Picking Mushrooms in the Val di Fassa

Wonderful to eat but also a pleasant way to rediscover the woods

Mushroom picking in the Val di Fassa is not only a way to appreciate the delights of these fruits of nature, it is also a pleasant way to rediscover the woods. There are many varieties of mushroom in the Val di Fassa and the most prized ones are porcini (ceps) and black chanterelles. Be careful though; mushroom picking is not to be taken lightly. It is absolutely indispensable to follow the local rules for picking and above all, a thorough knowledge of mushrooms is of the utmost importance. In fact, our woods are not only full of edible varieties, they also contain many poisonous mushrooms, some of which are even deadly.

First of all, you must know about the relevant regulations for picking mushrooms. You also require a permit to go picking for reasons of respecting nature and also to avoid heavy fines. You can obtain the relevant information at the local Tourist Office (APT). Secondly, you must know which types of mushroom you are picking. NEVER pick mushrooms at random without knowing what they are and never destroy them, since even poisonous varieties play an important role in maintaining the delicate equilibrium of a wood. Eating mushrooms without knowing what they are means risking your life. Unfortunately, there are careless people who do not respect this basic rule.

The regulations for mushroom picking in the Autonomous Province of Trento has led to special laws to govern this activity. The aim of these laws is not to deprive plant ecosystems of the benefits of the presence of wild mushrooms as well as to prevent the negative effects of an excessive number of human visitors, thereby safeguarding natural resources and protecting the environment. For these reasons, there are laws establishing RULES AND REGULATIONS that must be respected by all mushroom pickers:

• It is possible to pick wild mushrooms every day of the week, up to a maximum amount of two kilos per day per person over the age of ten.
• Children under the age of ten may only pick mushrooms if accompanied by a family member with the necessary documents: in this case too, the maximum limit is 2 kilos per person.
• The maximum limit of 2 kilos is not applicable should a single mushroom alone exceed this weight.
• Mushroom picking is only permitted during the day; it is prohibited between the hours of 7.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m.
• It is strictly forbidden to destroy or damage mushrooms at the picking site; the use of rakes, hooks or other similar means that can damage the soil humus is also prohibited.
• All mushrooms must be basically cleaned at the site where they are picked and they may only be carried in stiff containers with holes (baskets or similar).
• As a rule, mushroom picking is forbidden in natural parks and other restricted areas, which must be suitably indicated using the relevant signs or information notices.
• Removing or damaging signs prohibiting mushroom picking is strictly forbidden.

To pick mushrooms, those who are not residents of the province of Trento need to present the relevant declaration, which must be accompanied by payment of a sum that varies according to the length of time the permit is required for. To simplify things for those who do not always know the exact territorial boundaries of their municipalities, the 7 Municipalities of Fassa (MOENA, SORAGA, VIGO, POZZA, MAZZIN, CAMPITELLO and CANAZEI) have drawn up among themselves and the VALLEY COMUNITY an agreement forming a single area, including the areas of all of the agreed municipalities and therefore, covering the entire Val di Fassa, for the purposes of mushroom picking. For this reason, the relevant declaration presented in any of the 7 municipalities that are part of this agreement will allow you not only to pick mushrooms in the area covered by that municipality but also in the other municipal areas.

Always get information on site, since regulations, the type of payment and the cost are different according to the season.