A Ladin village in Alta Badia known for the Gran Risa World Cup slope and as a base for the Pralongià and the Dolomites of Fanes.
A short history
La Villa, La Ila in Ladin, sits at 1,433 metres along the floor of the Val Badia, between San Cassiano and Corvara. It is a Ladin village that grew up around farmsteads and rural life, and with tourism it has become one of the best-known ski centres in Alta Badia.
Its name in the world of sport is tied to the Gran Risa, the giant slalom slope where the World Cup round is held every December. It is a steep, technical run, among the most feared on the circuit, and over the years it has been won by the greatest giant slalom skiers.
The village keeps its Ladin identity in the language, in the architecture of the farmsteads and in its traditions. All around open the pastures of the Pralongià and the slopes climbing towards the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, one of the wildest in the Dolomites.
At the heart of the village stands the Ciastel Colz, a 16th-century castle, next to the parish church built in 1516. On the Gran Risa the World Cup has been raced since 1985: the slope is among the most feared on the circuit for its steepness. Out of season the slopes change character with the Movimënt project, which on Piz La Ila has created parks for play and outdoor activity.
At the table the Ladin tradition returns. Cajincí are the ricotta and spinach ravioli, panicia is the barley soup with speck and vegetables, tutres are the filled fritters. Dishes born from a few ingredients, the ones the mountains always had to hand.
How to fit La Villa into a three, five or seven day trip: The Dolomites in 3, 5 or 7 Days: How to Plan Your Trip.
What to see
- The Pralongià plateau, reached by the village lifts, with the meadows and huts between La Villa and Corvara.
- The e-bike tour on the Pralongià, a loop through the pastures and huts of the plateau above La Villa.
- The Gran Risa World Cup slope, which in winter cuts across the slope above the village, and the trails towards the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.
How to get to La Villa
By car you leave the A22 Brenner motorway at Bressanone/Val Pusteria, carry on to Brunico and climb the Val Badia on the SS244; La Villa lies on the valley floor between San Cassiano and Corvara. The nearest railway station is Brunico, from which scheduled buses run to Alta Badia. From the south you can arrive over the Valparola pass.
When to go
In summer, between June and September, the lifts run up to the Pralongià and the trails lead towards the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. Winter is the ski season, with the Gran Risa slope above the village. In mid-December La Villa hosts the giant slalom round of the World Cup.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to see in La Villa?
The Pralongià plateau with its huts, the Gran Risa World Cup slope and the trails towards the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. It is a good central base for all of Alta Badia.
Why is La Villa famous for skiing?
Because it hosts the Gran Risa, the slope where the Alta Badia giant slalom round of the World Cup is raced every December, known for its steepness and for the great champions who have won there.
When is the World Cup raced on the Gran Risa?
The giant slalom round is usually held in mid-December. In those days the village is busy and it is worth booking accommodation well ahead. For the rest of the season the Gran Risa stays open to skiers.
Is La Villa a good base for Alta Badia?
Yes. It sits in the middle of the valley, between San Cassiano and Corvara, with lifts up to the Pralongià and ski links to the rest of the area. In summer it is a handy starting point for hikes towards Fanes.
What is there to do in La Villa in summer?
In summer the cable car climbs to Piz La Ila, where the Movimënt project has created parks for play and outdoor activity. From there start the walks on the Pralongià and the trails towards the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. In the village you can also see the Ciastel Colz castle.
What do you eat in La Villa?
The cooking is the Ladin food of the valley: cajincí (ricotta and spinach ravioli), panicia (barley soup with speck and vegetables), canederli and tutres, the filled fritters. These are dishes born from a few mountain ingredients.