Our goal is not always a challenging mountain trek or a roadtrip, where we don’t spend too much time at one place. Sometimes we also want to spend a less demanding week in nature with our family. And this time our choice was Val di Fassa – a stunning valley located in the heart of the Dolomites. With its endless natural beauty and breathtaking mountain scenery, Val di Fassa is the perfect destination also for those seeking a quieter and less demanding vacation in nature.
When you choose to stay in Val di Fassa, you can book accommodation right by the cable car station, allowing you to take advantage of the dense network of this means of transport. You can start your day with a delicious Italian cappuccino at a mountain café or enjoy an Aperol in the evening while taking in the stunning views of the valley (just be sure to keep an eye on the last cable car of the day).
Still undecided about whether Val di Fassa is the right destination for you? Check out this part on why you should choose Val di Fassa for your next summer holiday.
Hikes, walks, cable car rides and especially the breathtaking views
Our base for the week was the small village of Alba, near Canazei. It was the perfect location to explore the Val di Fassa area and its surrounding natural attractions in depth. With easy walks, challenging mountain hikes, cable car rides to breathtaking viewpoints, and parking or public transportation options, we were able to experience the best of what the area had to offer.
From Alba, we embarked on several excursions, and while we thought a week would be sufficient, we were surprised by how much there was to see and do. The roads that lead from the valleys to the high saddles were a bit challenging, with dozens of switchbacks, but the stunning views were worth it.
If you’re looking for some adventure, there are numerous hiking trails that cater to varying levels of difficulty. But if you prefer a more relaxed pace, the cable car rides offer some of the most spectacular views of the mountains. One of our favorite spots was the Belvedere viewpoint, where we took in the sweeping panoramas of the mountain range.
Even with all the exploring, we still didn’t get to see everything the area has to offer. So, we’ve just scratched the surface of what’s possible. If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites, we highly recommend making Alba your base and exploring the Val di Fassa area.
Sassolungo massif (Langkofel)
Imagine waking up to the breathtaking views of the Sassolungo massif every day. These majestic peaks were a constant companion throughout our trip, and we couldn’t get enough of them. So naturally, our very first hike led us straight to their foothills, where we could get up close and personal with these stunning natural wonders. The sheer size and grandeur of the Sassolungo massif left us in awe and provided the perfect backdrop for our adventures in this beautiful region.
We started our journey at the lower cable car station in Campitello di Fassa, where we parked our car in the large car park. Despite leaving early in the morning, we barely made it into the big cabin full of tourists and day trippers. But the view from the top station was so stunning that we didn’t let the windy weather deter us. We spent dozens of minutes just taking in the panoramic views before embarking on our hike.
From the top of Col Rodela, we hiked down to the Dolomiti Mountain Resort Hotel, where we enjoyed a delicious meal and more incredible views of Sassolungo from the other side. But what truly captured our hearts were the starting points of several trails leading to the foot of the limestone needles, offering the perfect day hike for any adventurer. You can choose to loop around one or both parts of the towers or hike up the Forcella del Sassolungo to the Rifugio Toni Demetz. And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can even reach this area by the Forcella Sassolungo cable car.
The ride in the small cabs to the Forcella del Sassolungo is truly an experience to remember. Only two people can fit into the tiny cabin standing up, and getting on is a bit of an adrenaline rush as the cable car goes quite fast. But the attendants will guide you on exactly where to get on, and as you approach, they’ll literally throw you into the booth, slamming the door behind you. You’ll be able to breathe easy knowing you made it in and slowly look forward to jumping out at the other end. It’s worth noting that they’ll slow the cable car down a little bit when a parent with a child or a less mobile individual is about to ride, making boarding a little easier.
For those looking for a more physically challenging experience, there are plenty of options. You can climb to the top, choose one of the via ferrata routes in the area, or even pull out your mountain bikes and enjoy one of the downhill runs. But if you’re like us and prefer a more relaxed pace, there’s nothing better than sipping on coffee, riding cable cars, and taking shorter trips while still enjoying the stunning Sassolunga area. Come join us on this adventure of a lifetime!
Aerial views and thrills: Riding cable cars in Val di Fassa
Looking for an affordable yet convenient place to stay, we stumbled upon a gem just a short walk away from the lower cable car station in the mountain village of Alba. As we settled in, we couldn’t help but notice the cable cars passing by and we began to explore how we could incorporate them into our travels.
At first, the cost of a single ride seemed steep, but we soon discovered the convenience of multi-day passes. We opted for the Panorama Pass, valid for 6 days from the first day of use but with the option to ride for only 3 of those days. We purchased our tickets online and picked up our paper cards at the lower cable car station in Alba.
As our week of adventure came to a close, we all agreed that the cable cars were a highlight of our trip. We even vowed to splurge on a full six-day ticket next time, should the weather be in our favor. And there was nothing more breathtaking than catching the last cable car of the day up to the Belvedere lookout, watching the mountains glow in the golden light before taking the last ride down. It was a truly unforgettable experience. And what makes it even better is that most of the cable cars allow dogs on board. This means that you can share your adventure with your furry companion and take in the breathtaking views together.
Karersee – Lago di Carezza
The Dolomites are a natural wonderland, filled with countless lakes and ponds, each with its own unique charm. However, one lake that stands out among the rest is the picturesque Lago di Carezza (Karersee), located less than 40 minutes by car from the charming village of Alba.
If you’re short on time, don’t worry—you can park in the paid parking lot across the road and take a quick walk through the underground subway to reach the lake in just a minute. But for a more immersive experience, we recommend including a visit to the lake as part of a half-day trip, like we did.
We parked a few kilometers away at a free parking lot and leisurely strolled around the lake as part of a larger adventure. And despite its convenient location, we were pleasantly surprised to find that the lake’s stunning turquoise waters were mostly ours to enjoy, thanks to a rainy September day.
Sass Pordoi
During our week-long stay in the Dolomites, we couldn’t resist making the trip up Sass Pordoi twice. Unfortunately, our first attempt was met with disappointment as we found ourselves caught in the midst of light rain and total fog at the bottom station of the cable car.
But being the optimists that we are, we still hoped that if we took the cable car 700 meters higher, we might be rewarded with some sunshine above the clouds. Alas, luck was not on our side that day and we were left to enjoy a thrilling, albeit foggy cable car ride and warm up in the cozy Rifugio Maria while we waited for the weather to improve.
Thankfully, we didn’t give up on our quest for stunning views and on our second attempt, we made sure to check the webcam on the summit before setting off. This time, we were treated to breathtaking views from all sides of the mountain and even took a few short walks from the Rifugio Maria. And, of course, we made time for a coffee break with a view.
If you’re planning a trip to Sass Pordoi, be sure to check the weather forecast and webcam before setting off. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking the bus to the Pass Pordoi (only during the summer months) and enjoy a short hike back via the Belvedere-Col dei Rossi viewpoint. No matter how you choose to get there, the stunning views from the top are sure to take your breath away.
Enjoy Italian coffee and breathtaking views at once
One of the best things about exploring the Dolomites is the abundance of opportunities to enjoy an Italian coffee while taking in breathtaking views that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re hiking along scenic trails or taking in the panoramic vistas from a mountain hut, you’re never far from a cozy restaurant or rifugio (mountain lodge) where you can stop and take a break.
From hot and cold food to a variety of desserts, wine, and cocktails, these mountain refuges offer something for everyone. Even in cooler temperatures, we found ourselves soaking up the sun on the terraces of these cozy huts, fully immersing ourselves in the sensory experience of the Dolomites.
Why should I choose Val di Fassa?
Val di Fassa is a stunning destination that boasts some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the Dolomites. Located in the heart of the Italian Alps, this mountain valley is home to soaring peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, making it an ideal location for those seeking an escape into nature. Hiking trails abound throughout the area, offering a range of difficulty levels and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains, including the famous Sella Group.
In addition to hiking, Val di Fassa offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The valley’s clear mountain streams are perfect for fly fishing, while the numerous bike trails cater to both mountain bikers and road cyclists. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, you can take a scenic drive through the Dolomites, stopping at picturesque villages along the way. And for those seeking an adrenaline rush, there are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, paragliding, and other adventure sports.
Val di Fassa is also home to several nature reserves, including the Parco Naturale Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino and the Parco Naturale Adamello Brenta. These protected areas offer visitors the chance to see rare and endangered wildlife, such as the ibex and the brown bear, as well as unique plant species that are native to the Dolomites. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply seeking a peaceful escape into the mountains, Val di Fassa is the perfect destination for a summer holiday in the Dolomites.
