There is a place, above Pozza di Fassa, where the Dolomitic nature blends with creativity, and where works of art seem to emerge from the rock, wood and wind. It’s Art at Altitude, a captivating thematic trail in the Buffaure hiking area, offering a unique experience for those who wish to walk through extraordinary landscapes and artistic installations that are sure to move the soul.
The trail winds through the panoramic area of Buffaure, easily reachable by the Pozza-Buffaure cable car, which takes you up in just a few minutes. From there, a simple and well-marked route begins, immersed in a landscape with views of the Catinaccio, Sassolungo and the Sella Group. But what makes this hike truly special is what you don’t expect: contemporary art amidst the most authentic nature.
Art at Altitude is open during the summer season, typically from mid-June to the end of September, in line with the opening of the Buffaure cable car. The best months are July and August, when the trail is in full bloom and the clear skies offer incredible colors, but even September brings calmer, brighter atmospheres.
It’s not an open-air museum, and it’s not just a scenic trail. Art at Altitude is a journey into the Alpine imagination, a path dotted with monumental wooden sculptures created by the Trentino artist Franz Avancini. His works, made from natural materials, are inspired by wildlife, Ladin legends, and the forms of the natural world.
Here, you’ll encounter a giant eagle with a 12-meter wingspan, seemingly ready to take flight. A little further along, a wooden pack of wolves silently watches visitors, hidden among the tall grass. There are benches shaped like butterflies and dragonflies, perfect for a contemplative break, and then there’s the Bregostana, the witch from the Fassano legends, carved in her mysterious expression.
The beauty is that these installations don’t interrupt the landscape; instead, they blend perfectly with it: they seem to have been born there, among the trees and rocks, as if the mountain itself had shaped them.
The trail is suitable for everyone: children aged 5 and up, families, art lovers, curious hikers, and anyone looking to experience something different during a day in the mountains. The path is easy and accessible, even with a child carrier, although it is not suitable for strollers.
The little ones will be enchanted by the shapes of animals and legendary creatures, while adults can enjoy the connection between art and nature, letting themselves be inspired by a landscape that speaks without the need for words.
