Campitello – Canazei – Col Rodella

Col Rodella is the classic Dolomites launch above Campitello di Fassa, at about 2,360 m. It has two main take-offs 100 m from the cable-car station, near the Rifugio Des Alpes. The left face (toward Val Gardena) is used on northerlies and hosts hang-gliding activity; the right face (Val di Fassa side) is used on south and south-easterly flow, normally until around noon before the Val di Fassa breeze strengthens. Central hours (11:00–17:00) in spring and summer are for experienced pilots only; the evening window is where less-experienced pilots can find beautiful glides on the south/south-east side. Two rules matter: from 2024 there is a formal accident-response protocol pilots can sign to receive a cable-car discount, and take-off from the top of Col Rodella and the access road, as well as any launch while an air ambulance is on call, is prohibited. Landing in the cable-car car park is also prohibited.

Launch & conditions

Take-off is on two sides of the ridge near the Des Alpes refuge: north face for N flow (also hang-glider territory), south face for S / SE. In central hours a strengthening Val di Fassa breeze can turn the main launch strong — advanced pilots only. Moderate N or E winds turn the whole zone dangerous and turbulent; avoid them. Spring/summer central hours are for experienced pilots; evenings are the safer window for less experienced flyers on the south-side glide.

Getting there & local rules

The Col Rodella cable car from Campitello normally operates until the first week of October; multi-day passes exist. **Summer 2025 the cable car is closed the whole season for renovation** — check fassafly.com or icarusfassa.it for alternative shuttles. From Verona A22, exit at Egna/Ora and follow signs for Valle di Fassa via Cavalese, Moena, Predazzo up to Campitello. From the Brenner Pass, exit at Chiusa/Val Gardena and follow signs for Passo Sella via Ortisei and Selva. The main LZ sits ~200 m east of the cable-car station with a windsock on the west side — watch for the power line crossing the normal approach. A secondary LZ is on the far side of the river at the start of Canazei.

Local rules & hazards

Take-off is banned from the top of Col Rodella and from the access road, and while the air ambulance is airborne; landing in the cable-car car park is also prohibited. Moderate north or east winds make the area dangerous and turbulent, and spring and summer midday hours suit experienced pilots only.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Campitello – Canazei – Col Rodella, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Campitello – Canazei – Col Rodella with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.