Val Badia: the authentic stillness of the Dolomites, just a step away from Cortina

Cortina d’Ampezzo blends contemporary elegance with lively Alpine glamour. Between boutiques and gourmet restaurants, exclusive events and legendary ski slopes, it embodies the idea of a mountain that never stops — stylish, social, and full of energy. From December to January, that energy peaks: the glow of shop windows mingles with the glitter of snow-covered summits, and the town hums with excitement among skiers, wanderers and lovers of the good life.

A short distance away, Val Badia tells a different story — softer, quieter, yet equally captivating. Alpine pastures give way to larch and fir forests; the scent of hay and wood smoke fills the air; hospitality still carries the warmth of old farmhouses. Corvara is the valley’s more refined heart, dotted with elegant restaurants and boutiques, while La Villa, San Cassiano, Badia and Colfosco preserve the authentic character of a valley balanced between tradition and modernity. Panoramic trails, gentle slopes and high-altitude adventure parks make Val Badia an ideal destination for families seeking nature without crowds.

In winter, Val Badia reveals its purest essence. Snow-draped slopes shimmer with dazzling light, and the hush of the woods becomes a melody. Efficient lifts and a variety of runs make Alta Badia a heaven for every skier — beginners, families and experts alike. Here, the joy of gliding unfolds among majestic landscapes that enchant with quiet grace, never needing to boast. 

For a more contemplative experience, the Giro dei Masi in La Val offers a gentle walk among centuries-old wooden farmhouses — silent witnesses to a living, lovingly preserved Alpine tradition. Every moment is a homage to the beauty of simplicity: the scent of hay and firewood mingles with the aromas of local delicacies served in welcoming farmsteads like Ciablun and Lüch de Sdurisci. Equally enchanting is the ascent to the chapel of Santa Croce, nestled among the radiant meadows of Armentara. Whether on foot or by chairlift, be ready to welcome stillness and wonder at every turn.

Those who love to walk among rocks and silence will find endless horizons in the Puez–Odle Natural Park: trails wind through pinnacles and dolomite spires, revealing the geological poetry of these UNESCO mountains. The Gran Cir via ferrata, easy and panoramic, is ideal for a first vertical adventure, while the Pisciadù waterfalls trail is a family favourite — short, accessible, and full of charm.

Then comes the valley’s most creative side: SMACH – Val dl’Ert, an open-air contemporary art park near San Martino in Badia. Sculptures and installations converse with forests and clearings along a four-kilometre route accessible all year round from the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor. In winter, the combination of snow, soft light and serene stillness creates a unique dialogue between art and nature. SMACH embodies the very spirit of Val Badia — a valley deeply rooted in its Ladin heritage yet looking gracefully to the future, where culture grows in harmony with landscape and mountain spirit.

The Ladin culture lives in its food — in the simplicity of traditional recipes, in the warmth of masi that welcome travellers with cheese tastings, freshly baked bread and family stories passed down through generations. It’s a cuisine shaped by the seasons, local ingredients and sincerity of flavour. Alongside this authentic soul lies high culinary art. At the entrance to the valley, near Brunico, stands Atelier Moessmer, the restaurant of chef Norbert Niederkofler, awarded three Michelin stars and a Green Star. His philosophy, Cook the Mountain, is an ode to the Alpine ecosystem: dishes created only from what the mountain offers, through a network of small producers, wild herbs and ingredients of exceptional purity. A form of excellence that reflects the valley itself — where gastronomy, nature and respect coexist in perfect balance.

Val Badia is the natural choice for those seeking to avoid the rush without giving up spectacular scenery, welcoming refuges and a seamless network of lifts. Families find easy trails, playgrounds and free local transport with the Guest Pass, while curious travellers wander between forests and farmhouses, gourmet stops and quiet moments of contemplation. Those who long for space, authenticity and a genuine connection with the mountains will feel at home here.

Choosing Val Badia today means embracing a different rhythm — one that sets aside frenzy and makes room for meaningful encounters. It’s a sustainable journey, shaped by tailored experiences that gently surprise and leave a positive mark. As winter settles in, softening sounds and slowing every movement, Val Badia offers travelers the rare privilege of a mountain to be lived with respect, silence, and gratitude.