Dolomites in October?

I've been in the area in mid-October. A lot closes down in October but the weather didn't seem very cold to me, especially compared to the north side of the Alps. Anytime you're at elevation the weather can change quickly. Wear layers and be ready for the worst - I expect you will be pleasantly surprised. Enough hotels or pensiones will be open so you won't go homeless.

Do you think that restaurants will be open?

Most of the hotels that would be open will have their own restaurant. Since locals and day tourists also have to eat there will other restaurants open as well.

Have you looked at agriturismo in Castelrotto area? That might be an alternative to hotel stay....

Hi Karen, Been to the Dolomites in mid/late Oct. in '03 and '06 plus a trip in late Sept. '09. Our favorite time to go to the Doomites and the Alps in Austria and Bavaria ingeneral is October. Our experiences in the Dolomites in Oct. is daytime temps in the 60's to 70's and chilly early am's and evenings. Again, just our experiences is we've experienced very little rain (if at all). Like I stated, it's our favorite time of the year to travel to the Alps. My opinion, for the most choices of restaurants, hotels, shops, etc., stay in the Val Gardena. Yes, restaurants, shops, etc. will be open. http://www.val-gardena.com/en/ The three villages/towns of the Val Gardena (Ortisei, St. Christina, Selva) are just a few min. from one to the next, so any makes a good base, Ortisei being the largest. We can recommend the Garni Ariston in St. Christina. http://www.garniariston.com/ The Mont Seuc (Seiser Alm) cable car from ortisei to the fabulous Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi is open untill October 31. http://www.alpedisiusi-seiseralm.com/index.html Paul

Hi again, Just wanted to say that the nearby charming old town of Brixen/Bressanone makes a nice day trip. Actually, it's one of our favorite old towns anywhere. http://www.brixen.org/en/home.html Klausen/Chiusa is closer and nice to walk around. http://www.klausen.it/en/klausen.html We have some photo's at: http://www.worldisround.com/articles/324504/index.html http://www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html http://www.worldisround.com/articles/355539/index.html Paul

Thanks. I actually stayed in Brixen in 2005, but we're looking for more Alpine scenery. I might try Val Gardena.

After spending hours on the internet and TripAdvisor (most everything closes the week before we arrive), I made reservations at Villa Emilia in Ortisei. The Travelers Helpline comes through again!