San Martino di Castrozza is a ski resort in the Italian province of Trentino, located in the southern part of the Alps, nestled in a beautiful valley surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites. It is located at an altitude of 1450m on the slopes of the majestic mountains of the Pale di San Martino massif and is part of the towns of Tonadico and Siror.

This area has a long tourist tradition, which began in the mid-nineteenth century with the arrival of the first English and German 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 holidays 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 is surrounded by a dense coniferous forest and the mountain range of the Pale di San Martino. Back in the 19th century, the crystal clear air and picturesque landscapes attracted European aristocrats and bohemians here, and artists drew inspiration here. By the way, the peaks of the Pale di San Martino massif are still very popular with photographers.

Skiing area San Martino di Castrozza

Together with the neighboring center on the Passo Rolle pass in San Martino, there are 60 km of prepared slopes at altitudes from 1405 to 2348 m above sea level and are located entirely within the Panevėžy-Pale di San Martino park and are included in the Dolomiti Superski ski pass system. 23 lifts, powered by renewable energy sources, take you to the start of the slopes. In addition to the slopes, there are three snow parks, a dedicated children’s zone, Togniola, and you can learn the basics of 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 go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating or hiking in the mountains.

The home region of San Martino di Castrozza, with a total length of slopes of 45 km, 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 to Togniola (2220 m), from where you can move to the Ches area via a bunch of slopes and lifts and descend into the city from the other side. Then you can repeat the “carousel” in the opposite direction.

60 km of slopes in both skiing areas – Passo Rolle and San Martino, not connected to each other, and under a separate lift on Col Verde are equipped with 200 snow cannons. The longest ski slope is “Togniola” (2.9 km, “black”, elevation difference 730 m). This slope is popular among experienced skiers, it is served by a modern high-speed gondola lift. The most difficult slope in the region is “Diretissima” (1.7 km, elevation difference 610 m). The region, like most places in the Dolomites, is most interesting for intermediate skiers. The slopes offer beautiful views of the Pala and Marmolada mountain ranges.

Passo Rolle (1980-2200 m) can be reached by bus, where there are 20 km of slopes of all difficulty categories. The slopes on Col Verde offer only 3 km of comfortable slopes, which in good weather are bathed in the sun – they face south. Here you can ski with children, admire the views that open from here or put a beginner companion on skis.

The most difficult slope for flat skiing is 7.5 km, “black”, runs at an altitude of 1480-1550 m. There are several slopes in the valley, the longest is 14 km. And if you climb higher, to Passo Rolle, you can run another 5 km.

What else is there to do besides skiing

The resort of San Martino di Castrozza is not only a wonderful place for an active winter vacation, but also a stunning opportunity to enjoy the nature of the Alpine reserve 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. Above the resort rises the majestic mountain range of Pale di San Martino, which attracts the attention of climbers and all lovers of alpine skiing. Tours to San Martino di Castrozza are a wonderful vacation in an oasis of wildlife, where you can truly relax and get a lot of pleasant experiences.

As an alternative to skiing, in winter, the resorts of San Martino and Primero can offer a rich weekly entertainment program: snowshoe excursions accompanied by alpine guides on the magnificent Plateau degli Pale di San Martino, located at an altitude of 2500m, on the Piano della Cavallazza plateau, over the Rolle pass, through the fabulous Val Veneggia valley, hikes to the monument of Christ in contemplation, etc.

History and culture lovers can take a trip back in time by visiting the towns of the Primiero Valley: Fierro with the ancient church of St. Martin, the Archpriestly Assumption Cathedral, a true work of Gothic art, and the Palazzo Minieri; the gallery town of Tonadico and Mezzano, which is included in the list of the most beautiful towns in Italy.

The summer season is also rich in sports and entertainment activities, for both adults and children: hiking, mountain biking, downhill skiing, canyoning, rock climbing and free climbing, and these are just some of the many possible activities that will make your vacation unforgettable.

Variety of 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 or swimming pool. In addition, tours to San Martino di Castrozza give you the opportunity to organize an excursion to the magnificent natural park of Paneveggio, which is often called the “violin forest”. After all, it was in the local forests that the legendary Stradivari selected 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 a vacation in San Martino di Castrozza unforgettable is very easy. It is enough to arrange dinner in one of the alpine huts. You can get to them on snowshoes, special skis or on foot, but you must do this in the evening, after sunset. As a reward, you will receive a wonderful dinner in an excellent restaurant! In mountain huts, local Alpine cuisine is usually prepared. Polenta with mushrooms and cheese, various soups, dumplings with spinach, meat dishes from wild animals, and as a digestif – local grappa. A torchlight descent on a sled or skis will be a worthy end to the evening.

Malga Ces

You will find the Malga Ces restaurant on a slope near the slopes, right above San Martino di Castrozza. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views in the Alps – the western slope of Pale di San Martino, and try the specialty – homemade pasta with venison.

What to try

The local Tosella cheese, fresh or lightly browned in butter, is a real feast of taste that can satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. You should definitely try the rare Botiro di Malga butter, which is one of the Slow Food products. As well as honey, berries, traditional for the Primero zone dumplings “canederli”, small potato dumplings “gnocchi” with a filling of smoked cheese “Ricotta”, barley soup, honey strudel and delicious berry cakes.

Where to stay in San Martino di Castrozza?

In the heart of the Panevėžys Natural Park lies the cozy town of San Martino di Castrozza, an ideal place for those wishing to spend their holidays in Trentino. The main attraction of the town of San Martino di Castrozza is the amazing landscapes of the Dolomites. Hotels in San Martino di Castrozza are an excellent choice for those who want to spend a comfortable weekend here. All hotels pay special attention 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 3-star hotel

Hotel Letizia is located in San Martino di Castrozza, 800 metres from the ski slopes. of the Palais di San Martino resort. It offers free Wi-Fi, a spa, and Alpine-style rooms with a balcony overlooking the Dolomites.

Rooms at Hotel Letizia are decorated with natural wood furniture and panelling. Each one has an LCD TV and a minibar, and a private bathroom with hairdryer.

The hotel’s restaurant serves Trentino and classic Italian cuisine, and weekly themed evenings. A buffet breakfast is served each morning.

After an active day of skiing or hiking, guests can relax in the sauna or Turkish bath. Massages are available.

Bolzano is 76 km away. Trento is a 90-minute drive away.

Sporting Clubresidence

The Sporting Clubresidence complex is located in the beautiful town of San Martino di Castrozza, from where a beautiful view of the Dolomites opens Alps. It offers cosy apartments with balconies and a free ski bus. Free Wi-Fi is available.

All apartments are decorated in a traditional mountain style and feature satellite TV, a kitchenette and a balcony or terrace. Bed and bath linen, electricity and heating costs, and final cleaning are included in the price.

The Sporting Residence’s wellness centre features a swimming pool, sauna and solarium. There is also a kids’ club and an extensive entertainment programme.

You can park your car in the indoor garage or in the outdoor parking lot (limited spaces).

During certain times of the year, the hotel can only be booked for weekly stays (Saturday to Saturday).

Hotel Regina 4-star hotel

Hotel Regina offers elegantly decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, wellness centre and 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. The property features a garden with a sun terrace.

Regina Hotel’s spacious rooms have a balcony. They come with an LED TV, minibar, electric kettle and spa kit. Spa access is included in the rate.

The ski lifts are just 500 metres from Regina Hotel. A free shuttle service is available.

Regina Hotel’s wellness centre includes a fitness centre, sauna and Turkish bath. Guests can also relax in the outdoor hot tub..

Hotel Colbricon Beauty & Relax 4-star hotel

The Alpine-style Colbricon Hotel is surrounded by the mountains of the Pala di San Martino. It is located in San Martino di Castrozza in the Trentino region. It features the Loreley wellness centre.

Colbricon Beauty & Relax offers elegant and 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.

The spa includes 4 saunas, a 10-person hot tub, a foot bath and a rain shower. Massages and beauty treatments are available.

Breakfast at Colbricon is a varied buffet, including organic products. The restaurant serves regional and international cuisine, accompanied by an extensive wine list.

In winter, San Martino offers 60 km of ski slopes. The hotel is 100 metres from the ski school and has ski storage. In summer, the Paneveggio Natural Park offers many hiking trails. A free ski bus and free summer excursions are available.

The Colbricon is a 2-hour drive from Treviso Airport and 130 km from Venice Marco Polo Airport. The hotel can arrange a shuttle to either airport upon request.

Getting there

The resort is located in a picturesque valley, surrounded by meadows and mountain peaks. The town dates back to ancient times when traders and travelers walked through the valley on their way to the Passo Rolle. In the second half of the 19th century, tourists and especially climbers began to flock here, attracted by the rocks of the famous Pale di San Martino mountain. Valleys, impressive folded walls of white dolomite, smooth steep cliffs of dark porphyry, alpine pastures, mirror-clear lakes, ancient forests, paved trails, all this forms an oasis of wildlife, a natural park in which flora and fauna are protected by the state, a reliable guarantor of this heritage.

A typical resort town is located in a wide sunny valley, at the foot of the Pala mountain group, in which the Cimone della Pala peak stands out, called the “Matterhorn of the Dolomites” for its beauty. The extremely small local population is mainly employed in tourism: 7,000 places for accommodation of visitors are available for 500 indigenous people.

Nearest airports: Venice (280 km), Innsbruck (175 km).

The nearest railway station to the resort is Feltre (50 km).

The region is part of the Dolomites Superskipass, which includes 460 lifts.

The slopes are suitable for snowboarding, but there are no parks or half-pipes in the region.

The ski season is from early December to late April.