90 Years of Excellence: Richard Pescosta tells the story of Hotel Sassongher.

90 Years of History at Hotel Sassongher narrated by Richard Pescosta, protagonist for over fifty years in the most beloved five-star hotel in the Dolomites.

Since 1933, a story of passion and art of hospitality

In Corvara, in the heart of the Dolomites, there lies a hotel with a history that dates back to 1933. It’s the story of the Hotel Sassongher, the family-run five-star hotel cherisched by guests from all over the world. 90 years of history and passion for hospitality and love for the infinite natural beauty of the region Alta Badia. This story is told us by Richard Pescosta, owner of the hotel alongside his wife Rita, for over 50 years.

A story of skillful attention, which day after day has been able to create unique ambience where style and elegance that do not conform to common standards, but seek in the excellence of the details that authentic essence which makes it extraordinary. Hotel Sassongher embodies this exclusive allure. It’s that flavor of tradition and deep respect for the identity of the place that is preserved every day to honor its roots.

Richard Pescosta tells the story of Hotel Sassongher

Let’s immerse ourselves in the fascinating story of the birth of the Hotel Sassongher through the memories of Richard Pescosta, who, took the “Pensione Sassongher” from his father.

1933, Pension Sassongher is born

The 1930s marked the dawn of tourism in the Dolomites. The first ski school in Corvara was established, and ski pioneers like Franz Kostner envisioned great things for this amazing territory, Val Badia. At the foot of the Sassongher peak stood a small structure where the heart of hospitality was already beating strongly.

Richard Pescosta tells: 

“The history of Sassongher begins in 1933 when it was still called Casa Pescosta. Between 1933 and 1935, my father, Sandro Pescosta, rented out 5-6 rooms during the winter to Countess Von Athems from Berlin and her friends, who chosen Corvara for their winter vacation – a true honor. In 1935, the first renovation began, turning it into Pensione Sassongher, a small hotel with a dining room, breakfast room, a large lounge, and around 35 beds“. This marked the official start of Sassongher’s hospitality, with the issuance of License No. 2 on June 19, 1935: ‘Pension with Restaurant.’ And so it began! In 1939, Sandro and his wife Clara Pescosta embarked on their hotel adventure together.

The 1950s, with the Taverna and the Disco Club

Richard Pescosta’s story continues from the post-war period: “In the early 1950s, Pensione Sassongher expanded with the construction of an additional floor of rooms, increasing capacity to 60 beds and equipping all the rooms with hot and cold running water, a great news for that time!”

Meanwhile, the love for the mountains and winter sports surged, and Corvara in Val Badia emerged as the queen of snow. In the 1960s, Richard Pescosta took over the reins of Hotel Sassongher, introducing a new concept: a Tavern, designed as a bar and meeting place for the guests. The beauty of the convivial atmosphere among guests remains one of the strengths that characterizes vacations at Hotel Sassongher in Corvara to this day.

Unique style Hotel Sassongher

“In 1963, the new wing of the hotel was built, and between 1966 and 1967, the rooms were furnished. In 1970, the Tavern was expanded and turned into the Sassongher Disco Club, a meeting point that would become known throughout half of Italy for its unforgettable jukebox music”

Later on, in 1973, Hotel Sassongher passed into the hands of Richard Pescosta and his wife Margherita Pederiva, who initiated a renovation of the older wing of the structure. Between 1976 and 1977, they carried out the restyling of the rooms in the new section, transforming them into elegant spaces equipped with a sitting area. A touch of uniqueness was added by incorporating fine antique furniture from the Ladin and Tyrolean valleys, elements that stand out today as truly unique pieces within the hotel.

The Sassongher “Stue” are born, a fusion of history and style

The 1980s saw the explosion of winter tourism in Alta Badia and Sassongher was further renewed to ensure the excellence in hospitality that already distinguishes it.

“In 1981, the indoor swimming pool with hydromassage, the sauna and solarium area and the two pearls of Sassongher were built at Sassongher: the Stua dl’Jager (1500) and the Stua delle Dolls (1883) used as a restaurant“.

“In 1981, Sassongher saw the construction of an indoor pool with a whirlpool, a sauna and solarium area, and the two gems of Sassongher, the two “Stube” (Parlours) used as a restaurant: the ‘Stua dl’Jager’ (1500) and the ‘Stua delle bambole’ (1883).”

New but with style: the Sassongher’s Bar

With the end of the 1980s, new works began at Sassongher to offer new services, which Richard Pescosta vividly recalls: ‘In 1986, the Conference Hall and the gym were opened, and the Dining Room was renovated. Meanwhile, the era of the Disco Club ended in 1997: the times no longer allowed for coexistence between a nightclub and a 4-star hotel. After a successful restyling that managed to preserve its historical character, the new Hotel Piano Bar was born, confirming the elegance and tranquility demanded”

Even today, the Sassongher’s Bar remains a meeting point for a drink and lively moments of conviviality, particularly cherished during musical evenings that accompany the after-dinner moments.

Top services for Hotel Sassongher

“In 1999, the ‘Sassongher’ undergoes a complete renovation with a significant increase in room size, from 40 to 65 square meters in 37 rooms, to provide spacious and comfortable spaces. The Romantik Stube was then introduced, furnished with wood dating back to the 1700s, along with a reading room from 1550. Furthermore, the conference hall is expanded and can now accommodate up to 100 seats. In addition, a children’s playroom and a well-equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts are established“.

Confirming its distinctive style, Hotel Sassongher commits to a path of continuous improvement, investing in modernizations and cutting-edge services to provide a comprehensive experience for its guests.

“In the autumn of 2002, the rooms on the first and second floors are completely renovated, adopting more contemporary lines. Moreover, a total restyling of the Wellness Center is carried out, offering a wide range of comforts including hydro-massage, Finnish sauna, aromatic sauna with mountain essences, vitarium, Turkish bath, sensory shower, relaxation area, and dedicated spaces for rest with comfortable water loungers.”

Confirmation of excellence: the 5 Star recognition

Richard Pescosta’s story becomes increasingly dense as he shares all the news of the 2000s:

“In 2010, an elegant and comfortable SPA is added, complementing the existing Wellness Area services: 3 new massage rooms, a treatment area, and the new Vital Dome for exclusive wellness treatments”

“In 2011, a significant recognition marks the transition to excellence: Hotel Sassongher upgrades from 4 to 5 stars.

“A milestone that requires even greater commitment to offer services befitting this prestigious rating. In the same year, the restaurant areas, all interconnected, undergo careful restructuring, and a space dedicated to the buffet is created. The elegant ceiling in precious antique wood, a distinctive and defining symbol of Sassongher, is preserved, in line with the rest of the structure“.

Cutting-edge services and environmental care

“In 2012, the indoor pool was renovated to better integrate with the environment of the Wellness area and SPA. Between 2013 and 2014, in response to increasing environmental sustainability, solar panels were installed. Furthermore, in 2014, the kitchen underwent a complete restructuring, designed not only to save energy but also to adopt new working methods in compliance with HACCP regulations, in line with modern tourism business practices.”

The modern marries tradition

We are now in modern times, and Richard Pescosta tells us about another significant renovation that has brought Hotel Sassongher to what we know today, with the new wing and the addition of exclusive services:

“In 2018, the new wing of the hotel was added, featuring 13 spacious new rooms, a large Relax Wellness – SkySPA area with sauna and panoramic jacuzzi, a bright and comfortable children’s play area, a large gym, the refurbishment of the meeting room, and a large cinema hall equipped with top-quality technology and Dolby surround sound system.”

The flagship of exclusivity: the private heliport

But the list of new excellent services is not over. As part of the renovation works, Hotel Sassongher surprises how to surprise its guests with an incredible exclusivity: a private heliport a few steps from the property, a unique service that stands as a true demonstration of attention to excellent services.

Hotel Sassongher. A 90-Year Story of Style.

Since winter 2013, Francesco Morini, the grandson, has been at the helm of Hotel Sassongher, confirming the 90-year family management continuity. Sassongher has come a long way, starting as a guest house in 1933 and now an elegant and refined five-star hotel in Corvara! Perched majestically overlooking Corvara and nestled at the foot of the Sassongher peak, the luxury-family-run Hotel Sassongher, a partner of the most prestigious international brands, remains an icon of style and authentic hospitality in the Dolomites.”

Unforgettable Stay Experiences

A special thank you to Richard Pescosta for sharing this wonderful story, to Rita Pescosta, the soul of the hotel’s style, and heartfelt appreciation to Francesco Morini and the entire team at Hotel Sassongher for their ability to create unforgettable stay experiences for their guests!”

Redazione Hotel Sassongher
39033 Corvara – BZ

ph: +39.0471.836085
mail: info@sassongher.it

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