Val Badia, Mountain valley in South Tyrol, Italy.
Val Badia is a valley in the Dolomites that stretches between the Sella mountain range and the Puster Valley, flowing through forested slopes and open meadows. The area comprises six villages positioned at varying elevations, connected by an extensive network of hiking trails and ski lifts throughout the seasons.
The valley developed as a crossroads where three language groups met, which led to the preservation of Ladin, an ancient Romance language still spoken by residents today. This linguistic blend shaped the valley's distinctive identity and influenced how communities developed and organized themselves.
The six villages here maintain living Ladin traditions through festivals, local crafts, and the use of their ancient language in everyday life. Visitors can witness these customs directly in village squares, restaurants, and during seasonal celebrations that bring communities together.
Hiking trails and ski runs connect the six villages across various elevation levels, with lodging and services available in each settlement year-round. Good signage and infrastructure make navigation straightforward, whether visiting in summer for mountain activities or winter for snow sports.
The valley connects to three protected mountain parks—Puez-Geisler, Fanes-Sennes, and Prags—forming an interconnected network of Alpine landscapes under conservation. This arrangement allows hikers to explore across a vast territory while remaining within designated natural reserves.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
