Dolomites June 13-17

Where, specifically, in the area? There are differences from valley to valley..

No specific destinations are determined, but the idea was Alpe di Siusi vicinity. Dates are set by a three week trip through Italy from Milan to Rome with dates constrained by kids' school at start and my work commitments at end. We are avid hikers with kids aged 11 and 13. We've hiked at least 100 miles per year as a family since the little guy was 5 years old. Met my wife in Seattle, and we now live in California. Been to Europe as a family 4 times. Lauterbrunnen Valley and vicinity was our universal favorite destination. My wife and I did a three week "practice honeymoon" in Italy before getting married about 15 years ago, but didn't venture further north than Venice.

I suspect mid June is too early to be ideal, but I want to get a sense for what we could expect. We can do tough hikes, but we don't need that. We are looking for mountain immersion and beauty -- and it sure seems Dolomites have unique qualities in those regards. Any thoughts and advice is appreciated, including reference books to read.

By the way, having read the most recent thread on Dolomites, I hope to be following the lead of Lola and Carol when we retire!

Addendum: I just noticed your profile and that you are co-author of one of the books referenced in the previous thread. I will buy that book (and your Switzerland one too!) as I'm sure I'd enjoyed daydreaming hikes while reading them!

You will be fine in June and find plenty to do in the Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi. Four nights in Ortisei will give you a terrific introduction and you’ll be planning a return trip before you depart.

Most lifts open late-May and early-June. Even the limited summer buses are scheduled to start before you arrive in 2023. There could be vestiges of snow and mud on some trails. If it is raining the morning it is usually nice in the afternoon, but if you have a great morning, seize it as afternoons can turn as the clouds gather.

We were in Ortisei for four nights ending June 18 and it was perfect for hiking. Our photos show us in short sleeve shirts, lightweight long pants.

Thanks everyone. From all of this advice, we have a quote from Hotel Grones that I think we will likely reserve for 4 nights.

Here's a follow up question. We are coming from Milan and then heading to Venice afterwards. My 11 year old says, "I'd definitely like to see Otzi, but I don't have to." The rest of us think Otzi sounds intriguing, but would prioritize mountains. Any advice on whether it is worth it seeing Otzi somehow in route either on arrival or departure and logistics for that? I could also imagine having it as rainy day backup, but the weather seems to shift throughout the day, so I wouldn't want to miss the afternoon clearing, plus RS suggests long lines for tickets on rainy days. I guess one could look at forecast prior evening and perhaps reserve for Otzi if that is available on a bad forecast day. Just thinking it all through and curious to hear feedback.

Do NOT miss Otzi. Expensive but worth it. It really was a profound experience.

We saw otzi in July bc we were in Bolzano for an overnight rest stop on our way back to Munich from Liguria for departure - and separate from our earlier time hiking in the dolomiti. We and our two teens enjoyed it (they had learned about him in school). While worthwhile (excellent exhibit - especially the old video of when he was discovered), for me, I wouldn’t take time away from hiking only to visit the museum. (But that’s just me - I can’t get enough of hiking there). Unfortunately the museum was very crowded when we were there , even with timed reservations, which made it hard to see everything and take the time there we would have liked.
Also - weather patterns have changed quite a bit in Italy than years ago , so just keep in mind that some responses you might get may be from travelers who visited years ago. This past summer was very hot, even in the mountains. Of course that may not be the case next year!

Our 2019 trip was June 5-10 and it was great except that the Seceda lift wasn't going to open until June 15. After having been there, I wish I had prioritized that as number one. Now I'll have to go back! I hope you'll hit it right for Seceda.

Like mggtravel, I would not prioritize Otzi over hiking. We always visit in autumn and the museum was crowded even then. Is it possible to time a visit when you arrive or depart via Bolzano? That would be ideal so no wasted round trip. Say you arrive Bolzano late morning, get a reservation to the museum, allow time for lunch, and take a bus mid-afternoon to the valley?

Thank you everyone for great advice.