When picturing a safari, snow-topped mountains and freshly groomed pistes don’t typically come to mind. Though ‘safari’ is often used in reference to expeditions through the African wilderness, the term simply means a journey, an exploration, or a hunt. In the heart of the Dolomites, travellers can trade their hiking boots for skis and embark on a safari of their own: a remarkable gastronomic adventure through the mountains in search of exclusive gourmet dishes. Exhilarating descents and culinary treasures await those participating in Alta Badia’s Gourmet Skisafari.

The Gourmet Skisafari kicks off the ski season in spectacular fashion by inviting Michelin star chefs to share their culinary masterpieces with patrons atop the mountain. The event gives both novices and experienced skiers alike the opportunity to embark on a gastronomic journey through the Dolomites, travelling down the slopes from one hut to the next to enjoy gourmet dishes prepared by esteemed culinary experts. These dishes are enjoyed amidst the stunning backdrop of jagged mountain peaks and needled evergreen trees.

Held in Alta Badia, a luxury ski resort within the infamous Dolomite Mountains, the Gourmet Skisafari is part of the region’s most anticipated culinary festival, ‘A Taste for Skiing’. The event was created as a celebration of their culture and traditions, seamlessly blending their long history of winter sports with their rich culinary heritage in a marvellous display of regional pride. Over the years, the event has aspired to make a positive environmental impact – promoting limited-waste dishes and locally sourced ingredients to champion stewardship and sustainability. Indeed, Alta Badia’s Gourmet Skisafari is more than just an event; it is an ode to great flavours and experiences, encapsulating the very essence of Alta Badia: exhilarating skiing and gastronomic excellence.

Every dish created for the Gourmet Skisafari is rich not only to the palate, but also to the eye. These masterpieces have been meticulously created using local ingredients and designed with a genuine story behind them. Participants will have the opportunity to meet each chef in person and discover the story behind these bespoke dishes. In previous years, dishes have included ‘potato dumplings and puccia bread with graukäse cheese cream’ and ‘speck ragout and smooth cauliflower soup, teriyaki cockerel sauce, and potato churros with mountain mushroom topping’. Each meal is paired with a South Tyrolian wine that has been hand-selected by a South Tyrolian Sommelier, further honouring their commitment to championing local Italian cuisine.

Guest chefs for the tenth annual Gourmet Skisafari include Tomaž Kavčič, a Slovenian chef who reinvents regional cuisine whilst paying homage to the traditional, Massimiliano Alajmo, the youngest chef in history to be awarded three Michelin stars, Andrea Berton, who enhances traditional dishes to create modern masterpieces, and Simone Cantafio, whose extensive travelling has inspired an array of seasonal, spectacular dishes. Each of these Michelin-starred chefs will bring their own culinary flair to the slopes, celebrating Alta Badia’s cuisine in a day of fine-dining that will certainly elevate the alpine experience.

It’s not all about the food, however. The slopes themselves are reason enough to visit, with over 130km to explore in Alta Badia alone, and over 1200km in the Dolomiti Superski area. The Dolomiti Superski is the largest ski area in the world, and participants in the ‘A Taste for Skiing’ festival will have access to the entire area under one single pass.

For travellers seeking a challenging descent, Gran Risa is the place to ski. This black slope is a slalom ski course specially designed for the Ski World Cup, offering a 448m drop on a maximum 69% gradient that’s bound to challenge even the most adrenaline-seeking skiers. For those who prefer a more relaxed descent, there are plenty of blues and reds to enjoy. Whatever your preference, routes of various abilities can be taken during the Skisafari, meaning even the greenest of skiers can participate in the gourmet fun.

When it comes to a ski trip, where you stay is equally as important as what you do. After a long day of carving the piste and hunting down gourmet delights, a stay in a luxurious mountain retreat is the best way to rest and recuperate. Fortunately, Alta Badia boasts a vast selection of hotels that allow you to do just that. La Perla Hotel is one of these gems. Seamlessly balancing cosiness with contemporary splendour, La Perla adopts a ‘hospitality-first’ philosophy, ensuring that guests experience the retreat of a lifetime. Their luxurious wellness spa, high-end Italian cuisine, and alpine-inspired décor elicit an unmatched sense of harmony and satisfaction.

Alternatively, Hotel Col Alto blends comfort with indulgence to create an idyllic setting that truly feels like home. Guests can relax their muscles with a dip in their whirlpool and dry off in their lavish solarium room – basking in the sunshine that frames the Dolomite mountains. Their modern suites and blazing fireplaces create an unparalleled sense of luxury for all who visit.

Alta Badia’s Gourmet Skisafari is truly an event like no other. As guests travel from one dish to the next, they experience an action-packed skiing adventure that engages all the senses. The event harmoniously combines luxury cuisine with the rush of a winter expedition to create a celebration of everything Alta Badia represents – exceptional landscapes and unparalleled cooking.