Our History
Over 100 years of hospitality
- 1905
The history of Hotel Piz Galin in Andalo is an ancient one, beginning in the early years of the last century. It all started in 1905 with great-great-grandfather Felice Zeni. He traded timber, but decided to invest part of his capital in building a hospitality structure.
A characteristic of Andalo was that it was not a single cluster of houses, but rather composed of 13 masi, initially divided. The last maso to emerge corresponds to the current town center. The Zeni family lived at Maso Toscana and the great-great-grandfather had the intuition to buy land where the main road passed to build a trattoria with some rooms there, which from the beginning was called "Albergo Pizzo Gallino", in honor of the Dolomiti di Brenta mountain, which overlooks Andalo. - 1928-1929
In addition to passers-by, a real summer tourism began to develop and the Pizzo Gallino, from an inn, became a real hotel with 16 rooms.
The management of the structure passed from great-great-grandfather Felice to great-grandfather Bernardo. - 1937-1938
The structure was further refined and expanded: the major transformation started before the Second World War was completed immediately after the end of the conflict. Under the expert hands of Grandfather Arturo and Grandmother Gemma, the small hotel expanded and from 30 beds, it could now accommodate 90 guests.
In the 60s and 70s, summer tourism increased and several accommodation facilities were built in Andalo. Winter tourism began in 1961 with the construction of two cable cars leading to the top of Paganella. - 1980
In the 80s, another Zeni generation, the fourth, made its way to the Piz: Liberio, Arturo and Gemma's last son, decided to set aside his engineering studies and, together with his wife Maria, dedicated himself wholeheartedly to modernizing the Piz Galin. - 1990
Tireless workers, after many small interventions, in 1989 they decided to completely renovate the hotel and transform it into a modern, refined, and welcoming structure. The Piz Galin thus reached the necessary standards to earn its three stars. Over the years, there has been no shortage of refinements and renovations: more comfortable rooms, exclusive and increasingly high-quality services, small or large innovations to pamper guests. - 2008
After the construction of the wellness center (in 2004), the Piz underwent another extensive renovation. In 2008, the rooms were enlarged and transformed into Suites and Junior Suites, to provide more space for families. The fourth star arrived. - 2016
There's a new change of generation: Massimo, son of Liberio and Maria, and his wife Sabrina take the reins of the Piz Galin, developing services and activities increasingly dedicated to families with children! The "mission" is to constantly innovate and improve hospitality day by day, without ever forgetting the roots, in which the principles of Piz Galin's hospitality are imprinted. - 2019
It's a year full of events and commitments for the Zeni family. In November, their firstborn son Edoardo was born, and in December, the new Sky Spa was inaugurated. Building a wellness center on the hotel's roof is no simple feat. The first challenge is structural: the 25 cubic meter water tank has considerable weight and requires reinforcing the columns on every floor, down to the foundations. Added to this are complex issues related to systems, ventilation, and other technical aspects. Thanks to Liberio's engineering experience and Massimo's healthy "youthful recklessness," the new Sky Spa Dolomiti became a reality in just over three months. - 2021
These are the years of Covid: a difficult period for everyone, but particularly turbulent and uncertain for the tourism sector.
After yet another government decree prohibiting the opening of accommodation facilities and ski lifts as of January 15, Massimo and Sabrina decided not to lose any more valuable time and to proceed with the already prepared project, which includes:
• The expansion of the outdoor pool
• The complete renovation of Pizziland, with the creation of different play areas dedicated to various age groups
• The expansion of the restaurant hall
• The complete renovation of the ski storage
Just over a year after the investment in the Sky Spa, and in the midst of a pandemic, it was not an easy choice, but the Zeni family deeply believes in the value of the project and, without losing heart, decided once again to invest to improve their services.
A year later, the Zeni family grew: little Gemma arrived (2022). - 2024
In November, after a long illness, Maria passed away. The Piz lost a charismatic figure, the most authentic face of hospitality.
Family comfort remains the absolute priority. It is with this spirit that Massimo and Sabrina decided to invest in the renovation of numerous suites, to make the hotel even more family-friendly. - 2025
It's the year of the 120th anniversary of its founding, which took place in 1905.
Liberio greatly valued this occasion and pushed Massimo and Sabrina to organize a special event to celebrate this important milestone and pay homage to the ancestors who, over time, built what the Piz Galin is today.
But fate is sometimes unpredictable: in April, unexpectedly and without warning, Liberio also left us, returning to embrace his Maria and leaving an unfillable void. After moments of disorientation and pain, Massimo and Sabrina decided to complete the event Liberio had so desired.
On May 24, 2025, with over 160 guests including loyal patrons, artisans, businesses, suppliers, and historical and current collaborators, the Piz paid tribute to Maria, Liberio, and all those who, with dedication and love, helped it become what it is today.
The future
The history of the Piz Galin is made of memories, anecdotes, and emotions.
We have a guiding principle that has always led us: to innovate looking to the future, without ever forgetting our roots.
For the future of the Piz, we have important projects in store, and as always, we will carry them out faithful to the values that have accompanied us for 120 years: passion, courage, and love for hospitality.
