My husband and I are interested in snowshoeing in the Dolomites in late December/early January and would like to not have to rent a car. We are very experienced at hiking and snowshoeing and want to know of a central place to stay where we could access trails easily by taking buses/taxis/ski lifts. We are thinking of 3 - 4 days. Any advice out there?
Posted by
Paris
7312 posts
There are lots of possibilities... Personally I would aim for a hotel on the Alpe di Siusi: it is stunning and there are 40 miles of winter hiking trails up there, plus some snowshoeing trails (not as many).
There is one big difficulty, though: the New Year is the busiest period and many places might request 7-day stays Saturday-Saturday or Sunday-Sunday. At this stage, you should really focus on looking for accommodation that you like, and then check for winter hiking options in the vicinity.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17560 posts
Alpe di Siusi would be my choice too.
We had a wonderful stay at Chalet Dolomites in September. This 3-star hotel is walkable from the main lift (a gondola) up to Compatsch from the town of Siusi/Seis below. They specifically mention snowshoeing among the winter activities on their website. You could contact them to see about a short (3 to 4-night stay over the holidays.
https://www.chaletdolomites.com/en/active/alpe-siusi-skiing-carousel-winter/
At the far end of the plateau, at the base of Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto, is the area known as Saltria, served by the local bus. 4-star Hotel Saltria offers 3-night stays on specific dates between Christmas and early January. The terrain here is more varied than the Compatsch. According to their website, they offer snowshoes in their rental shop.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks so much for the advice and links!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11798 posts
If you cannot get a place in the Alpe di Siusi (and I concur that it is the best place to stay if you are able), Ortisei has access to the AdS at Mont Sëuc by gindol and you can also go to Rasciesa on the other side of the valley in a funicular, not to mention going by bus to the other two towns, Santa Cristina and Selva, where there are also gondolas to the high areas.
Posted by
Minnesota, Wisconsin & Italy
104 posts
My first vote would be for Alpe di Siusi as well, but if you cannot find accommodation to your liking consider staying in Val Pusteria near Dobbiaco or San Candido. There are plenty of places to snowshoe with ample public transportation options to reach them. Val Fiscalina is a 4.5 km valley that plunges into the heart of the Dolomites and is very popular with snowshoers and cross-country skiers. https://throneandvine.com/val-fiscalina-fischleintal/ Lago di Dobbiaco also offers a wonderful place to snowshoe. The views here are sensational, especially in the morning. https://throneandvine.com/lago-di-dobbiaco-toblacher-see/ Have an amazing trip!