A Ladin valley famous for its traditions and its majestic mountains such as Catinaccio and Marmolada.
The Val di Fassa is located in the north-eastern Trentino, nestled between South Tyrol and Veneto, and extends along the course of the river Avisio. It borders the Val di Fiemme to the south and the Val Gardena and Alta Badia to the north, and is accessible through some of the most spectacular Dolomite passes, including the Sella Pass, the Pordoi Pass and the Fedaia Pass at the foot of the Marmolada.
The Val di Fassa is located in the north-eastern Trentino, nestled between South Tyrol and Veneto, and extends along the course of the river Avisio. It borders the Val di Fiemme to the south and the Val Gardena and Alta Badia to the north, and is accessible through some of the most spectacular Dolomite passes, including the Sella Pass, the Pordoi Pass and the Fedaia Pass at the foot of the Marmolada.
Reaching the Val di Fassa is easy both by car and public transport. Those travelling by car can take the A22 Brenner motorway, exit at Bolzano Nord and then continue on the SS241 through the Val d’Ega to Vigo di Fassa or Ora/Egna along the SS48 which crosses the Val di Fiemme. From Veneto, the most scenic route passes through Belluno, Alleghe and the Passo Fedaia or the Pordoi.
For those who prefer the train, the nearest stations are in Bolzano (40 km), Ora (50 km) and Trento (85 km), connected to the valley by bus from SAD and Trentino Trasporti. During the high season, direct buses also leave from Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, Venice, and Verona. For a more comfortable transfer, taxis and private transfers are available from the airports of Verona, Venice, Bergamo, Milan and Innsbruck.
Canazei is the most renowned center, reference point for skiers and hikers thanks to its strategic location at the foot of the Sella Group. The famous Sellaronda starts here, one of the most famous ski trails in the world, while in summer the trails lead to legendary peaks such as the Marmolada, the Sass Pordoi and the Sassolungo. The mountain atmosphere blends with a modern tourist offer, including luxury hotels, restaurants and lively clubs.
Going down the valley, Moena, known as the “Fairy of the Dolomites”, welcomes visitors with its charming old town and its gastronomic tradition, represented by the famous Puzzone di Moena DOP. This village, the first in the valley for those coming from Val di Fiemme, is the starting point for the slopes of Alpe Lusia – San Pellegrino in winter and for beautiful walks through woods and mountain huts in summer.
A short distance away, Soraga stands out for its tranquility and its connection with traditional crafts, especially wood carving. Surrounded by meadows and with a privileged view of the Catinaccio, it is the ideal place for those seeking relaxation in contact with nature.
Continuing, Mazzin, the smallest town of the valley, and its hamlets Campestrin and Fontanazzo, maintain an authentic atmosphere with their old Ladin houses frescoed. This corner of the valley is perfect for those who want to discover the Val Udai or venture towards the Sella Group, exploring less frequented routes but full of charm.
Campitello di Fassa is an essential destination for mountaineers and skiers, thanks to the Col Rodella cable car, which leads quickly to the Sassolungo massif and the slopes of the Dolomiti Superski, or the ski areas Col Rodella and Sellaronda. There is also the Ischia Sports Centre, where you can try climbing, horse riding, an adventure park, golf, hang gliding and paragliding.
With the administrative union of Vigo and Pozza, the town of San Giovanni di Fassa was born, which today is a reference point for the whole valley, hosting the main public services, including the hospital.
Pozza di Fassa, with its hamlet of Pera di Fassa, is an oasis of well-being thanks to the QC Terme Dolomiti, where the thermal waters offer a regenerating experience. From Pozza also starts the path that leads to the wonderful Val San Nicolò, one of the most picturesque valleys in the area, characterized by wooden huts, streams and alpine pastures.
Vigo di Fassa, overlooking one of the most spectacular views of the valley, is a strategic point to explore the Catinaccio. The cable car leading to Ciampedie is the starting point for numerous hiking trails, suitable for both families and experienced mountaineers.
Among the most fascinating and less known places, Fuciade, above the San Pellegrino Pass, is a charming destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the peace of the mountain. Its refuge, famous for hospitality and fine cuisine, can be reached by a panoramic walk in summer or with snowshoes in winter.
Another unmissable corner is Gardeccia, a natural balcony that opens the doors to the Catinaccio Group and the legendary Vajolet Towers. Accessible on foot or by shuttle from Pera di Fassa, it is the starting point for some of the most beautiful and iconic hikes in Val di Fassa.
Summer in Val di Fassa offers endless possibilities for nature and sport lovers. The Dolomiti di Fiemme e Fassa cycle path is a panoramic route of 48 km that crosses woods and meadows, ideal for cycling tours, even with e-bikes. For those who want to admire the Dolomites from above without facing great differences in altitude, the Panorama Pass allows access to the ski lifts to reach spectacular points such as Col Rodella and Ciampedie.
Hikers can explore the evocative Path of Legends, visit the Vajolet Refuge and the Principe Refuge, or admire natural wonders such as Lake Carezza and the San Nicolò Waterfall. Adrenaline enthusiasts will find thrills in the via ferrate, rafting on the Avisio stream, or in the suspended paths of the Dolomiti Action Adventure Park.
Mountain bikers can test themselves on the trails of the Fassa Bike Park and watch the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, while runners can participate in the Dolomites Skyrace and the Val di Fassa Running. Finally, the art blends with the landscape thanks to the wood sculptures of the project “Arte in Quota”, while the panoramic points of Col Rodella and Val di Fassa Pass offer views of the Dolomites.
With the arrival of spring, the Val di Fassa is dressed in new colors and scents, offering a quieter atmosphere but equally suggestive. Lakes and waterfalls, such as the fairytale Carezza Lake and the majestic San Nicolò Waterfall, reach their maximum splendor, creating enchanting scenery.
The mountain huts, still little frequented, offer an authentic taste of alpine life, with fresh specialties such as cheeses, butter and the famous yogurt of the Malga Jumela, above Pozza di Fassa. For a moment of pure relaxation, the Dòlaondes Water Centre in Canazei, with sauna and jacuzzi, is a regenerating break after a day outdoors.
In winter, the Val di Fassa perfectly prepares its slopes that are part of the Dolomiti Superski, the largest ski area in the world. Among the most spectacular experiences there is the Giro dei Quattro Passi (Sellaronda), a route that crosses four Dolomite passes without ever taking off the skis. The areas of Buffaure, Canazei and Campitello have slopes for every level, while cross-country skiers can walk the track of Marcialonga, one of the most prestigious races in Europe.
For those who want to learn, the ski schools of Val di Fassa offer courses for all ages, with areas equipped for children such as the Kinderpark. Transfers between the resorts are made easy by the ski buses, which allow you to reach the lifts easily. To make the winter even more special is the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, which brings the emotions of international alpine skiing every year in Canazei.
In addition to skiing, the Val di Fassa has many alternative activities, such as snowmobile excursions, toboggan runs and dinners in the mountain huts, reachable with the snow cat to taste typical dishes in a unique atmosphere. During the Christmas period, the Christmas markets offer a fairy-tale atmosphere with lights, local handicrafts and gastronomic specialties. Among the most fascinating traditions is that of the Krampus, the alpine creatures that animate the streets of Advent with eerie masks and cowbells.
Autumn in Val di Fassa has golden forests with foliage and the peaks illuminated by Enrosadira. It is the perfect time to discover local customs, such as the Desmontegada, the festival of the return of cattle from the alpine pastures, parades and tastings of typical products.
Relaxation at the QC Terme Dolomiti di Pozza di Fassa is an unmissable experience, as well as tasting traditional desserts such as Kaiserschmarren, apple strudel and delicious krapfen in local restaurants, ideal to enjoy in mountain huts. To deepen the Ladin culture, if it rains outside, the Ladin Museum of Fassa in Vigo offers an interesting overview of the history and traditions of the valley, making this season perfect for those seeking nature, relaxation and authenticity away from mass tourism.
