The Val di Fassa in summer : " Let the living mountains enchant you…."

In summer the Fassa Dolomites grip and enthral you. There is an explosion of energy and colour, all the thrill of life and discovery. The seduction in the Realm of King Laurino grows stronger every day, and you are presented with a fantastic world of a thousand colours: the most varied sports activities, nature and leisure, grand events, shows and promotions. In the valley there is continual melodious excitement: a medley of views, aromas, tastes and music which are dominated by the unrivalled rocky peaks of rare beauty: Catinaccio, Sella, Monzoni, Marmolada Queen of the Dolomites. A unique scenario, just as rare and unmistakable as the hospitality and generosity which distinguish the Fassa Ladins. And in summer the tradition grows stronger: you arrive as guests and leave as friends….

Canazei, with its four outlying areas of Gries, Chieva, Alba and Penia, not even being the most populated town of the Val di Fassa is surely the most renowned touristically and is above all acclaimed nationally and internationally for its winter
tourism due to its strategic position by the Dolomite Passes of Pordoi, Sella and Fedaia The very modern ski lifts make the area of Canazei a model resort in the alpine arc, directly linked to the Giro del Sellaronda. Set in a stupendous natural basin and at the foot of some of the most alluring Dolomite peaks, Canazei has seen a notable expansion in building work during the last decade, while remaining firmly tied to its Ladin origins and traditions, of which many visible traces remain in the architecture like they do in popular customs. Great care is taken to safeguard and look after the customs of the Ladin people who here, like elsewhere, are welcomed in dance, theatre and culture groups. At the end of each summer the representatives of all the Ladino peoples gather at Canazei for the "Gran festa da d'ista", now a classic meeting of local tradition.
Canazei represents an ideal match between nature and sport, shows and culture, relaxation and night life: there are, in fact, many typical bars and restaurants, pubs, après ski and piano bars where people go, especially in winter, until the first light of dawn.

Activities and Events
Dozen and dozen are the mountains path from Moena, first village in Valley, to Penìa, where the rural society ancient signs can be seen. Walking trails along the valley or up to the mountain hills to enjoy an astonishing panorama.

Paragliding, airborne thrills, fly with the champions...!
It is no idle boast to call the Val di Fassa the home of free flying. Here, we fly all year round, taking off from one mountain rather than another according to the season. The Val di Fassa is the birthplace of Jimmy Pacher, world champion and
national instructor, who opened the Flyten school at Campitello di Fassa using two-seater paragliders for tourism and courses of instruction preparatory to flying. Along with an instructor, you too can break free into flight achieving the dream of flying over the peaks of the Valle di Fassa, enjoying an absolutely unique view...
Campitello di Fassa Flyten School - Via Dolomiti - Tel. 0462 750147

FreeClimbing, this extreme sport has many fans today and with the permanent artificial structures now available it can be practised both in summer and winter. Testing yourself against the force of gravity is not just reserved for fans of the extreme; it also develops physical harmony and concentration...
Campitello di FassaOutdoor artificial climbing wall (14 m high, 20 wide) - open in summer only c/o Ischia Sports Centre

84° Giro d'Italia - arrival of Passo Pordoi Stage (01.06.2001)
The Val di Fassa is the arrival point of the 13th stage of the Giro d'Italia cycling race which runs from Montebelluna to Passo Pordoi. It is a decisive stage in the overall running which will see, as usual, a large number of fans lining the route up the legendary Passo Pordoi, where just last year the monument dedicated by the Val di Fassa to the great champion Fausto Coppi was unveiled.

"Marmolada - South Face Centenary"
1901- 2001 (July)
Centenary of the first ascent. In July 1900 the Fassan guide, Luigi Rizzi from Campitello, on behalf of the English tourist
Beatrice Tomasson climbed unassisted the most difficult section of the ascent and placed the safety devices for the following
day. Bad weather, however, prevented the attempt and Tomasson only made her ascent the following year in the company of two guides from San Martino di Castrozza. The Val di Fassa is preparing to celebrate that ascent.

"Traslaval" - A race through the heart of the Dolomites (sport) (1-6.07.01 )
3rd cross country race in stages through the Val di Fassa. The return of this cross country race which winds through the finest resorts in the Val di Fassa. The competition is open to all, amateurs and professionals, yet manages to meet the requirements of sporting families who will be able to spend a week of sport, fun and rest together with the athletes. Five stages with a summary on Friday 6th; rest day Wednesday. Information and entries:
Traslaval Sports Association (Pozza di Fassa)- www.traslaval.com
Tel. 0335 6233296
Fax. 0462 763123

"La Rampilonga della Val di Fassa" - (Mountain bike race)
13th Edition (16.09.01)
The 41.4 km route with 1,900m altitude overall shift returns, starting from Moena, climbs to 2,300m on Alpe Lusia, descends to Val San Pellegrino, crosses Soraga, climbs to Malga Panna and Malga Peniola and the hamlet of Medil, before dropping down to the finish at Moena. This year, too, the Rampilonga will be the closing event and official prize-giving of the whole "Rampitour" circuit, which involves six events in six tourist resorts in Trentino and which makes Trentino the undisputed
capital of national mountain biking.

"Te Anter i Tobiè" (folklore)
(Canazei 13-15.07.01)
In the ancient parts of the old town of Canazei the Ladino traditions live on. Passing from house to house, following a
precise route, you get the impression of moving into the past, the traditions of craftsmanship, customs and habits, and local farming. The scent of typical local dishes will guide you to the discovery of antique gastronomic flavours and also to the performances by groups of musicians, dancers in costume and various other entertainments. You can spend pleasant evenings getting to know or redisco- vering the habits and customs whose memory is very much alive among the people of the Dolomite valleys..

"The sounds of Dolomites" (culture) (July-August)
This year the Val di Fassa begins the series of dates of what has now become the classic meeting of original music with the
mountains. In the months of July and August, the fields of the Val di Fassa and the rocks of the Dolomites are the scenario
for the 5 dates which will allow tourists and locals to spend a few hours in the company of the pleasing notes of prestigious
groups and soloists who will be performing open air concerts.
01.07.01 M.Brunello, M.Paoloni e F.Sansalone Rifugio Vajolet
18.07.01 Viktoria Mullova e la sua Ensemble Rifugio Micheluzzi (Val Duron)
26.07.01 Latvian Philarmonic Chamber Orchestra Malga Aloch (Pozza di Fassa)
05.08.01 Les Mystere des Voix Bulgare Lago San Pellegrino
12.08.01 Coro alpino e orchestra d'archi Rifugio Boè

"The mountains people Festival" - Campitello (folklore) (15 August)
Classic date of the Fassan summer, the day dedicated to the men of the mountains. The Ladino population and the folk and musical groups get together for a day of festivities with the Alpine Guides, the Mountain Rescue and the Alpine Police School.
It is the celebration of the mountains themselves, generous to those who make use of them, demanding respect from those who live there.

Gran festa d'Istà" - Canazei (folklore) (30.08-02.09.01)
During the last week of August the 22nd edition of this festival of Ladino culture takes place at Canazei; an opportunity for
both tourists and residents. There are four days of public festivities when the marquee will host Ladino culinary specialities, excellent beers, and typical local music and folk dances. The culminating moment of the event, on Sunday afternoon, is the procession through Canazei of the Ladino musical groups and bands of Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli and the Tyrol.

For further information visit the official site : www.fassa.com