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Three Alpine Villages
Arabba, Corvara & Pedraces
A charming mix of modern mountain resorts and tranquil step back in time.
At the heart of the Dolomites just south of the Austrian border and not far north of Venice, two stunning valleys wend their way below spectacular mountains to their terminus at the foot of Monte Sella, a vast and glorious massif, and one of the seven great Dolomite peaks that exceed 3000m.
Situated between the Val Gardena to the west and Cortina to the east, Val Livinallongo (Arabba) and Val Badia (Pedraces & Corvara) combine to make a winter paradise for skiers of all levels, snowshoers, winter walkers - indeed, anyone with a passion for mountains and idyllic alpine valleys.
Collett's offers half-board and self catering chalet accommodation in the enchanting villages of Arabba (1602m), Corvara (1537m) and Pedraces (1324m). In these we offer access to organised (or independent) ski days, snowshoeing and winter walking... and much more.
These villages are in magical settings, each enhanced by a startling backdrop of majestic peaks, which glow rose pink at sunrise and sunset; this is the enrosadira and it brings a mystical air to the valleys. The panoramas will absorb you for hours, as you gaze up to a seemingly unbroken rim of remarkable massifs, which dramatically pierce the gentle landscapes of the valleys, which, in turn, are characterised by Tyrolean hamlets, where traditional farm buildings and alpine chalets huddle around the spires of their picturesque churches.
The people here are helpful and friendly. Few speak good English, but most have a go. Amongst themselves, they use a centuries-old Ladin dialect but otherwise Italian (and German) prevail. We at Collett's have a special rapport with many local people based on years of mutual respect and friendship. This will have positive repercussions for you and you soon feel at home here.
The villages themselves are a charming mixture of modern mountain resort and tranquil step back in time. Attractive modern chalets and hotels are interspersed with rustic alpine dwellings and timbered farm buildings. They have equipped themselves well for the holidaymaker without compromising their unquestionable charm. There are banks with cashpoints, supermarkets, shops (including some excellent winter sports shops), delightful restaurants, cafes, bars and pizzerias. Life is unhurried and easygoing.
These villages boast strategically superb locations with excellent access to the SuperDolomiti ski network and the tranquil snowfields and woodland which make the snowshoeing and winter walking in this area so appealing.
on Route 3 above Corvara
above Pedraces
Arabba
At 1602m, Arabba is one of the highest ski resorts in the Dolomites. It lies just to the north of the area's highest peak and only glacier, the Marmolada (3343m), 'Queen of the Dolomites.' Yet it is the striking dominance of the Sella, which towers gloriously behind this cosy and picturesque alpine village, that will stay with you forever. Arabba is about the same size as Pedraces and has various shops, including two mini-markets, three sports/leisure clothing shops, a couple of cashpoints, a chemist, several bars, cafes, restaurants and pizzerias. In some respects it is more compact and cosy than Pedraces, which is a little more spread out.
Being in the Veneto (just), Arabba is a little more Italian in character than its South Tyrolean neighbours to the north. It lies on the old 'Dolomites Road' (Strada dei Dolomiti), which meanders through breathtaking scenery to and from Arabba. As a springboard, its location is unrivalled, especially for the downhill skier. It is a key village on the celebrated Sella Ronda ski circuits and it is the gateway to the Marmolada Glacier. Its labyrinth of north facing red and black runs remain in excellent condition well into April and yet it is on the doorstep of a whole network of more intermediate pistes for the less ambitious skiers. Arguably it is the best ski resort in the Dolomites, whilst Corvara and Pedraces (although superb ski centres) offer better opportunities for walkers and snowshoers.
Collett's has had a presence in Arabba for many years; we have a special rapport with many local people based on years of mutual respect and friendship. This will have positive repercussions for you and you will soon feel at home here.
after a long days Snowshoeing
Val Badia ~ Corvara & Pedraces
The South Tyrol became a part of Italy after WWI. Prior to that, it was in Austria. Corvara and Pedraces are two of the six principal villages of the Val Badia, unquestionably one of the South Tyrol's most beautiful valleys. Today, this valley thrives on the harmonious co-existence of both the Austrian and Italian cultures, making it part of a unique region, where Latin meets Germanic.
The local people embrace their culture and are proud of their surroundings and alpine traditions. The pace of life seems slow and there is a sensation of stepping back in time. But despite its traditional and pastoral 'feel', the Val Badia is actually a modern mountain dwelling community with an enlightened, yet reassuringly conservative approach to tourism. The infrastructure is impressive and largely 'state of the art', the result being a unique atmosphere of character and charm, where the winter holidaymaker is spoilt for choice.
Corvara
Nestled spectacularly under the vast and dramatic walls of the Sella massif, Corvara is a beautiful alpine resort for both skiers and winter walkers. It is the largest of the Val Badia's six villages and provides outstanding access to the slopes for skiers and to the snowfields and winter trails for walkers and snowshoers. Our Chalet Verena has a prime location just a few yards away from both the village centre and the ski fields.
At 1537m, Corvara is the second highest village on the Dolomiti Superski network and a key resort on the celebrated Sella Ronda ski circuit. It lies in between Arabba and Pedraces beneath the towering Sella Massif and Sassongher.
Pedraces
Pedraces is a gem and encapsulates the overwhelming beauty of the Val Badia. Here the valley opens up dramatically into a landscape of gentle snowfields, woodland and Tyrolean hamlets. The village itself is stunningly set below the vast wall of the Fanes Massif, which towers impressively above. At sunset, this wall glows flame-red and brings a mystical air to the villages and hamlets dotted around the valley below.
