- Details
- Written by: Jim Walker
- Last Updated: 20 Aug 2012
Cavalese is the major centres in the Val di Fiemme, one of the twelve 'valleys' on the giant Dolomiti Superski pass. The local ski areea is directly above the resort on Alpe Cermis and several other major sectors are nearby, all on the same lift ticket - the Ski Center Latmar across the valley and the Fassa Valley (gateway to the Sella Ronda, the largert lift linked section of Dolomiti Superski) and San Martino ski areas. Cavalese is quite a large resort with all facilities, and a great base for skiers who can access the resort's own large ski area on Alpe Cermis (the gondola base is either a short bus ride or about a 500m walk from the resort centre), or the Ski Center Latemar above Pampeago. The town itself has a picturesque old village centre completed with cobbled streets and appealing old shops and eateries. The setting of the resort is a big attraction too and the sc enery gets better as you head on up to the ski slopes. Spectacular views are no rarity in the Dolomites, but one of the most beautiful of all is the panoramic view from Paion del Cermis above Cavalese. Rosengarten, Langkofel, Sella, Marmolada and the awe inspiring Tower of the Pala Group are some of the fantastic peaks to be seen from here. The majestic beauty of these mountains is both astounding and simply unforgettable. The Dolomites have been added as UNESCO's World Heritage Site.
One of the major centres in the Val di Fiemme, with all facilities, and a great base for skiers who can access the resort's own large ski area on Alpe Cermis, or the Ski Center Latemar with access from Pampeago or Predazzo.
Mountain
In total Val di Fiemme is made up of five resorts - Alpe Cermis, Ski Center Latemar (Alpe di Pampeago, Predazzo, Obereggen), Bellamonte/Alpe di Lusia, high altitude snowsure Passo Rolle and the small area Lavazè/Oclini which together offer more than 100 km (63 miles) of slopes for alpine skiers served by 45 lifts. An integrated network of ski buses free of charge allows everyone to get around without difficulty from one corner of the valley to the other. Skiing on the local Alpe Cermis area is accessed by a a two stage 8-person-per-cabin gondola lift that was installed to replace the cable car that was destroyed by a low flying US fighter plane in a notorious incident in 1998. Much of the terrain is on a sunny (but north facing) plateau above the treeline and suited to beginners and intermediate skiers. Howqever there are challenges to be had, including the 2km long Olimpia II black with its 33% gradient. All of the 24km of slopes locally have snowmaking coverage, the longest run back down to the resort is 7.2km (4.5 miles). There are several marked ski tours to enjoy in the area. The Forest of the Violin skiing tour from the Paion 'rifugio' on Alpe Cermis where you not only have a wonderful view on to Latemar and the Sella Group, but also on to Marmolada and the Pale di San Martino. The thick forest of the mountain slopes of the Fiemme Valley is also a wonder to see. Some 300 years ago in the Paneveggio Forest the Stradivari family from Cremona searched for mature samples of hazel spruce for that right quality of resonance. From this wood the Stradivari violins were fashioned, each one a masterpiece in its own right, which are played to this day by the finest of musicians. Cross country skiers also have plenty to entertain with 150km (nearly 100 miles) of marked routes in the Valley. There are two dedicated cross-country centres at Passo Lavazè (an altitude centre at 1800m) and in Lago di Tesero next to the resort. Val oli Fiemme hosts in 2013 for the third time the Nordic skiing world championships.
Families
Cavalese is a good choice for families with the winning combination of an intimate and unintimdating ski area, snow, swimming pool, ice skating, pizza and high value. Children aged eight and under ski free. At Doss dei Laresi, reached directly from Cavalese by the gondola and located at the base of the main ski area, a marvellous playground has been prepared for kids to have fun whilst learning to ski. The kindergarten, situated at the intermediate station of the gondola, takes children aged from three years up. Specially trained staff entertain the little guests with cartoons, music, drawings and plays.
Eating Out
As you would expect, most of the dozen or so restaurants in the resort concentrate on the Italian favourites of pizza and pasta. The El Calderon and Costa Salici are particularly highly thought of in the latter category. For crepes try the Creperia La Tana del Grillo on Piazza Verdi. There are high calibre establishment, for example the restaurant in the Bellavisata Hotel serves local specialities.
Apres
There are a number of lively spots to head for in the evenings. The Mardok on Via Dossi has a popular bar and is the resort's only disco. Popular pubs include the Canton and the Sohozero. The lift ticket gives free access to the swimming pool and there's also an ice rink and other facilities open in the evening. There are also seven cinemas to choose from at the Municipal Cinemas -Theatre on Via Roma (only in Italian).
Boarding
The easy access to the slopes by gondola and high speed chair coupled with the wide open snow fields make Cermis a good spot to learn or improve your boarding in a low pressure, big fun enviroinment. The main vboarding centre in the area is at Latemar, accessed via the neighbouring resorts of Pampeago or Predazzo (take the ski bus), where the terrain park and half pipe are located.
