Alta Badia/South Tyrolean Dolomites-Italy: Where Ladin tradition meets gourmet excellence

In recent years, Alta Badia has established itself as a benchmark for food enthusiasts thanks to a varied offering. The valley is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants, numerous gourmet restaurants, and an authentic gastronomic tradition that can also be found in the mountain huts. Alongside refined and creative cuisine, visitors can discover typical Ladin dishes, prepared with passion according to ancient recipes. A cuisine that tells the story of the region, its traditions, and its deep connection with the mountains. In Alta Badia, every outdoor experience becomes a journey through taste: from wine tastings immersed in nature, to cooking classes, from evenings dedicated to local products to atmospheric dinners under the stars.

NEW: DINNER UNDER THE STARS

“Dinner under the stars” is an exclusive food and wine experience that turned the evening of June 30 into a moment of sharing and discovery. In the heart of Colfosco, a single long table will welcome guests under the starry sky, with one set menu designed to highlight the region and create an immersive, authentic culinary experience.

The theme of the evening wias aromatic herbs, the undisputed stars of the gastronomic journey and the common thread of the dishes offered. Local ingredients and mountain aromas will be reinterpreted in a culinary proposal capable of enhancing the natural richness of the area.

To complete the experience, in the afternoon there was a guided excursion to discover wild aromatic herbs, an opportunity to learn more about local varieties, their habitats, and their culinary uses. A journey that combines nature and flavours, introducing guests to the evening through a complete sensory experience celebrating the deep bond between the alpine environment and gastronomic culture. In case of bad weather, the event will take place on July 2.

NEW: NÖT D’ARJËNT – SILVER NIGHT

“Silver Night” is an exclusive event taking place at the foot of the Santa Croce massif, in a highly evocative natural setting. The evening includes a candlelight dinner at the Lé and Nagler huts, where cuisine and alpine atmosphere come together to offer an intimate and immersive experience.

As night falls and the sky fills with stars, attention shifts to the firmament: guests will be guided through an astronomical observation session under the full moon, accompanied by experts who will help them discover and interpret the wonders of the night sky. Enhancing the experience further will be a piano concert, creating an emotional atmosphere in perfect harmony between nature, music, and contemplation. The event takes place on July 29. In case of bad weather, it will be postponed to the following day.

NEW: SAUS DI PAURS – FARMERS’ FLAVOURS

An immersive experience combining hiking, culture, and gastronomy to discover the rural life of the Dolomites and authentic Ladin traditions.

The activity begins on September 10 at 1:30 p.m. from the village of Badia, from where participants set off on a walk through meadows and surrounding farms. Along the route, participants will have the opportunity to collect fresh ingredients directly from local farms, such as milk, eggs, and flour, getting in touch with the area’s agricultural realities.

The group will be accompanied by Helga, an expert in local nature and traditions, who will guide participants in discovering wild herbs, explaining their aromas, traditional uses, and beneficial properties.

The experience ends at the L’Tamà hut, where the ingredients collected along the way will be used to prepare a typical Ladin dish together. The evening concludes with a communal dinner, during which the prepared specialties can be tasted.

The initiative was created together with students from the ITE school in La Villa, as part of the “School and Tourism” project.

VINS ALALERIA: WINE TASTINGS IN UNIQUE LOCATIONS

“Vins alaleria – wines in the open air” are events with André Senoner, a renowned South Tyrolean sommelier and Best Sommelier of Italy 2022, who will offer participants unforgettable outdoor experiences with the finest wines of South Tyrol during five events scheduled for June, July, August, and September.

These wines stand out for their excellent quality thanks to a favourable climate, fertile soil, and the dedication of local winemakers. The tastings take place in carefully selected locations designed to provide a 360-degree sensory experience.

On June 26, at the foot of the Pisciadú waterfalls, a tasting of four organic and biodynamic South Tyrolean wines will take place. On July 15, near Capanna Alpina, a blind tasting will be organized for a full sensory experience. On July 29, the best South Tyrolean white wines will be tasted at the Animal Park in Colfosco. On August 12, four South Tyrolean sparkling wines will be presented at Sas Dlacia, at the foot of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. On August 28, the event will take place at Lake Lech dla Lé at the foot of Santa Croce, where a sparkling wine, a white, a rosé, and a red will be tasted. The series concludes on September 9 with the best South Tyrolean red wines, presented on the Larcenëi meadows with a Dolomite panorama, just above the village of La Val.

Participation requires online booking (www.altabadia.org<http://www.altabadia.org>) or via the Alta Badia tourist offices. The registration fee is €35.

NOS DALES BALES: A NIGHT DEDICATED TO DUMPLINGS

The various types of dumplings are undoubtedly among the dishes that best characterize South Tyrolean cuisine, and for this reason Alta Badia dedicates an entire evening to them.

On Tuesday, July 14, in the centre of Badia village, a dumpling tasting event will take place, ranging from sweet to savoury and from traditional to more innovative versions.

The event takes place along the main street of Badia, closed to traffic for the occasion, starting at 7:00 p.m. The majestic Church of San Leonardo, candles and torches, as well as local music will provide the backdrop for the evening. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the information offices and also directly at the event. No reservation is required.

DELICIOUS TASTES IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH NATURE

Ladin cookery classes: For those who want to take a piece of Alta Badia home with them and relive it after the holidays, Ladin cooking classes are offered, where participants can learn some of the simplest recipes, easily reproducible at home. The sessions are scheduled for July 8 and 22, and August 5 and 26.

Saus te plaza – Flavours in the square: On July 24, while walking among the stands in the square in Colfosco, visitors can discover local ingredients, recipes passed down through generations, and original creations that reflect Ladin culture. Starting at 9:00 p.m., there will be the lighting of the Via Ferrata Tridentina accompanied by music from the local music group Müjiga Calfosch-Corvara.

Le lüch te paisc – Farmers in town: The main street of Corvara, closed to traffic, will be transformed on August 4 into an open-air market, where local producers and restaurateurs present the best of the region’s specialties. Producers bring into the village what has always characterized their farms: aged mountain cheeses, golden honey, wild herbs, and ancient flours. Together with local chefs, authentic and creative dishes are created using these ingredients.

Na cascada de saus – A waterfall full of taste: On August 25, the meadows below the Pisciadú waterfalls, about a 15-minute walk from Colfosco, become for one day a richly set table with Ladin culinary specialties prepared by the valley’s restaurateurs.

Festa dl pan – Bread festival: From September 4 to 6, at the mountain huts in the Santa Croce area above Badia, the bread festival will be celebrated with activities and tastings throughout the weekend.