Dolomites - End of May

I wouldn’t expect the Seceda gondola to open earlier. They use this time for maintenance. If it happens to open early, that would be a big bonus for you.

Every view you can get to in the area is worth it, and they are all very different. It looks like Col Raiser and Seiser Alm will be open.

Thanks travel4fun! If we only took the gondola to Furnes, are there views worth stopping to see? Have you taken the Col Raiser Gondola or the Resciesa funicular -- do either of those provide viewpoints to see?

You can get an idea of the views and terrain by googling the name of the lift. Here is Col Raiser:

https://www.colraiser.it/en/

That one actually has its valley station near Santa Cristina. But another lift at Ortesei is Mont Sëuc; it opens 19 May. It is on the Lift List as “Palmer-Furdenan”. It goes up to Alpe di Siusi and there is a nice restaurant at the top station.

https://www.funiviaortisei.eu/en/home

http://www.montseuc.com/en/Default.asp

They do not have their summer opening date up yet, but you could try contacting them to ask. I rode this lift several times last September when we were staying on Alpe di Siusi. My favorite view in the Dolomites is from Alpe di Siusi, of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto. According to the Mont Seuc restaurant photos, you can see these from their terrace:

https://www.funiviaortisei.eu/en/restaurant#&gid=1&pid=3

But if that is not open, and you cannot see these from the tip of the lift, it is a short walk to great viewpoints.

Lola...thank you so much! Very helpful - I appreciate the guidance/suggestions!

I just have to assure you Melinda, that all the views are amazing. Really. No need to optimize! Go with what works for your schedule and you can always go back!

meIT -- thanks! I will embrace your guidance and go with whatever opportunity we have!

Ciao Melinda..you will love the Dolomites..last June into July I went..did not know what to expect..chose 2 towns..Ortesei and Corvara...and chose 2 hotels..La Perla in Corvara and Grodnerhof in Ortesei..and stayed 5 nights at each..hiked for a total of 8 days...I realize our time frames are different..but really..I knew nothing except what I read in Laurels book..and still..I could not wrap my head around it..like what I would see..what I would miss. Let me say..go for it..whatever time u have. Whatever u see..u will be awed and amazed and just smiling at the beauty of the Dolomites. Hotels are EXTREMELY HELPFUL..food is good..I cannot wait to go back. All the lifts were open when we were there..so I can't even begin to tell you how to navigate that. There are others here who are far more knowledgeable. But remember..whatever u experience will be etched in your brain for a lifetime..have fun. Ps..both hotels provided sticks..backpacks..and guides

Linda ...thank you so much! I'm encouraged and know I we'll have an amazing visit. While this family trip does not include hiking, it seems to me I must come back another time to hike! Thanks again everyone for your feedback.