Fai della paganella

Paganella is a mountain in the Province of Trento, in northern Italy, in the territories of the municipality of Fai della Paganella, Andalo, Molveno, Zambana and Terlago. Overlooking Trento from north-west, it consists of a short range/plateau with a highest elevation of 2,125m (Roda Peak). The versant of Andalo and Fai is rich of vegetation, with the homonymous ski resorts, while the other descends towards the Adige river and Terlago are with steep rocky slopes. On the plateau of Fai della Paganella you can find its small town, rich in history and traditions. The origins of this urban settlement goes back to the ancient times of the Reti, an Iron Age nation (VI century b.C.) who lived in the valleys of Trentino, they probably found out that the plateau had particular qualities. Certainly the strategic position was interesting, it dominates the below Adige Valley, but also the rich resources from which they could live; grazing land, water and wood were abundant.

During the history, Fai has known a restrained development, which makes it today so precious. You can still find agricultural, handicraft, forestry and pastoral activities. These crafts have given the nucleus form to the most ancient urban part, la Villa, in the lower part of the town situated around the parochial church and Cortalta, the upper town near "monte Fausior" build around the small and pretty church San Rocco. Between the two villages, now reunited of elapsed growth, you can still find jokes and teasing synonymous about the sense of belonging, which time has never completely canceled.

At the end of the nineteenth century, innovation was born also in our mountains, and a cable car was build to connect Fai directly with the Adige valley, improving lifestyle of the inhabitants and offering tourists to come and visit more easy the mountain. In Summertime you could find in Fai holidaymakers, who stayed also for more than one month, looking for clean air and peace. In wintertime, thanks to the opening of the first ski slopes, a golden hit was the "Tre-Tre" of Paganella, forerunner of today's world cup ski-training slope and on which champs like Zeno Colò and Celina Seghi were challenged, here ski-tourism was born and slowly increased, nowadays the mountain counts 50 km of ski-slopes.

Also nowadays, this is the main resource of tourism for Fai della Paganella. A beautiful place, surrounded by the scenery and high peaks of the Dolomites of Brenta, situated on a plateau of 1000 meters altitude and protected from Mount Paganella with its 2125 m. above sea level and from mount Fausior with its 1550m height.

The balmy air of resinous trees such as fir, pine and larch, invites to make a nice walk on the paths in the forests. Starting from the centre of the town, you can easily reach one of the numerous roads, along the meadows, between the flowers and the trees, finding the beauty of the nature and who knows, to conquer one of the tops with their breathtaking views. In winter, when the landscape turns white under a cloak of snow, you can put on your skis, snowshoes or simply go by foot and find that fabulous quietness and inmost recess, which only a snowy world is able to create.

The inhabitants of Fai (Faioti), know since centuries how to be hospitable and how to involve their guests in their folklore activities. Traditional parties and entertainment are hold in summer and winter, involving guests in suitable buildings and places.

In summertime a nice competition is organized between the inhabitants and their guests, called "l'orto in gara" (vegetable garden race), the sound of vegetables like cabbage and zucchini are used to judge the most accurate and beautiful local gardens...At Christmas a same kind of competition is hold to judge the cribs in town "Fai e I so Bambinei" (Fai and its Christ Child). Many families create their own original version of a crib and following it is installed near their houses, in niches or under arcades, where they are visible and ready to be visited. This event is quite popular in town and respects tradition and religion.
Tourism has never distorted the origin of the town of Fai, as is happens in many other centres. The meadows remained meadows and forests remained forests. The progress and the tourist attractions were established in full harmony with the territory and its inhabitants. The tourist can stay in an authentic atmosphere.

Fai della Paganella is the radiance of its mountains and the warmth of its inhabitants, if you wish to come and visit us, you will not regret it. Fai della Paganella è lo splendore delle sue