A Family History

The value of hospitality across three generations

Maria and Enrico

The first generation: from its beginnings to the catering business

The history of Malga Ces began during the Second World War, when Maria rented the mountain dairy — owned by the Priory of San Martino — and, whilst her husband Enrico was at the front, produced cheese and butter to support the family. Among the pastures and woods of the Primiero Valley, she nurtured a dream built on hard work, dedication and a love of the mountains. In 1966, with the development of the resort and the arrival of the first ski lifts in San Martino di Castrozza, the mountain hut was transformed into a restaurant, becoming a favourite haunt for those seeking the authentic flavours of local cuisine.

Antonietta and Mario

Hospitality on the ski slopes

In 1956, management passed to their daughter Antonietta and her husband Mario, who cemented the mountain hut’s reputation as a restaurant on the slopes of San Martino, promoting traditional cuisine and a warm, family-friendly welcome. The first rooms were built in the 1990s, creating the first hotel right on the slopes, where guests can experience the mountains whilst being close to nature and enjoy authentic traditional Alpine dishes in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Marco and Maria Giovanna

Gourmet cuisine and new approaches to hospitality

In the early 2000s, management passed to his son Marco and his wife Maria Giovanna, who renovated the mountain hut whilst preserving its historical character, but with a keen eye for innovation. Over the years, the mountain hut has become a gourmet restaurant with cosy rooms, whilst remaining the only hotel on the slopes of San Martino di Castrozza. Today, guests can enjoy refined dishes that showcase local produce, stay just a stone’s throw from the slopes thanks to the ski-in, ski-out facility, and experience the mountains from dawn to dusk, surrounded by comfort, authenticity and the warmth of a family welcome, making Malga Ces an unmissable destination for lovers of fine dining and the Dolomites.

Matteo and Chiara

The future of Malga Ces

Today, our children Matteo and Chiara are also helping to bring things full circle and turn a new page in our history, as they work alongside the family in the day-to-day running of the mountain dairy. Having been raised amidst the majestic landscapes of the Pale di San Martino, they carry on a constantly evolving tradition with passion, energy and enthusiasm, bringing a fresh perspective as the fourth generation.