Campitello – Canazei – Locomotiva

Campitello–Canazei–Locomotiva is a Dolomites launch at 2,370 m off the Sella pass — a good alternative when the Col Rodella gondola isn't running, and one of the few local options that still works when strong north wind kills the classic thermal flights from the other Val di Fassa sites. Takeoff is at the foot of the cliff that, from the road out of Canazei, is shaped like a steam engine (hence 'Locomotiva'). If you don't hook a thermal, landing gets difficult — everything just below launch is small or sloping. In winter the north face gives great snow soaring and ground handling.

Launch & conditions

Takeoff at 2,370 m, direction east, at the foot of the 'Locomotiva' cliff. In winter, the north face of the same site works for soaring and snow ground-handling.

Getting there & local rules

From Canazei, drive to the Sella pass (Passo Sella) and park on the pass. 10-minute walk east to the takeoff at the foot of the cliff — from the Canazei road it looks like a steam engine. From Trento, motorway to Ora, then east through Cavalese, Predazzo and Moena. From Germany / Ortisei, cross Val Gardena and take the Passo Sella. Landing: Campitello in the valley, near the Col Rodella cable-car base.

Local rules & hazards

North wind site. If you wait too long, the valley breeze from Val Gardena reaches you from behind, which kills XC starts. If you don't hook a thermal after launch, the landing gets very hard — everything just below is small or sloping.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Campitello – Canazei – Locomotiva, 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 – Locomotiva with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.