What to See in Val di Fassa: Attractions, Beautiful Villages, and Itineraries

The Dolomites, surrounded by lush nature in summer and snow in winter, have always ignited the imagination of writers, painters, and photographers. With their colors, scents, towering heights, steep and rugged trails, they can leave anyone breathless who stands before them. Among the valleys of this alpine area, there is one that, more than others, offers numerous services to tourists, without losing its identity and remaining firmly connected to its ladin traditions: Val di Fassa. Let's discover what to see and do in Val di Fassa

Imagine being in the heart of the Alta Val di Fassa, surrounded by rocky walls that rise majestically into the sky: you are in Canazei. This village is not just a privileged starting point for adventures in the Dolomites, but a place where traditional alpine architecture merges with a vibrant holiday atmosphere. As you stroll through its streets, you will encounter charming flower-adorned balconies and buildings that tell centuries-old stories, a dive into the past coexisting with modernity. The cable cars await to take you to great heights, offering breathtaking views, such as the "Terrace of the Dolomites" at Sass Pordoi, a natural balcony nearly 3,000 meters above sea level where your gaze gets lost among peaks and valleys.

The cable cars have seasonal hours, typically from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM during peak season. It is always advisable to check specific hours on the official website. The cost for the cable cars varies depending on the route and type of ticket (round trip, daily). A single ride to Sass Pordoi can cost about 20-25 euros. Discounts are available for children and seniors. Check updated prices on the websites of the respective companies.

Canazei is easily accessible by car via the SS48 of the Dolomites. Numerous bus lines connect it to Trento and Bolzano. From other villages in Val di Fassa, it is often reachable on foot or by bike via the cycling path. (Get directions)

If you have time, don't limit yourself to the cable car, but take one of the trails that start from Sass Pordoi. Even just a short stretch will give you a sense of freedom and unforgettable views, especially at dawn or dusk when the Dolomites turn pink.

Moena, affectionately nicknamed the "Fairy of the Dolomites," welcomes you with its discreet charm and fairy-tale atmospheres. The painted facades of its houses, the welcoming squares, and the slow flow of the Avisio river create an image of tranquility and beauty. It is the ideal place for those seeking a peaceful vacation without giving up the chance to explore the surrounding nature. Along its streets, you will find artisan shops and restaurants where you can savor the authentic tastes of ladin cuisine, from the famous Puzzone di Moena cheese to more traditional recipes. The Turchia neighborhood, with its oldest houses and symbolic fountain, will make you feel in another time, a corner of history revealed step by step.

Moena is easily accessible by car via the SS48. There are regular bus connections with major cities and other towns in Val di Fassa. (Get directions)

A must-try is the "Puzzone di Moena," perhaps accompanied by a good glass of local wine. Don't let the name fool you; its strong and aromatic flavor is a true delight and a symbol of this land.

Vigo di Fassa will surprise you with its panoramic position, nestled on a gentle slope offering privileged views of the Catinaccio peaks. This village, recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," is a concentration of history and ladin culture. Walking up its winding streets, you can admire the enchanting Church of Santa Giuliana, an ancient place of worship that safeguards precious frescoes and offers a unique viewpoint over the town and the surrounding mountains. Nearby, the Museo Ladin de Fascia allows you to delve into the traditions, language, and identity of this mountain community, a true repository of local knowledge.

Vigo di Fassa is reachable by car or by bus lines connecting the valley towns. It is also connected by a cable car to Ciampedie. (Get directions)

If the weather allows, take the cable car from Vigo and ascend to Ciampedie. The view from up there is breathtaking, a true "Field of God" as the name in ladin suggests. It's the perfect starting point for easy walks with incredible views.

Pozza di Fassa is a lively center that offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Here the air smells of mountain and vitality, with the Avisio river running through it and the Dolomites providing a stunning backdrop. Beyond traditional walks and various hiking opportunities for all levels, Pozza is famous for its thermal waters, a true remedy for the body and mind. You can spend an afternoon pampering yourself or set off to explore the side valleys opening from the town, such as Val San Nicolò, a paradise for lovers of wild nature and roaring waterfalls.

It is also the starting point for the Pozza di Fassa-Molina di Fiemme cycling path, where you can ride immersed in nature, with the Dolomites as your backdrop and the sound of the river accompanying you!

Pozza di Fassa is well connected to other villages in Val di Fassa via the SS48 and the bus service. (Get directions)

If you are looking for a rejuvenating experience, don't miss a visit to the Terme Dolomia in Pozza. The natural sulphur waters will pamper you and give you the energy to continue exploring the wonders of Val di Fassa.

Campitello di Fassa, small but dynamic, is a true crossroads of trails and ski lifts, the ideal starting point for high-altitude enthusiasts. Here, the energy of the mountain is palpable, with the Col Rodella cliffs looming over the town and inviting exploration. It is a place where sports thrive, from hiking to trekking, and even downhill mountain biking. But Campitello also offers quiet corners, with its traditional architecture and shops displaying local products. The atmosphere is authentic, far from the frenzy of larger resorts, but with all the comforts for a vacation centered around physical activity and nature.

Campitello di Fassa is easily reachable by car and bus from the SS48. It is also a strategic point for accessing the Sellaronda. (Get directions)

If you are a hiking enthusiast, I recommend taking the cable car to Col Rodella. From there, incredible panoramic views open up on Sassolungo and Sella, where you can embark on trails leading to alpine huts with spectacular vistas.

Soraga, the smallest municipality in Val di Fassa, welcomes you with its serene atmosphere and the enchanting Soraga Lake, an artificial basin that reflects the surrounding peaks, creating a rare beauty. This village is the emblem of tranquility and the slow mountain life, where time seems to slow down. Strolling along the shores of the lake, enveloped in the quiet of the landscape, is an experience that rejuvenates the spirit. Its small churches and traditional ladin houses, often adorned with colorful flowers, testify to a deep connection with the territory and its roots.

Soraga is located along the SS48 and is easily reachable by car. It is also served by bus lines running through Val di Fassa. (Get directions)

Prepare for a complete immersion in the wild nature of Val San Nicolò, one of the most iconic and spectacular side valleys of Val di Fassa. This enchanted valley will gift you breathtaking views, with lush pastures, coniferous forests, and the imposing waterfalls of Ruf de San Nicolò cascading between the rocks.

It is the ideal place for hiking, with a non-demanding route and very little elevation gain, suitable for everyone. You can start from the parking lot in front of the Resort Vidor or from the guarded parking lot a little further ahead, and in about an hour and a half of uphill trekking, you'll find yourself immersed in meadows, woods, and streams, until you reach a suggestive waterfall near the Ciampie refuge. Here you can breathe pure air, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility broken only by the sounds of nature, an experience that reconnects you with the simplicity and primordial beauty of the Dolomites.

How to get there: from Canazei, you can reach Pozza di Fassa in about 8 minutes by car via the S.S. of the southern Dolomites - Get directions

If you visit the valley in spring or early summer, you will witness the blooming of rhododendrons and other alpine species, which make the landscape even more colorful and suggestive. Bring comfortable hiking shoes and a camera; the views are incredible!

For trekking and long walks enthusiasts, Val di Fassa offers four stages of the Via Alpina, a network of five trails extending 5,000 km across eight European countries. This project aims to enhance mountain trails, offering routes of rare beauty and various levels of difficulty. In Val di Fassa, you can tackle sections like Passo Pordoi - Rifugio Contrin (16 km), Rifugio Contrin - Fontanazzo (15 km), Fontanazzo - Rifugio Antermoia (9 km), and Rifugio Antermoia - Rifugio Bolzano (11 km).

These trails, while not presenting particular difficulties and not requiring specific preparation, are recommended for those who already practice trekking, offering a deep and immersive experience in alpine nature. Each stage begins from points easily reachable by cable car or by car, ensuring access to breathtaking views and the chance to feel the authentic energy of the Dolomites.

All stages must be started from their respective starting points, all accessible by cable car or by car to dedicated parking areas. Get directions

Even though the trails do not present particular difficulties, it is always better to check the weather conditions before leaving and to bring appropriate clothing and a good supply of water. A good pair of hiking boots makes a difference!

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush and a unique way to 'fly' through the woods, Ciampedie, reachable by cable car from Vigo di Fassa, is the starting point for the Fly Line Catinaccio Rosengarten. It is the longest 'free flying' structure in Italy and the second in Europe, an unforgettable experience that allows you to glide for 1,100 meters with a drop of 190 meters. Imagine the sensation of freedom as you soar through the air, with the wind in your hair and the Dolomites unfolding beneath you in all their majesty. You'll depart from the Pian Pecei ski lift, about 200 meters from the cable car arrival, and live an activity suitable for all ages, giving you a unique and fun perspective on the Dolomites, making you feel an integral part of the surrounding landscape.

All cycling enthusiasts in Val di Fassa can find countless paths to cycle on Mountain bikes or leisurely bikes, with varying levels of difficulty due to route type, duration, and elevations. The bike path under the woods from Pozza to Molina is about 30 km long, with a return option using equipped buses that can carry your bike in case you are too tired to bike back. It's not particularly difficult and is very relaxing. In summer, there are many events for fans of this activity: the Marcialonga Cycling Craft, Sella Ronda Bike Day; the Dolomites Marathon, and the Giro delle Dolomiti. Many rental shops are available throughout the valley.

If your spirit is that of an eagle and you dream of soaring through the skies, the slopes of Col Rodella and Belvedere are the preferred launch points for paragliding enthusiasts, a true sanctuary for free flight in Val di Fassa.

Here, even if you are a novice, you can approach this thrilling experience in complete safety, accompanied in tandem by qualified instructors. Imagine the sensation of freedom as you rise into the air, with the wind in your hair and the Dolomites extending beneath you in all their majesty.

You can contact Sport Check Canazei (Streda Dolomites 147 Canazei) (Get directions) to organize your flight, experiencing a breathtaking moment that will leave you with unforgettable memories of a high-altitude vacation. For information and rates, it is advisable to visit the official site www.fassasport.com

Let's admit it: proposing skiing as an activity in the mountains in winter may seem trivial, but coming to Val di Fassa for alpine skiing is completely extraordinary. Here awaits the largest ski area in Europe, a true paradise for lovers of downhill slopes. Thanks to a dense network of lifts and buses, you'll be able to explore different slopes each day, suitable for all levels of preparation, from beginner to expert.

From Canazei, the ski lift takes you to Belvedere, from where you can embark on the famous Sella Ronda or Giro dei Quattro Passi, an epic experience on skis. Also from Alba di Canazei, with its ski lift, you can access a wide network of slopes. Along the slopes, you will find numerous cozy shelters where you can stop for a delicious break or relax in the sun. And don't miss the Destroy the Winter, the party that ends the ski season at Ciampac in Alba di Canazei: a wild event with food stalls, rock music, and a 23-meter pool challenge to face with any means and costume before a final plunge into the water.

After a day spent on the slopes or just for a moment of pure relaxation, the Dolaondes Aquatic Center in Canazei is the perfect destination. This beautiful and modern sports center, open year-round, is particularly appreciated in the winter season. Inside, you will find a state-of-the-art SPA with sauna, steam bath, and a wide range of massages, ideal for rejuvenating both body and mind. Children (and not only) will have fun in the water park, while the heated outdoor saltwater pool offers a suggestive and relaxing experience, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The center also includes a bar, relaxation area, showers, personal cabins, and lockers, ensuring every comfort for a complete wellness break.

Try the heated outdoor pool, even if it's cold outside. The experience of swimming in warm water surrounded by snow and mountains is truly magical and unforgettable.

If alpine skiing is not for you, or if you want to explore Val di Fassa in a different way, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are fantastic activities to immerse yourself in the winter nature. There are many paths for practicing both disciplines, allowing you to enjoy fresh snow and silent landscapes.

Cross-country skiing can be practiced alone in the valley, offering you a relaxing activity and a way to stay fit while enjoying the snow-capped peaks. For snowshoe excursions, an alpine guide's presence is mandatory, ensuring safety and the chance to discover hidden corners and breathtaking views. For information and costs, you can contact the Canazei-Marmolada Ski School, which organizes many excursions for every level, from easier walks to more demanding ones, gifting you with an authentic and rejuvenating experience in contact with the mountain.

If you've never tried snowshoes, I highly recommend going on a guided night excursion. Walking under the stars with the silence of the snow around you is an almost mystical experience that will make you appreciate the mountain in a completely new light.

In Alba di Canazei, you will find the beautiful and spacious G. Scola Ice Palace, a perfect place to enjoy ice skating. Open every day except Monday, it offers the possibility to rent skates and take private lessons, making it accessible to everyone, from beginners to the most advanced. But the experience doesn't stop at skating: in winter, if you are a hockey fan, don't miss the chance to cheer for the local team, the Fassa Falcons, who compete in the Central Europe league. The atmosphere is vibrant and engaging, an opportunity to experience the sport and the passion of the locals. Admission to watch the matches is free, making the arena a gathering spot and fun place for the whole family.

After intense days of skiing or hiking, the Terme Dolomia in Pozza di Fassa is the ideal refuge to rejuvenate and pamper yourself. In addition to classic conventional medical treatments, this wellness center offers a wide range of wellness paths, aesthetic treatments, relaxations, and day spa experiences. Imagine bathing in the warm thermal waters, famous for their beneficial properties, or indulging in a relaxing massage that will melt away all tension. It's a place where wellness is the center of everything, offering you a precious opportunity to take care of yourself and replenish your energies, feeling completely rejuvenated and ready for new mountain adventures.

The closest airport to the valley is Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona, which is 195 km from Canazei (2 hours and 30 minutes) and where taxi transfer service or car rental is available. In winter, the Fly Ski Shuttle service connects the airport to the valley on Saturdays and Sundays with stops in front of major hotels for a cost of €55.00 round trip for adults, 50% discount for kids between 8 and 12 years old and free for those under 8. If you decide to arrive by train, the reference stop is Egna-Ora, which is about 4 hours from Bologna at a cost of €19.75; from Milan it takes 4 hours and 40 minutes at a cost of €21.90; from Rome, take a fast train to Bologna and then the regional train for a journey of about 6 hours at a minimum cost of €67.25. The city of Trento is well connected by both bus and train. From the square in front of the station, the Trentinotrasporti company buses depart to the valley in about 1 hour and 30 minutes for €4.40. The train station is also connected by Fly Ski Shuttle service at €25.00 round trip flat rate. However, the best way to arrive is by car: from Rome it's 622 km via the A1 and A22, from Milan it's 320 km via the A4 and A22, from Bologna it's 325 km on the A22. For those arriving by car, the highway exit is Egna-Ora to continue on the S.S. Dolomiti. - Check flight offers

The best way to move around the valley is definitely by car, but there is a bus service that connects all the towns in the valley at a base cost of €1.10 per trip, while the winter ski buses start at a daily fare of €2.00, where children under 12 travel free. For winter and summer schedules, it's advisable to check the site www.trentinotrasporti.it. Tickets can be purchased at all newsstands and tobacco shops.

The cuisine of Val di Fassa is a true expression of mountain life, deeply rooted in ladin tradition and strongly influenced by Tyrolean and Alto Adige cultures. It is a robust, flavorful, and genuine cuisine that enhances the simple and nutritious ingredients offered by the territory. The historical diet, linked to peasant culture and pastoralism, was based on what could be grown, raised, or collected in the woods: grains such as barley and rye, potatoes, cabbage, dairy products like butter and cheese (including the famous Puzzone di Moena), and meat from pigs or game. A gastronomical experience that offers warmth and strong flavors, perfect after a day outdoors.

These large dumplings are a timeless classic of Trentino and ladin cuisine. Born out of the need to reuse stale bread, they are made by kneading bread cubes with eggs, milk, and ingredients like speck, cheese, or spinach, flavored with parsley or chives. They are traditionally served in steaming meat broth or "dry," dressed with melted butter, sage, and a sprinkle of grated cheese.

These are half-moon shaped ravioli, very popular in the valley. The thin dough encloses fillings that vary according to family tradition. The most classic and widespread versions are those based on spinach and ricotta or potatoes and dried figs, representing the use of simple yet flavorful ingredients. They are typically served with melted butter and cheese.

Small irregular-shaped dumplings, they are another pillar of local cuisine. The basic dough is made with flour or buckwheat flour, eggs, and water or milk. The most typical version is spinach spätzle, which gives it a characteristic green color. They are boiled in water and are usually served sautéed in a pan with cream and crispy speck or with a local cheese fondue.

A hearty and rich soup, perfect for warming up on cold mountain days. The traditional recipe calls for pearl barley as the main ingredient, cooked slowly in a meat and vegetable broth. Often, beans, potatoes, and small pieces of speck are also added, which enrich the dish and make it a complete meal.

With clear Austro-Hungarian origins, fassano goulash is a stew of beef or veal, slowly cooked with plenty of paprika, onions, and other spices. The result is a dish with an intense flavor and a dense and enveloping sauce. It's a very popular second course, perfectly paired with polenta, canederli, or potatoes.

Polenta is a true symbol of mountain cuisine and a ubiquitous side dish on fassano tables. Made with corn flour, it is cooked for hours until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency. It can be served as a side for stews and game or enjoyed alone with mushrooms, melted cheese like Puzzone di Moena, or local cold cuts.

The most iconic dessert of Val di Fassa and Trentino. Strudel consists of a thin pastry roll that hides a rich filling of apples, sultanas, pine nuts, and cinnamon. It is baked until golden and crunchy. Served warm, often accompanied by a dusting of powdered sugar and, in more indulgent versions, whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

During your stay in Val di Fassa, you will have the opportunity to taste delicious Trentino and ladin specialties, with a particular emphasis on the authentic flavors of the mountains. Here are some local places to go: