Trafoi all’Ortles

Trafoi all'Ortles is the name given to the small village on the way to the Stelvio Pass - and the name aptly describes its location. The road leads from Gomagoi to the foot of Mt. Ortles, where the houses and farms of the high-alpine holiday resort are spread out. The centre is divided into two parts: On the one hand, there are several places to stay, a shop and the naturatrafoi National Park House - on the other, a few houses are clustered around the Visitation of Mary Church.

A pilgrimage starts from there every Whit Monday, during which the highly venerated miraculous image of the Mother of God is solemnly carried to the little pilgrimage church of the Three Sacred Fountains, located a bit further into the valley. The village's name also refers to this pilgrimage site: Trafoi is derived from the Rhaeto-Romanic "Tra Ful", meaning "three springs" - the ones of the Three Sacred Fountains pilgrimage site, which was built over three ancient healing springs.

Their water promised relief from ailments caused by bad weather, eye complaints, and women's ailments - provided one drank from all three. The spring house by the little church provides clues to the associated legend. The beautiful surroundings are perfect for a day out, and the nearby red deer enclosure is another plus point, especially for children. Trafoi all'Ortles (Trafoi am Ortler) attracts visitors to this glacier region, located on the Passo dello Stelvio road, at any time of year.

You can reach the Forcola Hut from the village by chairlift or on foot: In summer, it's a popular stop for refreshments with good panoramic views. In winter, the slopes of the family-friendly Trafoi Skiing Area begin here. It was here that Gustav Thöni made his first turns before becoming one of the most outstanding athletes in Alpine skiing. The pilgrimage site can be explored on the cross-country ski trail, and there's also a special feature for tobogganers: the Passo dello Stelvio road.