Has anyone ever been to the Val di Fassa in Italy? Specifically, the village of Mazzin. I have an opportunity to stay at an RCI lodge there (Residence Myosotis) for a week at $234 in a studio, Sept. 14. Is it extremely isolated? and would a car be absolutely necessary? What about the hiking trails...are they nearby? Thank you for your help.

Hiker:<BR><BR>Check the posts for "Cortina" and the "Dolmites". I saw a few notes on Val di Fassa<BR><BR>JOHN

We drove right through Mazzin on our honeymoon in November of 2000 - though I didn't know it at the time and had to dig out our old maps out to check. I seem to recall that Mazzin is high above the valley floor, which is occupied the larger (though still small) community of Canazei. That area is smack in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world along what's called the Great Dolomite Road. It's quite isolated, but my guess is that the road through sees a lot of traffic in season - in November we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves. We tend to like to drive around and see things on vacation, so I'd want a car if I were staying there - others might not. You might want to take a day trip to Bolzano (recommended) or even Innsbruck - while I'm sure both are reachable on public transportation, we like the flexibility of being able to go where we want when we want. I can't speak specifically to the proximity of hiking trails, but I would guess there are a number in the immediate area.

Yes, you will want a car (and it should be standard transmission). Hiking the area should be spectacular. We drove the Great Dolomite Road last May on our way from Verona to Venice. It was the most over-the-top visual experience of all my travel days -- snow-topped craggy peaks in the early afternoon -- Venice at sunset. Yowza!

A car would certainly be useful and give you more options, - but you could do plenty without. <BR><BR>There are cable-cars from Vigo di Fassa and Pera up to Ciampedie for fine views and hikes into the Catinaccio Range and Vaiolet valley, and from Campitello up to Col Rodella for hikes into the Sasso Lungo, among others.<BR><BR>The cable-car ride from the Pordoi Pass above Canazei into the Sella Massif is one of the most stunning in the Dolomites. <BR><BR>Try also to get up to San Martino di Castrozza (there is a bus service from Predazzo, I believe). The scenery here is quite spectacular!<BR><BR>Another area of stunning scenery is Carezza on the Costalunga Pass, (though this may not be accessible by bus).<BR><BR>The main bus service is between Canazei at the head of the valley and Trento, the regional capital. This goes via Ora, from where you could catch a train to Bolzano (home of the Ice Man). Both Trento and Bolzano are well worth a visit.<BR><BR>The other Ladin valleys of Val Gardena and Val Badia are completely different in character from Val di Fassa, but I would strongly reccommend a visit. <BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve

I would like to endorse Steve's recommendations and add that if you are really going to enjoy that area, you MUST have a car. I don't know of any rail service in Mazzin, but I could be mistaken. I'd add Ortisei (Val Gardena) and all the places from there along the road to Corvara, to the list of neat villages to visit while in the area.

Thank you all for your help. It sounds like a great area and I think I'll go ahead and book the condo.

Hi Hiker! A car rental is not a necessity in the Val di Fassa. Inexpensive, reliable and comfortable Atessina buses connect all the villages (including Mazzin). You can take a train up to Trento and then change to the Atessina bus that goes through the Fassa valley.<BR><BR>The towns also had free 'skibuses' during the winter, and they may have similar buses running to the lifts/gondolas during the summer.<BR><BR>For bus schedules go to http://www.trasporti.provincia.tn.it/<BR><BR>Other useful sites are:<BR>www.fassa.com and www.fassa.net (they have information on hikes, cable cars operating in the summer, transportation etc.)<BR><BR>I don't know the area in the summer, but in the winter, there were plenty of people everywhere, not isolated. This area is well-known in Europe. We stayed in Moena and it was a lot of fun.

Thanks Mariarosa, great information. Do you think I can get around without speaking hardly any Italian?

Hi Hiker! Here's another vote - si, si!<BR>We skied in the area a few years ago & I would love to return for bith hiking & skiing! The scenery is awesome....

Val di Fassa is Italian-speaking, but valleys north of here, e.g. Val Gardena, Val Bad&igrave;a, Val d'Ega etc. in the Alto Adige/South Tyrol region are German-speaking. You should get by without either - but a few simple phrases always help. <BR><BR>If you're going in September bear in mind that some of the lifts may be closed. The website Mariarosa gave you lists closing dates:<BR>www.fasa.com/estate/frame_svago.htm<BR><BR>Some other websites that might be useful areBR>http://www.dolomiti.it/eng/fototour/...m(photographic slide show***)<BR>www.dolomitesholiday.com/default4.asp?L=3<BR>www.trentino.to<BR>www.atesina .it<BR>www.hallo.com<BR><BR>Hope this helps ...<BR><BR>Steve<BR>

Hi Hiker! Ditto on everything Steve said. Many people speak English (although not everybody). We met many people from other areas of Europe (Sweden, Holland, etc) and they also communicated with the Italians in English. If you can hike to Val Gardena from Val di Fassa you will experience the change in language. Suddenly everyone's speaking in German!<BR><BR>I suggest that you e-mail the Val di Fassa tourism office (there's a form and e-mail on the www.fassa.com site), and ask for a hiking brochure. I e-mailed them and they sent me information and they also answered my questions. Ask what buses may be running when you are going. That way you will have a better idea of what routes you may want to hike and get a better sense of whether the buses will provide enough flexibility for you. good luck!