Trafoi, the Village of Thoeni

We stayed 2 days in Trafoi, at the Hotel Interski, right next to the hotel of the Thoeni family, the great skiing champion of the '70s. Bed and breakfast 32 € per person, with the option of a discounted dinner at 13 € at the nearby Hotel Abeti. A very convenient area for reaching the Stelvio, the Val Solda, in the middle of the Stelvio National Park with its visitor centre "Naturatrafoi", featuring an exhibition dedicated to the theme of "life at the borders", covering the geological aspects of the Ortles massif and the survival of plants and animals in the extreme climatic conditions of the high mountains. From Trafoi you can easily reach on foot or by car (along a 2-kilometre lane) the ancient sanctuary of the Tre Fontane Sacre, at 1,607 m of altitude. The church was built in 1229 and restored between 1701 and 1702, near the three springs that are said to have healing properties.

The image of the Madonna that is usually kept in the little church is, every year, carried in solemn procession to Trafoi during the winter, where it remains on display in the church until Pentecost. An ideal area for picnics.