Dolomites & Val di Fassa: a faceted paradise…

 The Dolomites and Val di Fassa have always drawn throngs of national and international tourists from all walks of life.
In 2009, UNESCO officially recognized what lovers of the Dolomites, Val di Fassa and Trentino have known all along, by declaring the “Pale Mountains” a World Heritage Site. This prestigious recognition takes into account not only the indisputable beauty of the Dolomites, but also their geological- and historical significance. Who knows if, back in 1791 when he started studying a piece of limestone, scientist Déodat de Dolomieu could guess that the most beautiful mountains in the world would be named after him…

Far from being just rugged, towering masses of limestone, the Dolomites that embrace Val di Fassa also preserve the valley’s unique historical and ethnographic value, just as their rocks safeguard archaeological evidence of their marine origin.
The local culture derives from the Celtic-Rhaetian culture; even today Val di Fassa is home to over 7,000 Ladin-speaking inhabitants. The Ladin language actually comes in different variants: fassano is spoken in Val di Fassa, while badioto-marebbano and gardenese are spoken in the near South Tyrol.
Did you know that the fassano word for “Val di Fassa” is “Val de Fascia“? And do you know the fassano word for “food”?

Val di Fassa shares its culinary tradition with the rest of the Dolomitic area, which stretches across the Trentino and South Tyrol regions.

The traditional Alpine cuisine is a triumph of rich, vigorous flavours and genuine produce: canederli (dumplings) and speck, honey and jams, cheese and grappa.

Traditional Ladin recipes in particular include filled pasta, polenta, game and desserts made with simple ingredients such as the Fortaes, i.e. a snail-shaped dessert made with eggs, milk, flour, salt and sugar.

The Gnoches da formài are also a typical Val di Fassa dish: eggs, milk, flour, a good tasty cheese as Puzzone di Moena, some olive oil, a sprinkle of Grana cheese mixed into a delicious meal. Bon appétit!

 Craftsmanship is a thriving business here in Val di Fassa, and has been handed down from generation to generation for many centuries. Local woodcarving is especially exquisite. The wood from the Dolomites’ forests ends up under the able chisels of the local artisans to be transformed into unique pieces of arts and crafts: masks, toys, sculptures and fine furniture pieces, all hand-made. Taking of wooden masks: the “faceres” – which in Ladin language means “masks” –  play a major role in the Ladin Carnival. The origin of this tradition is lost in the mists of time and has survived through the centuries thanks to the protective embrace of the Dolomites. Ladin Carnival is quite a special experience that involves everyone, residents and tourists alike, turning the valley, villages and ski slopes into a huge stage for games, jokes and revelry.

Come spend a winter holiday in Val di Fassa and get involved!

We could go on and on about the attractions and folklore of the Dolomites and Val di Fassa, but we’d rather tell you in person when you visit us at Hotel Alle Alpi. We are looking forward!