If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the Italian Dolomites in winter, then don’t skip the chance to hike within the rugged terrain of the Dolomiti. The snow and ice add another element to the exploration, but don’t let it stop you from getting to the regions most scenic trails and viewpoints (with some extra preparation of course). This is a list for every level for the best winter hiking in the Dolomites.
Table of Contents
Don't miss the top 10 things to do in the Dolomites in Winter (besides hiking), for an unforgettable winter wonderland.
Best Beginner Hikes
Seceda Ridgeline
Hiking to the Secenda Ridgeline is a must-do in the Val Gardena area. Perfect for beginners thanks to the options of gondola that take you to the top. There are a few ways to access this spot, either from Ortisei at the Seceda Cable Car, or from Santa Cristina on the Col Raiser Gondola. In my opinion, the best way to see it is during your Dolomiti Superski day, since that pass allows you full access to the Val Gardena skiing area!
*This is based on access from Ortisei on the Seceda Cable car, but there are other access points and tons of trails up top to make it as long or as short as you want!
Distance: 1.5 miles+
Elevation Gain: 278′
Time: 45 minutes+
Cost: €50 (up and down gondola) Purchase Here
Seceda Ridgeline AllTrails Map
Giro Cinque Torri
Another famous site in the Dolomites, Cinque Torri has beautiful views and unique WWI history for an added perspective on the region. You can either take a €25 chairlift ride up, or hike from the parking lot for more movement and savings. There are 2 chairlifts you can take up, depending if you’re on the northern or southern side of the mountains.
Distance: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 393 feet
Time: 45 minutes
Cost: €25 chairlift
Giro Cinque Torri AllTrails Map
Lago di Carezza (Karersee)
This serene lake is easily accessible, located on the western side of the Dolomites, just an hour East of Bolzano. This well-maintained trail is a well maintained area, with idyllic views of the lush pine forests and the alpine lakes.
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 436 feet
Time: 1.5 hours
Cost: €1/hour for parking
Lago di Carezza AllTrails Map
Biotopo Gran Palú - Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi – Seiser Alm – is a famously idyllic region in the Dolomites. Rolling hills speckled with massive houses, with a wall of high mountains as a backdrop. This entire area is fun to explore, but this loop is the perfect route to take in all of the beauty in this high-alpine plateau
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 360 feet
Time: 1.5 hours
Cost: Free
Biotopo Gran Palú AllTrails Map
Best Intermediate Hikes
Lago di Braies Loop
While you won’t get the dreamy blue water that you can in summer, in winter, you can walk straight into the middle of the lake and get a unique perspective of this idyllic area. The mountains on the edge are beautiful covered in snow, and while the whole area can be explored on food, there is a hikinh trail that loops around, weather permitting.
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 616 feet
Time: 1.5 hours
Cost: €10 parking
Lago di Braies Loop AllTrails Map
Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
This iconic view point is a can’t miss destination if you’re willing to brave the walk for some winter hiking in the Dolomites In summer, this would be more like a beginner hike, but the snow-covered terrain adds a level of extremity, so tread lightly in the winter months! In winter, it is not safe to go onto the extended view point…DO NOT APPROACH THE EDGE. Snow can give way, taking you with it.
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 688 feet
Time: 2 hours
Cost: €15-30 for snowmobile ride, or free if you hike!
Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint AllTrails Map
In the winter, the road is closed passed the Chalet Lago Antorno. But, for €30, you can take a snowmobile ride to the Rifigio Auronzo, and have the option to either snowmobile back down, or ride a toboggan! Enquire at the Motoslitte shed at the base. Save time to stop for a hot drink at the igloo bar!
Tre Cime: Rifugio Auronzo
Starting from the Auronzo Refuge (same as the Cadini viewpoint), this trail takes you the opposite direction to get insane views of the “three peaks”. There is a very steep section, so crampons/microspikes are necessary. The beginning of the trail is pretty mild, with many shorter trails to get close to the peaks.
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 784 feet
Time: 2.5 hours
Cost: €15-30 for snowmobile ride
Tre Cime Rifugio Auronzo AllTrails Map
Rifugio Faloria
Take this scenic down to Cortina D’Ampezzo from the Rifugio Faloria Alpine Hut. Get unique views of the town, and the picturesque landscape, without any of the uphill thanks to the Faloria Cable Car. A perfect afternoon of winter hiking in the Dolomites when you’re staying in the idyllic town of Cortina.
Distance: 6.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 344 feet
Time: 4 hours
Cost: €25 Cable Car, Purchase Here
Rifugio Faloria AllTrails Map
Advanced Hikes
Advanced winter hiking in the Dolomites is no joke. Often needing special equipment, skills, and respect for the elements, mountaineering/remote exploration on this rugged terrain is a serious excursion, with avalanche danger, harsh weather, and technical climbing. I didn’t do any advanced hiking in the Dolomites, so I’m not going to share “top 4 advanced hikes”, because I simply am not knowledgable enough to guide this research.
Many famous treks like the Alta Via 1-8, Dollomiti Trekking Traverse, and most Via Ferratas are closed in the winter due to risk.
Essential Hiking Gear in the Dolomites
AllTrails App
You’re going to be out in the mountains, so be prepared with AllTrails downloaded, and ideally have your set trails downloaded as well! Especially while winter hiking in the Dolomites when trails may be harder to find, this is a game changer!
AllTrails is one of many Essential Travel Apps you should have before you go. Plan ahead and get the tools you need to travel easy!
Warm Boots
Would you believe most hiking incidents can be avoided with proper gear? While hiking on snow or icy terrain, good quality, warm boots are non-negotiable. All boots can be made 10x better with a pair of wool socks.
Microspikes
If you’re planning ahead for a hike in the Dolomites, I suggest you throw in some microspikes. These are easy to take on and off of any shoes to give you extra grip and are wayyy more safe to hike in. These mountains are sunny, even in winter, and sun + snow = ice.
Snowshoes
If you’re interested in longer trails, snowshoes are a must. The jagged terrain creates a lot of snow drifts, which will have you postholing every three steps (iykyk). Snowshoes can be rented from many accommodations or at the handful of rental shows across the region.
Summary - Best Winter Hiking in the Dolomites, Italy
No matter what time of year you visit, you won’t want to miss some exploration outside and in the mountains with winter hiking in the Dolomites. This area is so unique, with dramatic rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and cozy mountain huts. You really can’t go wrong with any hike from this list, so find what suits you best, and make sure you’re prepared with warm, comfortable gear!
Do you have any other hikes you recommend in the Dolomites?
