PRESS RELEASE
FEAST ON SKIING IN ALTA BADIA FROM NOVEMBER 26
Corvara (1550m) : Colfosco (1650m) : La Villa (1430m) :
San Cassiano (1540m) : Badia (1320m) : La Val (1350m)
October 2011: High up in the Dolomites of Italy’s South Tyrol, Alta Badia region has perfected a unique combination of winter fun and gourmet dining. In the world’s most extensive and spectacular winter playground, 2011/12 sees Michelin-starred British chef Hywel Jones lending his support to the valley’s acclaimed Taste of Skiing promotions in collaboration with the Piz Arlara hut in Corvara. Designated a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 2009, these beautiful mountain valleys offer a wide range of high-quality accommodation and snow-sure skiing in six delightful villages located between 1320m and 1650m. Lifts open for skiing on November 26.
The Dolomiti Superski area serves up 1200 km of piste with 510 lifts across 12 valleys, all covered by a single lift pass. At its heart is the spectacular 26km Sella Ronda ski circuit linking 4 different valleys (including Alta Badia) with 500km of piste around the Sella Mountain. With most of the skiing above 2000m, and snow-making machines covering 90% of the pistes, snow conditions stay reliable from opening to the end of the season on April 15 2012.
Alta Badia is equally impressive for the excellence and range of its gastronomy on and off the slopes. With its trio of Michelin stars, promotions celebrate food throughout the winter season and include a Taste for Skiing showcasing Michelin-star dining on quality South Tyrol produce at 11 traditional mountain huts, wine-ski safaris, cookery courses (local Ladin or gourmet cuisine), a weekly early morning excursion for Breakfast with Powder Snow, and the annual Chef’s Cup Südtirol event (January 22-27) when a host of the world’s leading chefs gather in the villages to swap ideas and compete at cooking and skiing. Visitors to the valley at this time benefit from wonderful food tastings and a party atmosphere.
A TASTE FOR SKIING
Hywel Jones, Michelin starred executive chef of the Lucknam Park Hotel near Bath, joins 10 distinguished chefs from Italy’s South Tyrol (including Alta Badia’s three local celebrities, the Dolomitci), Austria, Germany and Spain in sharing their expertise with 11 mountain hut partners to work with suckling pig in the recipe. Hywel has worked with Piz Arlara in Corvara using roast diver scallops with local Speck PGI, cauliflower salad and an apple, honey and truffle vinaigrette. Each participating hut will name list their Michelin dish as ‘A taste for skiing’ on the menu for ease of recognition; a classic South Tyrolean wine will be recommended to accompany it. The Taste for Skiing dish will be available throughout the winter season and priced between €12 and €25 per dish. The huts are:
• Bioch (Bioch piste) : Norbert Niederkofler, Restaurant St.Hubertus at Hotel Rosa Alpina Relais & Chateaux (Alta Badia, Italy)
• Bamby (Bamby piste) : Fabio Cucchelli, Restaurant La Siriola (Alta Badia, Italy)
• Club Moritzino (Piz La Ila) : Giancarlo Morelli, Osteria Pomiroeu (Seregno, Italy)
• Col Alt (Col Alt piste) – Sergio Mei, Il Teatro at the Four Seasons Hotel (Milan, Italy)
• I Tablà (Braia Fraida piste) – Arturo Spicocchi, Restaurant La Stüa de Michil at Hotel La Perla (Alta Badia, Italy)
• Jimmy (Frara piste) : Alberto Faccani, Magnolia (Cesenatico, Italy)
• Lèe (Santa Croce piste) : Martin Fauster, Restaurant Königshof (Munich, Germany)
• Las Vegas (Ciampai piste) : Josean Martínez Alija, Restaurant Nerua at the Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao, Spain)
• Mesoles (Frara piste, Colfosco) : Andrea Aprea, Ristorante VUN at Park Hyatt Hotel (Milan, Italy)
• Piz Arlara, Corvara (Arlara chair lift): Hywel Jones, The Park Restaurant at Lucknam Park Relais & Chateaux (Wiltshire, United Kingdom)
• Pralongià (Pralongiá piste) : Bobby Bräuer, Restaurant Petit Tirolia (Kitzbühel, Austria)
SKITOUR SANTA CROCE - A LADIN TASTE FOR SKIING
A self-guided ski tour from Col Alt or Piz Sorega to Santa Croce highlights eight mountain huts en route specialising in one classic Ladin dish paired with a glass of South Tyrol wine; an authentic ambience and glorious views. Great food is guaranteed and the tour is ideal for all the family. Skitour Santa Croce maps are available on request from the Alta Badia Tourist Office (www.altabadia.org) and recommended huts are:
• La Crusc, Santa Croce : Pössl (Kaiserschmarren/sweet pancake & berry sauce)
• Leè, Santa Croce : Bales da fié (liver dumplings)
• La Munt, Badia piste : Bales y golasc (dumplings with goulash)
• Nagler, Santa Croce : Föies da soni y craut (potato pie with sauerkraut)
• Oies, Santa Croce : Cajincí t’ega (spinach filled pancakes)
• Paraciora, Sponata piste : Panicia y turtres (barley soup & pancakes)
• Sponata, Sponata piste : Jopa ajia (soup with tripe)
• L’Tamà, Santa Croce : Speck cun zigher (ham & Ladin cheese made on the farm)
DOLOMIGHTY BREAKFAST WITH POWDER
Dolomighty Breakfast snow-cats depart from Corvara at 6.50 or 7.20 am every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the season. On arrival at the Col Alt refuge (2000m), enjoy a typical home-made South Tyrolean breakfast, glorious views of the Sella and Sassongher peaks at sunrise, and an immaculate and empty piste to ski down to the valley before the lifts open. Price €28pp (minimum 8 people, subject to weather); book: info@rifugiocolalt.it (+39 0471 836324).
SOUTH TYROL WINE-SKI SAFARI
On March 18 Alta Badia’s ski areas will celebrate the region’s four wine producing areas: Adige Valley, Merano & Val Venosta, Bassa Atesina & Oltradige, Bolzano, Isarco Valley. For €20pp four mountain huts (Bioch, Club Moritzino, I Tablà and
Piz Arlara) are offering a tasting of South Tyrol wine served with local speck (ham), cheese and home-made bread. Purchase wine-ski safari vouchers at the 4 huts.
COOKERY COURSES
Cookery & Cross Country Ski Courses: Maria Canins, former cross-country ski champion and local strudel queen has four two-day courses - Jan 10/11 and 24/25, Feb 28/29, Mar 13/14. Learn to make strudel using local products at the Sass Dlacia on Tuesday and learn cross-country skiing at Alta Badia’s cross-country centre, San Cassiano, on Wednesday. Cooking & Cross-Country courses are complimentary on a first-come-first-served basis. Advance booking essential from the Alta Badia Tourist Office: www.altabadia.org
Ladin Cookery Courses: Every Wednesday at the Maso Sotciastel Farmhouse in Badia Erica teaches how to cook Ladin specialities such as bales (dumplings), panicia (barley soup) and Krapfen (doughnuts). From 10.30 am to 12 noon, lessons cost €13pp. Reserve a place via the Alta Badia Tourist Office www.altabadia.org
DIARY DATES
November 26 : First lifts open
December 9, 15, 22 : Advent Candlelit Walk; from Badia village church to Maso Alfarëi for a
biscuit- and craft-making lesson tuition
December 18 : Ski World Cup; men’s giant slalom
December 19 : Ski World Cup; men’s slalom
January 5, 31 : Skijoring race; horse-drawn ski race, La Villa sports field (early evening)
January 22-27 : Chef’s Cup Südtirol; competitive week of ski/cuisine with star chefs
February 7 : Skijoring race; horse-drawn ski race, La Villa sports field (early evening)
February 5 : Tour de Sas, 26km ski-tour race; Fanes-Senes-Braies National Park
February 10 : Sellaronda Skimarathon; 42km night ski-tour race of the Sella Group
February 19 : Slittada da Paur; horse-drawn sleigh parade, arrives La Villa 12 noon
March 18 : Wine Ski-Safari; wine-tasting; 4 South Tyrolean areas in 4 huts
April 15 : Last day of skiing in Alta Badia
PACKAGES, LIFTS, TUITION
• Early Snow Winter Special : four nights’ accommodation, four-day ski pass / equipment hire and four private ski lessons for the price of three, from November 26 to December 23 at participating properties. Book via www.altabadia.org.
• Ski World Cup Alta Badia : December 17-21 priced from €390pp for 4 nights’ B&B accommodation (2 sharing), 4-day Dolomiti Superski lift pass, Sella Ronda guided ski tour & lunch (Tues 20th), VIP tickets for races (Sun 18th/Mon 19th), access to sponsors tent. Reservations/information: info@altabadia.org
• BMW Gourmet Ski-Safari : January 20-22; 27-29 or February 3-5 2012; priced from €850pp for 2 nights half-board in a luxury hotel, 2-days BMW car-hire, one meal (Michelin-star chef) in a mountain refuge, one tasting-menu paired with wines in a gourmet restaurant, one full day’s ski pass and skiing with a former member of the Italian ski team. Reservations/information: info@holimites.com
• Dolomiti Superski Lift Pass : 12 ski regions, 500 lifts, 1200km of piste (Alta Badia: 53 Lifts, 130km of piste) mostly above 6000ft (1500m). Dolomiti Superski lift pass 6-day pass costs €193 pp ( €135 per child under 16) in low season, €212 pp (€149 per child) in high season.
• Cross Country Skiing : 38km of trails at the Alta Badia Cross Country Centre in San Cassiano (Armentarola/Saré) and in the Corvara-Colfosco area
• Freeride Skiing : deep powder and off-piste discovery – take a qualified guide to find the best snow. Famous itineraries include Val Mezdì (1450m drop/45 minutes non-stop skiing, for strong skiers) from the Sella to
Colfosco and the easier run from Valparola pass to Armentarola (700m drop/20 minutes)
• Six ski schools offer ski courses for all ages, snow kindergartens and private lessons. One-week’s ski school from €155 (5 days, 10am-12.45pm); Ski & Snowboard School La Villa offers private lessons from €32 per hour; ski guiding from €49pp per day (minimum 5 people) www.scuolascilavilla.it
ACCOMMODATION : ALTITUDE, SOLITUDE, PULCHRITUDE
Albergo Rifugio Pralongià (2200m) www.pralongia.it : located between Corvara and the Campolongo Pass close to the Sella Ronda ski carousel with breathtaking Dolomite panorama (views of Sella, Fanes, Santa Croce). Traditional pine rooms, friendly ambience, good food. From €84pppn half board (double room with balcony) or from €64pppn (dormitory sleeps 8)
Art Hotel Cappella (1645m) www.hotelcappella.com : Situated in Corvara, a luxurious four star hotel with spa and excellent restaurant. Rooms priced from €133pppn half board.
Las Vegas Lodge (2050m) www.lasvegasonline.it : in a natural bowl at the foot of the Sella Massif in La Villa. Stunning views of the Sella and surrounding peaks. Traditional Tyrolean rooms and cuisine. Rooms priced from €128pppn half board.
Hotel Melodia del Bosco (1324m) www.melodiadelbosco.it : a stylish modern hotel in Badia with stunning views of Santa Croce and good for families. Rooms priced from €60pppn half board.
Hotel Sassongher (1568m) www.sassongher.it situated in Corvara at the foot of the Sassongher with stunning views of the Sella group. A luxury 5-star hotel, impressive spa facilities, superb dining. Rooms priced from €141 pppn half board.
ACCOMMODATION : ALL THE CHARM OF THE FARM
Maso Sotciastel (1345m) www.sotciastel.it : located near Badia surrounded by meadows; 2km from the nearest lift (San Leonardo). A well-equipped apartment on the first floor accommodating up to 8 people. The farm also has a restaurant serving typical Ladin dishes. Priced from €25 pp (4 or 8 sharing on a self-catering basis)
Maso Runch Farm (1375m) www.masorunch.it : a working farm on the hillside above Badia at the foot of the Puez Odles Nature park, with restaurant. Apartments for 2-5 people priced from €65pp self-catering. Home produce used in the restaurant is available.
Maso Chi Prá (1360m) www.chipra.eu : traditional dairy farm above Badia close to the Puez Odles Nature park with stunning views (S Leonardo, S Croce, Lavarella). Small shop selling organic home-produced milk, cheeses and yoghurts. Three apartments for 2-4 or 4-8 people priced from €17 pppn on a self-catering basis.
ACCOMMODATION : SPA PAMPERING
Hotel Ciasa Salares in San Cassiano (1580m) www.siriolagroup.it : first-class four-star hotel in a secluded location; Vives Spa adopts a classic Italian colour theme and offers variety of saunas, treatments and therapies using local products; large pool.
Hotel Diamant in San Cassiano (1537m) www.hoteldiamant.com : elegant four-star family-run hotel; Gran Ega is the new spa opening for the winter season fashioned in woods and mosaic. Extensive water-based treatments and pampering.
Hotel La Perla in Corvara (1568m) www.hotel-laperla.it : a luxurious four-star hotel with a charming ambience and member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Eghes Sanes is a beautifully created rustic spa specialising in tranquillity-inducing Eastern techniques.
Hotel Posta Zirm in Corvara (1568m): www.postazirm.com : beautiful 4-star Alpine hotel; classic spa using Feng Shui philosophy, and various traditional and holistic treatments; large pool
Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa in San Cassiano (1537m) www.rosalpina.it : Relais & Châteaux 5-star luxury at its best; award-winning Daniela Steiner Beauty Spa, extensive range of massage and beauty treatments, fitness programmes, large pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath.
Hotel Sassongher in Corvara (1568m) www.sassongher.it : a stylish 4-star hotel of high quality. Understated décor in the Daniela Steiner Wellness Center creates a relaxing environment with pool, saunas, steam bath and holistic and traditional treatments.
DINING OFF THE SLOPES
St. Hubertus at Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa in San Cassiano www.rosalpina.it : Norbert Niederkofler has two Michelin stars for his sublime creations in the hotel’s fine dining restaurant. Rosa Alpina also has a fondue stube and wine-bar and grill.
La Stüa de Michil at Hotel La Perla in Corvara www.hotel-laperla.it : Arturo Spicocchi has a Michelin star for his inventive 21st century cooking in a beautiful 15th century dining room. The hotel’s other restaurants and bars include the Mahatma Wine Cellar, one of the most impressive in the Dolomites and offering a unique 30-minute tour for residents.
La Siriola at Hotel Ciasa Salares in S.Cassiano www.siriolagroup.it : Fabio Cucchelli is one of Alta Badia’s top chefs and a tireless innovator – “work in progress” is his own description. Special menus, with matching bottles, served in the magnificent wine cellar on Thursdays.
La Stria in Colfosco: offering well-priced and highly creative meals served in a rustic-elegant environment
La Tambra in Corvara www.latambra.com : two moderately priced restaurants, the classic Tyrolean Stube for typical Tyrol dining or the Restaurant and Grill offering a range of Mediterranean, Italian and Tyrolean dishes.
Zirmstube at Hotel Posta Zirm www.postazirm.com : Edgar Pescollderung’s team are famous for tasty regional specialities – try the daily Ladin degustation menu – and international 5-course menus in equal measure.
Maso Runch in Badia (www.masorunch.it) and Maso Sotciastel in Badia (www.sotciastel.it) both offer typical Ladin meals at budget prices.
Local Pizzerias include Restaurant Fornella in Corvara, Restaurant La Tor in La Villa, and Restaurant San Leonardo in Badia, all of which offer excellent Pizza/Italian meals at good prices.
APRES SKI : on the slopes
Club Moritzino on the Piz La lla (www.moritzino.it) : dancing and drinking to live DJ from mid-afternoon - one of the most famous on-slope discos in Italy.
Ursus Ladinicus a wooden vinoteca at the back of the Trieste refuge, at Pralongia 1 chair lift.: The highest wine bar in the Dolomites, with a cosy atmosphere
APRES SKI : off the slopes
Altrove (Colfosco) – the name means somewhere else, but after skiing it’s the place to be.
Hug’s Bar at Rosa Alpina Hotel (San Cassiano), A popular meeting place whatever the hour, for a morning cappuccino or a late night drink, lively but not too loud to talk; disco from 10pm to 2am.
L’Murin at Hotel La Perla in Corvara; the most elegant Apres Ski bar in the Dolomites. Spot the celebrities.
La Sieia in San Cassiano. Rustic-chic apres ski, with canapes and snacks, South Tyrolean style.
Toccami in Corvara. Relive the day’s excitement and plan the rest of the evening over a cocktail.
HOLIDAYS & ACCESS:
• Specialist tour operators offering tailor-made winter holidays in the Alta Badia region include Momentum ski (www.momentumski.com), Peak Experience (www.peak-experience.com) and Ski Solutions (www.skisolutions.co.uk). Inclusive packages from Inghams.
• For independent travel, book accommodation via the Alta Badia website: www.altabadia.org.
• Access by air : fly to Verona (250km); Venice (200km); Treviso (180km); Bolzano (100km); Milan-Bergamo (300km) in Italy. Alternatively fly to Innsbruck (150km) in Austria and transfer using www.altabadia.org. Airlines include British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet and Thomson Airways. In winter a reliable bus service offers transfers from most airports. For information about transfers to Alta Badia visit www.altabadia.org
• Access by rail : Eurostar to Paris leaving London early/mid afternoon to connect with Venice sleeper (restaurant, 4 or 6-berth couchette or 2- or 3-bed cabins) from Paris Bercy, arriving at Verona 07.20. Connecting train to Brunico and transfer to Alta Badia either by taxi or local bus
• By road : Alta Badia is 735 miles from Calais via Brussels, Stuttgart, Ulm, Innsbruck.
NON-SKIERS:
• In addition to 80km of groomed trekking paths and trails, curling, snow-shoeing, Nordic Walking, ice-skating, horse-riding, ice climbing, and sledging are some of the options open to non-skiers.
• The 3.5km Trú Liösa Foram toboggan run is a thrilling 450m descent through pine forest and meadow from Piz Sorega (2003m) to the edge of San Cassiano. Safety barriers are in place through the woods.
• Non-skiers can join skiing friends and family for lunch at numerous atmospheric rifugi: those accessible on foot include Club Moritzino, Las Vegas, Col Alt, Santa Croce and Piz Sorega, Jimmy, Mesoles….
Visit Alta Badia (www.altabadia.org), the small South Tyrolean mountain region in Italy with a big reputation. Friendly and welcoming people in touch with their roots, cherishing their village architecture, unique Ladin language, world-class gastronomy and an exciting calendar of sporting and cultural events.
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Issued on behalf of Alta Badia in the Italian Dolomites by Media Contacts PR
C: Jane Parritt/Mick Thompson
T: +44 (0)1367 820 766
E: jane@mediacontactspr.co.uk or mick@mediacontactspr.co.uk
Information: Tourist Board Alta Badia - www.altabadia.org – Tel. +39 (0)471/836176-847037 E-mail:info@altabadia.org
Pressebüro Alta Badia – Nicole Dorigo - Tel. +39 0471/847864 – Mobile: +39 338 9506830 – E-mail:press@altabadia.org
RESERVATIONS
