
Alta Badia delivers 130 kilometres of meticulously groomed slopes across a spectacular section of the Dolomites, where dramatic limestone peaks tower above six authentic Ladin villages. With elevations spanning 1,324 to 2,778 metres, the resort combines reliable snow conditions with exceptional intermediate terrain featuring long, flowing descents across sun-drenched plateaus. The area forms a crucial section of the famous Sellaronda circuit whilst serving as a regular World Cup venue, hosting the challenging Gran Risa giant slalom course each December.
Approximately 90% of the local population still speaks Ladin as their first language, creating an authentic cultural atmosphere rarely found in such highly developed ski destinations. The UNESCO-protected Dolomite landscape provides a breathtaking backdrop to world-class ski infrastructure serving all ability levels.
Alta Badia is one of the larger areas in the Dolomiti Superski network, with 130 kilometres across 114 runs and a vertical of 1,454 metres, from the 1,324-metre base to the 2,778-metre summit. The grading is relaxed: 57% beginner, 36% intermediate and 7% advanced, with no expert pistes. That tilts it firmly towards groomed cruising, with wide, well-prepared slopes that suit a long week of progression. A very big fleet of gondolas and eight-seat, six-seat and quad chairs spreads skiers across the valley, and the area forms a key stretch of the Sellaronda circuit.
The Gran Risa, above La Villa, is the standout run, a steep World Cup giant slalom slope that tests solid intermediates and advanced skiers each December. The Vallon-Boè black, which drops from the top of the Boè, is rated among the toughest in the Dolomites, and the Piz La Ila cable car serves some of the best intermediate cruising. Freeriding is limited, so this is a piste skier's valley. It suits families, progressing skiers and groups of mixed ability, along with strong skiers who want a few sharp descents between easy laps.
The winter season in Alta Badia typically operates from early December through mid-April, with optimal conditions prevailing from late December through March. The resort receives approximately 3.5 metres of natural snowfall annually, complemented by an extensive snowmaking system covering nearly 100% of marked runs.
The predominantly high-altitude terrain above 1,800 metres ensures cold temperatures throughout winter, maintaining excellent snow quality even when lower resorts struggle. Most slopes benefit from quality sunshine exposure whilst the north-facing Gran Risa preserves icy race conditions throughout the season. December brings the annual World Cup races attracting thousands of spectators, whilst March offers classic spring skiing with extended daylight hours and consistently reliable coverage on upper elevation sectors.
Situated in South Tyrol's Val Badia, Alta Badia spans approximately 16 kilometres across six villages—Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia, and La Val—each retaining distinctive Ladin heritage through architecture, cuisine, and daily life. The valley sits 75 kilometres east of Bolzano and 200 kilometres north of Venice, occupying a sheltered position that protects against harsh weather systems whilst maintaining exceptional snow preservation.
International access is convenient via airports in Innsbruck (135 kilometres, 2 hours), Venice (175 kilometres, 2.5 hours), and Verona (250 kilometres, 3 hours), with efficient shuttle services and generous parking facilities for self-drive visitors. The area's position within the Dolomiti Superski network provides seamless connections to neighbouring valleys, whilst bus services link all villages efficiently throughout winter.
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Vermont's season is slow to take shape. Stratton is tentatively targeting 18 November and Sugarbush 21 November, while Pico has Friday 11 December on the calendar. Killington never sets a date and opens when the snowmaking allows, and Vail Resorts has yet to name days for Stowe, Okemo and Mount Snow. The forecasts disagree about snow, and the main El Niño worry for the Green Mountains is warmth.

Less than four months out from the Crans-Montana 2027 World Championships, the man running the organising committee has stepped down. Claude-Alain Schmidhalter resigned as Swiss-Ski vice president and OC president after being indicted over a business dispute unrelated to skiing. He denies the allegations and faces court on October 27. Interim leaders are in place for the February 1-14 event.

Kelly Canyon had a rough 2025-26, and the Idaho resort has spent the summer making sure it doesn’t repeat. Snowmaking now reaches the top of Goldrush, the terrain park is doubling in size with a stereo system, lights and a snack shack, and the car park is getting bigger. Grooming is stepping up too. Target opening is December 4, conditions permitting.

Winter was meant to be winding down in Chile. Then Valle Nevado took 108 cm in 48 hours in early October, and the resort has pushed its closing date out to November 8 - its latest in 38 years of operation. That makes 143 days of skiing since opening day on June 19, with 690 cm banked for the season. Only part of the mountain is running while the storm settles, so check the mountain report before you plan a trip.

The Alps look a lot more like winter today, for a day or so. A cold front is moving west to east, dropping up to 35 cm on high glaciers and peaks, with snow levels falling to around 1,500-1,800 m at times. Don’t plan a trip around it: mid-elevation snow will be thin and wet, every area is closed bar a limited Sölden glacier opening tomorrow, and warmer weather returns by Monday.

Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.

Arapahoe Basin, Keystone and Winter Park are all chasing an October start, though none has a firm date yet. The first dated openers are Breckenridge and Copper on Friday 6 November, then Vail on 13 November, with most of the rest bunched around US Thanksgiving. Hesperus did not open at all last season. A super El Niño offers hope but no guarantee, and forecasters say the southern mountains have the better odds.

Dolomiti Superski is spending around €100 million across its 12 areas before winter. Kronplatz gets a new 10-passenger gondola with a middle station, 3 Zinnen gets Helmissimo, and Val di Fassa swaps a chairlift for a gondola above Col Valvacin. New water-storage basins and upgraded snowmaking follow, and construction has started on the San Martino to Passo Rolle link. A peak adult day pass is €89.
Opening day for the winter 2026 - 2027 season is scheduled for Dec 4, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Alta Badia typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.
Day passes start from €58, with peak rates up to €86.
Full day access to Alta Badia and entire Dolomiti Superski area with Sellaronda circuit. Home to legendary Gran Risa World Cup slope and Ladin culture.
Buy passJunior daily ticket for Alta Badia with Dolomiti Superski access. Young skiers enjoy World Cup slopes and UNESCO Dolomites with excellent family facilities.
Buy passFree skiing for children under 8 at Alta Badia. Kids ski free when accompanied by paying adult with access to family slopes and Sellaronda circuit views.
Buy passSenior discount for Alta Badia and Dolomiti Superski. Reduced rates for skiers 65+ with access to legendary slopes and UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
Buy passAccess to Alta Badia area only with 130km of slopes from Corvara to La Villa. Includes Gran Risa World Cup slope and traditional Ladin mountain huts.
Buy passHalf day skiing in Alta Badia starting at 12:30pm. Perfect for afternoon sessions on World Cup slopes with spectacular Dolomites sunset views.
Buy passFour-day ski pass for Alta Badia with full Dolomiti Superski access. Complete Sellaronda tour experience and World Cup venue skiing with savings.
Buy passUnlimited access to Alta Badia and all Dolomiti Superski resorts. Best value for frequent skiers with Ikon Pass compatibility and partner resort benefits.
Buy passMore Alta Badia intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.