Corvara in Badia is a village and comune in South Tyrol, northern Italy, about 40 km (25 mi) east of Bolzano and 1,568 m up at the head of Val Badia. It is the main centre of Alta Badia, ringed by Dolomite peaks, with Sassongher standing directly over the houses — the mountain that gives the village its three-peak coat of arms, granted in 1969. Around 1,400 people live here, most of them Ladin speakers. Winter is skiing on the Sellaronda circuit; in summer the seven-pass Maratona dles Dolomites finishes in the village.
Corvara in Badia
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €). ATMs are widespread in cities and towns and accept major international credit and debit cards. Credit cards are accepted in urban and tourist areas; cash is essential in rural regions and small towns.
- Language
- Ladin is the everyday language here, more strongly than in the Dolomites generally: the 2024 census recorded 87.12% of residents with Ladin as a first language, against 10.23% Italian and 2.65% German. Place names appear in all three languages. English is understood in the hotels and ski schools.
- Power plug
- Europlug (Type C), Schuko (Type F) and Type L (Italian three-round-pin) sockets are in use. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz.
- Visa
- Schengen visa-free for 90 days (non-EU/EEA citizens). EU, EEA and Swiss citizens may stay indefinitely. All non-EU/EEA/Swiss visitors must declare their presence within 8 days of arrival. Stays longer than 90 days require an appropriate visa and residence permit.
- Time zone
- Central European Time (CET): UTC+01:00. Central European Summer Time (CEST): UTC+02:00 (last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
- Tap water
- Safe to drink. Tap water is well maintained throughout Italy and perfectly drinkable. In some peninsular areas it may be cloudy with a slight taste; most Italians prefer bottled water. Public fountains marked 'Acqua potabile' are safe to refill from. Avoid fountains marked 'Acqua non potabile'. Southern coastal areas may have an unusual taste due to desalination but water is always safe.
- Tipping
- Not customary. Restaurants include a service charge (coperto); waiters do not expect tips. Leaving loose change in bars and cafés is common. Tips cannot be added to credit card bills—bring cash if you wish to tip.
- Emergency
- 112 (Carabinieri, general emergency); 113 (Polizia di Stato); 115 (Fire Department); 118 (Medical Rescue).
When to go
High season
Dec – Mar
Ski season, and the busiest stretch of the year. Corvara in Badia sits on the Sellaronda circuit, so the village works as a base and fills accordingly.
Low season
Apr – May
The snow retreats from the valley floor while the high ground above the village stays buried. Quiet roads, and thin on much else.
High season
Jun – Sep
Walking and road cycling. The passes around the Sella massif draw riders all summer, the Maratona dles Dolomites finishes in the village, and Alta Badia is at its fullest.
Low season
Oct – Nov
Autumn colour down the valley, then a flat stretch of short days and turning weather before the snow settles.
How long to stay
Two or three days covers the village itself and the frazioni of Colfosco and Pescosta, with the Sassongher wall in view from most of it. Skiers and road cyclists stay longer: a week based in Corvara in Badia puts the Sellaronda circuit and the passes around the Sella massif within reach without changing hotel.
Getting around
No railway reaches the head of Val Badia — everything arrives by road. Corvara in Badia lies about 40 km (25 mi) east of Bolzano, and the drive in climbs to the village at 1,568 m. Roads carry on from there over the passes towards Sëlva, Canazei and Livinallongo del Col di Lana, so a car does most of the work in summer. In winter the lifts take over: Corvara in Badia is one of the standard starting points for the Sellaronda circuit around the Sella massif, and the neighbouring frazione of Colfosco (Ladin: Calfosch) sits on the same road up towards Passo Gardena. Mountain passes come with mountain weather. Check road conditions before setting off in snow.
What to see
Destinations in Corvara in Badia
Frequently asked questions
Where is Corvara in Badia?
In South Tyrol, northern Italy, about 40 km (25 mi) east of Bolzano, at the head of Val Badia and 1,568 m above sea level. It is the main centre of Alta Badia and borders Badia, Canazei, Livinallongo del Col di Lana, San Martin de Tor and Sëlva.What language is spoken in Corvara in Badia?
Ladin, by a wide margin. The 2024 census recorded 87.12% of residents with Ladin as their first language, 10.23% Italian and 2.65% German. The village carries a German name too: Corvara, or Kurfar.What is the Maratona dles Dolomites?
An annual single-day bicycle race that crosses seven mountain passes. The finish line is in Corvara in Badia.How big is Corvara in Badia?
About 1,400 residents. The municipality also takes in the frazioni of Colfosco and Pescosta.Does Corvara in Badia get crowded?
In season, yes. Michil Costa, who owns the La Perla hotel in the village, told a 2023 television documentary on overtourism in the Alps that the area has too many tourists.