Situated 45 miles east of Bolzano and just 3 minutes walk from the Belvedere ski lift in Canazei, Camping Marmolada is a large campsite with 150 pitches, offering easy access to the Pecol hub and the Sella Ronda ski area. As the pitches are mainly grass, it can get a little muddy/slushy when the snow melts. The owners keep the tarmac access roads clear of snow and it is heavily gritted. Canazei is an attractive traditional Italian town with narrow cobbled streets and a great range of good value restaurants and bars. It is also one of the livelier resorts in the Sella Ronda and has a good bustling feel.
How to get to Camping Marmolada?
There are three options for your journey to Camping Marmolada:
- The shortest from Calais at 740 miles is via Luxembourg on the E25, the A13 & A8 in Germany to the A7 and south over the Fernpass (179) for the A12 (vignette or Go Box required) and the Brenner Pass. From there it is a straightforward run using the A22, SS241 & SS48. The drive up from the autostrada does have sections of tight hairpins which require caution with oncoming HGV and buses, but should not present problems for large vehicles and caravans.
- Alternatively, at around 775 miles if the Fernpass is closed carry on the A8 to Munich and onto the A93 to the border at Kufstein. From there follow the E45/A12 to the Brenner Pass (some sections toll free again in 2020/21).
- For caravans: The better route will be to miss out Luxembourg and head for Koln, and the A3 towards Wurzburg until the A7 which will take you south to the Fernpass and miss out some long tortuous hills. Alternatively stay on the A3 and then A9 past Nuremberg to Munich. From Munich follow A99/A8 to Kufstein and then as above. Mileage on this route are around 770 & 785 miles respectively.
The approach to the campsite is level and should not present access issues in all but the heaviest snow. The entrance to the site is opposite the main Belvedere gondola. It has a barrier and you will need to pull in and check-in with reception opposite the entrance first.
We have a full Google Maps integration at the bottom of the page, and if you’re looking for route planning advice for your caravan ski trip including stopover options for this route – check out this article on Winterised
What do you get for your money at Camping Marmolada?
- Pitch sizes vary between 70 & 90 sqm
- (Camping Marmolada Prices)
- EHU 6amp @ charged per day adapter required
- Heated shower room with hot and cold showers (albeit rather dated but very clean and warm).
- English speaking staff at reception
- Grey and chemical disposal area
- Gas cylinder exchange (Italian type. Adapter required)
- Laundromat with washing machine, dryer and ironing station (coins required)
- Modern washing up area
- Dogs welcome (max 2) charged per day
- Free wifi across the site, although booster needed at edges of campsite. 4G & 3G coverage dependent on provider
- Ski school option behind the campsite with a children’s learner area a short walk away. Ideal for families with young children. Adult learners can also start here as well as starter lessons for Cross Country.
- Ski bus for Val di Fassa, from gondola car park, adjacent to campsite is 2 euro a day if purchased in advance from camp site office. Tickets are checked at random.
Dolomiti Superski/Sella Ronda Ski Area– What is the skiing like in Canazei?
Canazei is in the centre of the Val di Fassa with direct access to 220kms of piste rising to 2485m, (Blue 13%, Red 74%, Black 13%) and the famous Sella Ronda where intermediate and improving skiers can cover 4 valleys and 3 provinces in a single 26km circuit, all in the same day. You can choose the orange clockwise route or the green anti-clockwise route. Whilst a must do challenge for many, it is best avoided at weekend and peak holidays. Fortunately the Val Di Fassa/Carezza local ski pass gives you access to the quieter slopes of Campitello, Buffaure, and Carezza which offer attractive uncrowded cruising slopes.
For beginners there are a couple of options in the beginners zone at the edge of the village or higher up in the more snow-sure area off the Ciampac gondola. However, there are plenty of long, gentle blues and reds for early intermediates on uncrowded pistes.The rest of Val di Fassa and the Sella Ronda is one big intermediate paradise and with a first class lift system some serious ground can be covered in one day. Advance skiers and boarders have a fairly limited selection of groomed blacks however, and just some off-piste opportunities but this does rely on good snowfall. However, on-piste there is comprehensive snow-making.
The wider Dolomiti Superski pass offers 12 ski areas,1200kms of piste and access to the resorts of Alta Badia, Val Gardena and Cortina.
The two main ski schools are Canazei Marmolada and Campitello Ski and Snowboard School. Both have well-organised creches and facilities for children and offer nursery slopes down on the valley floor. In addition, a snow fun park for the children is a short walk from the campsite.
There is a good cross country trail near to the campsite as well as opportunities for walking trails, snowshoeing, ice climbing and night skiing.
Ski Pass Info
Winterised Tips
- It is mandatory to have winter tyres on your vehicle in Austria, Germany, & Trentino between Oct & March. For more information on winter tyres, regulations and the law see our articles at Winterised.com and Winterised on tyres for caravans
- The campsite does not accept bookings, but is open for arrivals from 0800 each day. Phone ahead a couple of days before you want to arrive and time your run up the SS241 & 48 mountain road for late morning when it is usually quiet.
- It is possible to use the SS242 through Ortesei to get to Canazei, which has lots of hairpins and steep sections. Caravans and Motorhomes are not allowed to use the section between Val Gardena and Canazei, but it is suitable for campervans. For the sake of 20 minutes and some extra toll on the A22, the route above is much easier and less of a white knuckle ride!
- For a quiet ski away from the Ronda crowds, especially at weekends try out Alba di Fassa. Take the ski bus from the Canazei gondola, it’s only 5 minutes and quicker that using the link gondola from the Pecol hub.
- Expert skiers should head over to Arabba for amazing steep verticals on the Marmolada peak, ski the famous Saas long World Cup downhill at Val Gardena or explore more off-piste at Sass Pordoi. There is also a very challenging black run home in Alba di Fassa. For all except experts, use the gondola….. you have been warned!
- The ski rental shop Peak Sport has overnight lockers and is the closest shop to the Belvedere lift, but they prioritise rental customers and can refuse those with their own skis.
- For ski service try La Zondra directly opposite the campsite entrance. Probably the best price we have seen and friendly English speaking service.
Pros
- Easy access campsite from the motorway via Bolzano
- Just 3 minute level walk to the ski lift
- Very convenient for access to the wider Val di Fassa area
- Dolaondes swimming pool incorporating a wellness spa, sauna and gym 0.5 miles
Cons
- Advance bookings are not accepted at Camping Marmolada. A call a couple of days in advance is the only enquiry allowed
- At around 740 miles from Calais, a long journey for a short trip
- No ski/boot room
- Campsite bar not open in winter.
Thanks to Winterised FB group member Carolyn Hinchey for her help with this post
Photos | Camping Marmolada & Carolyn Hinchey
Videos | Renato Giar
