The Baitin and Santa Caterina’s golden age
There was once a time, up until at least 1600, when Santa Caterina Valfurva was not a renowned holiday destination. The mountain was thriving, taking shape thanks to its rich water springs, and remote ancestors had cleared the forest with axes to turn the slopes into meadows and pastures. During the summer, the inhabitants of Valfurva left the bottom of the valley to head to the alpine pastures, climbing to the “Magliaga plain”, about 1800 metres above sea level.
The wide marshy basin, which made the land unsuitable for use as pastures, was of no benefit to the valley dwellers until the end of the 1600s, when two individual springs were discovered flowing from underground: a spring of water rich in sulphur, and another one with so-called "akua forta” (strong water), which was rich in iron and with an acidic and sharp taste.
From that moment on, renowned medical professionals and scientists dedicated themselves to studying the properties of the water and, together with the vast numbers of tourists who enjoyed its qualities, made Santa Caterina Valfurva’s iron-rich spring famous.
In the early nineteenth century, word was spreading about mountaineering and it began to bring in its first enthusiasts. As a result, building new facilities was essential to accommodate increasing numbers of tourists. In just a short period of time, Santa Caterina became a major thermal spa tourism destination, and this lasted until the outbreak of the First World War when it became Italy’s front line.
At the time, travellers stayed in old yet homely lodges surrounding the church in the centre of the village. The "Baitin", a building that dates back to the first half of the nineteenth century, with large stone walls, wooden beams and panelling, and a traditional pioda-stone roof—perfect for braving the harsh winter—emerged among the village’s houses and modern luxury hotels.
Tradition & Innovation
As a sign of respect for its origins, the building has now been remodelled and transformed into a modern B&B with an authentic mountain feel: parts of the panelling and some interior furnishings are made from old planks of wood, the stone vault is reminiscent of an old entrance from yesteryear, and an old wooden window, which was restored during the renovation, welcomes guests at the entrance.
The complex
Al Baitin B&B is located in the heart of Santa Caterina Valfurva, within walking distance of the Gavia Pass, and 50 metres from the town square, the tourist office and the old bridge—an emblem of the town. Lift facilities are located just 150 metres away and provide access to the Santa Caterina Ski Area, while a free ski-bus can take you, in just a few short minutes, to a cable car bringing visitors up to the “Sunny Valley”—a heaven for ski lovers.
The complex covers 2 floors: one for rooms, and one where you will find the reception, the breakfast room and the relaxation area complete with fireplace, armchairs and large windows, where you can enjoy watching village life go by with a glass of wine and some local produce to savour.
We look forward to providing a truly unforgettable experience for you!!
The Compagnoni Family
Relax Room
Private Garage and public parking area nearby
Warmed ski room
MTB deposit and repair
Laundry service (on request)
Conventions for skis and boots rental
Conventions for mountains-bikes and electric-bicycles rental
Free Wifi access
Breakfast at
Al Baitin
At Al Baitin, breakfast is absolutely essential to start your day in the best possible way. In the "Saléta"—a word that comes from dialect to describe an old masonry room in mountain lodges—located on the ground floor, a generous and varied buffet is spread out over an old wooden work table, complete with freshly prepared hot drinks (coffee, cappuccino, tea and milk), fruit juices, freshly squeezed juice and fresh fruit, freshly baked bread and pastries, traditional cakes, authentic jams, cereals, eggs, cheeses, yoghurt, local cold cuts, and a wide selection of products prepared daily.
Relax front of the fireplace, enjoying the warm ambience and your breakfast in a cosy, tranquil and evocative setting with the feel of yesteryear, surrounded by the old, locally sourced wood used for the panelling. The large windows overlooking the village will spur you on to go and enjoy a one-of-a-kind day!
