Canazei is an outdoor pursuits centre located in the Val di Fassa in the Dolomites of Northern Italy. It appeared on the world stage in 1994 when it shared the hosting of the Ice Hockey World Championships with the nearby cities of Milan and Bolzano.
During the winter season the population of this small village explodes as skiers head there for the opportunity to experience the popular Sella Ronda circuit. This is a one way ski trip around the Sella mountain range which passes through the provinces of Bolzano, Trento and Belluno. The journey includes four mountain passes and four Ladin valleys to create a simply sensational day’s skiing.
With Mount Marmolada (3,343 m), the highest peak in the Dolomites just 15km away, Canazei also serves as an important centre for hikers and mountaineers. The Sassolungo mountain group which reach peaks of 3,100m are also accessible from Canazei together with those of the Sella Group which reach 3,151 m.
As well as providing world-class skiing and mountaineering possibilities, the village is also an ideal base from which to discover the whole of the Val di Fassa, Val Gardena and Livinallongo.
Skiing in Canazei
Canazei, together with the neighbouring village of Campitello, are the best known of the seven ski resorts which make up the Val di Fassa. All these villages provide easy access to the Sella Ronda and to the famous ‘Dolomiti Superski’ which is Europe’s largest ski area. Whilst the pistes are particularly suited to intermediate skiers there are also plenty to suit beginners.
Sella Ronda Circuit: This ski circuit is the main attraction for skiers visiting Canazei. It consists of 175km of piste served by an impressive network of lifts. You can ski all the way around the circuit in a single day whilst having access to enough intermediate slopes to satisfy the most demanding of skiers. The route is well marked as an orange route which goes in a clockwise direction and a green route which goes anti-clockwise. In spite of the extra few lifts you have to take on the latter route, it’s probably still preferable as it’s noticeably quieter. Experienced skiers in a rush will get around the circuit it around 3 hours but the majority choose to take their time and stop off for lunch whilst marvelling at the spectacular scenery.
Dolomiti Superski: The whole Sella Ronda is covered by the Dolomiti Superski lift pass which provides access to an amazing 1200km of slopes. This lift pass is linked with the official Dolomiti Ski Website at so you can log-on when you return to Canazei to check your progress for the day – http://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/ski-pass
The popularity of Canazei as an activity centre has seen its population growing over the years. However, it remains an important centre of the Ladin culture which upholds local customs and frequently celebrates traditional festivals.
How to Get to Canazei
Canazei lies 140km south of Innsbruck and can be reached by road in around 2 hours 30 minutes. Unfortunately, there aren’t many budget airlines serving this airport so most skiers choose the option of flying into one of Venice’s two airports. The closer of the two is Venice Treviso which is about 160km away with a transfer time of around 2 hours 45 minutes. Venice Marco Polo is a little further away but with an almost identical transfer time.
For transfers to Canazei take a look at the website of specialist ski transfer operator, Shuttledirect. The following link will provide you with current rates for transport from Treviso: https://www.shuttledirect.com/en/transfers/Canazei/
Where to Stay in Canazei
Wellness Hotel Lupo Bianco (Strada del Pordoi, 5): Located some 3km outside Canazei, this friendly 4-star hotel is perfect for skiing the Sella Ronda Circuit. With two ski lifts right next to the property, this is an authentic ‘ski-in, ski-out’ hotel which provides ready access to both the orange and green circuits. Thanks to this location the views of the surrounding mountain scenery are quite spectacular. There’s an excellent in-house restaurant serving first class local dishes accompanied by local wines. There’s also a most inviting pool area.
Hotel Sassleng (Via De Costa, 230): For a real home away from home experience take a look at this lovely 2-star hotel. The place is run by Fabiola and her two daughters who really go out of their way to ensure you have a wonderful stay. The property is perfectly located for skiers thanks to the ski bus-stop which is just across the road. Frequent services transfer passengers to the Ciampac and Belvedere gondolas in a few minutes. Rooms are modern and spotless whilst the hotel’s restaurant serves delicious local cuisine together with some delightful wines from the region.
Croce Bianca Leisure & Spa Hotel (Via Roma 3): This 4-star hotel has large, comfortable rooms and an outstanding spa area which includes saunas and jacuzzis together with an amazing heated swimming pool which allows guests to swim outdoors and see the night sky. The restaurant is excellent and the whole staff deserve credit for their effort in making stays here a truly memorable experience. Frequent buses from the ski bus-stop, which is just outside the hotel, will deliver you to the gondola serving the Sella Ronda in just a few minutes.
