We don’t usually associate skiing with slowing down, but in Alta Badia, there’s one day where the aim isn’t first lift to last chair, it’s pacing yourself between glasses, lift rides and long, scenic descents. The Wine Ski Safari, or as the locals call it De Dl Vin, is essentially a moving wine tasting, set across the slopes of the Dolomites. What more could you want?
Updated: 1st April 2026
Rather than a sprawling route, the safari is centred around four mountain huts, all relatively close together, which means you’re not rushing across the whole ski area trying to tick things off. Instead, it feels contained and manageable, with short ski stretches between each stop and plenty of time to actually enjoy the experience.
The focus of the day is firmly on the wine (we’re certainly not complaining!). Each hut hosts a different South Tyrolean producer, and the format is simple: stop, taste, chat, then move on when you’re ready. There’s no rigid structure, which makes the day feel relaxed but still purposeful. The pours are small, but altitude has a way of amplifying things, so it doesn’t take long before you start to feel the effects. *
The wines themselves reflect the region perfectly: Alpine wines with a Mediterranean character, shaped by grape varieties grown at altitudes between 200 and 1,000 metres, giving them a rich, distinctive flavour profile. While Alto Adige is one of Italy’s smallest winegrowing regions, its geographical position also makes it one of the most multifaceted.
Piz Arlara on Wine Ski Safari
Food isn’t really the headline here, but it naturally becomes part of the day with the region regarded as a gastronomical hub. We stopped for lunch at Piz Arlara, and it ended up being a highlight in its own right. Set on a wide, sunny terrace with uninterrupted Dolomite views when the weather allows, it’s the kind of place you’d plan a long lunch around even without the safari. The menu is a step above your typical mountain hut, making it an easy, well-timed break between tastings. You can choose between Bioch, Piz Arlara, Tablá and Pralongiá to continue sampling a few of your favourites over a hearty Tyrolean feast.
In between huts, the skiing is exactly what you want for a day like this. Wide, cruisy runs make it easy to move around without too much effort, and the scenery does the rest. The dramatic peaks of the Dolomites are a constant backdrop, and with everything fairly close together, you’re never far from the next stop.
There’s also a subtle social element. You start to recognise the same people as the day goes on, moving between the same handful of huts. It never feels busy or chaotic, just quietly lively, with a shared sense of occasion. And of course, the different live music at each hut lends itself perfectly to a few impromptu dance moves – you may even end up in a conga line!
Snippets from the Wine Ski Safari
To make the most of it, it’s still worth starting reasonably early, but there’s no need to rush. With only four huts to visit, you can comfortably experience the full safari without it feeling like a mission. It’s ideal for confident intermediates who are happy cruising between stops, and anyone who likes the idea of a ski day with a slightly different pace. We’d suggest starting your wine tasting at around 10am if you’re planning to tick off every hut, but visiting three instead of four gives you more time to take everything in, and an 11am start leaves a little more room for a morning ski.
The Wine Ski Safari in Alta Badia keeps things simple. Four huts, good wines, great views and just enough skiing in between. It’s not about covering distance or clocking runs, it’s about enjoying the day as it unfolds, one glass at a time.
* Please remember, when skiing, the consumption of alcohol is permitted in moderate quantities; fines will be imposed if the alcohol level exceeds 0.5 per mille.
Wine Ski Safari: The Full Weekend
While the Wine Ski Safari is the highlight, it’s part of a wider weekend itinerary that turns a great ski day into something truly memorable.
You arrive on Friday and check into the welcoming Hotel Gran Paradiso, a relaxed and well-located base in the heart of Alta Badia. It’s the kind of hotel that immediately puts you into holiday mode, with easy access to the slopes and a calm, comfortable atmosphere to ease you into the weekend. And did we mention the wellness area?
Sauna in Hotel Gran Paradiso
Saturday is your first full ski day, a chance to explore the wider Alta Badia area and settle into the rhythm of skiing in the Dolomites. A natural stop along the way is the iconic Jimmi Hütte, known for its lively atmosphere, panoramic views and classic mountain hut energy. It’s the perfect introduction before the weekend’s main event.
Sunday is the Wine Ski Safari itself in Alta Badia. Four huts, exceptional South Tyrolean wines and a relaxed, scenic rhythm define the day, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites. It’s the signature experience of the trip, and one that feels unlike anything else on the mountain.
Then on Monday, the weekend finishes on one of the most spectacular ski routes in Europe. The legendary Armentarola piste begins with the famous Lagazuoi descent before continuing onto the 7.5km long run, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful ski runs in the world. The final stretch is pulled by the traditional horse-drawn lift across the valley, a uniquely Alpine experience that feels like stepping back in time, and the perfect way to end the trip before heading home.
Jimmi Hütte visit and arrival back to Gran Paradiso
It’s a weekend that builds perfectly: relaxed skiing to ease into the weekend, an unforgettable signature experience, and one of the most scenic ski runs in the Alps to finish.
Interested in joining us next year for a ski weekend unlike any other? Register your interest for the Wine Ski Safari in 2027, and we’ll be in touch with further details soon!
A winter lover, Annie first hit the slopes in her early teens before going on to complete her ski instructor qualification and two seasons in St Anton. While she’s now most often spotted on a snowboard, Annie still thrives on the thrill of chasing fresh powder and capping off her day with a little boogie – preferably at the Krazy Kanguruh!
Other articles you may like:
Top Luxury Ski Chalets for a 5-Star Alpine Escape: The Ultimate Guide (2025/26)
New for the Slopes: 2025/26 Ski Season