San Martino di Castrozza is a ski resort in the Italian province of Trentino, located in the southern part of the Alps, hidden in a beautiful valley surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites. It is located at an altitude of 1450 m on the slopes of the majestic mountains of the Pale di San Martino massif and is part of the towns of Tonadico and Siror.
The area has a long tradition of tourism, which began in the mid-nineteenth century with the arrival of the first English and German rock climbers, who were struck by the extraordinary beauty of the mountains of Cimone della Pala, Vezzano, Rosetta and Sass Maor. San Martino is an ideal place for both family vacations and sports and entertainment.
This picturesque town is known not only as a sports center, but also as a protected area with the cleanest air and amazing nature. One of the most beautiful valleys in which the town lies, surrounded by dense coniferous forest and the Pale di San Martino mountain range. Even in the 19th century, the crystal air and picturesque landscapes attracted European aristocrats and bohemian representatives here, artists drew inspiration here. By the way, the peaks of the Pale di San Martino massif are still very popular with photographers.
San Martino di Castrozza skiing area
Together with the nearby Passo Rolle center in San Martino, there are 60 km of groomed slopes at altitudes from 1,405 to 2,348 m above sea level and is entirely within the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Park and included in the Dolomites Superski ski pass system. There are 23 lifts working on renewable energy sources to the start of the tracks. In addition to the tracks, three snow parks have been built here, a Toniola children’s zone has been set aside, and you can learn the basics of downhill skiing or snowboarding, as well as improve your skills, in two ski schools. The resort is suitable for both families with children and lovers of active recreation: here you can engage in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating or hiking in the mountains.
The home region of San Martino di Castrozza, with a total length of 45 km of pistes, despite its modest size, has its own “circular” route called Carosello delle Malge. Of course, the circle here is very conditional – from San Martino you can climb Tognola (2,220 m), from where you can go to the Ces area on a network of tracks and lifts and descend into the city from the other side. Then you can repeat the “carousel” in the opposite direction.
60 km of pistes in both skiing areas – Passo Rolle and San Martino, which are not connected to each other, and under a separate lift on Col Verde are equipped with 200 snow cannons. The longest ski track is “Tonyola” (2.9 km, “black”, height difference 730 m). This track is popular among experienced skiers and is serviced by a modern high-speed gondola lift. The most difficult track in the region is “Diretissima” (1.7 km, height difference 610 m). The region, like most places in the Dolomites, is most interesting for intermediate skiers. The slopes offer a beautiful view of the Pala and Marmolada mountain ranges.
Passo Rolle (1980-2200 m) can be reached by bus, there are 20 km of tracks of all difficulty categories. The slopes of Col Verde offer only 3 km of comfortable slopes, which in good weather are flooded with sun – they face south. Here you can ride with children, admire the views that open from here or put a beginner companion on skis.
The most difficult track for cross-country skiing is 7.5 km, “black”, runs at an altitude of 1480-1550 m. There are several tracks in the valley, the longest is 14 km. And if you climb higher, to Passo Rolle, you can run another 5 km.
What but skis
The resort of San Martino di Castrozza is not only a wonderful place for active winter recreation, but also a stunning opportunity to enjoy the nature of the alpine protected area with crystal clear lakes, mountain peaks and ancient forests. This cozy alpine town, known since ancient times, is located in the southern region of the famous Dolomites. The majestic mountain massif of Pale di San Martino rises above the resort, which attracts the attention of climbers and all lovers of mountain skiing. Tours in San Martino di Castrozza are a wonderful vacation in an oasis of living nature, where you can really relax and get a lot of pleasant experiences.
As an alternative to downhill skiing, in winter, the resorts of San Martino and Premiero can offer a rich weekly entertainment program: snowshoe excursions accompanied by alpine guides on the wonderful Plateau Delli Pale di San Martino, located at an altitude of 2500m, on the plateau by Piano della Cavalazza, through the Rolle pass, through the fabulous valley of Val Venegia, hikes to the monument of Christ who thought, etc.
Lovers of history and culture can take a trip back in time by visiting the towns of the Primero Valley: Fierro with the ancient Church of St. Martin, the Archpriest Assumption Cathedral, a true work of Gothic art, and the Minieri Palace; the city-gallery of Tonadico and Medzano, which is included in the list of the most beautiful towns in Italy.
The summer season is also full of sports and recreational activities for both adults and children: hiking, mountain biking, rapid descent, canyoning, climbing and free climbing, and these are just some of the many possible activities that will make your vacation unforgettable.
Numerous restaurants, bars and discos will help you diversify your winter vacation in San Martino di Castrozza. After skiing, you can relax in the fitness center, visit the ice stadium, cinema, bowling alley or swimming pool. In addition, tours in San Martino di Castrozza give you the opportunity to organize an excursion to the wonderful natural park of Paneveggio, often called the “violin forest”. After all, it was in the local forests that the legendary Stradivari selected the material to create his unique instruments. Hotels in San Martino di Castrozza are distinguished by a calm, homely atmosphere and a high level of service.
Where to have lunch and dinner in Trentino and San Martino di Castrozza?
Winter can be delicious! Relax and order a glass of wine. You are on the sunny side of the Alps!
Making your vacation in San Martino di Castrozza unforgettable is very easy. It is enough to have dinner in one of the alpine huts. You can get to them on snowshoes, special skis or on foot, but you must do it in the evening, after sunset. As a reward, you will receive a wonderful dinner in an excellent restaurant! Local alpine cuisine is usually prepared in mountain huts. Polenta with mushrooms and cheese, various soups, dumplings with spinach, meat dishes from wild animals, and local grappa as a digestif. Descent with torches on sleds or on skis will end the evening in a dignified manner.
Malga Ces
You’ll find the Malga Ces restaurant on the slope next to the pistes, just above San Martino di Castrozza. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the Alps – on the western slope of the Pale di San Martino, and try the signature dish – homemade pasta with venison.
What to try
Local Tozela cheese, fresh or lightly browned in butter, is a real feast of taste, able to satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. You must try the rare Botiro di Malga butter, which is one of the Slow Food products. And also honey, berries, “canederli” dumplings, traditional for the Premier area, small potato “gnocchi” dumplings stuffed with smoked “Ricotta” cheese, barley soup, honey strudel and delicious berry cakes.
Where to stay in San Martino di Castrozza?
In the heart of the Paneveggio Natural Park, the cozy town of San Martino di Castrozza is located, an ideal place for those who want to spend their vacation in Trentino. The main attraction of the town of San Martino di Castrozza is the amazing scenery of the Dolomites. Hotels in San Martino di Castrozza are an excellent choice for those who want to spend a comfortable weekend here. In all hotels, special attention is paid to gastronomy, spa treatments and recreation with children. Children in Italy are loved and given a lot of attention, which is why all hotels offer special programs for children, various games and entertainment.
Hotel Letizia is a 3-star hotel
Hotel Letizia is located in San Martino di Castrozza, 800 meters from the ski resort of Pale di San Martino. It offers free Wi-Fi, a spa and Alpine-style rooms with a balcony overlooking the Dolomites.
The interior of the rooms at the Letizia Hotel is made with furniture and paneling made of natural wood. Each of them has an LCD TV and a minibar, as well as a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
The hotel’s restaurant serves dishes from the Trento region and classic Italian cuisine, as well as weekly themed evenings. A buffet breakfast is served every morning.
After an active day of skiing or hiking, guests can relax in the sauna or Turkish bath. Massage services are provided.
The distance to Bolzano is 76 km. Trento is 90 minutes away.
Sporting Clubresidence
The Sporting Clubresidence complex is located in the beautiful town of San Martino di Castrozza, with a beautiful view of the Dolomites. It offers cozy apartments with balconies and a free ski bus. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge.
All apartments are decorated in a traditional mountain style and are equipped with satellite TV, a kitchenette, a balcony or a terrace. The price includes bed and bath amenities, electricity and heating costs, as well as final cleaning.
The Sporting Residence health center has a swimming pool, sauna and solarium. There is also a children’s club, a large entertainment program is organized.
You can park your car in a covered garage or in an open parking lot (the number of places is limited).
At a certain time of the year, accommodation in the hotel can be booked only for a week (from Saturday to Saturday).
Hotel Regina 4-star hotel
The Regina Hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, an indoor heated pool, a wellness center and a restaurant. The hotel is located in the ski resort of San Martino di Castrozza, at the foot of the Pale di San Martino mountain range. On the territory there is a garden with a terrace for sunbathing.
The spacious rooms at the Regina Hotel have a balcony. Guests have at their disposal a TV with LED lighting, a mini-bar, an electric kettle and a spa set. The price of accommodation includes a visit to the spa center.
The ski lifts are only 500 meters from the Regina Hotel. A free shuttle is organized for guests.
The Regina Hotel has a wellness center with a fitness center, a sauna and a Turkish bath. Alternatively, guests can relax in the outdoor hot tub..
Hotel Colbricon Beauty & Relax 4-star hotel
The Alpine-style Hotel Colbricon is surrounded by the mountains of Pale di San Martino. It is located in the resort of San Martino di Castrozza in the Trentino region. The hotel has a Loreley wellness center.
At Colbricon Beauty & Relax, you can stay in elegant, spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, a minibar and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Most rooms have parquet floors and some have four-poster beds.
Spa amenities include 4 saunas, a 10-person hot tub, and a foot spa and rain shower. Guests can order massages and beauty treatments.
Breakfast at the Colbricon is a buffet with a variety of dishes, including organic products. In the restaurant, you will be offered dishes of regional and international cuisine accompanied by a large wine list.
In winter, in San Martino, you can ski on 60 km of ski tracks. The hotel is located 100 meters from the ski school and has a ski storage room. In the summer, many hiking routes are open in the Paneveggio Natural Park. A free ski bus and free summer excursions are available.
Hotel Colbricon is a 2-hour drive from Treviso Airport and 130 km from Venice Marco Polo Airport. Upon request, the hotel staff will be happy to arrange a transfer for you to any of these airports.
How to get there
This resort is located in a picturesque valley, surrounded by meadows and mountain peaks. The town arose in ancient times, when traders and travelers walked through the valley, making their way to the Passo Rolle pass. In the second half of the 19th century, tourists and especially climbers, who were attracted by the rocks of the famous Pale di San Martino mountain, began to flock here. Valleys, massive folded walls of white dolomite, smooth steep cliffs of dark porphyry, alpine pastures, mirror-clear lakes, ancient forests, paved paths, all this forms an oasis of living nature, a natural park in which flora and fauna are under the protection of the state, a reliable guarantor of this property.
A typical resort town is located in a wide sunny valley, at the foot of the Pala mountain group, in which the peak of Cimone della Pala stands out, called the “Matterhorn of the Dolomites” for its beauty. The extremely small local population is employed mainly in the field of tourism: for every 500 indigenous inhabitants, there are 7,000 places for the accommodation of visitors.
Nearest airports: Venice (280 km), Innsbruck (175 km).
The nearest railway station to the resort is Feltre (50 km).
The region is included in the Dolomites Superskipass, which includes 460 lifts.
The tracks are suitable for snowboarding, but there are no parks and half-pipes in the region.
The skiing season is from the beginning of December to the end of April.
