Fontanazzo introduction
General Information
Fontanazzo lies in the Val de Fassa in the Italian Alps and is not only one of the many villages in the Dolomites but is also part of the Dolomiti Superski Ski Area. Val di Fassa starts at an elevation of 1200 meters, or about 3,900 feet, and rises to an elevation of 2,630 meters, or about 8,600 feet. Val de Fassa is also the only valley that hosts the Ladins, an ethnic minority in Europe. There are bus and taxi services to get to and from Fontanazzo to the other villages that occupy Val de Fassa. There are also a number of nightclubs, pubs, and discos. There are 58 ski lifts including a cable car and cabin lifts.
Winter Activities
Skiers of all level of experience can find slopes suitable for them; especially there is whole lot of scope for beginners. Snowboarders will enjoy the slopes as well. Mazzin di Fassa, the parent village which includes Fontanazzo, Mazzin, and Campestrin is the best spot to begin cross country skiing. The well groomed tracks over here presents cross-country skiing as a spectacular winter activity. Backcountry skiing and snowshoeing is also quite a rave, but one should have an in-depth avalanche and weather forecast before taking up such adventure trips. Hiking and paragliding are the other favorites. Alpine guides are available whenever needed. There are also festivals and concerts during the winter. Because of being part of the Dolomiti Superski Ski Area, there is access to five ski schools, ski and snowboard instructors, and equipment, snow parks, and slopes and lifts to satisfy all. There are festivals at Christmas, New Year, and Epiphany, and many saints’ days celebrated as well. There are nighttime sleigh rides in the village.
Summer Activities
Hiking and walking are the popular activities in the summer. The hiking trails around Catinaccio-Antermoia from Mazzin that turn around Val Udai provide a stunning experience. There is an adventure park with zip lines and rope bridges for people of all levels of experience. Mountain biking as well as downhill mountain biking, rock-climbing, mountaineering, and hiking are other prevalent activities during the summer. For those who enjoy water sports, there is river-rafting and fishing along with swimming in the number of lakes in the valley. There is also horseback-riding. During the celebration of Assumption Week in August, there are fireworks, town feasts, torch lights, concerts, games, and dances.
Other Information
Fontanazzo is part of the Trekking delle Leggende which is a 200 kilometer trail over 9 stages to discover the Alps. The Marmolada Museum is Europe’s highest elevation museum at 2,950 meters or about 9,700 feet. The museum is built in a building that has a cable car in the center and commemorates World War I. It is also a great place to see Enrosadira, the phenomenon which described the Dolomites turning red at dawn and at dusk. Many hotels are available for overnight stays. There are markets and flea markets so that visitors can experience the traditional village life.