Destinations
An Alpine holiday in the Dolomites: hiking, skiing and a hotel with a view
The Dolomites is Italy's largest and most dramatic mountain range. If you love both activity and nature, we are talking about a paradise for everything from cycling and climbing to alpine skiing and air sports.
Gita Simonsen
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The mountain range is famous for its high and sharp peaks. The mountains stretch across three Italian regions, and the pale limestone peaks look like nothing else in the Alps. Perhaps it's no wonder that future astronauts are sent to the Dolomites to be trained in geology...
In the Dolomites, both German and Italian are spoken, and the villages are very reminiscent of the Austrian Alpine towns where the sound of cow bells ring from the mountains. The mountain range was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, and is estimated to be over 200 million years old. According to geologists, it started as a coral reef, before the mountain massif was compressed into today's Alpine landscape.
The Dolomites are a year-round destination for all types of holidays and activities. Here, you get both long ski runs that continue across national borders and great hikes that can be as long or short as you wish. The mountain area straddles three Italian regions: Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In what is officially considered the Dolomites, the Italians have found room for no less than eight different national parks.
In short: an Alpine holiday in the Dolomites
The Dolomites lie in north-east Italy, with pale limestone peaks above green valleys. In summer you hike and ride the cable cars, and in winter Dolomiti Superski brings the ski areas together under one pass. Stay in one of the valleys, such as Val Pusteria or Val Gardena, close to the lifts.
Our first choice: Hotel Hubertus in Olang, with the pool that hangs out over the valley. See rooms at Hotel Hubertus
Read more in our guide to the Dolomites and about hiking in the Dolomites.
Year-round destination
The Dolomites are a year-round destination for all types of holidays and activities.
Summer activities
Active holidays are more popular than ever. The idea is to do more when you are on holiday than simply relax. You should experience things and challenge yourself. For that kind of holiday, the Dolomites are a major draw.
In the summer you can climb via ferratas, hike from cabin to cabin, test out mountain bike trails, or leap off a mountain top with a paraglider. There are many different activity providers. If you want to have everything in one place, Dolomiti Superski brings the ski areas together under one pass. The resort is massive and is suitable for everyone who enjoys exploring and experiencing nature, including the little ones, of course.
Zipline, climbing courses, cable car and both easy and demanding hiking routes – whatever you are looking for, you will find it here. If you're interested in mountain biking, you've come to the right place. In winter, the winter wonderland that is the Dolomites transforms into an Italian mountain biking paradise in summer.
The world's largest ski area
The Dolomites are steep and tall and have 18 peaks that rise to a height above 3,000 metres, so it's naturally a popular paradise for skiers. In fact, it's the world's largest. Dolomiti Superski is one of the largest ski areas in the world. Here, you will find 16 different ski resorts and 450 lifts with well over 1,200 kilometres of runs prepared daily. It is like Chamonix times six. There are slopes for everyone, from beginner runs to expert pistes, and off-piste for the best skiers.
Culinary experiences
The area is also known for its food. What makes the Dolomites one of the foremost Alpine destinations in Europe is the high quality of accommodation and food on offer. There are several Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as good and simple traditional food. The wine is never far away, and is best be enjoyed in the sunshine, or after a good day full of activities. As mentioned, the area extends over several Italian regions, each with its own food tradition. These merge into a very special food culture, with many common references.
Spas and wellness
In line with the ever-increasing demand for active holidays, the largest ski destinations in recent years have become very good at expanding their offerings from just slope skiing to experiences that can most everyone can enjoy. Whether you've worn yourself out on the ski slopes, or spent the day at an après-ski place, a spa is a good way to end the day. If you want to treat yourself to a little extra luxury and wellness, the spa at the 5-star boutique Hotel Miramonti is the right place to be.
Sauna
In line with the ever-increasing demand for active holidays, the largest ski destinations in recent years have become very good at expanding their offerings from just slope skiing to experiences that can most everyone can enjoy.
A quaint family-run hotel
There are endless accommodation options in the area. Here, you get everything from hostels to 5-star resort hotels, all delivering what they promise. We found a family-run hotel located in the heart of the Dolomites. Hotel Hubertus in Olang is known for its hosts, its food and its views. The hotel also accepts dogs and has separate tours for both the two and the four-legged. Here, you get a lot for your money.
The 4-star hotel is located in Val Pusteria, in South Tyrol, and is built in balance with nature. The sky pool juts out from the hotel over the valley, so you swim with the mountains in front of you. The hotel has the Alpenreych Spa, with treatments, several pools, saunas and fitness facilities overlooking the Alps. When it comes to the menu, the hotel focuses on mixing traditional South Tyrolean flavours with light Mediterranean delicacies. The hotel serves a buffet breakfast and 5- and 6-course dinners. The wine cellar houses over 300 different wines.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Hubertus
The hotel facilitates activities in both summer and in winter. The location makes it easy to get to the mountains. The hotel has guided tours, with 15 different hiking trails to choose from. Hiking, mountain biking and electric biking are also on the program. In addition, you can sign up for everything from yoga and exercise classes to bread baking and wine tasting. The golf course is also not far away.
Enjoy your trip to the dolomites
Gita Simonsen
Hotels
Where to stay in the Dolomites
The Matterhorn outside your window or design in the Dolomites.
Frequently asked questions about the Dolomites
Where are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are in northern Italy and stretch across three regions: Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige with South Tyrol, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The area has no fewer than eight national parks, and both German and Italian are spoken in the villages.
When did the Dolomites become a World Heritage Site?
The Dolomites became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The range is estimated to be more than 200 million years old and, according to geologists, began as a coral reef before being pushed up into today's jagged Alpine landscape.
What can you do in the Dolomites in summer?
In summer you can climb via ferratas, hike from hut to hut, go mountain biking or try paragliding. Dolomiti Superski has activities in both winter and summer, with ziplines, climbing courses, cable cars and trails for every level.