Whether you’re travelling for invigorating hikes, scenic bike rides or winter skiing and snow-adventures, Alta Badia offers a remarkably efficient, car-free infrastructure.

For active travellers who prefer to avoid the stress of parking and traffic, the region delivers mobility via public buses, mountain lifts and a superb cycling network.

Below is a breakdown by season — covering lift operations, bus service, valley crossings and cycling opportunities.

Winter (December – March)

Lift & mountain mobility

Alta Badia forms a central part of the Dolomiti Superski area: ski lifts and cable cars link villages such as Corvara, La Villa, San Cassiano and Badia to the slopes and to neighbouring valleys.

The famed Sellaronda circuit (approx. 53 km around the Sella massif) allows cross-valley skiing into Val Gardena and Arabba without driving.

Gondolas and chairs also cater to non-skiers: take a lift to viewpoint or mountain hut and return via shuttle or bus.

Public buses & valley links

Frequent ski-bus services connect all village centres and lift bases — included at no extra cost with the local Guest Pass that many accommodations provide.

For non–ski-days or gentle transfers: regional coach routes such as the Cortina Express link Alta Badia to Cortina d’Ampezzo via Falzarego and Valparola passes.

Road buses operate to towns like Brunico/Bruneck (train connection) and beyond, so you can base yourself car-free and still explore neighbouring valleys.

Cycling & alternative winter adventures

Fat-bike rides (with snow-tires) are possible: above Badia, the La Crusc / Santa Croce lift allows bikes in winter, enabling guided snow-bike descents from Armentara to San Cassiano.

Many winter hiking, snow-shoe and ski-tour trails are accessible via lifts or buses — no car needed.

Spring (April – May)

Lift availability

Following the ski season, lifts shut for maintenance and summer conversion. The usual pattern: winter lifts close in early April, summer lift operations start mid-June.

In this transitional period (April–May) assume minimal, if any, lift service.

Bus service & valley access

Public buses continue year-round, though with reduced frequency. The Guest Pass still applies.

You can travel between villages and down to Brunico or other hubs by bus. Some passes (e.g., Gardena Pass) may open as weather allows — check timetables.

Cycling & hiking

Excellent time for road cycling: few cars on the passes, fresh mountain air, dramatic scenery. Climb passes like Gardena, Campolongo or Falzarego by bike.

Hiking is ideal at lower-to-mid elevations as meadows green and snow recedes. Start from village or bus-accessible trail-heads.

Since lifts are largely closed, rely on your legs and bus access to get above the valley.

Summer (June – September)

Lift operations

High-season lifts operate from mid-June to early October. Gondolas and chairlifts link villages to alpine plateaux and peaks.

The “Alta Badia Summer Card” provides unlimited rides on the lift network in the area (e.g., ~€46 for one day).

Use the lifts not just for ascent, but as links between villages or as lift-assisted rides on foot or by bike.

Bus & valley connectivity

Frequent bus services within Alta Badia, many free with Guest Pass.

Special shuttles such as the “Corvara–Colfosco Express” run every 30 minutes, connecting accommodations, town centres and lift bases.

Buses cross mountain passes in summer: e.g., Corvara → Val Gardena via Passo Gardena, or onward to Arabba via Passo Campolongo.

The Cortina Express remains active, enabling day-trips to Cortina d’Ampezzo and further by public transport.

Cycling heaven

Road cyclists: ride iconic Dolomite passes, join open-road events like the Sellaronda Bike Day where roads are closed to motor traffic.

MTB / gravel / e-bike: Use lifts that carry bikes to gain altitude quickly, then enjoy exciting descents or traverse alpine trails. The “Sellaronda MTB Tours” are popular.

E-bike sharing: stations at lift tops (Piz La Ila, Piz Sorega, Col Alto) allow one-way rides across the plateau and back.

Many hotels are “bike-friendly” (secure storage, rental service, routes provided) — enabling a car-free cycling holiday with support in place.

Autumn (October – November)

Lift availability

Summer lifts close around early October and remain shut until winter; assume virtually no lift operations during this period.

Bus service & valley access

Buses continue through autumn with reduced frequency. Guest Pass remains valid.

Road conditions are good, roads are quieter — an excellent time to tour by bike or hike.

Some high-altitude passes may close due to early snow; always check bus timetables and road status.

Cycling & hiking in the calm season

Early autumn (late September–early October) is ideal: colourful larch trees, crisp air, deserted roads for cyclists.

Road cycling climbs are quieter than in summer; perfect for active travellers seeking tranquillity.

By November, tourism is minimal. Buses still serve local needs, and you’ll enjoy a profoundly peaceful environment — perfect for resetting.

With lifts closed, plan hiking and biking based from the village or via bus to trail heads.

Seamless mobility: With a Guest Pass many buses are free; lift cards cover multiple rides.

Zero parking stress: No need to hunt for mountain parking or wait in traffic jams.

Reduced emissions, more tranquillity: Fewer cars means quieter valleys, better air and more immersive experiences.

Highly accessible for active travellers: Whether you’re hiking, road-cycling, mountain-biking or just exploring the villages, the infrastructure supports you.

Efficient valley linking: The combination of lifts, shuttles and long-distance coaches allows you to visit neighbouring valleys (Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Arabba, Cortina) without driving.

By structuring your days around lifts, buses and your own power, you’ll experience the Dolomites as they were meant to be — mobile, active, and unencumbered by wheels of your own.