If you love walking through dreamlike landscapes but also seek a culinary experience that leaves a mark, the Ütia de Bioch is a stop you can’t miss. Located at 2,079 meters above sea level, between La Villa and San Cassiano, in the heart of the plateau between Piz La Ila and Pralongià, this charming mountain hut blends Ladin tradition with gastronomic excellence, in a warm, welcoming and authentic atmosphere.
You can reach the Ütia de Bioch refuge in various ways, depending on the season and your sense of adventure.
In summer, one of the most beautiful routes starts from the top station of the Piz La Ila cable car, just a few minutes from La Villa. From there, an easy and scenic walk through pastures and trails takes you to the Ütia de Bioch in about half an hour. If you prefer a longer hike, you can also start from San Cassiano or Pralongià, following the loop trails of the plateau. It’s also a perfect area for mountain biking or e-biking.
In winter, however, you can reach it by skiing, as the hut overlooks the Alta Badia slopes. If you’re on the Sellaronda, a detour to Bioch will offer you a gastronomic stop, one of the most beloved by food lovers at high altitude.
At the Ütia de Bioch, the flavor is not only on the plate but also in the landscape. The panoramic terrace is one of the most beautiful in the area: you sit down, relax and in front of you, the Dolomites unfold, with the peaks of Lagazuoi, Sella, Sassongher, and Conturines framing the horizon.
The cuisine is a true celebration of Ladin tradition, revisited with balance and creativity. You can enjoy typical dishes such as cajinci t’ega (Ladin ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta), barley soup, goulash with polenta, or roasted pork shank, all prepared with local ingredients and great care.
Even the desserts are irresistible: kaiserschmarren served with cranberry jam, warm apple strudel with vanilla cream, or buckwheat cake, all perfect to end a memorable stop on a sweet note.
The Ütia de Bioch is also the perfect place to enjoy an aperitif with a view. When the sun begins to set and the peaks turn pink, the terrace transforms into one of the most picturesque spots for a toast in the mountains. You can order a glass of Alto Adige sparkling wine, a refreshing cocktail, or perhaps a perfectly made Hugo, accompanied by local snacks, freshly sliced speck or mountain cheese flakes.
The Ütia de Bioch is not just a refuge to stop and eat: it’s a place that invites you to slow down, breathe, and truly enjoy the mountain in an authentic way. The service is attentive, the atmosphere is family-friendly yet refined, and every detail – from the warm wood of the interiors to the selection of Alto Adige and Italian wines – reflects the passion of those who live this place every day.
Whether you arrive after a mountain hike, an e-bike excursion, or with skis on your feet, here you’ll find a true break, where flavor, beauty, and hospitality meet in perfect balance. If you’re in Alta Badia and want to treat yourself to a gastronomic experience with a Ladin soul, the Ütia de Bioch awaits you with a smile and a dish you won’t forget.
