As experienced trail runners, we didn’t run as much as we expected, but it didn’t matter in the long run, as the sections that were speedily hiked provided some of the most spectacular views imaginable.

Igor’s and Oscar’s accomodations prior to and after the tour were first class.

Excellent adventure and we are trying to get back to do the Alta Via 2, possibly.

Enrico is the consummate professional mountain guide. His skills as a climber are unsurpassed, not that we ever climb anything that would tax his ability. One climb that comes to mind that showcased his skills was the Campanile Dulfer climb, and it wasn’t even the 350 meter climb that impressed us, it was his incredible rope handling skills in setting up the seven brutal rappells required to descend the mountains. They were executed smoothly and continuously, with no knots or ropes getting stuck, so that we got down in what felt like minutes. I usually belay Enrico during the climbs and his fluid climbing style is a pleasure to watch. He has a wry sense of humour but he never compromises safety and security while climbing. He has been climbing the Dolomites for decades and he’s very familiar with almost all of the classic climbs of any grade. He has a good sense of our ability level and what kind of shape we’re in and adjusts his style and pace accordingly. I am 67 years old and it’s good to know that we are not climbing with a macho individual who’s going to brutalize us. Over the years, Enrico has become a good friend as well as our only guide in Cortina. His English, sketchy years ago, has improved greatly. Check out his excellent web site, one of the best climbing sites around, and he does it all himself! We love Enrico’s company; he’s generous to a fault, always punctual, always professional.

Igor patiently answered dozens of my e-mail questions regarding everything from weather forecasts to bike repair to internet options. We booked our hotel, airport transfer and the Maratona entry all through the Holimites. Everything went great. We were very happy to be met at the airport by an English speaking driver with a vehicle big enough for our bike bags and after a beautiful but sleepy jet-lagged drive we were delivered to our hotel (The Gran Ander…great!).

By booking our Maratona package through the Holimites we were guaranteed entry into this very popular event as well as number of very cool ‘value-added’ surprises. Not the least of these surprises was the triple digit starting numbers that allowed us to start from the front of the group. Although we were afraid of being run over at the starting gun, we had fun hanging out in the first group with the media, the fast guys and the famous…yep…Mario Cipollini was there. We passed him on the first climb. Take that, Cipo!

Also, the Holimites are a great source of information and resources for other activities besides cycling. So if you are considering a trip to the Dolomites (and you should be!) or already on the ground there I would highly recommend contacting the Holimites!

The hotel itself is located in privileged part of Alta Badia. High on the side of the valley the hotel commands an ‘eye-level’ view of the magnificent Santa Croce from nearly every window. Whether from the balcony of your room, the comfortable dining room or the expansive deck your eye will always be drawn to the play of sunlight and shadows on the rock walls of this iconic monolith. You’ll want to spend some time just looking at Santa Croce and the surrounding hillsides and there is no better location than the Gran Ander. On a more practical level, the bus stop, the tourist office and a small supermarket are all within a 5 minute walk from the hotel.

The food at the hotel is excellent. I had some reservations about committing to a full board plan. What if we didn’t like it or we got bored with what was served? All I can say is that we had no need to worry. You could choose the Gran Ander for the food alone! It’s really that good. Andrea is a skilled chef who is intensely dedicated to freshness and flavor. It’s not unusual to look up from the antipasto course and see him snipping herbs from the on-site garden to add to the night’s entrée! And even though the food is based on local ingredients there is nothing ‘provincial’ about the food. The plates look and taste as good as anything from a fine restaurant in San Francisco or Buenos Aires. This being Italy, the wine list is as good as you would expect with the neighboring countries represented as well. Try the Lagrein from the local Alto-Adige region.

Most of the other guests that we talked to had stayed at the Gran Ander before. That’s usually a good sign, I find. So consider this my hearty recommendation for the Hotel Gran Ander. The food is great, the beds are comfy, the towels are soft, there is wi-fi and TV and the coat hangers are not locked to the rail. All the things you look for in a hotel. But, more importantly, Andrea, the hotel staff and the Irsara family share a trait with others in the Dolomites: they love where they live and work very hard to make you love it too. In the case of The Hotel Gran Ander, they have succeeded!

I am an avid trail runner, always travelling to new places and deeply experiencing the respective countryside by running its trails. Mutual friends suggested Badia as the base for my explorations and here the Pensione Gardenazza. As an athlete I consider Badia as being in the centre of all activities, no matter what sport you are doing, i.e. runneing, mountain or road biking, cross country or downhill skiing. Badia gives you access to all trails and downhill slopes as well as to further activities …

… and Family David and their Pensione Gardenazza is the perfect spot to relax, when you return from your adventures. Any of the family members has a smile and an ear for you. Although busy with preparing the great breakfast buffet or a delicious four course menu in the evening, everybody has a minute to chat with you. After breakfast or dinner Oskar and his family have more time and are able to provide suggestions for the next day activities. They are as enthusiastic as their guests and share your joy about your vacation.

As soon as one stops the car in front of the Pensione, one feels as arrived. A nice house with nice rooms as well as big and light dinner halls welcomes you … and a huge backyard, where guests can sit and read books, while their kids play on various stations of the “playground”, i.e. the ping-pong table, the trampoline, the swing etc.

Every other guest that I met at Pensione Gardenazza was relaxed and enjoyed his/her stay, too. It was easy to get in a conversation with those people … and if not, Oskar established the communication.

For sure, I will come back to Badia to explore more of the beautiful Dolomites. And for sure will I stay at Penzione Gardenazza.

Igor Tavella is a great proprietor. This was our first time in the area and he was always ready to answer any questions we had and give us suggestions for sightseeing and bike routes. None of the bike rental shops were open in the early season but he called a friend and hooked my brother and I up with bikes for the day.

Can’t wait to take a winter trip here!