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.

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.