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• Resort Guide

Resort Height:1300m

Canazei is one of the largest and highest of the villages in the Fassa Valley, it is also one of the best connected to the vast ski areas that lie all around this area. The village itself spreads along the valley road (so much so that you may need a ski bus or taxi to reach some facilities, including the gondola up the mountain, depending on where you're based) and is made up largely of attractive chalet style buildings. The centre has a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants and can be quite lively.

Canazei's own ski area of Belvedere is reached via a lift station at the edge of the village. Most of the terrain here is graded red, and this huge snowfield opens up magnificent vistas of the towering Dolomite cliffs of pink stone.

The runs also link in to the Sella Ronda, a famous ski circuit of 26km (16 miles) which surrounds a group of high mountains called the Sella Massif. Valleys radiate off to create one of the world's largest ski circuits and, if you get up early and get there quickly, you can ski in to Val Gardena, the Badia valley and around Arabba and Marmolada – some 500km (325 miles) of runs all told.

These are part of the still larger Dolomiti Superski Pass which includes more than 1200km (750 miles) of piste in the region on one hands free lift ticket.

Beginners

There is a nursery slope with drag lift by the village, but if snow cover isn't adequate (possibly at the start and end of the season), it's a case of taking the gondola up to Belvedere where there are several more easy slopes at Pecol (1926m) on which to learn. We can offer a package deal incorporating tuition, rentals and lift tickets for complete beginners, which should save time and money on obtaining these separately.

Intermediates

Intermediates have the most to benefit from a stay in Canazei. The local slopes at Belvedere are mostly graded red.

You could also go by ski bus a little further up the valley in the morning to the next village, Alba, and take the cable car up to Ciampac where a small network of half a dozen chair lifts serve more red runs with the opportunity to ski down to another resort in the valley, Pozza, then complete your circuit by taking the bus back up to to Canazei.

There is in total 220km (140 miles) of piste in the Fassa Valley and of course the giant lift-linked Sella Ronda area, and even the larger Dolomiti Superski area to explore.

Advanced

Advanced skiers have plenty of challenges in this vast area, but they are rather spread out, so it can be case of hitting a different area each day to taste the delights of each. For example, you could ski half way round the Sella Ronda to access the famous steeps of the Marmolada glacier, or head in to Val Gardena and the men's downhill course.

There are also some famous off-piste descents to tackle with a guide, which run down some of the rare cracks in the façade of the Sella massif. The kilometre (two thirds of a mile) long Rodella run is the steepest locally with a 28 degree pitch. The Italian National Alpine Team have chosen to train in the Fassa Valley every year up to the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Snowboarding

Snowboarders will enjoy the wide ranging opportunities and easy-to-ride modern uplift as much as skiers. There is a terrain park with half pipe and boardercross at Belvedere. Other parks can be accessed via the Sella Ronda or by the ski bus to other resorts in the Fassa Valley.

Other Activities and Facilities

Canazei has better facilities than most resorts in the Dolomites. There is a public spa with a swimming pool, hydro-massage, Turkish bath, Termarium, relaxation area, beauty treatments and massages on demand. There are also several bowling alleys, a library, cinema, concert hall and 30 or so shops. Outdoor options include sleigh rides, snow shoeing, cleared winter walks, paragliding and tubing.

Après Ski and Dining Out

Canazei is one of the livelier resorts in the region with about 30 bars and a couple of night clubs. Popular venues include the Husky Pub, the Speckheller and the Stua dei Ladins. There are also around three dozen restaurants, serving a mix of traditional Italian pizza or pasta as well as South Tyrolean mountain cuisine. El Pael, and la Stalla are good choices, and for pizza the simply named Pizzeria Italia.

Families

There is no non-ski childcare facility, but Kinderland Skischool Canazei accepts children from age three and is open from 8.30am – 5pm daily. Children may stay from a half day to a full week with entertainment, lunch and ski school for all abilities. Older children may join regular ski school and lessons normally last for about three hours each day, Sunday to Thursday mornings. Children 12 and older usually join adult classes.

Ski/Board Suitability Guide

Suitable for families:	[Yes]
Suitable for beginners:	[3]
Suitable for intermediate skiers:	[5]
Suitable for advanced skiers:	[4]
Suitable for boarders skiers:	[4]

Piste Map for Canazei

Accommodation in Canazei

• Agenzia Danielle - 2 star,
• Garni Aritz - 4 star,
• Genzianella Pension - 2 star,
• Genzianella Pension - 2 star,
• Hotel Andreas - 4 star,
• Hotel Bellevue - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Diamant - 4 star, half board
• Hotel Dolomiti - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Dolomiti - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Grohmann - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Il Caminetto - 3 star, half board
• Hotel La Perla - 4 star, half board

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