My husband and I are traveling next week to the Dolomites. We will be renting a car. It is our first time in the Dolomites. We will be spending the first few nights in the Tre Cime area than staying in Ortesei for 3 nights. The following night we will be hiking to the Rifugio Alpe Di Tires leaving from Seiser Alm. What would the best options be for a lift pass?
We are also looking for suggestions for other hikes. We are planning on Seceda and we would love to do the Adolf Munkel Trail in Val di Funes. Is there a way to take lifts/hike there or do we need to drive? We are in are early 50's and in good shape. We're looking for moderate hikes (8 miles or less).
Also any suggestions for casual restaurants in the Ortesei area would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Posted by
Atlanta
3267 posts
We were in Ortesei two years ago and bought the Gardena Card for 3 consecutive days. This gave us unlimited access and free use of all lifts in Val Gardena open in summer. Gardena Card is valid from 02.06.2018 until 14.10.2018.
Once you're there, get a guidebook with maps of the hiking trails--there are several shops that sell these--I'm sure that locals can recommend options. We took several different lifts and hiked the trails nearby.
Our hotel offered evening meals so I don't remember the restaurants in the town. We did enjoy the Hugo--a drink with mint, elderflower syrup, lime juice and champagne or prosecco. It's very refreshing!
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
Tubladel in Ortisei is very nice.
www.tubladel.com/eng
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11835 posts
You might look into the Dolomiti Supersummer Pass. Info here https://www.dolomitisupersummer.com/en/lift-tickets/supersummer-tickets. It is a point card usable in most of the Dolomites but NOT the Val Gardena. You can buy one card and share it (we do). You will have to list out the lifts you plan to take and see if you will use the card enough to make it worthwhile.
In the Val Gardena the three day pass might make sense. Again, you have to do the math. Your lodging will give you a pass to use all the buses during your stay. Best to park the car and use the transport.
For a nice meal, we like Restuarant Concordia, run by husband (chef) and wife (dining room). Tubladel is great but somehow not as intimate. MauritzKeller has decent pizza, great pasta and Mauritz usually oversees the dining room himself.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11835 posts
Our favorite hike is the Steger Trail on the Alpe di Siusi and a close second is Rasciesa. Neither is as long as 8 miles, but each is gorgeous and there are, of course, rifugi for meal breaks.
Posted by
OP
Portsmouth, NH
17 posts
Thank you Sharon and Laurel for the suggestions!
@Laurel. If we want to visit Val di Funes, should we plan on driving? Also, should we try to buy the lift passes before we leave or after we arrive. Again, thanks for your help!
Posted by
Atlanta
3267 posts
Hi!
Just buy the lift passes once you arrive!
One quick thing so you don't make the mistake made. We took a lift and started hiking without a map or a plan. Thirteen-plus miles later we finally arrived back in Ortesei!
Have fun!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11835 posts
Val di Funes is best done by car.
Buy a good, paper Kompass map for hiking when you get there. Don’t rely on the freebie maps they give you at the TI.
Posted by
OP
Portsmouth, NH
17 posts
Thanks so much for all of the suggestions