The Dolomites in Winter – 16 unmissable things to do in winter in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are one of the best places to visit in winter. This snow paradise comes with some incredible perks this time of year.

Winter in the Dolomites is one of the best times to enjoy the region and make the most out of the snowy season, practice winter sports and hit the slopes in some of the best ski resorts in the world.

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Below I will tell you everything you need to know to plan your winter escape to the Dolomites, from what to do, where to base yourself and more.

Among snowy peaks, indulge in the local cuisine, see twinkling Christmas lights and attend some Christmas Markets. The options are endless and the Dolomites are the place to be in winter.

Why visit the Dolomites in winter

The Dolomites offer a wealth of attractions, from breathtaking hikes, to alpine lakes, rich wildlife and incredible cuisine. Couple that with some of the best ski resorts in the world and you’ve got a banger!

But even if you’re not all that into skiing, visiting the Dolomites in winter is a magical experience among snow and nature. Plus you’ll have the perfect excuse to warm up with coffee, hot chocolate or a mulled wine!

December is particularly special when the towns light up with Christmas decorations and buzz with Christmas Markets.

Where to stay in the Dolomites in winter

The best area to stay in the Dolomites is in the iconic Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is very central. You will be close to many slopes and attractions. It is also the best area for non-skiers, with a good variety of other activities, shops, bars and restaurants.

I have to say though, the most charming area in winter is Ortisei, in the Val Gardena and above the village sits the stunning Alpe di Siusi area. This Alpine meadow is perhaps the most beautiful winter setting I have ever seen and offers some incredible hotels.

Related: Where to stay in the Dolomites

16 amazing things to do in the Dolomites in winter

Visiting the Dolomites in winter offers the opportunity for some experiences that are not possible in any other season!

Below you’ll find the most incredible things to do in the Dolomites in winter. It includes popular attractions, some more adventurous options, and unmissable winter highlights that are a must on your Dolomites winter itinerary

Related: 2-5 days Dolomites Itinerary

Try snowshoeing

If you love hiking, snowshoeing is for you! Most hikes you’d normally do in summer, you can do in winter with snowshoes. My absolute favorite hike to do snowshoeing is the one to GeislerAlm which is usually open in winter offering great food and drinks. Of course you’ll need some experience and check avalanche risks!

If you’ve never tried snowshoeing I highly recommend you book this guided snowshoe hike up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. This day winter hike is a great alternative too but this night snowshoe experience is my absolute favorite as you get to walk under the stars!

Book your adventure:
Guided snowshoe hike
Day winter hike
Night snowshoe experience

Dolomites Helicopter Tour

Dolomites helicopter tours are stunning all year round but there is something magical about seeing the snowy landscapes from  above in winter! This panoramic helicopter tour is the most scenic experience over the Dolomites and you will remember it forever.

Book your panoramic helicopter tour

Go on winter hikes

Of course many of the hikes you can do in summer, are stunning in winter as well. And not all require snowshoes to be accessible. Many hikes are reachable by cable cars and paths are shaped.

Related: Best hikes in the Dolomites

One of the best winter hikes is the one up to Tre Cime, starting from Lago Antorno and arriving at Rifugio Auronzo. This guided hike is a great option, you can choose the itinerary and a local guide will make sure you get the best winter hiking experience.

Book your guided hike & sledding experience

Snow mobile

Do you want to experience the Dolomites but without breaking a sweat? Then join this snowmobile tour!

You will explore the whole Great Dolomites Road, going through trails winding through woods and climbing above the tree line to admire the views. You will get a chance to climb up to Falzarego pass and after crossing the Gardena Pass you will go through Val Gardena, the most stunning valley of the Dolomites in winter.

Book your snowmobile tour

Go Ski Touring/Mountaineering

If you want to take your winter hikes to the next level and reach some pretty epic spots at high altitudes, book this guided ski tour. 

This tour is my all time favorite as it surprises every time with its breathtaking views of 8 of the most famous Dolomite mountains: Tofana, Pelmo, Civetta, Marmolada, Fanes, Averau, 5 Torri, Conturines. You’ll be crossing three of the most fascinating passes in the Dolomites, Forcella Nuvolau, Croda Negra and Lagazuoi, along breathtaking panoramic trails and ice falls. 

This is a great way to go off the beaten path (literally) and experience the pristine beauty of the Dolomites while local guides will make sure you’ll get the safest and best experience.

Book your guided ski tour

Hit the slopes – Skiing and Snowboarding

Hitting the slopes is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about a winter holiday! Surely you will not be disappointed in the Dolomites, every corner is a ski resort with hundreds of km of slopes and snowparks. 

Al Gardena and Latemar group are definitely the most popular ski resorts but also more expensive ones. Madonna di Campiglio and San Martino are a bit more affordable but still stunning.

Picking the best slopes is a hard job though and getting to experience them all is even harder. 

But by booking this ski tour you can make the most out of your ski day and get the chance to discover the most beautiful ski areas of the Dolomites. You will be able to move from one to another with a shuttle bus and the assistance of experienced ski instructors.

Book your ski tour with shuttle service

Try Cross Country skiing

If you are not a big fan of risks and going downhill, but still want to experience winter in the Dolomites on skis, try cross-country skiing! 

It’s an easier and more relaxed experience that allows you to take in the scenic views. One of my favorite spots to cross-country ski is Alpe di Siusi offering epic views, followed byTre Cime di Lavaredo with 200 km of beautiful tracks among stunning landscapes.

Experience the Apres Ski scene

Après ski originated in the 1950s and directly translates to ‘after ski’ – a term to describe any post-ski social activity. The Dolomites are home to some of the best ski resorts in the world and after a day of skiing the apres ski is on. 

In the mountains, skiers and snowboarders head to local bars after a great day of skiing and enjoy an evening of drinks, live music and mountain views.

Val Gardena and Latemar resorts have the best and biggest apres ski.

Go on a dog sledding excursion

There are so many unforgettable Dolomites winter experiences – but dog-sledding is one of the best!

There are many sledding centers in the Dolomites and they offer everything from night-time adventures, dashing through snow by moonlight, to the chance to take control of your own dog team. Passo delle Erbe is my favorite place to go on a dog sledding excursion!

Try sledding/tobogganing

The most fun and epic activity to do in the Dolomites in winter is definitely going sledding. Trust me, your inner child will thank you for this! 

There are many slopes around the Dolomites but the best ones are Tre Cime di Lavaredo (you can walk all the way up or take a SnowMobile ride) and Vipiteno (you’ll need to pay for a ski pass and use the cable car to go up and then sledge down as many times as you want). 

Go on a fat bike ride

Mountain biking but in winter? Say no more, a fat bike experience is what you need! If you are into biking, hiring a fat bike is the best decision you can make.

Try ice climbing

For the most adventurous ones and the climbers among you, ice climbing is an amazing activity you can do in the Dolomites! The many waterfalls in the Dolomites freeze in winter and make for great ice walls for climbing enthusiasts. 

It’s very important to have the right gear, knowledge and experience so make sure to book this ice climbing trip with a local alpine guide who’ll ensure a safe and fun experience.

If you prefer to have the guide’s full attention and progress faster, book this private ice climbing experience.

Book your adventure:
Ice climbing trip
Private ice climbing experience.

Relax at QCTerme Dolomiti

If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable winter experience, look no further than QC Terme Dolomiti. This amazing thermal spa is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate during the colder months.

The spa is housed in an old art nouveau complex in the town of Pozza di Fassa at the foot of the Catinaccio group and blessed with stunning views and lush gardens. With its many pools, saunas, and steam rooms, QC Terme Dolomiti will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.

You can grab day tickets for a full day of relaxation or book an evening visit with an aperitivo and snacks.

Meet the Krampus

Get ready for the scariest Christmas tradition of the Dolomites! Krampus parades are a celebration that forces you to embrace the whole range of human experience.
According to legend, during times of famine, young people from mountain villages dressed as Krampus monsters with furs and animal horns to raid neighboring villages. Eventually, the Devil joined them, blending in until Bishop Nicholas exorcized him.

In memory of this, young people still dress as demons, parading through villages between December and January, bringing gifts to good children and scaring bad ones. This unique tradition is a must-see!

Enjoy the Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in the Dolomites are a magical experience filled with twinkling lights and Christmas cheer, especially when it snows! 

You’ll find the biggest markets in Merano and Bressanone, while charming smaller ones can be found in Val Gardena, Dobbiaco, and Chiusa. 

Wander through adorable huts and stalls brimming with festive gifts, decorations, and crafts. And don’t miss out on the famous Strauben and Mulled Wine! 

Over the Christmas period, alpine lakes also burst into festive life with decorations, lights, and plenty of Christmas market stalls. The most iconic ones are Lago di Carezza and Lago di Braies.

Dress up for Carnival

The Carnival in the Dolomites is  a beloved event featuring parades of elaborate allegorical floats, dances, theatrical performances, wooden masks and old costumes. This Catholic celebration marks the end of winter, celebrates the beginning of spring and is filled with joy and popular traditions.

Why not combine skiing with costumes for Carnival in the Dolomites? Join the Festa de Carnescé in Corvara on February 25th for acrobatic shows, face painting, and DJ sets. Ski amidst stunning panoramas in your best costume—that’s the spirit of Carnival in the Dolomites!

Ortisei also sees a big carnival parade taking place on Shrove Thursday, with hundreds of children and adults joining in. An award is given to the most beautiful and funniest masks.  

Another curious event taking place on Shrove Thursday is the Zusslrennen in Prad am Stilfserjoch (Prato allo Stelvio). Here, too, the idea is to chase winter away by making noise, and performing a loud charivari concert. 

Winter holidays and events in the Dolomites

Dolomites winter temperature & weather

Winter in Italy officially starts on the 21st of December and lasts till late March. Often, in the Dolomites, October and November feel quite wintery already. At higher altitudes snow can stick around till May.

Month	Max&Min Temperature	Average Rainy Days	Average Sunshine hours
December	7°C/44.6°F – -5°C/24°F	4 days	3h
January	6°C/42.8°F – -5°C/23°F	4 days	3h
February	9°C/48,2°F –  -2°C/28.4°F	4 days	4h
March	15°C/59°F – 2°C/35.6°F	5 days	5h

Keep in mind that temperature is affected both by elevation and wind speed. The above is the average from Cortina d’Ampezzo but as you gain elevation, it will be colder. For every 1,000 meters (3,281′) you climb, the temperature will drop 6.5 degrees Celsius (3.6°F for every 1,000′). 

What’s more, mountain peaks and passes are susceptible to strong winds. If it is windy, it will feel colder. This can make temperatures feel well below freezing during winter.

Does it snow in the Dolomites?

The Dolomites get plenty of snow every winter.The first snowfall can be as soon as September and the snow often lasts all the way through May.

There are many snow falls during winter going from a few cm of snow to many meters!

How many days in the Dolomites in winter?

You can experience the Dolomites in winter in as little as one or two days but the sweet spot in my opinion is 5 days. You’ll get the time to hit the slopes, go to apres-skis, enjoy some trips in the snow and also stroll through town and the Christmas Markets. 

Many people visit for a “white week” of winter sports and 7 days in the Dolomites will give you the full winter experience.

But if you have less time, worry not! This winter day tour is a great option if you are in Venice and want to experience the Dolomites in winter in just one day.

Related: Dolomites day trip from Venice

What to pack for winter in the Dolomites?

Temperatures can get very low and the Dolomites are definitely a cold destination. Packing layers and warm jackets is a must.

If you plan on doing any activity in the snow make sure you have proper waterproof/snow clothes and boots as well as thermal layers. Pack your beanie and gloves as well!

Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses as at high altitudes, exposure to the sun is higher and the snow reflects the rays as well.