We will be visiting Italy next Spring and have planned on 3 nights in Castlerotto. The first 2 hotels I have contacted said they will be closed on our dates ( May 11-14). This is our first visit, and we are wondering is it is ill advised visit there this time of year. We will have a car and would like to hike if possible or just sight see.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1883 posts
I have no personal experience in the Dolomites in May, but everything I've read says it's too early for hiking...you could visit the villages in the valley and get great views, but getting onto the trails would not be a problem. (we also vacation in May, and I'd LOVE to hike in the Dolomites)
Just like here in Colorado, hiking doesn't start in the higher elevations until end of June, early July.. even if it's a lighter snow year, there is still a lot of snow on trails. Hiking is good/great into late September, and then the snow starts again.
If the hotels you've contacted are closed, that's your indication it's too early to hike.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11315 posts
What Ellen said. July and August are the prime months for summer activities. That said, you can stay in Castelrotto and venture up to the Alpe di Siusi, weather permitting. The Val Gardenia has the cute town of Ortisei and may have more lodging choice on those dates.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
193 posts
I spent three nights in Castelrotto, May 20-23, 2014. Some trails were not yet open, because they were still covered in snow. Most lifts were not operating either, but that meant we could drive to higher parking lots in the Alpi di Suisi to access the trails that were open. We did have two wonderful days of hiking, and the driving loop through the Sella and Gardena passes was breathtaking. The town itself was very quiet at the time, with some restaurants and shops closed for their between season break. If you are going to be there ten days earlier, it will be even quieter. Of course, as far as the trails are concerned, everything depends on what kind of spring they have next year. Last year was a late spring.
Posted by
NYC area
2906 posts
It is early in the season. That said, the magnificent scenery is always there and with a car, the passes are spectacular and bring you up close to the Dolomite peaks. You will find a cafe at the top of the Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Giau Passes along with parking and walks and hikes. I'd skip Castelrotto and look to stay in the nearby Val Gardena. Any of the 3 towns/villages, Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva, make a good base. They are only a few minutes drive from one to the next. Ortisei is the largest. St. Christina the smallest and between the two others. Selva would have the best scenery in general. You will find enough places to stay, shops and restaurants open between the 3 places for your 3 nights. Lifts, they won't be running yet. But a car and the alpine passes are a good substitute.
From the Val Gardena all the passes I mentioned earlier are very close by. The Gardena and Sella are right there at the end of the Gardena valley.
If interested, we have pics of the Dolomites from 10/03, 10/06, 9/09 at:
www.flickr.com/photos/pjbassplyr/sets
Paul
Posted by
OP
San Diego
13 posts
Thanks very much for the replies. Paul the info is great! After being told by 4 hotels in Castlerotto they won't be open yet I turned to Ortisei and got the same answer. So we are considering leaving the Dolomites for another trip and spending those 3 nights at Lake Garda. Thanks again for your input.