San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle:
A natural skiing zone and a must for skiers
The San Martino di Castrozza and Passo Rolle resorts lie in the 'Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino' Nature Park, a real jewel with majestic forests, wild animals and alpine lakes.
From the wetlands reserve of 'Pra' delle Nasse' the skiing tour leads on and up to the 'Punta Ces'. In the distance the frozen Colbricon lakes glisten and overhead the occasional mountain eagle circles.
Watchful observers may even spot chamois as they pass over the 'Direttissima' or 'Sole' slopes, searching for food here in the winter.
After a fortifying break in the rustic surroundings of the Malga Valcigolera, the tour moves on to Cima Tognola at 2,383 meters - a panoramic viewing point in a class of its own, and a lovely skiing paradise to boot ! At last we can have a taste of the area's typical cheese varieties of Tosela and Nostrano, made on the spot during the summer...products of the Nature Park's very own meadows.
Unforgettable
The 'Tognola Uno' run towards Malga Fratazza is one of the longest and most beautiful in the entire Dolomites. After the transfer to the ski-bus on the Col Verde we come to a high point in the tour. With the cable car we swing on and up to the 'rifugio' and yet further to the 2,600 metre high Cima Rosetta.
Far removed from the hurly-burly, a breathtaking panoramic view opens itself out before your eyes over the high plateau of the Pala Group, over to Cimon della Pala, and to Marmolada too. Rocks, snow, sun and nature as far as the eye can reach. It's simply unforgettable ! After a day in the Nature Park we make the closing trip to San Martino. The sun seems to hang in the air here for a long time, creating a special alpine twilight.
With a nice glass of wine by your side you'll be able to eavesdrop on the local folk's stories and legends which are woven around the giant stony monuments that are the Pala Group.
Tip: Passo Rolle
An excursion to the Passo Rolle is well worth it. This family friendly skiing resort extends along the confines of the Paneveggio forest. It's the green heart of the Nature Park and has been named the 'forest of the violins', because the finest instruments were already being fashioned there hundreds of years ago from the best available wood. From the Segantini rifugio the view is wonderful to the rock mass of the Cimon della Pala.
For sporting enthusiasts we recommend the 'Paradiso I' run from Tognazza to Chalet la Baita.
