My wife and I are very active seventy somethings, and week are planning to hike in the Dolomites this fall for 7-10 days. Ou thought is that we would use base villages, perhaps one more in the east and one in the west/central. We have already been in Castelrotto and the Alpe di Suisse region. We are thinking Selva di Val Gardena, and Cortina d'Ampresso. I am concerned about Cortina because of the upcoming 2026 winter Olympics. It appears to be a bit like St Moritz, which we would gladly avoid. San Candido was another possibility because it seems more chill. Thank you for any thoughts about my musings.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2679 posts
Selva di Val Gardena makes a good base because it’s only 6 miles from Ortisei where the lifts to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi are located. There’s also great hiking east of Selva. San Cassiano makes for a good base there.
Totally agree with avoiding Cortina until February’s Olympics have concluded.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1707 posts
On the east side, which hikes or sites do you specifically like? Is Tre Cime one of those? I highly recommend it. I, too, used two bases -- Ortisei in Val Gardena and Valdaora in the east. Tobblach could have been another choice for easier access (direct bus) to Tre Cime but it was all booked up, even expensive options! I think Bruneck would be nice too, but it's a little further west.
I'd avoid Cortina, because of construction due to the Olympics. Ask me lots of questions as I did the same thing in Fall 2021, during Covid.
Posted by
OP
Janesville, WI, USA
36 posts
Yes, we are very interested in Tre Cime.
Posted by
OP
Janesville, WI, USA
36 posts
Sorry, I got interrupted. The Funes Valley is also of great interest to us, particularly the Adolph Munkel trail.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1707 posts
I think Tobblach, Valdaora, or Bruneck will be a good base. They are charming but haven't been discovered by non-Italian tourists yet.
Tre Cime is breathtaking! The loop trail is an undulating one covered by mostly loose rocks. Bring trekking poles. It took me five hours to complete the loop.
Santa Maddalena is scenic too. Be sure to arrive early as the parking lots are small. The inn on the top doesn't open all week and sometimes closes entirely for private events.
Check the weather before you drive to these hiking spots.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1855 posts
I don't know why the Fassa valley, Moena to Canazei, is never considered. They have some of the most scenic hikes.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1741 posts
I really liked Merano and its surroundings, a touch west of the Dolomites.
Posted by
OP
Janesville, WI, USA
36 posts
Wow! Lots of ideas! Thanks to all of you.
Posted by
11 posts
My brother and his wife are avid hikers. They rented a house in Laion, Bolzano for a month. They loved it. They were there in May, some of the trails weren’t open until the later part of their stay. We visited for a couple of days, the views and scenery blew us away.
Enjoy
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1907 posts
Gundersen, I appreciate your comment about Merano. We will be staying there the last week of May.