This alpine village in the Dolomites is a year-round destination for skiing and hiking. It reflects Ladin, Italian, and Austrian influences in its cuisine and local customs.
Corvara, a village in the Italian Dolomites, is a hub for alpine activities throughout the year. In winter, you can ski on world-class slopes, while summer offers scenic hiking trails. The village reflects Ladin, Italian, and Austrian influences in its food, buildings, and local customs. You can visit the 12th century St. Catherine's Church or ascend the Sassongher mountain for wide-ranging views of the area.
Skiing in the Dolomites
Corvara is centrally located in the Dolomiti Superski area, giving you access to over 1,200 km of slopes. The village connects directly to the Sella Ronda circuit, a 40 km ski route around the Sella massif. If you're new to skiing, you can practice on gentle slopes near the village. More experienced skiers can take on challenging runs like the 4.5 km Vallon-Boè descent. Modern lifts take you up to altitudes over 2,000 meters, where you'll find well-maintained pistes and impressive mountain views in all directions.
Summer Activities: Hiking and Biking
When summer arrives, Corvara becomes a base for hiking. You'll find well-marked trails across the surrounding mountains and meadows, suitable for various skill levels. Take the Col Alt gondola up to over 2,000 meters for extensive views and access to high-altitude hiking routes. If you prefer cycling, you can explore hundreds of kilometers of trails or participate in the Sellaronda bike day when the mountain passes close to cars. After an active day, you can relax at Corvara's biotope lake, which has a natural swimming pond and grassy areas for sunbathing.
Ladin Culture and Local Food
Corvara is in the center of the Ladin-speaking region, where a distinct culture has evolved over centuries in the alpine environment. You can learn about Ladin history at the Museum Ladin in nearby San Cassiano. Try local dishes like canederli dumplings, barley soup, and apple strudel at mountain huts and village restaurants. For a high-end dining experience, you can book a table at the Michelin-starred La Stüa de Michil, which offers creative dishes using regional ingredients.
Accommodation in Corvara
You'll find various places to stay in Corvara, from simple guesthouses to upscale spa hotels. The family-run Hotel La Perla has elegant rooms and suites in a traditional chalet-style building. For a more contemporary style, try the Hotel Col Alto with its large wellness area. The Garni Edy bed and breakfast offers good value for those on a tighter budget. It's best to book well in advance for peak winter and summer seasons, as accommodations in Corvara often become fully booked.
Travel to Corvara
Despite its mountain location, you can reach Corvara without much difficulty. The nearest airports are Innsbruck (2.5 hours away), Verona (3 hours), and Venice (3.5 hours). From these airports, you can rent a car or take a shuttle bus. If you're using public transport, take a train to Brunico/Bruneck station and then a local bus to Corvara. Once you're in the village, you can walk to most places. During winter, a free ski bus connects to nearby slopes and villages.
