Canazei is another superb “Dolomiti” ski resort, ideally located within the beautiful surroundings of the Val di Fassa at the heart of the Dolomite ski area. One of the larger resorts in the Fassa area, Canazei has maintained is traditional alpine charm whilst enjoying all the modern facilities that make a ski holiday so easy.
Lively bars and traditional Italian eateries, many of which are housed in old converted barns, line the cobbled streets of this vibrant Italian town, giving it a bustling atmosphere as well as oodles of charm and character. The fun and friendly feel makes it a perfect choice for a family getaway, whereas groups will love the lively après and couples can enjoy quality time, classic and atmospheric restaurants and of course the spectacular scenery.
A huge highlight is Canazei’s position in the legendary Sella Ronda ski circuit, where confident winter sports enthusiasts can cover 4 different valleys and 3 different provinces – all in a day’s work. You don’t have to be an experienced skier to enjoy the other big highlight of holidays here – the views of the surrounding peaks, meadows and forests are jaw-dropping.
Just a 2.5 hour transfer from both Venice and Verona airports, Canazei is really easily accessible – you’ll be out on the snow in no time. The train stations of Bolzano and Trento are also nearby and have bus and taxi connections directly to the resort.
You cannot but enjoy the famously beautiful Sella Ronda circuit, which is skiable in a day. Some of the descents are quite difficult, so the circuit is probably best avoided by beginners, but experienced skiers will have an absolute blast. You can choose to take the orange route clockwise or the green route anti-clockwise – you’ll need the Dolomiti Superski pass and it’s best to get up early and set off before 10am so you can fit in a couple of mountain hut breaks and ski back before the lifts close or you might end up with an expensive taxi ride back!!
Beginners can get to grips on the nursery slope at resort height before heading up to higher ground. Canazei Marmolada is the main ski school – they also have a mini club for the youngsters and a Kinderland nursery. The main ski area is reached by the Belvedere cable car that takes you up to the hub at Pecol – from here you’ll find an intermediates heaven. After skiing the reds on Belevedere, ski over to neighbouring Campitello for more variety. Advanced skiers can take advantage of the links to nearby resorts which can be reached by bus from a number of different lifts. Head over to Arabba to find some amazing steep verticals on the Marmolada peak, ski the famous World Cup downhill run over at Val Gardena or cruise the gentler slopes at Alta Badia. Exciting off-piste can be found at Sass Pordoi if you’re wanting some perfect powder.
Snowboarders will enjoy the relaxed vibe and have a range of mixed terrain as well as the Dolomiti Snowpark above the resort. This is easy to get to via the cable car and fully equipped with beginner, medium and pro boxes, rails and jumps as well as a Big Air and boardercross. There’s also a self-timer run on Belvedere for the competitive skiers.
The Val di Fassa/ Carrezza ski pass gives you access to the quieter slopes of Campitello, Buffaure and Carezza – ideal for a relaxing week of cruising lovely, uncrowded pistes. The free ski bus takes visitors easily around the town and makes an easy route from accommodation to the Belvedere cable car that connects to the main ski hub. With the Dolomiti Superski pass, skiers and boarders have access to 12 ski areas and over 1200km of piste including Cortina, Val Gardena and Alta Badia. Check out our recommended accommodation for your next ski trip…perhaps to classy Canazei in the Dolomites.