The Zoldo valley is one of the most relaxed places in the Dolomites for a family ski holiday. In Pecol, hotels, ski school, rental and lift are only minutes apart, the slopes belong to the large Civetta ski area and Dolomiti Superski, and prices are pleasantly low for the Dolomites.
Why the Zoldo valley suits families
- Short distances: In Pecol many places to stay are so close to the lift that children can walk there in their ski boots.
- Quiet: No high-rise hotels and no après-ski crowds. In the evening the village is calm.
- Lots to do: Skiing, cross-country, snowshoeing and ice skating are all in the valley.
- Big enough: The lifts connect to the whole Civetta ski area as far as Alleghe and Selva di Cadore, with around 72 to 80 km of slopes in total.
Ski passes: small children often ski free
In the Civetta ski area small children have skied for free in recent years. In the 2025/26 season, children born 2018 to 2022 got a free ski pass when an adult bought a paid pass of the same length at the same time (one child per adult, not for season passes). Older children and teenagers pay a cheaper junior rate.
For 2026/27 price websites list about €72 for an adult day pass in high season. Official prices and age limits are on Ski Civetta and Dolomiti Superski. Bought online a few days ahead, the pass is often a little cheaper.
Ski school and Baby Park
Pecol has two ski schools with children's courses, the Scuola Italiana Sci Civetta and Funny Ski. Group lessons usually start at age three, and private lessons are also available in English. Courses fill up fast at Christmas and in February, so book early.
At the top of the lift from Pecol, on the Pian del Crep, is the Baby Park with snow games, trampolines and bouncy castles. The little ones learn there while the older ones ski the slopes around it.
More than just the slopes
- Night skiing: Pecol is the only place in the ski area with floodlit slopes, last season Thursday to Saturday from 7:30 pm. An adventure for older children.
- Ice skating: The ice stadium in Soccampo near Forno di Zoldo is getting a new roof and should reopen this winter. An ice hockey game is a great evening for the whole family.
- Cross-country: The "Pompeo Fattor" centre in Palafavera has easy loops from 5 km.
- Snowshoeing: around Palafavera and up to Passo Staulanza. Off the slopes only with the avalanche bulletin.
- Bad weather: The iron and nail museum in Forno di Zoldo, a hotel with an indoor pool or a trip to Belluno.
Where families stay well
Skiers are best off in the upper valley, in Pecol, Mareson or along the road to Palafavera. Holiday apartments are often cheaper than a hotel for families, and a hotel with an indoor pool saves rainy afternoons.
- Hotel Valgranda Wellness & Spa Pecol · hotel with indoor pool and spa View on Booking.com →
- Hotel Bosco Verde Pecol · hotel View on Booking.com →
- Hotel Corona Mareson · hotel View on Booking.com →
- Hotel Sporting Val di Zoldo · hotel near the slopes View on Booking.com →
- Hotel Edelweiss Val di Zoldo · hotel View on Booking.com →
- Residence Panorama Val di Zoldo · apartments View on Booking.com →
- Rifugio Palafavera Palafavera · mountain inn by the chairlift View on Booking.com →
Getting there with children
The nearest airports are Venice and Treviso, about two hours by car. From southern Germany it is around five hours over the Brenner Pass. In winter, Italy requires winter tyres or snow chains on board. Saturdays are the busiest days on the roads, so travelling on Friday evening or Sunday is often easier. More under Getting there.
Quick answers
- From what age can children join ski school?
- Group lessons in Pecol usually start at age three, private lessons even earlier.
- When is the best time for a family ski holiday?
- January and March are quieter and cheaper than Christmas and February. The season usually runs from early December to the end of March.
- Is the ski area good for beginners?
- Yes. Around Pecol and Palafavera there are many blue and red runs. The black Foppe is one for the parents.
- Do I need a car in the valley?
- If you stay in Pecol you can walk to the lift. For trips, cross-country skiing or the ice stadium a car is handy.
Useful links
- Ski passes and slopes: Ski Civetta · Dolomiti Superski
- Ski school: Scuola Italiana Sci Civetta · Funny Ski
- Ski rental in Pecol: Centro Servizi Ski Civetta
- Tourist office in the valley: Val di Zoldo Turismo
zoldo.de is not an official Ski Civetta website. Prices, courses and opening times change every season. Please check the official websites before you travel.