Alpe Cimbra in Trentino Awarded by UN Tourism and FIA: Special Mention for Innovation in Sports Tourism with “Alpe Cimbra 4 All – Scie di Passione”

A recognition that rewards vision, concreteness, and a path built over time: Alpe Cimbra in Trentino recently received a special mention in Madrid in the category “Innovation in the Development of Sports Tourism” at the first edition of the UN Tourism Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism, promoted by UN Tourism in collaboration with FIA.

The mention was awarded to the project “Alpe Cimbra 4 All”, recognized as an innovative international example for its ability to transform the concept of accessibility into a strategic driver for the development of sports tourism.

At the core of this achievement lies pioneering work that began over 15 years ago in Folgaria through the “Scie di Passione” project, at a time when accessibility in sport and tourism was still largely unexplored. The Folgaria ski area became the incubator of this journey, training lift operators and developing a special device that today allows sit-ski users to access cable cars. Together with the Municipality, the local tourism board (APT), and Scie di Passione, important collaborations were created, such as the one with Spirito di Stella, which made it possible to equip all restaurants and mountain huts in Folgaria with wheelchairs to ensure accessibility.

This path required the ability to “invent” and engineer a structured offering, recognizing from the outset the strategic importance of synergy with local stakeholders.

Over the years, this vision has evolved into a true culture of accessibility: from the design of accessible bike and trekking routes, to the development of specialized services and dedicated equipment, as well as the continuous training of operators. Equally important has been the networking effort through inclusive events, capable of amplifying the project’s impact, and the active contribution to the growth of the territorial system, also thanks to ongoing work with the Trentino Open brand.
 
“Being awarded in the innovation category represents an extraordinary result for us,” stated the Mayor of Folgaria, Michel Rech, and the Director of the Alpe Cimbra Tourism Board, Daniela Vecchiato, “because it recognizes the value of an approach that has reinterpreted sports tourism through an inclusive lens. ‘Alpe Cimbra 4 All’ demonstrates that innovation means making possible what was previously impossible.”

Today, Folgaria offers an roduct that spans all seasons: no longer just skiing—which marked the starting point of this journey—but also accessible biking and trekking, thanks to an increasingly advanced range of equipment and services. A unique ecosystem where sport, nature, and inclusion blend harmoniously, offering experiences of high human value.

In the immediate future, the commitment is to activate new inclusive and enhanced initiatives across all municipalities of Alpe Cimbra.

The ceremony took place in Madrid, in the presence of international institutions and stakeholders from the tourism and sports sectors, confirming the value of a model capable of setting an example beyond national borders.

However, the journey is not over. Today, the project is entering a new phase toward the most advanced frontiers of inclusivity, as demonstrated by the “Beyond Human Potential” initiative, supported by the destination and aimed at further expanding international collaborations and connections.

A challenge that began 15 years ago, carried forward with commitment, consistency, and vision, has already received numerous national and international recognitions. Today, this prestigious award represents a confirmation of the highest value: that of a territory truly capable of innovating, placing people at its center.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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