Discover an enthralling combination of mountain sports, food festivals and Ladin traditions at this resort town in northern Italy’s Dolomites.
Canazei is a popular destination to visit while vacationing in TrentinoOpens in a new window. This lively town sits amid Val di Fassa, a beguiling valley of forest-clad slopes watched over by the jagged peaks of the Dolomites. In winter, skiers flock to superb ski centres while in summer hikers rejoice in the endless miles of scenic trails. Canazei celebrates its ancient Ladin culture at year-round food, wine and music festivals.
Canazei incorporates the hamlets of Alba, Gries and Penia. Each has a neat collection of winding streets lined with chalets, guesthouses and hotels. These villages are comfortable to discover on foot and provide constant views of the lofty mountain peaks. Learn about the Ladin people and the history of Val di Fassa at the Dantone Museum, Penia.
During the winter months it’s time to ski and snowboard on perfectly groomed runs. The town is part of the Dolomiti Superski Area, which boasts around 746 miles (1,200 kilometres) of trails spread across 12 resorts. Ride the chairlifts for direct access to the Belvedere, Ciampac, Col Rodella and Marmolada ski centres. Ski the Sella Ronda, a 26-mile (40-kilometre) trail that passes through four magnificent valleys.
Stay active throughout the summer by hiking and biking along natural pathways. Explore sections of the Dolomiti Panorama Trek, a 124-mile (200-kilometre) long circular route split into 20 stages. Try adrenalin-inducing activities such as hang-gliding, paragliding and via ferrata climbing.
Visit Canazei in July for Te anter i Tobie, a 3-day celebration of folk dance and live music. Sample typical foods, such as funnel cakes and the strong puzzone di Moena cheese, and sip on Trentino wines. Gran Festa da d’Ista, held in the last week of August or the first week of September, is a showcase of Ladin customs that spreads across four valleys. Watch the costumed parades that light up the Ladin Carnival that starts in January.
Reach Canazei by taking a bus from BolzanoOpens in a new window or Trento and then get around by foot, bike, chairlift and shuttle bus. A great year-round destination, Canazei also makes an ideal base for visiting nearby Alpine villages, including Campitello, Moena and Pozza.
