Corvara is the epicentre of Dolomite tourism. In 1938, Italy's first ski lift was built here, the very same year that the Pezzei family opened their doors. Nearly nine decades on and not much has changed in terms of hospitality and heart. The hotel is right in the centre of the village, a short stroll from the gondolas that connect to the legendary Sellaronda circuit and over 1,200 kilometres of slopes. And it's not just about snow either: in summer, swap your skis for hiking boots or a road bike and tackle the same jaw-dropping passes. The Ladin culture in this corner of South Tyrol is also fascinating — three languages, a fiercely proud identity and food that borrows from neighbouring Austria and the Italian classics.
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The original alpine lodge and a newer wellness wing are connected by an underground passage, so you can wander, dressing gown-clad, from bedroom to pool without braving the elements. The lobby is anchored by a beautiful stone fireplace, and there's also a classic Cigar Lounge with plump Chesterfield armchairs for a post-dinner grappa. The Iceberg Lounge Bar, built around a striking Russian granite counter, hosts live music twice a week in winter. Dinner is a four-course affair of South Tyrolean and Italian dishes made from local produce, with a weekly Ladin evening.
Across 14 room categories, the style is modern alpine — think pale local timber, loden textiles and clean lines rather than overdone chintz. The entry-level doubles are lovely, though the Sassongher Suites earn their name with lovely views of Corvara's most iconic peak and spacious bathrooms. For a splurge, the Panorama Suite is hard to beat: 100 square metres, a private fireplace and an outdoor hot tub on the terrace with views of the Dolomites. The Wellness Deluxe has its own Finnish sauna too, ideal after a long day on the slopes.
In winter, it's all about the skiing. The Sellaronda circuit, a 40 kilometre loop crossing four mountain passes around the Sella massif, starts practically on the doorstep, and the wider Dolomiti Superski area offers a staggering 1,200 kilometres of pistes. Don't miss 'Skiing with Flavour', where mountain huts along the slopes serve gourmet dishes from local chefs. Come summer, the Pralongià can be reached by the Col Alto gondola right across the road and it's all gentle trails, wildflower meadows and mountain hut lunches. Road cyclists flock here for the Maratona dles Dolomites, and the hiking possibilities are endless.
The 1,000-square-metre spa is spectacular! Think Finnish sauna, salt steam grotto, tepidarium and an indoor pool, all with mountain views for when your legs are too tired to do anything else.
The hotel co-founded the Alta Badia Golf Club and guests get a 20% discount. At 1,700 metres above sea level, it's one of the most scenic nine holes you'll ever play.
The Hotel Col Alto is a family hotel (and the kids' facilities are excellent), so if you're looking for a real retreat, the atmosphere might be livelier than you'd expect, especially during school holidays.
Where outdoorsy dreams come true in a truly cinematic landscape.
