A World Cup resort since 1985, it didn't take Alta Badia/La Villa long to become group of "Classics" with its spectacular and challenging GS race. The "Grand Risa" course is recognized as one of the most challenging on the circuit with its steep start and its long final slope which taxes the tiring legs. From Sweden's Stenmark to Switzerland's Michael von Grunigen, all top GS specialists have won there. The great Tomba, a four-time winner in Alta Badia, scored his first top-3 finish on the "Gran Risa" in December 1986, a year before his first win ever. Yet the organizers, among them former Italian downhill champion Marcello Varallo, want to produce more than just a ski race: in fact, the entire week-end is a great party which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year from Italy and other alpine countries. A huge tent located at the finish-area welcomes them during the festival.
The "La Ila" valley - the Ladin name of La Villa - is also famous for its great ski runs and the enjoyable atmosphere provided by the hotel managers and the great restaurants.