I found out after we had our flights that May isn't be the best time to visit the Dolomites, but we're planning on 4 nights there and are keeping our fingers crossed. That being said, does anyone know what areas are accessible in May? I know only one, or maybe two, of the lifts are open, and I believe the roads will all be open, but what we're looking for are short hikes, etc. that are typically open at that time of year.
Also, is the Alpe di Suisi snowfree at the end of May, or is it typically snow-covered? I saw one site online that mentioned alpine flowers from May-July, and didn't know if that was typical, or not.
Also, how accessible is the hiking around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo? I've seen some photos that look amazing, and would love to try a hike near there.
Thanks!!!
Posted by
Indianapolis
247 posts
I'm not sure about the weather in May - perhaps someone else can give you more detail there.
But I can probably help with the question on the Tre Cime. :)
From what I understand the easiest way to reach them is by following one of these routes:
The most expensive, but probably easiest route is to drive up a toll road to Refugio Auronzo and park your car there (I believe I read its something around 20 euro to do this though). http://www.rifugioauronzo.it
From there it is a short walk to the Tre Cime and the nearby Refugio Lavaredo. (25 minute walk with a distance of 1.7km)
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Rifugio+Auronzo,+Auronzo+di+Cadore+BL,+Italy/Rifugio+Lavaredo,+Piani+di+Lavaredo,+1,+32041+Auronzo+di+Cadore,+Belluno,+Italy/@46.6089147,12.299435,5178m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x4779cd73a229061b:0x35711df0c0489d7f!2m2!1d12.29561!2d46.612363!1m5!1m1!1s0x4779c5f27b6b76b5:0x6236630c0bec2bcc!2m2!1d12.312133!2d46.618288!3e2
You can also take a longer trail from the same starting point that will take you all the way around the Tre Cime and back in a loop. (About 2 hours)
A less expensive option that takes longer:
Start at the parking area in Misurina/Misurina Lake and follow the marked trail (about 2.5 hours per google maps with a distance of 10.5km)
Source: http://www.rifugiolavaredo.com/
Posted by
North Carolina
2476 posts
You might want to investigate Merano - can be reached by train with a change in Bolzano, has a much more temperate climate than its surroundings, and has an extensive network of trails, no lifts needed.
Posted by
Chicago
4 posts
Three years ago - on an 11-day Insight Tour - we were staying in Cortina d'Ampezzo. At the suggestion of our hotel front desk, we took the local bus up to the Tres Chime area, then took a long walk (about 1.5-2 miles around the base of the Tres Cime to the Refugio and back - then took the bus back down to Cortina d'Ampezzo. A great afternoon, totally safe hiking path with absolutely no hassles and great vistas. We caught the bus at the local station in Cortina. I remember that the round-trip fare was about 5 Euros each. You can pack a lunch, or get something at the Refugio where the bus stops.
Posted by
Green Bay
20802 posts
There are already some bare spots showing on the webcams at Alpe di Siusi. More important is when the lifts will start running for the summer season. They don't have the opening times posted yet, although I see a note that the Resciesa cable railway will open May 23.