Hotel Overview
Hotel Fanes takes its name from the ancient Ladin legend of the Fanes kingdom — a mythological realm said to have existed in the Dolomites before recorded history. The hotel embodies that spirit of timeless alpine grandeur: richly decorated rooms, a world-class spa, and a location in San Cassiano that gives direct ski-in access to the Alta Badia and Sella Ronda circuits. It is one of the most established luxury addresses in the Dolomites.
🌿Top Amenities
San Cassiano sits in the heart of Alta Badia, one of the most scenic and accessible valleys in the Dolomites. The hotel is ski-in/ski-out in winter and a short walk from the main lift stations. The nearest airports are Innsbruck (2 hours) and Venice Marco Polo (2.5 hours). Bolzano is approximately 1.5 hours by car. The Valparola Pass road provides a dramatic approach from Cortina d'Ampezzo in summer.
Nearby Hiking Trails
Fanes Alm Circuit
A classic Dolomites walk through the Fanes plateau — high alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and the dramatic Fanes massif.
Armentarola to Capanna Alpina
A gentle valley walk through the meadows of Armentarola, with views of the Conturines and Lagazuoi massifs.
Lagazuoi Summit Trail
A demanding ascent to the Lagazuoi summit at 2,778 m — extraordinary views and First World War tunnels carved into the rock.
Nearby Attractions
Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park
One of the most beautiful nature parks in the Alps — the Fanes plateau is a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of extraordinary beauty.
Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee
The most photographed lake in the Dolomites — a 40-minute drive from San Cassiano, best visited early morning.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
The queen of Dolomites resorts is 45 minutes away — worth a half-day for its shops, restaurants, and mountain scenery.
Wellness & Experiences
The Hotel Fanes spa is a full-service alpine wellness centre with indoor and outdoor pools, a panoramic sauna landscape, steam rooms, and an extensive treatment menu. The outdoor pool with views of the Dolomites is one of the finest in Alta Badia.
Dining Recommendations
The hotel restaurant serves refined Ladin and South Tyrolean cuisine in an elegant dining room. The wine cellar is exceptional, with a deep selection of Alto Adige and Italian labels. Breakfast is a lavish affair with local cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked pastries.
Mini Escape Planner
A perfect one-day itinerary based at this hotel.
7:30 AM
Early breakfast before the day-trippers arrive — the dining room is peaceful at this hour.
9:00 AM
Take the lift to the Fanes plateau for a morning hike through the high alpine meadows.
1:00 PM
Lunch at Rifugio Fanes — the views from the terrace are extraordinary.
4:00 PM
Return to the hotel for a spa session — book the Ladin herbal treatment in advance.
7:30 PM
Dinner in the hotel restaurant — ask the sommelier for an Alto Adige Pinot Nero pairing.