Alta Badia - UNESCO World Heritage Site Sets Up For FIS World Cup Action
The majestic Dolomite mountains form the backdrop to the Alpine Skiing World Cup, on the Gran Risa slope, where the Red Bull Energy Lounge will be presenting its new look on 16th and 17th December. Those who love the first skiing of the season, on the other hand, can put themselves to the test on the slopes at the foot of the Fanes-Senes-Braies and Puez-Odle natural parks.
Alta Badia’s pioneering spirit has come together with Red Bull's sporty and innovative style to create the Red Bull Energy Lounge, a first at an Alpine Ski World Cup location: an exclusive hospitality area, set up for the races to held on Sunday 16th and Monday 17th December. Set up directly by the finish line, the lounge also has a large terrace where you can watch the race from the front row, getting a great view of the Giant Slalom and the Parallel Giant Slalom. The Red Bull Energy Lounge will be exclusively hosting KTM and Moon Boot®, the iconic brand that has always brought style and fashion to the most prestigious high-altitude locations. Inside the lounge, spectators will have the chance to rub shoulders with the skiing world cup athletes.
In fact, Red Bull has decided to bring its concept of hospitality - already a great success in the world of motor sport - to the mountains, choosing Alta Badia as its preferred location and offering a unique experience inside the World Cup circuit. In pleasantly exclusive surroundings, guests can enjoy a “flying buffet” with new takes on local specialities, accompanied by wines from the D’Isera winery and Zardetto prosecco.
The majestic Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, form the backdrop to the finish line, making the atmosphere even more magical.
Almost 10 years ago, on 26th June 2009, UNESCO named the Dolomite mountains a World Heritage Site. Alta Badia’s ski area winds its way through two of the Natural Parks belonging to the UNESCO site: the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park and the Puez-Odle Natural Park, both famous for the beauty of their authentic and unparalleled landscapes.
Alta Badia offers three skiing routes that allow you to discover these protected sites first-hand. These routes can be reached through the connections at Piz La Villa, Piz Sorega and Col Alto.
Taxis leave from the Armentarola to the Falzarego Pass (2,105 m above sea level). From here, you can take the cable car to Lagazuoi, 2,778 m above sea level, inside the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, where an inhumane war of landmines was battled out during the First World War. This is clear through the trenches and tunnels that can still be seen from the side of the slopes. This medium-difficulty slope, 7.8 km long and with a 1,130 m difference in altitude, follows the ravines down to the Scotoni mountain hut, and then down to the bottom of the valley. From here, you can take the most interesting and environmentally-friendly ski lift in the Alps, transporting skiers to Alta Badia’s ski circuit. In fact, a pair of Noriker horses await skiers, pulling them along to the next cable car station.
The La Crusc Ski Tour area allows you to enjoy the breathtaking view over Badia’s rural landscape and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Puez-Fanes Natural Park. The mountain huts dotted around the La Crusc ski area are specialised in preparing typical Ladin dishes - just like grandma used to make. Don’t miss the view of Badia’s parish church, the birthplace of Saint Freinademetz and the traditional “viles”, not to mention the farms of Fussé, Coz and Pransarores, before reaching the small church of Santa Croce at the foot of the mountain of the same name. The La Crusc ski tour can be reached from Piz La Villa (without even having to take your skis off) and is particularly well-suited to family excursions.
The Edelweiss Valley ski route, starting from the centre of Colfosco, is one of the most hidden away and “insider” locations in Alta Badia. This small valley at the foot of the Sassongher and Cir mountains in the Puez-Odle Natural Park is mainly appreciated for its wide and sun-kissed slopes and for its panoramic views over the Sella group in the Dolomites, and the Mezdì Valley in particular.
