Italy
In the heart of the Dolomites, in southern Trentino, stands Alpe Cermis: a ski resort that locals have been calling ‘the mountain of sun and snow’ for decades. It is no empty nickname. Its north-west facing aspect and state-of-the-art snowmaking system allow it to offer one of the longest seasons in the entire region, with perfectly groomed slopes from early December to late April.
But Alpe Cermis is not just a ski resort. It is the backdrop to one of the most gruelling cross-country skiing events in the world, a destination for families seeking fun in the snow, and a spot where food lovers can enjoy Trentino cuisine at an altitude of 2,250 metres.
Skiing at Alpe Cermis is synonymous with vertical drop and quality. The experience begins in the village of Cavalese itself, at an altitude of 860 metres, from where the cable car takes you up to the imposing Cima Filadonna, the resort’s highest point at 2,250 metres. This layout allows you to enjoy a maximum vertical drop of 1,390 metres, an impressive figure that guarantees long, thrilling descents without interruption.
The resort boasts some 24 kilometres of skiable terrain, meticulously maintained. It is a well-balanced ski area, yet with a distinct character: more than half of its slopes (54%) are intermediate (red), making it the ideal destination for those looking to perfect their technique. Beginners have 24% of blue runs at their disposal, whilst experts can test their skills on the 22% of black runs, including the famous Olimpia run.
To get around the mountain, the resort boasts a modern and efficient infrastructure comprising 3 gondola lifts, 3 chairlifts and a T-bar lift, designed to minimise waiting times even on the busiest days.
Furthermore, Alpe Cermis is not an isolated destination; it forms part of the prestigious Val di Fiemme-Obereggen circuit and is part of the Dolomiti Superski, the world’s largest ski area. You can enjoy this exceptional setting throughout the season, which usually runs from early December to late April.
The jewel of Alpe Cermis: the Olimpia run
If there is one reason why Alpe Cermis is on the radar of alpine skiers across Europe, it is the Olimpia. At 7.5 km in length, it is one of the longest and most comprehensive runs in the Alps, covering practically the entire vertical drop of the mountain across three distinct sections:
- Olimpia I – The upper section. Technical terrain, demanding slopes and snow that usually remains in better condition due to the altitude. For skiers seeking thrills without sacrificing control.
- Olimpia II – The heart of the run. An exhilarating stretch that winds through the forest with tight turns and constant changes of pace. The favourite section of those who return.
- Olimpia III – The finale. A gentle descent to the valley floor that invites you to let go and finish the run at speed. It is also floodlit twice a week for night skiing.
Tour de Ski: the Final Climb
Every January, Alpe Cermis becomes the epicentre of world cross-country skiing. The resort hosts the final stage of the FIS Tour de Ski, a multi-stage competition that crosses several countries and reaches its most dramatic conclusion here: the Final Climb.
The athletes – their legs already exhausted after weeks of competition – must ascend the alpine piste in the opposite direction, tackling gradients exceeding 28% on the most demanding sections.
It is a test of endurance that combines strength, tactics and sheer willpower. Considered one of the most iconic images in winter sport, the Final Climb turns every edition into a spectacle: the world’s best cross-country skiers give it their all just metres from the finish line, with the crowd packed in on both sides of the track.
Beyond Alpine skiing
The Olimpia III is floodlit twice a week. Skiing down a high-mountain run under the stars, with the lights of the valley in the background, is an experience you’ll never forget. No queues, no crowds, with the silence of the forest as your only companion.
Cermislandia
A snow park designed for little ones in the Doss dei Laresi area. Slopes, games and activities tailored so that children can enjoy the mountains safely and have fun, whilst the adults ski without a care in the world.
High-altitude dining
Trentino’s cuisine deserves a place of its own on any visit. At the summit of Alpe Cermis, mountain huts such as Paion or Lo Chalet serve traditional dishes – canederli, speck, polenta with mushrooms – with 360° panoramic views of the Brenta Group and the Marmolada. A lunch break here is not just a formality: it is part of the journey.
Sustainability: Cermis 2.0
The resort has been working for years to reduce its environmental impact under the umbrella of the Cermis 2.0 project:
The ski lifts run entirely on renewable energy.
The snowmaking systems are optimised to minimise water and energy consumption, adapting production to weather conditions in real time.
Waste management and transport from the valley are part of a wider policy of sustainable tourism in the Val di Fiemme.
How to get there and ski passes
The main access is via the cable car departing from the centre of Cavalese, the capital of the Val di Fiemme. There is a large free car park at the base. The resort is well connected by road from Trento (approx. 45 mins) and has a regular bus service.
Ski passes and ski area: Alpe Cermis forms part of the Val di Fiemme-Obereggen area and is part of the Dolomiti Superski ski area, one of the largest in the world. A single ski pass grants access to over 1,200 km of slopes spread across the entire Dolomite region. It is advisable to book your ski pass in advance during the high season (Christmas, January and February) to get the best price.
Usual season: December – late April
