The largest commune in Val di Fassa, Moena, is an important sport centre in Dolomites, a base for hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and alpine and cross-country skiing during winter months.
San Vigilio church in Moena
Located in the alluvial valley the town of about 2600 habitants was once the important junction of the merchant roads through the Dolomites. Through Passo San Pellegrino leads the way to Venice, following Val di Fiemme was the shortest way to Trento and rest of Italy, and near Sella Ronda the path joined the Dolomite road to Central European countries.
The mountains surrounding Moena have their own stories, an old ladin legend, mentions King Laurin, who had his garden changed into the red rock formations.
The closest Dolomite peaks are Catinaccio, Sassolungo, Monzoni and Latemar.
The picturesque valley is popular for cross-country skiing, sledging and snow walks, the popular long distance run ‘Marcialonga’ takes place every January between Moean and Cavalese.
Although Moena is located on the road connecting Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa, the closest ski slopes consist another ski area – Three Valli. The lift from nearby Ronchi takes the skiers to the peak Le Cune, where they can ski Alpe Lusia and nearby runs of Col Margerita ans Passo San Pellegrino.
To join Fassa Valley and Sella Ronda ski slopes, a skier needs to take a free shuttle bus to Campitello.There are interesting slopes near Pozza di Fassa and Vigo di Fassa( Ciampede).
Taking the shuttle into the opposite direction, after several kilometres the skier meets in Predazzo the bottom station of a lift leading to Ski Canter Latemar in Val di Fiemme.
Moena is another ladin community with their own language and vivid tradition, fortunately its name gives no multilingual confusion, as it is called Moena in Italian, German and Ladin (Moéna), all the same . There are some gastronomic festivals and other ladin customs, there are tow interesting churches, San Vigilio with Gothic belfry and San Volfango with 15th century frescoes.
[photo courtesy of drobnikm]
Ski area Val di Fiemme
Ski area Val di Fassa
Ski area Tre Valli
Tags: moena, val di fassa
