The division is based in Bolzano in the province of South Tyrol and part of the Alpine Troops Command in the same city.

The division carries on the name and traditions of the World War II Royal Italian Army 2nd Alpine Division "Tridentina" and the Cold War Italian Army Alpine Brigade "Tridentina".

In 2002 the Italian Army decided to raise three division commands, with one of the three always readily deployable for NATO missions.

The army decided that each of the three should carry on the traditions of one of the divisions that served with distinction in World War II.

Therefore, during October 2016 the Tridentina took command of the army's two alpine brigades.