Holidays in San Cassiano

At barely a kilometre long from top to toe, it’s easy to get to know San Cassiano (or San Ćiascian, in the local language of Ladin). Its roads smooth out along the green valley floor, leading between timber inns and eateries. San Cassiano church seems to mirror the mountains around, with its limestone cap, snow-white walls and finery-filled insides. There’s even a Wednesday food market – check out the salami and olive oil stalls – and the summertime concerts.

San Cassiano might be small, but the food scene is mighty. Farmhouse restaurants and trattorie cook up rich mountain dishes like spinach ravioli (cajincí te ega) and apple pancakes (pössl da pom). The bakeries and delis are the best place for a cappuccino and the Dolomites’ signature bomboloni alla crema doughnuts. Go in search of rare wines from small vineyards in the Tyrol and the delicious mountain food found in traditional rifugi (mountain huts). “Bun pro!”, as they say in Ladinia.

You never know what you might find while walking in the mountains around San Cassiano. In 1987, a local hiker exploring Conturines Cave made the headlines by stumbling across the remains of 12 prehistoric bears. The reconstructed skeletons are now at home in the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in San Cassiano. Over three floors, discover how archaeologists pieced together this previously unknown species of cave bear, while learning more about the intriguing geography and geology of the Dolomites.

Cable Cars

All our hotels are within walking distance to a nearby cable car, making it easy to head up into the mountains and start walking straight away. In the summer, lifts open from mid-June until early October. The Alta Badia official website has the most up to date information about the opening times of the main lifts in the area.

Buses

The buses are a useful and affordable way of hopping from place to place in the Alta Badia. If you use your free guest card, local buses are free (not applicable to the private Cortina Express bus), so they're a great option. To get to Corvara and discover an even wider expanse of walking trails, all you have to do is hop on the 465 bus which takes around 20 minutes.

Guest Card

When staying at any of our hotels in San Cassiano, you’ll receive a free Guest Card. This handy pass gives you free use of most public buses and local trains within the Alta Badia region (excluding the private Cortina Express). It’s a great way to get around the area and make the most of your walking holiday without the hassle of driving or parking.

Dolomiti SuperSummer Card

If you’re planning to explore higher-altitude walking trails or take on multiple lift routes during your stay, the Dolomiti SuperSummer Card is well worth considering. Available to purchase in resort, this pass gives access to 120 lifts across the Dolomites, bike transport included. A 3-day card costs €120 per adult (€84 for under 16s), while a 5-day card is €160 per adult (€112 for under 16s). Children under 8 go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Ask your resort rep for the best option for your plans, and check the Dolomiti SuperSummer website for the most up-to-date prices and details.