Epic hike day from Bolzano / gondola tickets (Seceda and Seiser Alm)

It takes an hour from Bolzano to Ortisei by bus, but both the Seceda and Funivia lifts are right in town on opposite sides of the valley. That will be an epic day, and mountain weather will be mountain weather. My experience in mountain hiking on three continents, particularly the first time I hike an area, is that it takes longer and is harder/farther than it seems at first glance. To me it would also be unfortunate if you could not pause long enough to take an espresso break at the many huts that dot the pathways in these areas. Good luck though.

Check out Gillian Price's hiking guides for the Dolomites which are excellent.

For the bus app check out. https://www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/#/

And for regional information

https://www.suedtirol.info/en/en

https://www.seceda.it/en/summer lists the ticket prices as you mention.

The Funivia Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi cable car is somewhat cheaper.

https://www.funiviaortisei.eu/orari-e-prezzi

Sounds like a great day! I, like you, have been researching for our early September trip and saw you now have to book a time slot for the Seceda. On some days slots are already full this far out, which gives you no flexibility to account for weather… I hope others will chime in with some advice regarding booking. As you’ve said, it’s pricey!