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Do the lifts in the Dolomites ever open early?

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It looks like we may miss the opening of several of the lifts by a day. Do they ever open early? We're leaving Ortisei on May 23rd and a few open on that day. (though the Alpe di Suisi says May 23rd on one chart and May 22nd on the other)

The only one opening earlier than that is Marinzen, which opens on May 14th. For those who have been there, is that one worth going on?

Also, how much different is it, view-wise, to go on a lift in comparison to having a car and driving through the passes and maybe doing a hike or two, if weather permits? We'll be there from May 20th - 23rd. The plan is to go to Limone on Lake Garda for the night of the 23rd, before heading down to Milano Malpensa the next day, though we could always cancel that night and stay in the Dolomites if it seems worth it!

Thanks!
Theresa

Posted by
247 posts

I have the same trouble... only we're going in October when most of the lifts are closing (the 11th). I e-mailed a few of the lift companies to see if there was any chance they stay open a day or two later (weather permitting) and the answer was a very polite but firm "nope".

You can use google street view to digitally "walk" or "drive" around various areas. Many of the high passes are very beautiful (with lots of places to pull off and enjoy the view) and the walking trails are stunning as well. Its sad to miss the lifts but in my opinion doesn't kill the experience.

If it helps, I noticed the Funivia Renon cable car in Bolzano is open on your dates of travel. It goes higher than most of the other lifts and looks like it has beautiful views. Here's a photo: http://www.suedtirols-sueden.info/smartedit/images/header/oh-ritten-rundertisch.jpg

Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi cable car opens on May 22nd
Ortisei-Rasciesa opens on May 23rd
St. Ulrich-Raschötz also opens on May 23rd

Details and hours here: http://www.val-gardena.com/download/gardena/pdf/Sommer2015/Lifts_Summer2015.pdf

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