With incredible jagged peaks that showcase their “enrosadira” (glowing pink facades during the sunset hours), winding mountain roads, and pristine high-altitude wilderness, the Italian Dolomites are a dream destination for both nature lovers and active travelers. The Dolomite Mountains are gorgeous no matter the season, but transform into a true winter wonderland once a year.
Not sure where to start? Here are top outdoor activities, adventures, and must-see attractions to add to your itinerary when Northern Italy calls.
Hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding
While the Italians are known for the art of “dolce far niente,” or “the art of doing nothing,” once you see this mountain range with your own eyes, you won’t be able to resist the urge to strap on a pair of skis or a snowboard and hit the slopes. There are many ski resorts to choose from. Cortina d’Ampezzo is undoubtedly the most famous. Not only is it part of the Dolomiti Superski Area, the largest downhill skiing area in the country, but it has all the trappings of a classic Italian ski village. Experienced and expert skiers won’t want to miss the chance to ski at Val Gardena, as 65% of the runs are ranked as immediate and advanced.
Try cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a wonderful way to discover amazing panoramic views and immerse yourself in the spectacular nature that made the Dolomites a shoo-in for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of trails for cross-country skiers of all abilities throughout the region, but Val Gardena and the area surrounding Fanes Natural Park are always fantastic options. More experienced skiers may want to check out the more challenging terrain in Livigno.
Go snowshoeing
Strapping a pair of snowshoes on your feet is a similarly wonderful way to explore the landscape when trails are covered with snow. Beginners might opt to take a guided snowshoe tour alongside expert guides who can lead you on an adventure to some of the mountain range’s most iconic sites, including the Latemar Labyrinth, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Cinque Torri, the famous “five towers” of the Dolomites
Stay in a mountain hut
The high-altitude landscape of the Dolomites is famous for a specific kind of accommodation, which you’ll find tucked away, surrounded by nature far from alpine resort towns. Rifugi (or rifugio, singularly) are mountain huts that house hikers, climbers, and backpackers at points along their journey by foot. While staying in a rifugio is especially popular in the summer months, you can also find some that welcome adventurers who are exploring via cross-country skis, snow shoes, or winter hiking. Some rifugi offer travelers simple comforts, while others are straight-up luxurious.
Sample traditional cuisine
Thanks to the Dolomites’ unique location near the Austrian border, the cuisine here is a delightful mix of Ladin and South Tyrolean Italian food, with ample Austrian influence. Traditional local dishes are simple, but flavorful, relying heavily on legumes, corn, potatoes, pumpkins, and dairy products. After a cold winter day spent on the trails and in the valleys, warm up with hearty dishes such as stuffed pastas, polenta, or knödel — large breadcrumb dumplings filled with ham, cheese, or spinach.
Relax and unwind at a spa
Thanks to the Dolomites’ unique location near the Austrian border, the cuisine here is a delightful mix of Ladin and South Tyrolean Italian food, with ample Austrian influence. Traditional local dishes are simple, but flavorful, relying heavily on legumes, corn, potatoes, pumpkins, and dairy products. After a cold winter day spent on the trails and in the valleys, warm up with hearty dishes such as stuffed pastas, polenta, or knödel — large breadcrumb dumplings filled with ham, cheese, or spinach.
Browse a Christmas market
Like Germany and the French Alps, the Dolomites region is known for its charming Christmas markets. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in December, you might feel like you’ve been transported into a giant Christmas snow globe. In towns including Dobbiaco, Lake Braies, Chiusa, and Merano, you can spend winter evenings browsing artisan food and gifts, enjoying the twinkling lights, and sampling local holiday specialities.
Plan your Dolomites winter adventure — we’ll take the worry out of it
A winter trip to this incredible mountain region is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you’ll want to make sure you do everything you can to make your trip a success. That’s where travel insurance comes in. Between plane tickets, accommodations, outdoor activities, and transportation, a trip to the Dolomites doesn’t come cheap. With a comprehensive battleface travel insurance plan in place, your vacation investment will be protected if unexpected covered events force your trip to be delayed or your itinerary to be interrupted without notice.
Perhaps the most important travel insurance coverage you’ll want for a trip to this winter wonderland is travel medical insurance. When you’re half a world away, your everyday health insurance is unlikely to provide coverage if you’re injured on the slopes. battleface insurance can also offer emergency medical evacuation in case you require serious medical attention due to illness or injury when you’re far from home.
