Or rather a friend is. Three kids, 10, 13, 16. Parents athletic, like to move around outside. Flying in and out of Rome for two weeks in August, so consider mountain (or mountainish) time a break from the potential heat and tourist crowds. Might host another family or two, relations in Europe coming from the north.
I've been to the Dolomites a few times, definitely have my bias about where to be and what to see. But wondering what towns you might recommend, or other places? Let's try to make travel reasonably compact by high-speed train. Nobody hates a lake in the summer, but not a must. Not super crowded would be nice.
So what do you think? Don't say Bolzano, not looking for a city near the mountains, prefer a town in the mountains or with immediate lift access if in the valley.
Thanks!