Dolomites (Dolomiti)

The basics

In addition to being one of the most popular ski destinations in Europe, the Dolomites are also known for summer activities such as mountain climbing, Alpine hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and hang gliding. Travelers can join a tour from Venice to explore the many gorgeous drives through the Dolomites without the stress of having to navigate the winding mountain roads. Upon arrival in the region, walking and hiking tours are also excellent ways to explore in summer, with plenty of photo opportunities and a tour guide who can pick a trail suited to individual skill levels. Cable cars transport visitors up to the trailheads, ski slopes, and lodges year round.

Things to know before you go

• Many top trails in the Dolomites are for advanced hikers, though there are also easier routes. Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the weather, and bring water.

• For train buffs, the historic narrow-gauge Renon railway and the Brennero railway are considered the most scenic in Italy.

• To sample traditional cooking, stop for a meal at arifugio, or refuge mountain lodge.

How to get there

Most visitors depart from Venice, by car or train, for a day trip or a longer stay in this part of the Italian Alps. The nearest airports to the Dolomites are in Venice or Treviso, and there are airport shuttles directly to the ski resorts in winter.

When to get there

The Dolomites are spectacular year round. In the wintertime, you can ski, snowshoe, or hike the winter trails. In the summer, visitors hike, tour the countryside, and explore the area’s many villages.

The multicultural Dolomites

The Dolomite mountains were part of Austria until after World War I, and residents here still identify with Germanic history. In addition, the ancient Ladin people, who have their own separate culture and language, have been living among these mountains for centuries.

Ways to explore

The region is well-suited for visitors during the high summer and winter months, and activities vary significantly between these seasons. In summer, it’s all about hiking, cycling, and paragliding; in winter, snow-thrills take over with skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and snow-shoeing around the famed 25-mile (40-km) Sella Ronda circuit, which is covered by the Dolomiti Superski lift pass.

The region is also a day trip destination for visitors from Verona, Innsbruck, and the towns of Lake Garda. Even though you won’t scratch the surface of the Dolomites in just one day, these trips give a preview of the best-known sights, along with the itch to return for a longer stay.

Accessibility

Provisions for wheelchair users are patchy around this rugged region, but Mt. Lagazuoi (Cortina d’Ampezzo) is a good option for travelers with reduced mobility. Here, there’s a wheelchair-accessible cable car and summit trail that passes an accessible mountain refuge for lunch.

Age limits

None. The Dolomites are popular with families in both summer and winter.

What to pack

Camera, cash for toll roads/remote mountain huts, paper hiking maps or ski maps (internet connection may be unreliable), mountain gear, sun lotion

What to wear

Hiking or snow boots, and mountain clothes that are appropriate for the season—layers and waterproofs are essential whenever you visit.

Not allowed

Wild camping, but luckily, there are many official campsites in the region.

Amenities

Accommodation of basic mountain huts with beds and food (rifugi), campsites, pensions (guesthouses), sport hotels (family-friendly hotels with pools or sports facilities), wellness hotels (usually with saunas or steam rooms), eateries, pharmacies, public transportation, shops, supermarkets

Address

Bolzano and Trento are the bigger towns and transport hubs in the Dolomites, which are served by fast Italian train services. International travelers can fly into Innsbruck (Austria), Munich (Germany), or Venice (Italy).

Driving

While there is public transportation in the Dolomites, it doesn’t offer the same coverage and frequency as in the Swiss Alps. A car provides the greatest freedom to explore and discover places away from the crowds. Parking lots near tourist-popular sites, such as the Tre Cime or Lake Braies, are best booked in advance.

Public transportation

If visiting without a car, base yourself in a large town, such as Cortina, where public transportation is easier. The Dolomiti Bus app or website is a useful resource for routes and schedules. Tickets can be bought pay-as-you-go with cards (tap-in/tap-out). Some Dolomites hotels also offer Südtirol Guest Passes, which are public transportation cards for free travel on local buses; check when booking your accommodation.

Best times to visit

The Dolomites are beautiful around the clock, but if you’re hiking in the summer, step out at dawn or sunset to catch the fabled alpenglow (enrosadira), when the mountains are cast in a soft red light.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are typically quieter on the trails and ski slopes than weekends.

Best months to visit

The best months tend to be June through early September and December through April. While there are some exceptions in the larger towns, most of the region isn’t set up for tourism in the shoulder seasons; many hotels, restaurants, and gondola stations close, and bus services are less frequent.

Special events

In February 2026, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Milan will co-host the Winter Olympics; book accommodation and tickets well in advance. Again in Cortina, another popular annual event is the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti in July, when vintage cars embark on a 3-day race around the Dolomites.