Pozza di Fassa, thermal spas and hiking against the backdrop of the pink mountains of Trentino

The town, in the heart of the Trentino Ladin-speaking community, takes its name Pozza from a large marsh resulting from an ancient landslide, which ruined the valley, destroying part of the village. It is a small town, but you will discover that its location makes it an excellent base for the numerous excursions and walks that can be organised in this area, which include child-friendly experiences.

Surrounded not only by the Catinaccio group, which includes the spectacular Torri del Vajolet and the Roda di Vaèl, but also by the Monzoni group, with its volcanic rocks and the Cime Undici and Dodici, a paradise for expert hikers, the mountains around Pozza di Fassa offer an extraordinary range of trekking and mountain-biking routes for all levels of experience. 

But even without venturing along the many paths that run along this mountain range, frequented every year by tourists from all over the world, or without stopping at one of the almost 20 mountain huts that, at the most disparate altitudes, pepper its peaks, the Catinaccio will surprise you by turning pink with every sunset. 

The unique phenomenon of enrosadira, a Ladin word meaning “to turn pink”, is an effect caused by the particular composition of the rock walls, formed from dolime and containing dolomite, a compound of calcium carbonate and magnesium that makes its surface particularly reflective in the waning sunlight.

If you are a winter sports enthusiast, Pozza boasts two distinct ski resorts, Ciampedie - Catinaccio and Buffaure, on opposite sides of the valley, which boast a great variety of downhill runs, some of which are floodlit and can also be used in the evening, and three cross-country skiing circuits, one of which is open even at nightfall. 

From the hamlet of Meida you can also reach the Skistadium Aloch by chairlift, which has two slopes (one black, the other red) that are also used for training by the Italian national team and other national Alpine ski teams, as well as for numerous international competitions.

The Buffaure excursion area, which can be reached by cableway from Pozza, is also home to the Kingdom of Salvan, a large theme park designed for children: for discovering the mountains, local traditions and culture through playful itineraries that include geology, flora and fauna.

But Pozza is also an oasis of peace, where you can relax and indulge in some pampering: the waters of the sulphurous spring that flow from the mountains surrounding the town, the only ones in Trentino with these qualities, give rise to two thermal establishments, one in the town and the other not far away, in San Giovanni di Fassa, which offer treatments and cures, saunas, whirlpools, waterfalls and superb outdoor pools where you can even bathe in the moonlight.

The Pozza tower, the only example of a fortification in the entire valley and probably the most interesting building in the municipality, is well worth a visit. It stands on a hill overlooking the Avisio torrent, and once stood in an isolated position from the built-up area, guarding the entire valley. Its structure is imposing, with a square floor plan, mighty walls and narrow embrasures. Unfortunately, a fire completely destroyed the original interior furnishings.

You can breathe in the culture of Ladin hospitality in the restaurants and farm holiday establishments in the valley as well as in the malghe (shepherd's huts) and mountain huts: if you are passing through these parts, do not miss tasting the typical dishes of Fassa gastronomy: from canederli, the famous bread dumplings with speck, to the many sauces and main courses based on game; from fortaes, the characteristic snail-shaped fried desserts, served with cranberry jam, to zelten, a product of the cucina povera, its name derives from the German selten and means “sometimes”. It is a sweet bread made from dried fruit, pine nuts and walnuts, which over time has been enriched to become the delicious dessert that you can still enjoy today in Pozza's pastry shops.

For more information: www.visittrentino.info/en/trentino/resorts-towns/pozza-di-fassa-sen-jan-di-fassa_md_182