Explore the Different Ladin Valleys of the Dolomites

Ladin is an ancient culture that is unique to the Dolomites. The Ladin people have their own language, traditions, legends, and even their own cuisine.  With roots dating as far back as the Roman Empire, it is a culture steeped in history.  There are five areas of the Dolomites where the Ladin tradition is still prevalent and the language spoken fluently:  Val Gardena, Val Badia, Val di Fassa, Livinallongo and Cortina d’Ampezzo.  These are officially known as the Ladin valleys.

Val Gardena

Val Gardena, nestled in the Italian Dolomites, offers access to over 175 km of interconnected pistes and the famous Sellaronda circuit. This renowned ski destination perfectly blends Tyrolean-Austrian heritage with Italian charm, providing world-class winter sports, exquisite dining, and vibrant alpine culture.

The valley encompasses three main villages—Selva, Santa Cristina, and Ortisei — each offering a wide array of lodging. Visitors can choose from luxury 5-star spa hotels, traditional alpine lodges, and self-catered chalets. Staying in Selva provides the greatest convenience for immediate ski-in/ski-out access, while Ortisei is known for its picturesque, historic charm and family-friendly amenities.

Food is an absolute highlight of a Val Gardena ski holiday, thanks to its unique location where Austrian and Italian cultures collide. The mountain is dotted with more than 60 family-run rifugios (mountain huts) serving exceptional South Tyrolean and Mediterranean fare. Skiers can enjoy dishes like hearty canederli (dumplings) and local speck on sun-kissed terraces, followed by fine dining at village restaurants in the evening.

Après-ski in Val Gardena is a vibrant mix of cozy and lively. You can kick off the evening directly on the slopes with drinks and live music at the mountain huts, or head down into the village centers to explore buzzing wine bars, pubs, and lounges

Alta Badia

Composed of the villages of Badia / Corvara / Colfosco / La Villa / San Cassiano, Alta Badia offers 130 km of immaculately groomed pistes served by 52 modern, fast lifts. While best known for its vast network of gentle blue and red runs—ideal for cruising and mixed-ability groups—advanced skiers can test their mettle on the famous Gran Risa World Cup slope in La Villa. The resort also serves as the perfect springboard for tackling the 40 km panoramic Sellaronda ski circuit.

The valley’s lodging blends traditional Ladin hospitality with high-end, luxury comforts. Options range from ski-in/ski-out boutique hotels in Corvara to rustic, design-led chalets in San Cassiano. Alta Badia is globally renowned as a culinary hotspot, boasting several Michelin-starred establishments and exquisite mountain huts that serve haute cuisine right on the slopes.

The après-ski scene in Alta Badia is more sophisticated and relaxed than rowdy. Corvara acts as the main evening hub, offering stylish lounge bars and cozy wine cellars where guests can sip regional South Tyrolean wines after a day on the slopes. A standout perk of the destination is the unique blend of rich Ladin culture, abundant sunshine, and high-tech lift infrastructure that rarely sees significant wait times.

Val di Fassa

Composed of the villages of Canazei / Campitello di Fassa / Mazzin / Pozza di Fassa / Vigo di Fassa / Soraga di Fassa / Moena, Val di Fassa is a vast playground spanning 210 kilometers of local piste and linking directly into the 1,220 km of the massive Dolomiti Superski area. Ideal for confident intermediates and cruising families, the resort spans nine interconnected sub-areas. Beginners and freestylers alike are well catered for with over 112 km of blue runs and five equipped snowparks. Fast uphill transit is guaranteed, highlighted by the ultra-modern 3S cable car from Campitello.

The valley offers an extensive range of over 60,000 beds, varying from budget-friendly B&Bs to luxury wellness hotels with indoor pools. Dining marries rustic Tyrolean traditions with Mediterranean flair. On the slopes, traditional wooden rifugios (mountain huts) serve hearty, refined Italian and Ladin cuisine – from local cheeses and polenta to exquisite local wines and craft beers.

Après-ski varies significantly depending on which village you choose to stay in. Bustling hubs like Canazei and Pozza di Fassa feature energetic pubs and enotecas that keep the party going late into the night. For a more tranquil and authentic vibe, visitors can head to the lower-key villages such as Penia or Moena for window shopping, relaxing wine bars, and quiet family-friendly evening.