Kid-size Dolomites
Alta Val Badia's "Children's Ski Carousel".
Often referred to as "the heart of the Dolomites" due to its geographical position, right in the middle of the Italian mountains, Alta Badia is an enchanting valley, home to 6 towns, as small as they are beautiful: Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano, La Val and Badia.
In the winter, this sunny valley, dominated by the Grup di Sela and Sassongher peaks, is a true paradise for winter sports fans and, in particular, for families who can expect to receive an especially warm welcome and enjoy child friendly facilities a go-go here
Skiing
The valley is situated at the center of the Dolomite Superski and the Alta Badia ski circuits, which, together, total some 500kms of ski slopes.
For young skiers, there is the "Children's Ski Carousel", comprised of are 19 "junior" slopes, each of which is represented by a different animal, and with its own color so that it is easily identified by even the tiniest of tots. Educational boards, custom-made for children, explain the characteristics of each slope and include a list of the rules to follow as well as useful tips.
The area includes 2 timed courses near to the chairlifts, 8 fun parks, and 3 photo point stations where you can pick up the perfect souvenir of your day in the mountains.
Snowboarding
For those eager to try their hand at snowboarding, there is an area, again especially designed for children, in the Snowpark Alta Badia, located between the slopes of La Frëina and Ciampa.
For little ones who just want to muck about in the snow, there is the Dolomites Fun Park Piccole Canaglie, close to the Piz la lla cable car station
Here there are slides made of snow, brightly colored inflatable tubes, Red Indian teepees and a heated tent in which there are baby-changing facilities.
Sledging
Few can resist the appeal of sledging, a popular alternative to skiing, especially when it's through the sort of landscape fairytales are made of.
A splendid natural slope for tobogganing, the "Trù Liösa Foram" commences at 2003 meters on the high plain of Piz Sorega, which can be reached by the eponymous gondola lift. From here, the 3.5km long slope, equipped with wooden protection devices, takes tobogganists all the way to San Cassiano.
The route, the gradient of which varies from 0% to 15%, passes over the snow covered high mountain meadows and through the beautiful woods of Forum before descending down into the valley below.