Heading way up into the north of Alpine Italy, in that most un-Italian of Italian regions, Trentino-Alto Adige, we come to the little town of Canazei. Lying in Trento province, Canazei has a population of around 1800 people, though the arrival of the snows swells that considerably. Canazei is a prime spot for enjoying the ski slopes of the Sella Ronda circuit, with its 175 (or so) kilometres of piste. Lying at the head of the Val di Fassa (valley) Canazei is pleasantly unspoiled as ski resorts go, and it maintains a personality in the summer too, with some excellent and very bracing walking in the mountains. You'll find guided walks too. Neighbouring towns to Canazei include Livinallongo del Col di Lana, Rocca Pietore, Selva di Val Gardena, Corvara, Campitello di Fassa, Pozza di Fassa and Mazzin.
We say untypical, because of course the Trentino-Alto Adige region, otherwise known as South Tyrol or Sudtirol, is as German as it is Italian, with the national boundary having moved at times down the years. Trento province is the more Italian half, though head north into the Tyrol and you could be stepping into 'The Sound of Music'. Take the scarily switchback road from Canazei up to Pradel, and then hop on the cable car, which takes you up to the 2240m high Passo Della. One of the most dramatic of the Dolomites passes, it calls for a very good head for heights.
To the left you'll find a selection of hotels, to get you in the mood
- see also our full listings of Canazei hotels.
