September and October 2016 Travel In Dolomiti

Look at the summer lift schedule. You will see they start shutting down after the last weekend in September, most will shut down after the second weekend in October (Oct 11), and they are pretty much all closed by the end of the month and start getting ready for winter. Plus now THEY get to go on vacation.
From what I see, probably October 9, 2016 a lot of the lifts will shut down.

Still uncertain what "to October" means when a rifugio indicates how long it will be in operation for the season.

Phil

I would target no later than mid-Sept. Summer season is not terribly crowded as a rule, although August is the most crowded. Will you have a car? Moving between valleys/areas (Sesto/Alta Pusteria to Alta Badia to Val Gardena for example) takes a lot of time on buses. We headquartered in Ortisei for two weeks in July and ventured to the Alta Badia one day. While it is an extraordinary ride, the bus took forever. The Sesto area (we were there in June) is beautiful, but not nearly as nice nor with the varied activities as the Val Gardena.

That is why I look at the lifts that serve those rifugios. When the lifts that bring hikers shut down, then they shut down.

Thanks to both of your for the advice.

While we will hike to individual rifugi [plural?] the tip on checking when lifts stop running is a good one. Even if a rifugio is closed we can still stop as we have done for a 'lunch' on the deck or steps.

Yes, as of now we will plan on using a car. Probably rent in Innsbruck; help dodge riding on Italian trains! We will stop at Murren before coming to Dolomiti but may reverse that order The last visit to Candido and Sesto we used the buses and it was at best sketchy. And several bus routes close early.

Couple of routes around the Tre Cime we want to see and then on to Badia and Odle.

Looks like we will be in Dolomiti around Sept 28th and stay until Oct 15.

Thanks again.

PhPs...I guess you can not edit your previous posts.

"I guess you can not edit your previous posts."

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Phillip, here is a link to the lift schedule for Val Gardena
http://www.valgardena.it/en/ski-snowboard/slopes-lifts/open-lifts/

As others have mentioned, many of the lifts will begin closing in late September with most closed by mid October. We leaving in about a week to do three weeks of hiking starting in Berner Oberland and working our way east to the Dolomites and the Julians for this very reason. By the way, you mentioned renting a car in Innsbruck to travel on to the Dolomites. We considered doing that also, but found it easier to rent in Verona. The train from Murren to Verona is very straightforward and the drive from Verona to Val Gardena is simple. Plus we enjoy Verona as an overnight stop before picking up the car.

First thanks for the "edit" and the link.

Verona! We stayed a week there and walked ever street and crossed every bridge; plus, we hit the opening of the music season where they highlight the up coming season at the arena/amphitheater, what a cool experience wedged in with the Italians, sharing their wine and "incendiaries". David Garret [sp?] was featured and outstanding. The day we left the tourist crowd descended on Verona and it was a mess.

Also stayed a week in Kranjska-Gora in Slovenia and had a great time in the Julian Alps...still prefer the Dolomiti for hiking options.

Thanks to all for the input, it really helps.

Phil

Ps..No offense but the trains in Northern Italy we took were awful and I would prefer to drive into Italy. Often late, overcrowded and more often than not restrooms are out of order. Of course after Swiss and Austrian trains the rest are second best.

Hi Phil,

If you can manage it, the town of Ortisei in the Val Gardena has a town wide market the second Monday in October every year. All through the pedestrian zone are stalls selling clothing, food, drinks, nick knacks, wood carvings, and so much more. Food, beer and wine tents and some music. The time we visited it was pretty crowded but we had a good afternoon. Wound up buying a few sweaters at the market.

Paul