Alta Badia is one of the Alpine Ski World Cup’s longest-established venues. This winter, the South Tyrolean resort will mark a first: the men’s slalom on 21 December 2026 will take place under floodlights. The giant slalom on the famous Gran Risa course will still be held in daylight the day before. Recreational skiers can also look forward to new developments and special events throughout the season.
Two World Cup Races on the Gran Risa
The Gran Risa piste in the village of La Villa has hosted World Cup races since 1985. The steep, tree-lined course is best known for its demanding giant slalom, but slalom races are also held here. Skiing greats such as Alberto Tomba and Marcel Hirscher have claimed victories on this slope and helped shape its history. The first night slalom now brings a new format to Alta Badia’s World Cup programme.
Racing begins on Sunday, 20 December, with the men’s giant slalom during the day. The two runs are scheduled for 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. On Monday, the inaugural floodlit slalom starts at 5:45 pm, with the second run following at 9 pm. The evening schedule makes it easy for spectators to spend the day skiing before watching the race. Music in the finish area starts at 4 pm, with interviews featuring guests from the sporting world planned between runs.
The accompanying programme gets underway on Saturday, 19 December, with an opening ceremony. Tickets go on sale through the organiser’s website at 10 am on 15 October 2026. Options include grandstand seats in the finish area and a range of hospitality packages.
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Season Starts on 4 December: 130 Kilometres of Pistes and 54 Lifts
The winter season in Alta Badia is scheduled to begin on 4 December 2026 and run until 4 April 2027. The ski area offers 130 kilometres of pistes and 54 lifts. With 74 kilometres of blue runs and 47 kilometres of red runs, most of the terrain suits beginners and intermediate skiers. A further 9 kilometres of black runs cater to more experienced skiers.
A new piste, numbered 5c, is planned for the Arlara sector for the 2026/27 season. Older drag lifts are also due to be replaced with more modern lifts of the same type, while parts of the snowmaking system will be upgraded. New solar panels are planned for several lift stations.
The ski area extends from around 1,300 to 2,800 metres above sea level and provides direct access to the Sellaronda, the well-known ski circuit around the Sella massif. According to the tourist board, connections to neighbouring ski areas put around 500 kilometres of pistes within reach on skis from Alta Badia. This opens up longer day trips without having to get back in the car.
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Special Days on the Slopes: Early Starts, Gear Tests and Good Food
Visitors can get out on the slopes themselves around the World Cup races. For SunRisa on 21 December, selected lifts open at sunrise, followed by breakfast at several mountain huts. At Test the Best on 20 and 21 December, skiers can try out the latest skis, poles, helmets and goggles at the top station of the Piz La Ila gondola.
On four Thursdays in February 2027, Bun de Gran Risa offers the chance to ski the World Cup piste before it opens to the public. The gondola starts at 6:50 am, with two runs accompanied by ski instructors followed by breakfast at Club Moritzino. On three dates, the “Gran Risa Ski Tour – Then and Now” brings together former World Cup racer Roberto Erlacher and piste manager René Pitscheider to share stories from the racecourse’s history.
Food also features in the winter programme: during the Gourmet Skisafari on 13 December, leading chefs serve their dishes at various mountain huts. The Wine Skisafari follows on 21 March 2027, with South Tyrolean wine tastings at Ütia Bioch, Pralongiá, Piz Arlara and I Tablá.
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