There’s a reason you’re seeing the Dolomites pop up everywhere: it’s a gorgeous mountain area with bright blue lakes in the north of Italy, perfect for hiking enthusiasts, lovers of the outdoors, or anyone looking to spend some time in nature. The Dolomites are a particularly popular destination in the summer, which makes sense if you’re looking for trails, sun, and dramatic landscapes with iconic mountain peaks, like Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
But exploring the Dolomites in winter is a whole different ballgame. It means fewer crowds and magical snowy views, but also perhaps fewer open hiking trails and time outdoors. For someone who loves nature and beautiful vistas but isn’t a winter sports lover like me, visiting the Dolomites in winter was actually perfect.
Here’s what to do in the Dolomites in winter for non-skiers.
While most people visit the Dolomites in winter for skiing and snowboarding (and the Dolomites do indeed have some spectacular slopes), there are other non-ski/board-related activities you can do, too.
Snowshoeing involves walking on snowy terrains with walking sticks and snowshoe footwear strapped to your feet (like long slippers) to prevent you from sinking into the snow. It’s suitable for everyone at any level, as you can choose anything from casual walks to more challenging mountainous hikes. Check out the best snowshoe tours in the Dolomites.
Benefits of snowshoeing:
Similar to snowshoeing, another outdoor activity that doesn’t involve actual winter sports is hiking, and you can choose your trails and difficulty level. All you’d need is the right outfits and waterproof hiking boots. You can book hiking tours or find small, easy routes yourself; just make sure to stay safe.
A fun, family-friendly activity is sledging (also known as sledding), where you slide down on snowy slopes on some type of device, whether it’s a sledge, another device you can sit on as you glide down. Some examples of sledging include tobogganing, which can accommodate a few people on the same device. Check out sledging and tobogganing experiences in the Dolomites.
Insider tip: There are also options for dog sledging, where your sledge is pulled by dogs, usually huskies. Unfortunately, my personal experience (e.g., in Norway) has shown me the conditions these dogs live in: they are chained outside year-round in harsh, freezing weather. Most aren’t even huskies or mountain dogs, but a mix, meaning they aren’t even meant for cold weather. Hearing them barking all night, chained outside, was heartbreaking.
And while not all dogs live in such conditions, they are nonetheless bred for tourism purposes, which already raises ethical concerns.
For a speedier adventure, consider snowmobiling your way across the Dolomites. It’s a fun way to explore the mountains without having to do any actual exercise, but still filled with adrenaline.
One of the best things to do in the Dolomites in winter is to indulge in a bit of self-care, meaning head to the spa, soak in a hot tub, get a massage, and enjoy the sauna. With so many skiers looking to soak their sore muscles after a day on the slope, there’s an abundance of spa and wellness centres in the Dolomites. One of my favourite spas was the one at our gorgeous campsite, Camping Sass Dlacia.
Your Dolomites itinerary should include one of the many villages in the area. There are so many beautiful small towns all over the Dolomites to explore, including Alleghe, Bressanone, Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, San Candido, and Dobbiaco. Expect cosy cafes and restaurants, shops, views, and lots of small-town charm.
If you’re in the Dolomites around December until the first week of January, don’t miss the Christmas markets. Nothing gives off a wintry, festive vibe quite like a Christmas market in a snowy, mountainous region.
A few Christmas markets to visit in the Dolomites:
Insider tip: Don’t miss Val Garena town for the world’s largest hand-carved nativity scene, and make sure you’re around in the first week of January to catch the Krampus parades, a tradition where people dress up in scary costumes for Saint Nicholas Day.
The Dolomites are very close to the border with Austria, and this is reflected in the food you’ll find, from Austrian-focused dishes like grilled meat, schnitzel, and apple strudel, to Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and tiramisu. Most meals include ham (called speck), and it can be challenging to find vegetarian meals, but you’ll still find a variety of dishes to experiment with.
In the summer, popular lakes like Lago di Braies or even the lake at Alleghe sparkle with clear blue water, but in the winter, they’re equally beautiful when frozen.
Popular lakes to explore in the Dolomites:
While most people think of Cappadoccia (Turkey), Luxor (Egypt), or Teotihuacan (Mexico) for hot air balloon, going on a hot air balloon ride in the Dolomites means flying over Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Val di Landro, and Kronplatz (Plan de Corones).
Even if you don’t ski, you still deserve to let loose and party during apres-ski. Apres-ski is the socialising event that happens after a day on the slopes. It’s a casual get-together where people drink and dance, most still in their ski outfits and gear. Some apres-ski are held indoors, in bars, while others can be outside, around a fire pit, or even at a spa.
If you enjoy snow and gorgeous landscapes, the Dolomites are worth visiting even if you don’t ski or snowboard. You can engage in other activities like snowmobile, snowshoeing, or sledging, but if you prefer to avoid adventurous activities, you can indulge in spas, party at apres-ski, or explore Christmas markets.
The Dolomites can be expensive, even in winter, as it’s a popular place for winter sports. It’s best to book ahead for the best prices, though that might not always make a difference regarding prices in peak seasons.
The best place to stay in the Dolomites depends on what you want to do and where you want to visit. Most of the popular spots aren’t necessarily close to each other, and if you plan to visit all of them, it’s best to spend a few days in different places to avoid spending time driving. However, if you’re just going to a few places and intend to discover only 1-2 areas, it’s best to stay in one place. Corvara is a good base in the Dolomites in winter, as it offers easy access to slopes, restaurants, amenities, and other villages.
