The Val di Fassa consists of six municipalities. Following the Avisio stream, which originates from the Marmolada (3,343 m), the Queen of the Dolomites, we find Canazei (1,465 m), Campitello di Fassa (1,448 m), Mazzin (1,395 m), San Giovanni di Fassa - Sèn Jan (1,380 m), Soraga di Fassa (1,220 m) and Moena (1,148 m). The Avisio then enters Val di Fiemme.
Canazei, at an altitude of 1,465 metres, is the highest municipality in the Val di Fassa. At the foot of the imposing mountain scenery of Marmolada, Gran Vernel, Sass Pordoi and Sella lives a small population of 1,800 inhabitants who devote their efforts to the main source of the local economy: tourism.
However, its history is linked to pastures and agriculture.
Traditional crafts are still practised, but only by a few nostalgic individuals who love the rhythms and lifestyle of the past.
A stay in Canazei offers numerous leisure opportunities, from relaxing walks surrounded by unspoilt nature to exhilarating skiing. It is wonderful to let yourself go on the technical slopes, loved by skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts for their impeccable preparation. They are served by state-of-the-art ski lifts, part of the world-renowned ‘Dolomiti Superski’ consortium, with its 1,200 km of slopes. During the day, enjoy sports with breathtaking views for lovers of free flying and climbing, but also for those who want to keep their feet on the ground, given the numerous trekking routes. And for those who love a challenge, a good push on your cross-country skis. And at night...! The atmosphere heats up and unleashes your imagination with fun, après-ski and disco pubs for a holiday where boredom has no place!
Alba (1 km) and Penìa (2 km) are the two villages included in the municipality, which are quieter but well connected to the centre.
Alba di Canazei (1,517 m) and Penìa (1,556 m) are the natural extension of the central core of the municipality of Canazei, towards Marmolada. These two villages are ideal for those who enjoy peace and quiet, but are also suitable for fun-loving visitors. The Ciampac chairlift departs from the village of Alba, where experienced skiers should definitely try the forest slope at least once in their lives for a truly thrilling experience. The Col dei Rossi cable car also departs from the same point, taking you directly to the “Dolomiti Superski” circuit. Beyond Penia, above Lake Fedaia, lies the vast expanse of the Marmolada glacier.
But Alba and Penia are not just about skiing. Staying within the realm of winter sports, the ‘Gianmario Scola’ ice rink can also be used in summer for fun skating and exciting hockey matches, as well as hosting prestigious figure skating shows. A must-see summer destination is the Contrin Valley, where you can discover the mountain huts and enjoy the traditional production of homemade cheese, handed down from generation to generation, in a setting of pastures and unspoilt nature, tasting the fresh and genuine dairy products.
Relive local history by taking a step back in time, when the ancestors of the inhabitants of this small hamlet of Penia made a living from the few fruits of the land, cultivated with great effort on the steep surrounding slopes, and by working wood in that jewel of a Venetian sawmill, which is still in excellent condition and is now a branch of the Ladin Museum of Fassa.
At the foot of the picturesque Cinque Dita of Sassolungo mountains, the municipality of Campitello blooms in the valley floor, a small town with historic roots where relaxation and comfort are at home. Relaxing walks along sun-drenched meadows or immersed in the heart of nature through woodland paths wind their way along peaceful itineraries, ranging from an enchanting walk in Val Duron to pleasant historical evocations in the small hamlet of Pian. Campitello di Fassa, with its Col Rodella cable car, is part of the Dolomiti Superski ski circuit, so set off on the famous four-pass tour, with kilometres and kilometres of perfectly snow-covered slopes to explore without ever taking off your skis. Near the cable car departure point, in the Ischia area, the sports centre of the same name is fully equipped with the huge Adel Climbing Wall artificial rock climbing gym (certified for world competitions), a football pitch, tennis courts, basketball courts, a theatre and a golf school.
All hotels in Campitello di Fassa
The municipality of Mazzin di Fassa, which also includes the hamlets of Campestrin and Fontanazzo, does not boast ski lifts like other municipalities in the valley, but even without skiing, it manages to satisfy its guests with alternative leisure activities. During the winter, a well-maintained cross-country skiing trail offers enjoyable moments of sport for practitioners of this discipline, who can also indulge themselves in the evening hours on the illuminated trail. The long walk from Mazzin di Fassa to Fontanazzo, which is lit up at night, makes it a very pleasant place to stay for lovers of valley life. Val Udai is certainly a popular destination for sports enthusiasts who enjoy mountain walking. Starting from Mazzin, it leads up to high altitudes where you can enjoy spectacular natural views that only the Dolomites can offer. And why not? A little light exercise, open to the whole family along the fitness trail, to fill up on fresh forest scents and return home feeling beautiful, toned and energetic. Finally, let's not forget the new PalaDolomites theatre, which hosts numerous plays and concerts.
The municipality of San Giovanni di Fassa (Sèn Jan in Ladin) was established in 2018 with the merger of the municipalities of Pozza di Fassa and Vigo di Fassa. It is located in the centre of the valley and is its most populous municipality. To better describe the characteristics of the municipality, let's take a look at the two main towns that comprise it:
The most populated hamlet of San Giovanni is Pozza di Fassa. In the heart of Val di Fassa, in one of the sunniest areas, it is crowned by the two villages of Pera and Monzon. It is an inviting tourist centre for lovers of relaxation and health, thanks to its thermal baths with sulphurous water springs, ideal for skin treatments, and the QC Terme Dolomiti Wellness/Spa centre. Among the imaginative opportunities for daytime and night-time entertainment, the Alloch ski slope stands out, tested and nominated for the Women's World Cup slalom special, and the Pozza Buffaure ski area, recently renovated with new technology and slopes connected to the Dolomiti Superski circuit. Well-groomed cross-country trails for lovers of this discipline start from the village and branch out along the entire valley, following the Marcialonga route. Cross-country skiing at night is a unique experience: your skis seem faster and you feel like a real athlete. Pozza di Fassa is the only village in the valley to have a secondary school and art school. Don't forget the fantastic view of the imposing and elegant Torri del Vajolet. Long walks run along their slopes towards Gardeccia and other mountain huts (Preuss, Vajolet, Principe, Antermoia, Re Alberto, Santner), revealing unspoilt nature. From the village of Pozza, you can reach Val San Nicolò, rich in alpine pastures and mountain huts, dominated by the unique Col Ombert. The pleasant valley is an ideal itinerary for the whole family.
Vigo di Fassa is located in a privileged position, still part of the municipality of San Giovanni. At an altitude of 1,393 metres, it is an ideal destination for the whole family. The village offers a charming Christian image, characterised by its 16th-century parish church and the beautiful Church of Santa Giuliana (patron saint of the valley), located above the centre and reachable on foot in a few minutes. One glance is enough to realise that this location serves as a panoramic viewpoint over the Val di Fassa, with a long view both towards the upper part (Canazei) and the lower part of the valley (Soraga, Moena) and the Dolomites as a backdrop. Sports enthusiasts will find a well-equipped sports centre in this area, the best in the Val di Fassa, which is home to the local football team, A.C. Fassa. And in winter... no problem hitting the slopes on your skis or snowboard at Ciampedie, with direct access from the town centre. Keep an eye out for the shops in the centre, clothing, sports, opticians, cosy bars and pastry shops: they are all a real temptation!
All hotels in San Giovanni di Fassa
Going up from Val di Fiemme, after the village of Moena, you cross the municipality of Soraga, preceded by a peaceful, turquoise artificial lake. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can enjoy long glides along the Marcialonga trail, while in summer, mountain biking reigns supreme in this municipality, with interesting and varied itineraries, from the simplest and flattest to the steepest and most challenging. The playground is a dream come true for children. The clear, unobstructed view of the Catinaccio group is picturesque and postcard-perfect. A delightful little town for a relaxing holiday in one of the modern, well-equipped family-run hotels, far from noise and traffic. In addition to magnificent walks for all levels, there are rustic craft shops specialising in woodworking.
The municipality of Moena, the first village in the Val di Fassa, is nestled in a basin surrounded by the striking Latemar, Valacia and Catinaccio mountain ranges. It has three hamlets: Sorte, Someda and Forno, which are historically the oldest. This area is renowned for several world-famous sporting events, including the famous Marcialonga, a 70 km cross-country ski race that starts here. Nicknamed the ‘Fairy of the Dolomites’ for its enchanting beauty, it is nestled among dense coniferous forests from which the towering peaks of the Dolomites emerge. For skiing enthusiasts, just a few kilometres from the modern town centre are the Lusia and San Pellegrino ski areas, connected to the 3 Valli ski carousel (Bellamonte and Falcade), with 100 kilometres of slopes and 26 ski lifts. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, the Alochet Cross-Country Ski Centre offers long trails that wind through the fir and larch trees of the San Pellegrino Pass. Summer is the time for walks, and Moena offers plenty of them, accompanied by breathtaking views and cosy mountain huts that reward every effort. Fun, sport, culture and relaxation make this resort a destination for all ages.
25 January 2026
Val di Fassa and Fiemme
The 53rd edition of Italy's most famous cross-country skiing race and one of the most important in the world. The best specialists compete along the entire 70-kilometre route. It starts in Moena at 8 a.m., reaches Canazei at the halfway point and descends to Cavalese in Val di Fiemme. It is incredible to see the speed at which the leaders pass by, but it is also interesting to watch the 7,000 “bison” whose sole objective is to reach the finish line before the gates close.
Winter 2025/26
Val di Fassa
On skis, snowshoes or on foot. There are many ways to enjoy the mountains in an alternative way. At dawn, at dusk, in places you would never have imagined, for an adventure you can tell your friends about. Follow the dates
