- Giant Ski Area
San Cassiano sits on edge of the Sella Ronda circuit, which – viewed from above – acts like the hub of a wheel. A 23km network of runs and lifts circulates around its centre linking half-a-dozen villages, with famous ski valleys like Fassa and Gardena (all lift-linked) radiating off like spokes. The result is an estimated 500km-plus of lift-linked terrain, the second largest area in the world after the Les 3 Vallées, and all included in the hands-free Dolomiti Superski lift pass..
- Easy Access
Innsbruck airport is one of the quietest in the Alps, and an easy option for reaching Alta Badia and San Cassiano quickly through the Brenner pass, which links Austria to Italy. Fast road or rail/bus connections make the journey quicker and more stress-free than most. At the weekends you can also take the low-cost coaches operated by Terravision to Alta Badia, via Selva Val Gardena. See www.suedtirol.info/fly.
- Superb Dining
Home to a greater concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants than any other ski region, Alta Badia – where San Cassiano is located – is about more than just up-market gourmet dining. The puritanical chefs of the region have infected the whole area with a love of good food, and quality cuisine of all styles and all price brackets is universally available, from a healthy breakfast on the mountain made with all local ingredients, to a gourmet calibre lunch, through to superb dinners.
- Stunning Scenery
There are great mountain views to be had from many ski resorts worldwide but the Dolomites, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are up there with areas like the Jungfrau Alps, and the Canadian Rockies as undeniably the world’s best. The massive precipices of pink-hued rock are truly awe-inspiring, as well as very beautiful. They’re particularly magical when caught by the first or last rays of the day’s sunshine.
- Lower Costs
Despite the world-class dining, skiing and accommodation, costs in San Cassiano and Alta Badia are typically lower than in the big resorts of the French Alps. Although the full Dolomiti Superski ticket is one of the more expensive options in Europe, the regional Alta Badia ticket, which covers 130km of trails locally served by more than 50 lifts, is perfectly adequate for many skiers and is around 10% less, with prices as low as €171 for 6 days in low season (€188 from 20 March to the end of the season).
