1. Can the Dolomites be hiked in late October? I wasn't sure if trails were kept clear if there it ends up snowing. 2. In Rick's book, hikes are rated as x-hours. Is that listed time the time it takes to get to the peak/mountain hut or is it the full round trip? 3. Also, in late October, is it safe to drive the Great Dolomites Road? By car, circle north from Venice and drive the breathtaking Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, or Great Dolomite Road (65 miles: Belluno–Cortina d'Ampezzo–Pordoi Pass–Sella Pass–Val di Fassa–Bolzano).
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
I've been emailing these guys...great information. Trying to book a hiking/biking trip for 2014 This is a tour company, not just for basic information...but I'm sure Manuela will reply to your questions. She's been great so far replying to me as I try to figure out our trip. www.dolomitemountains.com
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
Hi Alan. I think it is dicey in late October. The lifts will be closing/closed. Even the main lift up at Seiser Alm closes the 20th of October. You can maybe drive up, but weather will be "iffy."
Posted by
NYC area
3018 posts
Hi Alan, First, how late into October are you looking at and how many nights will you stay? Where are you planning on staying? We've been to the Dolomites twice in mid October and once last week of Sept. We're not hikers, but I can't see why you couldn't hike in late October. Most lifts will be closed by 10/20, but 2 will be open untill 10/31. http://www.valgardena.it/en/lifts/page65.html http://www.valgardena.it/en/walking-and-trekking/page50.html It should be fine to drive the passes. Even if most lifts are closed, driving the passes will get you up close to the peaks. You'll find a few places along the passes to pull over and walk among the Dolomites. Just an opinion, there's no need to drive "The Great Dolomite Road" in particular for a "breathtkaing drive". The general area between Cortina (east) and the Val Gardena (west) is filled with spectacular scenery and passes/drives. Just in the Val Gardena/Alta Badia area are the Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo Passes. The Gardena is our favorite. The Giau Pass nearer Cortina is very good also. If interested, we have pic's at: www.worldisround.com/articles/355539/index.html
www.worldisround.com/articles/324504/index.html www.worldisround.com/articles/351565/index.html Hope this helps. Paul
Posted by
NYC area
3018 posts
Hi again Alan, Just wanted to add an alternate to the "Great Dolomite Road": This is our own "best of the Dolomites drive". It can easily be done in a day and covers drives over 4 Dolomite Passes. It can be started/ended from any point along the route, but I'll use Val Gardena: Drive over the Gardena Pass and head to Corvara. Take the Campolongo Pass to Arabba. From Arraba take the Pordoi Pass towards Canazei. Before you get to Canazei, take the Sella Pass. From the Sella Pass get right on the Gardena Pass towards Val Gardena. (The Sella ends at the Gardena Pass). There's a cafe/restaurant/rest stop at the "top" of the Gardena and Sella Passes. You'll also notice a few small places to park along the passes to get out and walk among the Dolomite peaks. For some info and photo's of the passes, check out: www.alpineroads.com/dolomites.php Some are listed under the German and or Italian name: Gardena Pass - Grödnerjoch Sella Pass - Sellajoch Pordoi Pass - Passo di Pordoi
Campolongo Pass - Passo di Campolongo Paul