#2: Wine Ski Safari in Alta Badia, Dolomites, Italy
You can watch or listen to this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dXpOGhwVmOE.
This episode focuses on one of my favorite ski areas, Alta Badia, and skiing experiences, the wine ski safari. Alta Badia is part of theDolomiti Super Ski region in northern Italy’s Dolomite mountains. The sheer beauty is overwhelming, and it is no surprise UNESCO made this place a World Heritage Site in 2009.
I spent a day speaking with wine producers, restaurant owners, and brand managers to learn about the local wine, food, and culture. This episode covers the significance of the region as one of Italy’s first ski areas, the beautiful wines fromSüdtirol/Alto Aidge, how Alta Badia mixedculinary excellence, wine, and skiing to create unique world-class events, and the uniqueness of local Ladin culture, including itslanguage andfood.
The map below is centered on the village ofCorvara, where I prefer to stay. From Corvara you have direct access to the 40km (25 mile)Sella Ronda ski circuit, which you can experience in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Themountain huts andrestaurants offer spectacular views and unique regional cuisine. The added value of Corvara is that it is home to severalexceptional gastronomic and wine events, the valley is drenched in sunshine, and theexpansive slopes are perfect for both beginners and expert skiers. Butsummer in the Dolomites is also special - you have theMaratona dles Dolomites bicycle race, beautifulhiking trails, and a myriad ofother activities.
Year after year, this is a place to which I find myself returning , and each time I learn and taste something new. The wine ski safari in Alta Badia is unique, but its format is being imitated across the Alps. Imitation is, after all, the most sincere form of flattery.
LINKS
Interviews with:
Wines and vintners I recommend:
St. Pauls -Weissburguner Riserva Passion
Elena Walch -Beyond the Clouds Chardonnay Blend
Wine Cooperative Colterenzio -Gewürztraminer
J. HofstätterSteinraffler Vigna Lagrein
Colterenzio Winery -Website
Alois Lageder -Biodynamic wines
Other Links:
Corvara in Badia
Sciare con Gustoculinary event
Maratona dles Dolomitesbicycle race
Webcam fromPiz Arlara
Ladin Language and Culture
Music:
SHOW NOTES
00:46 Intro
04:07 History of Alta Badia - Sylvia, Alta Badia Brand Manager
05:40 Overview of the Wine Ski Safari, Nora, Kellerie St. Pauls
08:30 Deep dive on Südtirol wines and terroir
14:43 Transforming Alto Adige into a gastronomic tourism destination
16:35 Sciare con gusto - Skiing with Taste
19:03 Lagrein, a rich, complex, and delicious local red wine variety
19:53 Ladin culture, traditions, and language
21:55 Regional cuisine - “the dumplings!”
23:26 Pairing food and wine - the speck and cheese!
25:26 Summer activities in Alta Badia
26:30 Upcoming events - the original ski sommelier experience
