RIFUGIO PAION

At 2,300 metres above sea level, a spectacular terrace overlooking Val di Fiemme, where panoramic Dolomite views meet the flavours of mountain cuisine.

Some places are worth visiting for the food, while others are worth the climb simply for the view. At Rifugio Paion, high on Alpe Cermis, the two come together. At around 2,300 metres, the terrace opens onto a 360° panorama of Val di Fiemme and some of Trentino’s most iconic mountains: from the Pale di San Martino to the Marmolada, from the Brenta Dolomites to Cevedale and the Ortler, with views extending towards Sassolungo and the Sella Group on clear days.

The refuge is located at the top of the Alpe Cermis lifts, and getting there is part of the experience. From Cavalese or the valley station, a combination of cable cars and a final chairlift takes you higher and higher, with the landscape changing as you gain altitude.

Once you arrive, it is time to sit down and enjoy the food. The Paion’s cuisine is designed to suit different tastes and to accompany mountain life throughout the seasons. The self-service restaurant serves traditional local dishes alongside roasts, grilled meats and game. The menu also highlights local products, including cheeses from Caseificio Sociale Val di Fiemme and the renowned Speck Riserva from Maso dello Speck.

For those with a sweet tooth, choosing just one dessert is not easy. Homemade cakes and pastries are prepared every day, from apple cake and strudel to Sacher, Linzer and ricotta cakes. They are perfect not only after a meal, but also for a well-deserved sweet break during the day.

And for those who cannot resist pizza, even at high altitude, there is that too: freshly baked to order and topped with flavours and ingredients inspired by the local area.

But the Paion is not only about food. In summer, it becomes a starting point for exploring the trails of Alpe Cermis, as well as a destination in its own right for simply enjoying a sunny break surrounded by mountain views. Just a short distance from the refuge, children can also meet the farm animals, adding a little taste of traditional mountain life to the day.

In winter, the refuge lies at the heart of the Alpe Cermis Ski Area, with its 23 kilometres of slopes. And you do not necessarily have to ski to enjoy the summit: non-skiers can also reach the Paion by lift and simply soak up the sunshine, the panoramic terrace and the unforgettable mountain scenery.