Val di Sole is the long valley of western Trentino that climbs from Cles and the Val di Non up to the Passo del Tonale, set among three great mountains: the Brenta Dolomites, the Adamello-Presanella group and the peaks of the Stelvio National Park. It is a sporty, genuine valley, crossed by the Noce stream, one of the finest rafting rivers in Europe, with skiing in winter, great outdoors in summer and two thermal side valleys, Peio and Rabbi. Less fashionable than the most famous destinations and with gentler prices, it shines in every season. The addresses we suggest we choose one by one, never by hearsay.
It pays to pick your base according to what you’re after: the main valley, with Dimaro, Folgarida, Mezzana, Commezzadura, Ossana and Vermiglio, for the skiing and the central location; the Val di Peio and the Val di Rabbi, more secluded and immersed in the Stelvio park, for the spas, the quiet and the nature. Let’s look at where to stay, and then the skiing, the spas and the seasons.
The main valley and the skiing of Folgarida-Marilleva
The main valley is the heart of Val di Sole: here, lined up, are Dimaro, the gateway to the lifts of Folgarida, Mezzana and Commezzadura with the ski area of Marilleva, and higher up Ossana, with its castle and famous nativity scenes, and Vermiglio, at the foot of the Passo del Tonale. It is the handiest base for the skiing of the Folgarida-Marilleva area, linked by the lifts to Madonna di Campiglio, and for the great summer outdoors. The choice for those who want slopes and services within reach.
B&b Villa Paradiso
A family-run guesthouse in Mezzana, with garden, terrace and handy parking, a stone’s throw from the Marilleva lifts. The well-kept interiors and the warmth of the welcome make it a relaxing, practical base in the heart of the valley. Ideal for those after skiing and services with a homely touch.
Ospitalità Almazzago
A family-run bed and breakfast in Commezzadura, with mountain views, balconies in every room and a carefully prepared breakfast. Its central position, near the Daolasa station and the lifts, makes it handy for skiing and for the summer bike park. Perfect for families and sporty travellers after a genuine base.
Residence Larici Belvedere
A self-contained holiday home in Folgarida, with direct access to the slopes, a panoramic terrace over the mountains and private parking. The self-catering formula and the ski-in ski-out position are perfect for families and carefree ski weeks. Ideal for those who want their skis at the door.
All the properties in the village: all hotels in Mezzana →
Peio, Rabbi and the Stelvio National Park
The two side valleys are the most intimate, natural face of Val di Sole, immersed in the Stelvio National Park. The Val di Peio guards the historic Peio spa, its mineral waters and a small ski area facing the glaciers; the Val di Rabbi is a green paradise of woods, waterfalls and farmsteads, with the Rabbi spa and trails for every level. They are the choice for those seeking quiet, wellness and the most authentic nature, far from the crowds on the slopes.
Appartamento Cirmolo
A self-contained apartment in Peio, with views of the mountains of the Stelvio park, a full kitchen and a terrace. The independence of the formula and the position between spa and slopes make it ideal for a couple or a family after quiet and nature. Perfect for those who want to live the mountains at their own pace.
Agritur Maso Ciprianna B&B
A mountain farm stay in Val di Rabbi, with views of the Alps, a terrace and the genuine flavours of farmstead life, in the heart of the Stelvio park. The warmth of the family management and the peace of the woods make it an authentic base for nature lovers. Ideal for truly switching off, between walks and local produce.
La Chiasa
A holiday home in Val di Rabbi, with garden, private parking and spacious apartments designed for families. The comfortable spaces and the position immersed in the greenery of the Stelvio park make it a serene base for a holiday close to nature. Perfect for those travelling with children who want independence.
All the properties in the village: all hotels in Peio →
Skiing: Folgarida-Marilleva, the Tonale and Peio
Val di Sole offers three worlds of snow. The Folgarida-Marilleva area is the largest: it is part of Dolomiti Superski and is linked by the lifts to Madonna di Campiglio, forming the wide Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta carousel, with slopes for every level. At the head of the valley, the Passo del Tonale (above Vermiglio) offers high-altitude skiing and the Presena glacier, with a long season, while Peio has a small panoramic ski area facing the 3,000-metre peaks of the Stelvio. The season runs roughly from December to April, depending on snow cover, to be checked year by year.
To get your bearings among the ski areas and pick the right base, see the guide where to stay for skiing in Trentino-Alto Adige; if you’re after a hotel with direct access to the slopes, the selection of ski-in ski-out hotels in the Dolomites. The famous resort linked to Folgarida-Marilleva is Madonna di Campiglio.
Spas, rafting and what to see
Val di Sole is the valley of water. The Noce stream is among the finest rafting and canoeing rivers in Europe, with specialist centres all along the valley; in summer it is also a paradise for mountain biking, with the valley-floor cycle path and the Daolasa bike park, host of World Cup races. The Peio spa and the Rabbi spa, with their mineral waters, offer wellness and treatments in the silence of the Stelvio National Park, the largest in Italy, among glaciers, alpine lakes and woods. Don’t miss Ossana, with its famous Christmas nativity scenes and the castle of San Michele. For the other summer destinations among the crags, see the Dolomites in summer, and if you’re after wellness, the selection of hotels with spa and thermal baths.
When to go
Val di Sole is a two-full-season destination. Winter (from December to April, depending on snow cover — to be checked season by season) is the realm of skiing, between Folgarida-Marilleva, the Tonale and Peio; it is high season, so it pays to book ahead, especially over the holidays, when Ossana lights up with its nativity scenes. Summer (from June to September) is the season of rafting, cycling and trekking in the Stelvio park, with a cool climate and long days.
The shoulder seasons are the quietest and best suited to the spas: in autumn the woods light up and the valleys fall silent again, while in late spring the snow retreats and the summer mountain is not yet fully open, so it’s worth checking openings and connections. The valley is also an ideal destination for a family ski holiday and, in December, for the Christmas markets.
Getting there
Val di Sole is reached by car from the Brenner motorway (A22): you exit at San Michele all’Adige-Mezzocorona and continue through the Val di Non and Val di Sole, or from Trento. By train there is the scenic Trento-Malé-Mezzana railway, which climbs the whole valley with stops in the villages and at the lifts, one of the finest and most practical ways to get around without a car. The nearest airports are Verona, Bergamo, Milan and Innsbruck.
Once in the valley, you get around well with the Trento-Malé railway and the buses that link the villages, the spas and the lifts, and with the Val di Sole Opportunity Card or the Trentino Guest Card travel is even better value. A car remains handy for the side valleys of Peio and Rabbi. For the full picture on motorway, trains and airports of the region, see the guide how to get to Trentino-Alto Adige.
This guide is part of our grand journey through the region: discover all the destinations and areas in Where to Stay in Trentino-Alto Adige.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in Val di Sole.
Which is the best base for staying in Val di Sole?
It depends on what you’re after. The main valley, with Dimaro, Folgarida, Mezzana, Commezzadura, Ossana and Vermiglio, is the handiest base for the skiing of Folgarida-Marilleva and for services; the side valleys of Peio and Rabbi, immersed in the Stelvio park, are ideal for spas, quiet and nature. The villages are well linked by the Trento-Malé railway, so the choice is above all a question of atmosphere.
Where to stay for skiing at Folgarida-Marilleva?
The handiest bases are Folgarida, with properties right on the slopes, Marilleva, Mezzana, Commezzadura and Dimaro, all close to the lifts. The area is part of Dolomiti Superski and is linked by the lifts to Madonna di Campiglio. To compare the region’s ski areas and find the right hotel, see our guide on where to stay for skiing.
What are the spas of Peio and Rabbi?
They are two historic thermal resorts in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, fed by mineral waters used for treatments and wellness. The Peio spa and the Rabbi spa are immersed in the nature of the two side valleys of Val di Sole, ideal for a stay focused on relaxation, away from the crowds. Many properties in the area are designed precisely for those seeking quiet and self-care.
Can you go rafting in Val di Sole?
Yes, Val di Sole is one of the European capitals of rafting: the Noce stream, of glacial origin, offers routes for every level, from families to experts, with numerous specialist centres along the valley. The season runs roughly from spring to early autumn. Besides rafting, the Noce and the valley are perfect for canoeing, hydrospeed and mountain biking.
Is Val di Sole suitable for families?
Very much so. The Folgarida-Marilleva and Tonale ski areas have ski schools and slopes for every level, and in summer easy rafting, cycling, mountain pastures and the Stelvio park are perfect with children. Many properties, from residences to B&Bs, are designed for families, often with the Val di Sole Opportunity Card included. The Trento-Malé railway also makes getting around without a car simple.
