Hiking in the Dolomites
Written by Madeline Jhawar
Hiking the Dolomites is a spectacular experience, one everyone should try at least once in their lives. (Though we think once you’ve gone, you’ll want to come back again and again.) With so many peaks and valleys, there are trails for everyone, from beginners to experts. The seasons play their part too: Skiing and other winter sports dominate all winter long, while summer hikers revel in the pristine greenery. Cities and towns often feature Alpine, Tyrolean, and Italian architecture and the cuisine is all its own. Hearty and rustic dishes remind of Austria, but often with an Italian touch. And did we mention the wine? The area is particularly suitable to the production of world-class wines, with a unique signature, influenced by the immaculate terroir.
The Dolomites lifts are open in the summertime
Hiking in the Dolomites is made easier because the ski infrastructure has been completely leveraged: the lifts and gondolas function all summer long to take hikers up and down the mountains and peaks. There are many, many hiking trails that often pass by mountain refuges, serving serve traditional and hearty cuisine as well as snacks to refuel. It is often easy to self-guide as trails are well-marked and there are several ways to find maps (such as online, tourist centers and hotels). There is also a plethora of guides who can take you on historical, geological and nature hikes, which will provide you with an unforgettable and high-level experience.
Getting around in the Dolomites
While it may be easy to get to the Dolomites via Italy’s extensive train system, it may not be easy to get around once there as there are fewer trains connecting the towns and gondola stops. Thus, you will likely need a car or a driver to get around. Driving in the Dolomites can be challenging so take my advice on driving in the Dolomites, especially in winter.
The Dolomites is also home to a special kind of trail called the Via Ferrata: It’s a much tougher hike, meant for experts, where full hiking gear is required. There are sometimes ropes and ladders built in to help you scramble over the tougher bits. Read more about the famous Vie Ferrate hiking trails here.
The Scenery is Incredible
The Dolomites are full of breathtaking mountainscapes, meadows and valleys. Bring an extra battery for your camera, but more importantly, stop to take in the sheer natural beauty and majesty of the Italian Alps. At sunset, if the light is just right, you may catch a glimpse of the ‘Enrosadira’ — the Alpenglow — when the mountains blush in soft pink and amber, before night settles in.
When to go
Some hotels in the area may close at the end of winter or just before the winter season begins, when it’s too warm to ski and not yet warm enough to hike. The lifts open around the end of June and stay open through the end of September. In August, the area is full of Italians on vacation, so my advice would be to aim for July: it’s warm enough to hike in shorts and a t-shirt, but in the mountains it still isn’t too hot. Things begin to cool down in late August.
I’d avoid August unless you prepare for higher prices and crowds. The Dolomites are a major tourist destination so, as with all tourist destinations in Italy in August, they get crowded and expensive. If you can’t do July, try end of June or the beginning of September. Of course the days are longer in June which is a good thing when hiking!
Let us put together a fantastic Dolomites trip for you – contact us to find out more.
Top photo by Sanjay
Written by Madeline Jhawar
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