There’s something magical about the way certain people can spark a deep longing to explore a place. It’s not just about the destination itself—it’s about those who bring it to life through their lens or words, creating something far beyond the usual ‘insta-worthy’ shots.
That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled across the breathtaking work of Manuel Ploner. His photographs of Alta Badia - his home in the heart of the Dolomites -stopped me in my tracks. The Dolomites are stunning by any measure, but Manuel has a way of capturing their essence that’s utterly hypnotic. His images don’t just show you the Dolomites; they make you feel them.
And here’s the twist: photography isn’t his profession - it’s his passion. By day, Manuel is a professional skier, carving his way through the mountains he so clearly adores. Yet his hobby reveals a soulful connection to his home that makes you want to pack your bags and see it through his eyes.
It’s people like Manuel, with their ability to capture the heart of a place, that inspire journeys you’ll never forget.
Where were you born?
San Cassiano, Alta Badia, Italy.
Where do you live?
I still live in San Cassiano.
What inspires you here?
To live in the heart of the Dolomites with amazing mountains all around, beautiful slopes, and amazing people. I feel amazing energy every time I’m at home.
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Dreamer, disciplined, and respectful.
Describe the Dolomites in 3 words:
Magical, peaceful, and colorful.
Tell us about what you do.
I’m a professional skier with a big passion for photography. I‘m training and racing a lot; besides that, I love to go out to discover new places and photograph them, possibly at sunset or sunrise.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Training in the morning, lunch, and then a short nap. After that a good espresso to wake up and train again. When I have some time left, I grab my camera and go somewhere in the mountains. If not, I head back home for a smoothie while taking a bath. After that I have dinner, then maybe I meet with some friends; if not, I go to sleep pretty early.
Favourite places in Alta Badia and the World for:
Coffee: Rifugio Pradat (in winter), Colfosco. I had one of my best cappucinos somewhere in Canggu, Bali.
A long lunch with friends: Utia Crëp de Munt, Corvara and Dome, Lombok
Dinner: La Bercia, La Villa and Le Terrazze Chiaia di Luna, Isola di Ponza
Dancing: L’Murin, Corvara and Single Finns, Bali
A sunset drink: Bar la Vedla, San Cassiano or Rifugio La Ütia (in Winter), The Junction, Gili Trawangan in Bali or Le Terrazze Chiaia di Luna in Ponza
Art: Tru di Artisc, San Cassiano (a walking path from La Villa to San Cassiano where you can discover a bunch of sculptures of local artists) or simply just go out and you will see one of the most beautiful masterpieces on earth, the Dolomites!
Culture: Ristorante Maso Runch, Badia (where you can try the real Ladin food). All around Italy and Samos and Creete Islands in Greece.
Music: Bosch Bar in San Cassiano (they organise some amazing live music events in the summer). Some are going to hate me for this, but definitely Coachella Festival in California.
Nature: Armentara or Fanes. Siargao in the Phillipines or Lombok in Indonesia.
Favourite getaway: Sass de Stria. When I go there for sunset, I can escape from the hectic day and really enjoy the present moment.
Secret spot to explore in San Cassiano OR Alta Badia: Pralongia for Sunset (Enrosarira is amazing from there in summer) or La Valle. (Santa Berbura church)
What are your 3 favourite restaurants on the mountain? La Ütia, San Cassiano, Crëp de Munt, Corvara, Utia Jimmy, Passo Gardena
Who/what is inspiring you right now? Books of Gianluca Gotto and @sheck on Instagram as creators.
Other local brands do you love, and why? Movimënt Alta Badia: they offer a lot of fun activities in winter and summer to make a vacation in Alta Badia even more memorable. All Ski schools in Alt Badia offer quality lessons to learn skiing in the Dolomites for every skill level.
Favourite tunes?: Beso by Wakyin and Carlos Vives, World Hold on by Bob Sinclair; and Feed your Head by Paul Kalkbrenner
What does a perfect day look like for you in San Cassiano and surrounds?
My perfect day at home is probably going to be a sunny day in autumn, the most colourful and peaceful time of the year. A good training in the morning and then a full afternoon out there in the Dolomites. I grab my 45-year-old Vespa and drive up to Passo Gardena, then I walk somewhere, possibly the Gran Cir Peak, where I can relax, mostly reading a nice book waiting for sunset, and (hopefully) enjoy the Enrosadira from one of the best spots in Alta Badia. I always have my camera in the bag; if I take her out to shoot, it means it was a good sunset, and that means it was a perfect day for me!
Top tip for travellers to the Dolomites?
Let you be inspired by the magic of the Dolomites; don’t do things in a hurry; if you visit a place, take your time to really enjoy that place... I love to read books in nature; it helps me to calm down, relax, and fully connect with the surroundings. Remember to always respect nature. You should definitely go for a sun rise (I suggest Gran Cir or Sass de Stria) and for a sunset. You won’t regret it, I promise! In winter, definitely go skiing, do the Sella Ronda, and go to Lagazuoi, the best views for skiing! Discover the local culture and try the local dishes; that’s the full experience!
An interesting fact about Manuel Ploner?
I prefer summer to winter.
Your motto to live by…
Change is painful, but nothing is as painful as being stuck in a life that makes you unhappy.