Fit has become the new hip - the UK's parks are awash with lycra and mud-clad sports folk, its streets are filling with health food shops and juice bars and trendy gym-goers are looking for the next challenge. As more and more people choose to relax through sport, exercise and activities the popularity of action and adventure destinations like Alta Badia looks set to grow.

For a new take on a traditional Alpine summer holiday, Alta Badia's 'Explore Your Way' will raise heart rates and smiles in a multitude of ways. The programme showcases Alta Badia UNESCO world heritage site as the ultimate natural training ground. It aims to expand horizons by introducing holidaymakers to new activities, routes and adrenalin rushes whatever their sporting level or preference. 

'Explore Your Way' is split into four sections: 'Natural gym', 'Rock your body', 'Bike' and 'Flying', which approaches the landscape from all angles and delivers the information holidaymakers need to make the most of the natural environment. The region's dramatic mountainous terrain is mapped out with the best trekking, trail running, geocaching, mountain biking, climbing, via ferrata, e-biking, paragliding routes and more. The 'Explore Your Way' information hub provides everything a tourist needs to know about what's offered in the area from what to try, where to rent equipment, where to meet the guides, how to book an activity and where to start on a trail. As well as set self-guided trails recommended by local experts there are also free guided activities and programmes.

In this natural fun park there is always a boundary to break and a limit to push. 'Explore Your Way' ensures holidaymakers leave the office far behind and achieve complete escapism and relaxation.

What's trending and where to find it in Alta Badia

Trail running

The interest and participation in trail running has boomed in recent years and continues to grow according to the UK Trail Running Association (www.tra-uk.org). This mountain running sport takes participants through natural surroundings and beautiful landscapes and reaches its peak in Alta Badia. Local expert Andreas Irsara has provided a recommended route for 'Explore Your Way' that's not to be missed for trail running enthusiasts. Departing from Badia you reach the S. Croce mountain hut and continue along the trail towards San Cassiano through pastureland and mountain pine woods at the feet of the majestic rock faces of Sas dla Crusc and finally arriving at Glira and San Cassiano. The route takes running enthusiasts to the highest peaks and ensures the best views and terrain in the region.

Geocaching

This challenge for mind and body has exploded onto the mobile scene and become a world sensation. The treasure hunt phenomenon is modern, high-tech, sophisticated and only the smartest will win! Alta Badia invite holidaymakers to exercise both mind and body in an attempt to find the local stash. GPS devices can be picked up at the stations Piz La lla and Piz Sorega where adventurers can start the navigation. Geocaching takes people to amazing places they'd never think to explore and is an exciting way to discover Alta Badia.

Mountain Biking

Big biking days out are the next big thing. Alta Badia offers all day epics and Freeride fun under the towering limestone peaks of the Dolomites - it's an undiscovered world of stunning single track awaiting those looking for a new destination away from the busy French Alps. The Sellaronda MTB tour is the mountain bike brother of the classic road circuit which covers four famous mountain passes. The 59.2km ride takes in high alpine single track and, thanks to the chairlifts, offers up over 3000m of descent with only 681m of climbing. For the adrenaline inclined there is a more aggressive downhill trail, accessed from the Gardenaccia lift that drops from 1750m down to the town of La Villa.

E-biking

For those that need a little extra boost an Electro bike with assisted pedal power is a great way to explore. An e-bike sharing concept in the mountains has been launched by Alta Badia working in a similar way to 'Boris Bikes' in London and using a brand new range of the latest Trek mountain bikes. Mountain bikers of all levels can follow a network of trails together using as much electro-assistance as they need. It's a great way for families and mixed-ability groups to have fun together and achieve individual goals. There are two drop off points in the villages of Corvara and la Villa and three recharging and drop off points on the peaks at the Col Alt, Piz la Ila, Piz Sorega. Suitable for over 14s the prices start from 9€/12€ for adults based on half day/full day rentals. See 'Explore Your Way' for recommended routes.

Slacklining

A true test of balance and control, slacklining is a dynamic, modern and young sport that tests the powers of beginners and professionals alike. In the Movimënt area at the Piz La Ila there are six slacklines of varying levels of difficulty. It's an incredible feeling and an extraordinary thrill to walk the rope and progress through the levels.

Take a speed hike

Speedhiking is the more aggressive alternative to hiking with poles and lighter equipment. In Alta Badia there are more than 400 km of well-laid out and signposted trails to choose from and it's the ideal way to explore the unspoilt beauty of the surroundings on foot.

The Ultimate High

Alta Badia believes life begins at the edge of your comfort zone and the 360 degree experience of 'Explore Your Way' aims to help you find it. Those that want to take relaxation to the extreme should tackle Alta Badia's vertical climbs and drops. The Dolomites are regarded as being among the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Dramatic pale limestone faces, towering rocky spires and the contrasting horizontal ledges and crags are what make this mountain range so spectacular and extraordinary. The area is a climber's paradise and there are many established routes and via ferrata courses that will work the whole body and take adrenaline levels to a peak.

If clinging to a rocky race isn't your thing why not get a new perspective from the air. Paragliding, hang gliding and even base jumping are available in the area. Three times hang gliding world champion Alex Ploner hails from Alta Badia and recommends his favourite flight route in 'Explore Your Way.' Holidaymakers can fly tandem with expert local pilots or learn to fly in one of the most inspiring landscapes in the world. Visit: tandemflights.it for more information.

Explore Your Way Hotels and Holidays

The Alta Badia website offers the facility to create a tailored 'Explore Your Way' Holiday. Specific hotels are affiliated with the scheme and host an in-house expert to advise holidaymakers on the vast range of activities available in the region. The hotel package will also include two guided 'Explore Your Way' activities with equipment and expertise provided.

Those looking to create a tailored 'Explore Your Way' holiday just need to open an account, select one of the four 'Explore Your Way' categories and request information from the tourist office. They will respond with an ad hoc programme tailored to the individuals needs. It will also enter subscribers into a competition to win another exciting holiday to Alta Badia.

For more information visit: http://exploreyourway.altabadia.org/en/ or call +390471836176