The end of October is not an ideal time for the Dolomites. In the Val Gardena, where you find Ortisei, only one lift will still be open, the lift to the Alpe di Siusi (end date Nov 2). And at Castelrotto, the lift to the Alpe di Siusi is also open through Nov 2. So your hiking options will be limited, if not by the lift schedule, possibly by the weather. When you only stay a couple of nights in a mountainous area where your activities are primarily outside, you run the risk of your only day being adversely impacted by bad weather. I would not count on paragliding at all at that time of year.

So while I usually suggest staying in Ortisei, you might be better off in Bolzano. If the weather is bad you have things to do in the city. If the weather is good, you can be at the lift at Siusi with a short drive and head up to the Alpe.

Based on Laurel's response I can tell you what I would do in the same circumstance, I would probably research places to stay but not make any reservations. If things are winding down this much by the end of October, that probably means it is a slower time of the year and I could get last minute reservations. That would give me the option of deciding whether to stay in Bolzano or Ortisei based on how the weather looks. I did this in Scotland in 2014, and it worked great I was there the end of September and we "followed the good weather".

Bettina
I would look at driving from Munich thru Innsbruck and then on E45 to either Ortesi or Bolzano or Castelrotto first. I would pick a hotel now and ask whether they will be operating the lifts at the end of October. Being in the Mountains there could be an early snowfall but if so you then can continue on to Verona.I would plan on 2 days there and 3 in Verona, Lake Garda area. There are trains from Verona to Lake Garda. Rather than driving have you thought of trains. Seems you are back tracking probably to return the car. There are bus services from Bolzano several times a day to the Alpe Suisi.
Any thoughts of flying open jaw? Munich in - Milano out?
Hope this helps

Hi Everyone --- Thank you for your valuable inputs. Such a helpful community!!! Worried about the lifts being out... so I've made a slight change in itinerary based on your recommendations. It will now be the other way around....

• Oct 28 - Drive from Munich to Ortisei (approx. 3 hours) / Sleep in Ortisei
• Oct 28 - Drive in Dolomite Pass (approx. 5 hours)
• Oct 29 - Quick hiking and paragliding / Sleep in Ortisei
• Oct 30 - Drive from Ortisei to Verona (approx. 2 hours) / Sleep in Ortisei
• Oct 30 - Amarone Wine Tour and Verona Sightseeing
• Oct 31 - Verona and Lake Garda
• Nov 1 - Drive from Verona to Munich

More questions please:

1. Any recommendations for hotels in Ortesei? - Don't mind spending a bit (EUR 150-200) in exchange for stunning views
2. Any recommendations for hotels in Verona?
3. Any recommendations for vineyard to visit in Verona?

Thanks in advance RS Travellers!!!

Bettina
I would look at driving from Munich thru Innsbruck and then on E45 to either Ortesi or Bolzano or Castelrotto first. I would pick a hotel now and ask whether they will be operating the lifts at the end of October. Being in the Mountains there could be an early snowfall but if so you then can continue on to Verona.I would plan on 2 days there and 3 in Verona, Lake Garda area. There are trains from Verona to Lake Garda. Rather than driving have you thought of trains. Seems you are back tracking probably to return the car. There are bus services from Bolzano several times a day to the Alpe Suisi.
Any thoughts of flying open jaw? Munich in - Milano out?

Hope this helps

Hi Stacey --- You are an angel!!! Thank you, I will highly likely follow the route you have mentioned. Unfortunately, no option of flying in. Any recommendations on hotels for Ortesi and Verona?

Last year we were in Verona and stayed at the Hotel Milano. It's modern, not quaint, but has a good location a few minutes from the arena and a decent breakfast. It's in the RS book.
We did an Amarone wine tour with Pagus tours (Two Amarones) and really enjoyed it. It was in the afternoon, so there was time to sightsee in Verona in the morning. They do several tours, check out the group day tours. Some people signed up the day of the tour, but we pre-booked. The van held 8 people. Sophia was our guide and she was very informative. http://www.valpolicellawinetours.com/

If you click on the Calendar at the top of the page and scroll to the end of October, you'll se there are only 2 options for the 29th, but there are several for the 28th.

In Ortisei, this is the absolute top end. https://www.adler-dolomiti.com/en/

I think this is a typo:

Oct 30 - Drive from Ortisei to Verona (approx. 2 hours) / Sleep in Ortisei

Don't you mean sleep in Verona after driving there?

Oct 29 - Quick hiking and paragliding / Sleep in Ortisei

It may be hard to find paragliding that late in the year, just FYI. If you want a "quick" hike and only have time for one, Rasciesa is above Ortisei and accessed by funicular. You can walk to the rifugio for a nice coffee and strudel and return in about 90 minutes, including the coffee break. It's a beautiful view. You can extend the walk/hike if you have more time. They also serve a lovely lunch.

Lots of places to sleep in Ortisei at all price levels. Make it easy on yourselves and check the local accommodations site here.

I love the Hotel Aurora on the piazza del erbe. It is a perfect location and the staff is wonderful. Great breakfast. Rooms are very small....but I don't mind because all I do is sleep there. Ask for a room overlooking the piazza for the best experience.