Take off from Belvedere and Col Rodella and experience the thrill of flying among the Dolomites.

Are you planning to try paragliding in Val di Fassa?
Here you’ll find everything you need, with no frills. The main take-off spots are Col Rodella and Belvedere: both are easy to reach with the lifts and are suitable both for tandem flights (perfect if it’s your first time) and for licensed pilots.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to take off and land, which schools and operators to contact, when to go depending on conditions, and what to expect (duration, equipment, practical tips). If you’re staying at Hotel Cristallo, you’ll be just a few minutes from the lifts, and the reception can provide updated contacts and support for booking.
Simple, clear, and useful: let’s get started!

Take-Off Spots in Canazei

For paragliding in Canazei, the two main areas are Col Rodella, overlooking Campitello, and Belvedere–Col dei Rossi, directly above Canazei. Both are easily accessible with ski lifts and offer wide take-off fields, surrounded by breathtaking views of Sella, Pordoi, Sassolungo, and Marmolada.

How to get there:

• Belvedere – Col dei Rossi (above Canazei)
  From the center of Canazei, take the Canazei–Pecol cable car (no. 101) and then Pecol–Col dei Rossi (no. 102). Alternatively, you can start from Alba with the Alba–Col dei Rossi Funifor (no. 130).

• Col Rodella (above Campitello)
  Normally, you would take the Campitello–Col Rodella cable car (no. 141) from the Ischia valley. However, for summer 2025 the lift is being renewed, and access is smoothly managed through alternative connections from Canazei. We recommend:

  • Take the Canazei–Pecol cable car (no. 101).

  • From Pecol, take the shuttle to Pian de Frataces.

  • Then, take the Pradel–Salei gondola (no. 155).

  • Finally, take the Rodella–Des Alpes chairlift (no. 152).

If you’re looking for a “soft” and scenic flight, Belvedere is perfect on calm mornings, with Marmolada watching you from across the valley. If instead you want to experience a timeless Val di Fassa classic, Col Rodella often offers reliable conditions and a breathtaking 360° panorama.

From Hotel Cristallo, you can easily reach both lift stations. All you need to do is wear comfortable shoes, trust your pilot, and enjoy the silent glide over the Dolomites.

Landing

After flying over ridges and valleys, it’s time to touch down. The reference landing spot for flights from this area is a wide meadow in Ischia, Campitello, just steps from the cable car station: convenient, close to services, and perfect for a smooth return.

Your pilot guides you to the very last step: choosing the gentlest trajectory and telling you when to slightly lift your legs or take a couple of steps. Follow their instructions, and within seconds you’ll be on the ground with a soft, controlled landing—ready for your next adventure.

Who to Contact for Tandem Flights

For a tandem paragliding flight in Canazei, the golden rule is simple: rely on certified local schools and guides from Val di Fassa.
This means flying with expert pilots who know every secret of the wind, using certified equipment, and receiving a clear, reassuring briefing before take-off.

The easiest ways to organize your flight? You have three options:

1. Contact a school/operator directly
   A long-standing reference in the valley is Fassa Fly: qualified pilots, a well-organized structure, and different flight options (scenic, longer, or sunrise flights when possible). Ideal if you want to speak directly with the pilot who will take you up and decide together the timing and style of your experience.

2. Use a reliable booking center
   Sport Check Point works with certified instructors and helps you find the best day and time slot. Perfect if you prefer a single contact point that compares availability and conditions, with quick and practical answers.

3. Ask at Hotel Cristallo reception
   The easiest way if you’re our guest: we’ll provide updated contacts of the best local operators, check availability and weather, and, if you wish, handle the booking for you. We’ll also let you know the meeting point and lift schedules.

When to Go and What to Bring

To fully enjoy paragliding in Canazei, aim for clear and stable days. The best season is from late spring to early autumn, but flights are also possible in winter, when conditions allow, offering the unique spectacle of a snow-covered landscape.

Generally, mornings bring calmer air, ideal for a scenic and relaxing flight, while midday and afternoon may provide thermals for longer and more dynamic flights. In any case, your pilot will confirm the day before, and reschedule if the weather or wind is uncertain.

As for clothing, the key is comfort. Wear long trousers even in summer and dress in layers, with a good windbreaker, since it’s always fresh at altitude. Sturdy trekking boots or shoes with good soles are essential for safe take-offs. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and light gloves (in mid-season) can also be useful. Bring a small backpack with water and an ID; if you want to take photos, make sure your phone is secured with a strap.

Paragliding in Canazei is easier to organize than you might think, but absolutely unforgettable. Just a few running steps, the magical sensation of lifting off the ground, and suddenly the Dolomites open up before you—silent and majestic.

Choose your favorite take-off spot, book a tandem flight with certified instructors, and prepare your comfortable shoes and your sense of wonder.
For everything else, we’ve got you covered: book your stay at Hotel Cristallo, stop by reception for the best local contacts, tips on the perfect time to fly, and all the little logistical details!