The valley, a natural continuation of the Val di Fiemme, begins from Moena, where the San Pellegrino Pass connects it to Falcade and the Agordino Area. It then goes up towards north accompanied by the Catinaccio on the western side. The Costalunga Pass, leads from Vigo di Fassa to Bolzano. After passing the characteristic villages of Mazzin and Campitello, the Val di Fassa opens in the dell of Canazei dominated by the Sella-group and the Marmolada Massif with the dizzy Gran Vernel pyramid.
Canazei is a crossroads that links, through the Sella, Pordoi and Fedaia Passes, the Val di Fassa to the other Ladin balleys. The valley is run through by the River Avisio which, once crossed the Fiemme and Cembra valleys, flows into the River Adige, near Lavìs, north of Trento.