There is a difference between running and running in the mountains. It isn’t just about effort. It’s the way the landscape changes at every bend, the sound of your steps on ground that becomes grass, then stone, then forest, then grass again. It’s the quiet concentration that comes when the trail demands your whole stride and your mind stops wandering.
Val di Fassa is one of the richest areas in Italy for trail running. Not only for the views – for the variety of routes, the quality of the terrain and the number of events that every summer turn these trails into international stages.
The shape of the valley makes it almost natural: a valley floor at 1,184 metres in Moena rising to 1,450 metres in Canazei, with slopes climbing steeply on both sides. The climbs come quickly, the spruce and larch forests are dense and shady, and the high pastures suddenly open onto the Dolomites.
For a trail runner, this means having, within a short radius, routes ranging from quick 45-minute runs to technical half-day loops, reaching altitudes of 2,000–2,500 metres. And in Moena you set off on foot from home – or rather, from the hotel.
Short run — To Sorte and Malga Panna (7–8 km, 300 m ascent, 45–60 min) The classic for warming up or a quick run before dinner. Climb towards the hamlet of Sorte on a forest path, reach the panoramic plateau overlooking Val di Fassa and return to Moena. Mixed surfaces, nothing technical. It’s the same route that leads to the Michelin-starred Malga Panna – the difference being that trail runners pass by at a run while day-trippers stop for lunch.
Medium loop — Moena mountain huts: Peniola and Medil (12–14 km, 450 m ascent, 1h30–2h) A loop that leaves the valley floor, crosses the forest to the Peniola clearing and descends to the little village of Medil before returning to Moena. Mostly dirt tracks and paths, with some more technical downhill sections. It’s one of the routes local runners use most for their weekend long runs.
Technical route — Towards Alpe Lusia (15–18 km, 700 m ascent, 2h–2h30) You can go up by gondola and run down – or tackle the whole climb on foot from the valley floor. The descent from the Lusia ridge towards Soraga is technical, with stretches over rock and roots that require attention. Views of the Catinaccio, Sassolungo and Pale di San Martino. For those who already know the trails or aren’t afraid of uneven ground.
Vertical run — Vertical Val dal Vent (4 km, 1,020 m ascent) This isn’t a training run – it’s a race in itself. The Vertical Val dal Vent starts from Piaz de Ramon in the centre of Moena and finishes at Sas da la Crous at 2,190 metres, on a 4 km course with 1,020 metres of ascent. It is part of the Vertical Events Fiemme and Fassa circuit. For those who want to test their legs on pure climbing, without technical descents.
For vertical trail running, the local benchmark is the Latemar Vertical Kilometer. It covers 3.3 km with 1,000 metres of ascent, from Gardonè to the Torre di Pisa hut, and counts towards the Skyrunner Italy Series. It’s a highly technical race that every year attracts the best vertical specialists – and it takes place on the Latemar massif, visible from Moena on clear days.
The most eagerly awaited event for runners in Val di Fassa is Val di Fassa Running, now in its 25th edition (21–26 June 2026). It takes place every year at the end of June over five stages in five villages of the valley – from Moena to Canazei – for a total of about 55 km over six days, with daily climbs of 300 to 700 metres.
The first stage starts from Moena – 9.6 km and 350 metres of ascent – and is the prologue that kicks off the week. Every evening after the race, the village hosts events, technical briefings and entertainment: it’s one of those events that turn a holiday week into something more.
The event isn’t just for competitive runners: there is also a “light” route for walkers, and you can choose to take part in a single stage, registering directly at the start. Even if you just want to soak up the atmosphere without running the whole week, it’s quite an experience.
Val di Fassa Running isn’t the only event. In mid-July comes the DoloMythsRun Sellaronda Ultra Trail (11–12 July 2026), with the best international trail runners competing in three disciplines – Skyrace, Vertical Kilometer and Ultra – on the Sella and Pordoi massifs. In August, among the village fun runs, the Giro delle Notole takes place in Moena. At the beginning of September the season closes with the Marcialonga Running (5 September 2026), the running version of the famous cross-country ski event.
A whole summer of events, on trails that on every other day are simply open to anyone who wants to use them.
Shoes: on these trails you need a sole with proper grip – a mix of earth, rock and roots calls for a real trail shoe, not a road shoe with a bit of extra rubber.
Timing: in summer, morning runs have a double advantage: cool temperatures and low-angled light on the Dolomite groups in the early hours, which makes every panoramic stretch special. The afternoon heat, especially at altitude, can be tough.
Apps and maps: Komoot and Strava have good coverage of Val di Fassa trails, with segments already recorded by local runners. Downloading offline maps before you set off is always recommended – the signal at altitude is patchy.
Recovery: after a demanding session at altitude, the Cavalletto wellness centre – sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath – is part of your training. Hot–cold contrast after muscular effort in the mountains measurably speeds up recovery.
Hotel Cavalletto is in the centre of Moena – a few minutes’ run from the trails climbing towards Sorte, Peniola and Alpe Lusia. A safe place for your trail shoes, flexible breakfast times, and a restaurant where, in the evening, Chef Lele’s cooking rounds off the day in the best possible way.
For anyone coming to Val di Fassa with trail shoes and a training plan, it’s the right place to start from.
Planning a running holiday in Val di Fassa? Check summer availability at Hotel Cavalletto – in the heart of Moena, just steps from the most beautiful trails in the Dolomites.
