Summary
Located in the northeast corner of Italy, bordering Austria, travelers will find the Dolomites. Le Dolomiti (in Italian) share some of the alpine styles of neighboring regions but boast a culture—and even a language—all of their own.
Ladin is a language spoken in South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno, although visitors are just as likely to hear German and Italian throughout the region. This is because South Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, when it was annexed to Italy.
The Dolomites also offer some of the most incredible mountain scenery in Europe, with 18 peaks rising more than 10,000 feet. Dolomitic limestone forms the mountains’ peaks, which rise dramatically above green valleys and picturesque lakes that freeze in the winter. The region is a favorite ski destination among Italians and is famous for hiking in the summer. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Dolomites.
Best Time to Go to the Dolomites
The Dolomites are a famed ski destination, with many visitors and locals alike heading there during the winter holidays. Consequently, the area has also become increasingly popular in the summer, especially for hiking and nature lovers. During the shoulder seasons—from late March through late May and from early October through mid-December—many resorts and hotels tend to shut down.
Best Places for Dolomites Hiking
Tofana
A cable car will take you up to the summit of this mountain, which is a popular spot for skiing in the winter and hiking come summer. At the first stop on the cable car, you’ll find the Masi Wine Bar and Ristorante Col Druscié 1778, which serves apple strudel and spiked eggnog alongside salads and more substantial fare.
Lago di Misurina
Arriving at the beautiful Lago di Misurina, about 20 minutes by car from Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll see the yellow rehabilitation center for children, created because the fresh mountain air was believed to cure respiratory ailments. The lake, situated 5,761 feet above sea level, attracts people in all seasons to walk the 1.6-mile perimeter, along which there are places to picnic. It’s also the access point for hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a popular trail that departs from the Rifugio Auronzo.
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
This Instagram-famous lake is especially alluring in the summer, as the sun reflects off its emerald waters, around which rises the impressive Seekofel massif. From June to September, visitors can rent a wooden rowboat (€25 for an hour, €15 every 30 minutes after that) and cruise around the lake. However, due to its popularity, the boathouse often runs out of boats by 11 a.m. Therefore, it’s best to arrive early when the boathouse opens at 9:30 a.m. You can also walk around the lake’s perimeter, stopping to admire the chapel built in 1904. For a more strenuous hike, you can access trails that lead into the mountains from the south end of the lake.
Best Things to Do in the Dolomites
Skiing
Dolomiti Superski is a network of 16 ski resorts with 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) of slopes and 450 lifts, all accessible with just one pass. It includes popular destinations like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia, Val Gardena, and Marmolada. There are options for single-day tickets, multi-day passes, or season passes available online. Additionally, tickets can also be purchased at the individual lifts.
Sledding
If you don’t know how to ski or simply want a break from the slopes, sledding is an exhilarating outdoor activity. At Lago di Misurina, you can ascend the Tre Cime di Lavaredo aboard a snowmobile and sled back down. The driver will drop you off at the Rifugio Auronzo, 7,654 feet above sea level, where you can borrow a sled to whiz down.
Best Dolomites Hotels
Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
The grand dame of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the ritziest ski town in the Dolomites, Cristallo boasts a long and illustrious history. Opened in 1901, it has hosted an impressive roster of guests during its dolce vita heyday, including Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardot, aristocrats like the Duca d’Aosta, and even the U.S. Olympic team, which practiced at the hotel’s ice-skating rink in 1956. Now a member of Marriott’s Luxury Collection, the property combines alpine charm with luxury hotel amenities, including a relaxing spa and a fabulous bar that serves creative cocktails.
Hotel La Perla
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this family-run mountain chalet was opened in 1957 by Annie and Ernesto Costa, who still reside on the third floor. Their sons now run the property and have added distinctive touches, such as a trippy tour of the wine cellar, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an après-ski club. The resort’s proximity to Austria means visitors are just as likely to hear German as Italian. You might also ask for a peek at Ernesto’s impressive collection of vintage motorcycles.
Best Dolomites Restaurants
SanBrite
Run by a young couple, this Michelin-starred restaurant emphasizes fresh local ingredients, including cheeses and charcuterie made at the owners’ agriturismo up the road. The tasting menu is a gastronomic journey into the mountains, with creative dishes like marinated trout with smoked broth and barley prepared like a risotto with aged cheese, pepper, and bay leaves.
El Brite de Larieto
If you don’t want to splurge on a full meal at SanBrite, you can enjoy a sample of the owners’ sustainable cuisine at their charming wood-paneled agriturismo. The fonduta served with crunchy cubes of toasted bread is not to be missed.
Baita Fraina
This B&B and its restaurant may look traditional, with its wood-paneled walls and old-fashioned chairs, yet the dishes are presented in a fresh, modern way. Try the spaghettini with braised onion sauce, or go for casunziei, a local specialty of ravioli stuffed with beets and herbs, sprinkled with poppy seeds.
