.
© Your Little Black Book
13 Tips for a Culinary Ski Trip to Alta Badia in South Tyrol
A taste for skiing: A Michelin-starred dish on the slopes
Is Alta Badia the most culinary ski destination in Italy? In early December, Alta Badia transforms into a paradise for skiers. Nine top chefs—including the legendary Massimiliano Alajmo (3 stars) and local favorite Simone Cantafio (1 star)—bring their finest authentic dishes to the mountain huts on the slopes. Each hut receives an exclusive chef's creation, available to order throughout the season. Pure flavors, Alpine-style dishes, Italian-style. During my last trip, I was able to sample quite a few, and they were so delicious! From delicious pasta to tortellini and more.
See here which mountain huts collaborate with which chefs and what this season's dish is >>
© Your Little Black Book – Pralongiá
Save the date for December 2025: Gourmet Ski Safari
The reason I was recently in Alta Badia? Once a year, the chefs come to the mountain huts to cook their own dishes from A Taste of Skiing during the Gourmet Ski SafariSuch a special event! This Gourmet Ski Safari was high on my list of things to do someday. Keep an eye on the Alta Badia website for next year's dates, because if you're planning a ski weekend with friends or your significant other, this is a fantastic weekend to spend in South Tyrol.
During the Gourmet Ski Safari, you'll ski from hut to hut, sampling dishes from top chefs like Michelin-starred Cristian Fagone and Massimiliano Alajmo along the way. Which chefs will be participating next year is still a mystery! This culinary journey takes you to various locations at an altitude of 2.000 meters, where you can use your punch card to sample a dish paired with a glass of wine. It was truly amazing! I have to say, we were also incredibly lucky with the weather. The combination of the fresh mountain air, perfectly groomed slopes, and the refined flavors of the dishes made it one of the most enjoyable days on the slopes so far. Why? Only this day can you meet the chefs on the slopes!
View this post on Instagram
© Your Little Black Book
| TIP: Among other things Sunweb Winter Sports en TUI They offer package holidays to the Alta Badia ski area in Italy. It's a handy way to compare prices compared to booking everything separately. Later in this article, I'll share tips for nice hotels.
December 23: Skiing at Sunrise with SunRisa
If, like me, you love those magical mornings in the mountains, SunRisa is perfect for you. On Monday, December 23rd, the slopes open at sunrise. Skiing on fresh powder snow while the first rays of sunlight set the Dolomites ablaze is an experience you have to experience at least once in your life. I've done it before, and it's truly special! After a spin on the fresh slopes, you'll end the morning with breakfast at mountain huts like Club Moritzino and Ütia I Tablá.
January 30, 2025: Aperitif on a Frozen Lake
It sounds almost too good to be true: an aperitif on the frozen Lake Sompunt, in the heart of the Dolomites. On January 30th, this idyllic lake transforms into an elegant open-air restaurant. As the sun sets and the mountains turn red, local sommeliers and chefs serve regional appetizers and wines. The special thing? Everything takes place on ice skates! This intimate event has limited seating, so booking via the Alta Badia website is essential.
Sommelier on the slopes: Skiing & wine from South Tyrol
Now that I know how much fun the Gourmet Ski Safari is, I definitely want to go back again Sommelier on the SlopesCombine the finest South Tyrolean wines with breathtaking descents during this exclusive experience where your ski instructor is not only a guide but also a sommelier.
For seven days, from December to April (December 17, January 14 and 28, February 11, March 11 and 18, and April 1), you'll ski alongside a professional sommelier and a guide, visiting the best culinary mountain huts in Alta Badia. Sample exceptional wines while enjoying the views and atmosphere at mountain huts like Ütia Bioch and Club Moritzino. The cost is €40 per person, including the guide and tasting. This is the ultimate combination of adventure and refinement!
© Your Little Black Book – Club Moritzino
Breakfast with Powder Snow
Start your day in style with the Breakfast with Powder Snow package at the Las Vegas Lodge. Be the first on the slopes and enjoy the silence and beauty of the mountains in the early morning. After your descent, a luxurious breakfast awaits, featuring the finest South Tyrolean products. Fresh ingredients, local flavors, and stunning views make this the perfect start to an unforgettable day of skiing. Reservations are required and can be made directly with the lodge.
March 16-23: Roda dles Sauce – Authentic Ladin Flavors
From March 16 to 23, it's time to discover Ladin culture and cuisine during Roda dles SausIn the La Crusc ski area, mountain huts serve traditional dishes prepared according to authentic recipes passed down through generations. Think robust flavors perfect for a day in the mountains, paired with South Tyrolean wines. As you ski from hut to hut, you'll taste the history of the Dolomites and the unique Ladin culture in every dish.
© Your Little Black Book
March 23: Wine Ski Safari – High-Altitude Wine Tasting
Wine lovers, take note: Sunday March 23 is all about the Wine Ski SafariSki from hut to hut and sample the finest South Tyrolean wines, with live music at each location to complete the atmosphere. Tastings take place from 10:00 AM to 15:30 PM at huts like Piz Arlara and Pralongiá. For just €35, you can enjoy this unique high-altitude wine experience. Tickets are available at participating huts or online at altabadia.org. Can you picture yourself sitting on a terrace under the Italian sun with a glass of wine in hand? A must-do to end the ski season for anyone who loves skiing and wine!
© Your Little Black Book – Edelweiss hut
Discover 5 culinary mountain huts in Alta Badia
Can't visit Alta Badia around one of these dates? Don't worry, because you can find truly delicious food everywhere on the slopes. If you're visiting this ski resort, you'll definitely want to take your time. On Instagram, under the reel I shared about the Gourmet Ski Safari, I received several questions about the best culinary mountain huts. I've listed them for you below!
© Your Little Black Book – Ütia Bioch
Stay in the most beautiful (wellness) hotels in Alta Badia
Which hotels in Alta Badia are on the YLBB shortlist? I always look for a hotel with a nice lounge or bar to enjoy an aperitif after skiing, like at Hotel Col Alto where I'd stayed before. After that, I'd visit the spa and then head to dinner.
You'll want to know these hotels in Alta Badia:
- Hotel Christiana (The Villa)
- Hotel La Majun (The Villa)
- Abbey Hill (Badia)
- Hotel Fanes (San Cassiano)
- Hotel Col Alto (Corvara)
- Boutique Hotel Nives (Sëlva)
- Hotel Angelo Engel (Urtijëi)
Have fun planning your trip to Alta Badia in South Tyrol. Also check out the detailed itinerary here. Alta Badia Travel Guide which I wrote earlier.
© Your Little Black Book
© Your Little Black Book – La villa
© Your Little Black Book – view from hotel antines La Villa
Italy Tips
To do
Read more?
