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Western Dolomites, late October

Planning 4 nights in late October. We are older visitors, looking for a mix of scenic road trips and easy hikes, which should be no problem. Where I’m struggling is the choice of where to stay. My first thought was Ortisei or Castelrotto, offering some urban amenities and relatively fast access to major sights. Then I thought maybe it would be better to stay up in the Alpe di Suisi area to enjoy the scenery, as well as morning and evenings with relatively less crowds. But staying in that area makes travel to other regions more time consuming. Then I read about the Val di Funes area which offers a little of both - a larger town but in close proximity to scenic beauty. So now I’m completely unsure where to stay.

Finally there’s the X factor of weather at that time of year. Would it be smarter to stay in one of the towns?

Posted by
1768 posts

I would pick Ortisei. This is a no brainier.
By late October, many of the cable cars will be closed for the season. Are you aware of this?
Don't stay at Val di Funes. There is not much there.

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks for the recommendation. My understanding is that the lifts may or may not remain open at that time, depending on the weather. Is that incorrect? We will take day trips in our car if lifts are closed for the season.

Posted by
1768 posts

Actually, most lifts and cable cars close on set dates. Also, the weather may not be friendly at that time of the year. Have some plan B's ready.

Posted by
654 posts

I was in Ortisei at the very beginning of October last year and somme lifts were already closed. It looks like most that are open in October close on th 5th or 12 th of the month but there are a few still running into November. See Val Gaardena schedule here