From Alba to Penìa, the last hamlet before the Marmolada

Winter walk from Alba to Penìa (no. 76)

From the tourist office in Alba, walk towards Canazei along the main road until you reach the junction with Strèda de Dolèda, which branches off to the right. Continue downhill towards the ice stadium, then cross the wooden footbridge to reach the playground. Follow the small road northwards until you reach the main road at the entrance to Penìa. Head towards Passo Fedaia and, shortly afterwards, turn right uphill onto Strèda de Treve, which leads to the upper, historic part of the village. Pass Cèsa Dovolavilla, a typical Val di Fassa "majon" (a single-family house traditionally equipped with a bread oven). At the top, take a short detour left onto Strèda Don Luigi Baroldi: you'll walk through a charming cluster of traditional houses until you reach the small square with its fountain and the Church of Saints Roch and Sebastian, on Col dell'Agnol ("Angel’s Hill"), recognisable by its distinctive Baroque onion-shaped bell tower.
Retrace your steps and follow Strèda de Treve again, crossing the entire hamlet with spectacular views of the north face of Gran Vernel. Then turn right onto Strèda Vernel and descend to the main road below. Cross it and head towards La Sia, the old Venetian water-powered sawmill, one of the local branches of the Ladin Museum (open only in summer).
Return to Alba by following the pavement southwards. Just after Hotel Agomer, take the small road on the right and retrace the same route back to the starting point.

1. Plan your excursion in advance according to your abilities, the weather, the characteristics and conditions of the itinerary, and the risk of avalanches. 

2. Inform someone about your planned itinerary, return time and possible changes.

3. Plan your outings with others and, when possible, rely on a mountain professional.

4. Bring avalanche rescue equipment (beacon, shovel and probe) with you, practise using it regularly and do a group test before setting off.

5. Make sure you have suitable clothing and equipment (poles, crampons, water, snacks, etc.). 

6. Always keep your pet on a leash.

7. Constantly and carefully assess the conditions of the route and your mental, physical and technical abilities. If in doubt, turn back.

8. Do not cross ski slopes, either downhill or cross-country.

9. Respect the environment around you and take your rubbish back down to the valley.

10. Help those in need. In case of real need and for emergencies, call 112.

Main access routes to the valley from the A22 (Modena-Brennero motorway) Ora/Egna exit: SS 48 (Dolomites Road) - San Lugano - Val di Fiemme - Val di Fassa (approx. 45 km). From the Moena bypass (industrial area), continue towards Canazei Bolzano Nord exit: SS 241 (Great Dolomites Road) - Passo Carezza - Vigo di Fassa (approx. 40 km). From Vigo, head north towards Canazei or south towards Soraga di Fassa and Moena

Other access routes to Val di Fassa

From the A27 motorway (Venice), Belluno/Ponte nelle Alpi exit: SS 203 to Agordo, then SP 346 over Passo San Pellegrino to Moena (Val di Fassa). From the Moena bypass, continue towards Canazei From the A27 motorway (Venice), Belluno/Ponte nelle Alpi exit: SS 203 to Agordo/Alleghe/Rocca Pietore, then SP 641 over Passo Fedaia to Canazei From Arabba: SS 48 over Passo Pordoi to Canazei From Val Gardena: SS 242 over Passo Sella to Canazei

Trentino Trasporti bus lines - Val di Fassa Line 101: Canazei - Cavalese - Trento Line 104: Cavalese - Ora - Trento Line 123: Moena - Passo San Pellegrino - Falcade

südtirolmobil bus lines - Val di Fassa

Line 180: Vigo di Fassa - Passo Carezza - Bolzano

- Nearest bus stop (Trentino Trasporti): Alba di Canazei > Strèda de Costa

- Nearest ski bus stop: Alba di Canazei > Ciampac lifts

Val di Fassa Tourist Board

Strèda Roma, 36

38032 Canazei (TN)

Phone +39 0462 609500

info@fassa.com

www.fassa.com

Highlights: Cèsa Dovolavilla, a typical Val di Fassa "majon" with a traditional bread oven; the Church of Saints Roch and Sebastian on the square by the fountain; historic houses with wooden balconies and galleries.

Along the way, you'll also discover a living tradition: did you know that the heart of the Ladin Carnival beats in Penìa and Alba? In these small hamlets, the oldest rituals still live on, almost as if time had stood still, thanks to the "Gròp de la Mescrès de Dèlba e Penìa" ("Mask Group of Alba and Penìa"). Each year, on 17 January, for the feast of Saint Anthony Abbot, Carnival begins with the ritual of "deslea carnascèr" - literally, "loosening the reins" of Carnival. A few days later, on 19 January (Saint Sebastian’s Day), the celebrations reach their vibrant peak in Penìa.

Route: easy circular walk, suitable for baby carriers.