From Barbara to Brando
The history of our chalet
Who is Barbara?
Let’s step back in time – a long step back more than 50 years!
1970. Arabba. Here, in the heart of the Dolomites, there are no proper hotels. Zero. Not a single one. Only historic guesthouses.
But our grandparents are here. Renata and Franco, together with their daughter Barbara.
As true pioneers of hospitality, they build the first large accommodation establishment: the Sporthotel. It’s their dream, and they believe in it so strongly that hotel continues to grow, right up to the major expansion of 1985 and beyond. They are tireless. Year after year, they welcome guests with warmth, care, and dedication.
Until one hotel is no longer enough! Click on the images and find out what happens next.
A chalet is added to the mix!
In 2001, Renata and Franco give the Sporthotel a little sister: Chalet Barbara, named after their daughter. Two establishments offering two different experiences, but run with love by the same family.
But we (Nicolò and Greta) don’t personally enter the story until much later …
Arabba calls Nicolò and Greta
It’s 2016 when Arabba calls to us – or rather, to Nicolò, who’s gaining valuable experience abroad. Nicolò decides to follow the call and return to his roots. Greta is always by his side. And, as you can see, we’ve never regretted our decision. For over 10 years, Chalet Barbara has been growing alongside us.
What a year.
A new addition has joined the hotels our family has been running for over 50 years: AlpeLuce mountain hut, featuring three fabulous ski-in, ski-out apartments on the Burz slopes.
And our own little family has also grown this year with the arrival of Brando: the new little master of the house. He’s the youngest of the Chalet Barbara team, but he’s already showing great promise: so far, he hasn’t missed a single meeting with his mum Greta and dad Nicolò!
So, now you know almost everything. We say almost, because the best is yet to come: just like every day in the mountains, our story holds the promise of more. We’re already hatching secret plans for our mountain hut. Curious? Don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated here.
Sustainability at Chalet Barbara
GSTC certification: what does it mean?
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is the most authoritative international standard for sustainable tourism. Chalet Barbara has embarked on the GSTC certification process and is currently undergoing certification with Vireo, a certification body that supports us and verifies our commitment in accordance with globally recognised criteria.
Why?
Because we’re in the heart of the Dolomites, in Arabba, amongst the peaks that embrace the Sellaronda, and every day we feel part of something extraordinary. Welcoming guests and living in such a unique place is not just a privilege, it’s a responsibility. That’s why we decided to bring structure, method, and transparency to what has always come naturally to us: taking care of the local area, people, and the future. And Brando approves.
Sustainability is about action, not words
It’s a commitment that can only be upheld by analysing data and implementing consistent policies.
- We use electricity that comes 100% from renewable sources.
- We constantly monitor the water flow rate and have installed flow restrictors to reduce consumption without compromising on comfort.
- Every year, we assess our carbon footprint to understand our environmental impact and reduce it over time through targeted measures.
We regularly monitor our energy and water consumption through monthly and annual reports, which we share with our team and with Vireo as part of the certification process. This lets us identify concrete areas for improvement and reduce waste month by month, year by year. A goal that is both simple and ambitious.
Sustainability in everyday life
Every day-to-day choice, no matter how small, contributes to real change. Two examples:
- Recycling: this has been part of our operations for many years, but through the GSTC programme we have further strengthened our practices by introducing specific standards to reduce plastic and prioritise reusable, low-impact solutions. Gestures that may be small, but you’ll notice them.
- A charging station for electric cars and a charging point for e-bikes to encourage more sustainable travel, including during your stay.
A breakfast that reflects the local area
In a boutique hotel that offers breakfast, the food served also contributes to sustainability: quality, seasonal produce, and direct links with local producers to support our community’s economy.
Here’s how we turn our morning buffet into a true reflection of the Dolomites every day:
- We work with local producers
- We offer locally sourced produce: tastier and more environmentally friendly
- We promote the region’s finest products to help it thrive
Education and social policies
Sustainability is also a culture, and it needs to be promoted.
- We train our staff every month in sessions dedicated to sustainability and shared responsibility
- We support policies that promote inclusion and respect, and we work with local organisations and events, actively contributing to community life
- Nicolò, the owner, serves as Sustainability Manager: he oversees the process directly, personally guides the development of our commitment, and advances this project that is an integral part of our identity.
We listen to our guests so that we can grow …
One of the cornerstones of GSTC certification is continuous improvement. We would add that sustainability is a shared journey. At the end of your stay, along with our welcome home e-mail, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you’ll be free to share your thoughts and suggestions on how we can make concrete improvements. We can’t wait to read them!
… and we look to the future
For Chalet Barbara, the certification process with Vireo marks the start of a structured, verified, and long-term initiative. Set against the breathtaking natural backdrop of the Dolomites, we aim to be a model of thoughtful, mindful, and respectful hospitality.
For us, hospitality means caring: for the landscape around us, the community we are part of, and the future we wish to leave behind.
And this is just the beginning.