San Cassiano
The Foodie Capital
Nestled at the foot of the Lavarella walls, San Cassiano is the most exclusive and peaceful village in Alta Badia.
San Cassiano feels worlds away from the busy Sellaronda, yet is fully connected to it. It boasts a charming pedestrian-only center, the highest concentration of Michelin stars in the Dolomites, and a spectator-row seat for the 'Enrosadira' sunset phenomenon. It attracts a discerning crowd who value privacy, exceptional food, and the stunning natural amphitheater of the Armentarola meadows.
Arrival & Logistics
San Cassiano is located at the end of the valley, a bit secluded from the traffic. It has large parking areas at the Piz Sorega lift base, keeping the village center peaceful.
The Horse Lift
"Don't miss the 'Horse Taxi' at Armentarola. It's the only place in the world where a team of Noriker horses functions as a ski lift. It saves you a boring flat push and is an eco-friendly tradition dating back decades."
The Verdict
Why Stay Here
- Pedestrian Center
- Michelin Star Dining
- Armentarola Run Finish
Trade-offs
- More Expensive
- Further from Sellaronda
- Requires connecting lifts
The Hidden Valley Run
San Cassiano is the finish line for one of the world's most beautiful ski runs: the Armentarola (Hidden Valley). After descending 7.5km through a frozen canyon from Lagazuoi, skiers are pulled back to the village by a horse-drawn sleigh lift—a magical experience unique to this village.
The Larch Forests
The 'Larch Trail' (Tru di Lersc) is a thematic path winding through ancient larch forests above the village. For families, the Piz Sorega plateau is a wonderland with bear-park adventure trails, reachable directly by gondola.
Ursus Ladinicus
The Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in the center of San Cassiano is dedicated to the prehistoric cave bear of the Dolomites. Fossils found in the nearby Conturines cave date back 40,000 years, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's geological past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Cassiano connected to Sellaronda?
Yes, via the Piz Sorega lift. From the top, you ski down to La Villa or Pralongià to connect to Corvara and the main Sellaronda loop. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach Corvara on skis.
Where do the horses pick you up?
At the bottom of the Hidden Valley run near the Hotel Armentarola. For a few euros, you grab a rope tow and the horses pull you almost 2km across the flat flats to the Armentarola ski lift.
Is it good for non-skiers?
Excellent. The Armentarola snowshoe trails are stunning, and the town center has high-end shopping and cafes. You can also take the gondola up to Piz Sorega for lunch with a view.
What is the 'Enrosadira'?
It's the phenomenon where the dolomite rock turns fiery red/orange at sunset. San Cassiano has a front-row seat as the walls of the Lavarella and Conturines peaks face west, catching the last light spectacularly.
