In San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, and Vanoi, we promote a sustainable tourism model founded on the constant pursuit of balance between the needs of those who visit these places for a short time and those of the people who live here every day, without ever losing sight of the need to protect and preserve the Dolomite environment—an ecosystem that is as extraordinary as it is sensitive and fragile.
In doing this, we can count on the invaluable presence of the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Natural Park, famous for its Norway spruce forests, its rich biodiversity, alpine environments of rare beauty, and the stunning Pale di San Martino, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The uniqueness of these places is undeniable from every perspective. You can perceive it in the spectacle of the enrosadira, the gurgling of a high-mountain stream, the mating call of red deer, the authentic flavor of our cheeses, the musicality of our dialect, or the skilled gestures of our artisans, passed down from generation to generation.
To help you discover the natural, cultural, and food-and-wine heritage of this area mindfully, we have compiled a series of tips and useful information designed to help you experience your holiday responsibly and gain a deeper awareness of your surroundings.
Did you know, for instance, that this corner of Trentino uses exclusively local hydroelectric energy? When you ascend to the heights via ski lifts, every time you choose to travel by electric car, when you pedal an e-bike, and even while you charge your smartphone, you are doing so using the power of water that springs from our sources and is transformed into energy.
For the municipalities of the Primiero and Vanoi valleys—recognized by Legambiente in 2014 as 100% renewable territories—water and wood are precious resources, as they enable 13 local hydroelectric plants and two biomass plants to operate, drastically reducing CO2 emissions. The area has invested in renewable energy for years and offers numerous opportunities to experience forms of soft mobility. Consequently, in 2022, the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza joined the international "Alpine Pearls" network, which brings together 13 tourist resorts in Italy, Austria, and Slovenia united in promoting responsible tourism. Furthermore, many hotels and restaurants have joined the "Move AP!" project, committing to concrete actions regarding mobility and plastic reduction.
In 2026, the journey toward GSTC certification was also initiated—the gold standard for destinations seeking to promote sustainability and social responsibility in tourism. What does this mean? Embarking on this certification path represents both a significant challenge and a precious opportunity for the destination: it sets concrete objectives concerning the sustainability of governance as well as socio-economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions, providing an invaluable occasion to plan, monitor, and transparently promote good practices in sustainability and social responsibility across the territory.
Sustainability is a shared commitment: we need your perspective. Dedicate two minutes of your time and help us understand what is working, what can be improved, and how to make this area even more welcoming, authentic, and responsible. Your opinion matters to us—let us know what you think!
