Looks like we'll just miss the seasonal opening of the lifts (gondola, etc.) but we still want to do some hiking from Compatsch. For the Trail of the Witches, I read to NOT do the hike if the Puflatsch lift isn’t open—or suffer the steep consequences getting up to Puflatsch to begin with. This sounds less than pleasant. How bad is it?
What are good alternatives to see the iconic Dolomites if we don't do the Trail of the Witches? How about walking trail #30 to Rauchhutte for views? I see to skip hiking (steeply) down into Saltria.
Bottom line: I'm looking for easy hikes that will let me see the iconic Dolomites, even though the lifts won't be open yet. We'll be staying in Bolzano and taking the bus(es) to Compatsch.
Thanks!