October in the Dolomites can be an extension of September, delivering clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures, perfect for day hiking and photography.
As the month progresses, the foliage turns increasingly orange and golden, reaching a colorful apex in late October. Generally, you can expect fewer people, peaceful hiking trails, virtually no thunderstorms, and lower hotel rates.
However, it can also be the beginning of winter, with heavy snowstorms and freezing temperatures (rare, but possible in our experience).
October is firmly off-season, which means most high-elevation rifugios (mountain huts) and cableways are closed for the season. Additionally, many accommodations and restaurants close at the end of September, especially in Trentino and Belluno.
Autumn is also a very affordable season to travel to the Dolomites, as hotel rates drop significantly.
- Hike in the Dolomites in early October if you want to visit mountain huts. Some huts in the Puez-Odle and Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Parks stay open until late October.
- Hike in the Dolomites in late October if you want to see golden larches and fall foliage.
- Mountain lake water levels are extremely low. By the end of the month, some high-elevation lakes might be frozen and some small lakes might be completely dried up.
- Dining is very limited in October, so we recommend staying in a hotel that offers on-site dining, or in a self-catering accommodation where you can cook for yourself.
- Stay in a hotel with spa and wellness facilities for bad weather days.
- Rent a car with winter tires. If it snows, it will be very difficult to drive uphill.
- Bring extra gear for wintery conditions (microspikes, winter coat, gloves, beanie, etc…).
Pros and Cons of Visiting the Dolomites in October
Pros
Golden larches
Lower room rates
Quiet hiking trails
Clear skies
No thunderstorms
No haze
Very few traffic restrictions
Cons
Unpredictable weather, chance of snow
Icy trails
Limited services
Reduced dining options
Weather in the Dolomites in October
The average temperature in October is 6.8ยฐC (44.4ยฐF), with an average high temperature of 11.8ยฐC (53.4ยฐF) and an average low temperature of 1.8ยฐC (35.4ยฐF).
It’s crisp, but still comfortable. Just remember to pack a down jacket, beanie, gloves, microspikes, and hiking poles.
If it snows and temperatures stay low, the snow may linger, specially on north-facing slopes.
We’ve traveled to the Dolomites many times in October. During our first visit, we experienced very heavy snowstorms. During our second trip, the weather was stable and brilliant for the entire duration of our trip. On our third visit, temperatures were low, but the weather was stable. And during our fourth October trip, which extended through November, we experienced a string of perfect weather for nearly four weeks.
The mountains are unpredictable and you need to be prepared. For that reason:
Rent a car with winter tires, or chains. If we didn’t have winter tires, we wouldn’t have been able to safely drive across mountain passes to our next destination. Use the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals.
Bring an ice scraper like this SubZero Ice Ripper Scraper. Most rental car companies provide one, but not always. Most mornings, we had to scrape off the frost from our windshield and windows, before setting off. In late October, it’s usually around 2ยฐC at 8 am and 3ยฐC at 9 am.
Stay in a hotel with wellness and sauna facilities. Bad weather days don’t have to be tragic if you have access to a nice wellness area. We’ve written about our favorite hotels with wellness areas in Best Hotels in the Dolomites.
Pack microspikes and hiking poles. We saw so many people struggling on slippery and icy hiking trails because they didn’t have the proper equipment. We always pack these CAMP USA Inc Chainsen Pro microspikes and these Unisex Black Diamond Hiking Poles.
Early October versus Late October
Early October
Several mountain huts (Rifugio/Hรผtte) and alpine pasture huts (Baita/Malga/Alm/รtia) stay open until mid-October, which I’ve listed at the end of this guide. That means you can enjoy the atmosphere, culture, and food of the huts without the summer crowds.
Also, some cableways still operate until mid- or even late-month, which makes popular hiking destinations more accessible.
Use the websites below to find out which Dolomites cableways are open in October:
Late October
If your main objective is to see fall colors and golden larches, itโs best to visit the Dolomites in mid-late October (October 18th – October 31st).
With the exception of Val Gardena and Alta Pusteria, cableways are closed across the Dolomites. That means longer hiking ascents and descents. That also means that some hikes are not possible because thereโs simply not enough time in the day. Also, most mountain huts and alpine pasture huts along these routes will be closed.
When daylight savings ends in late October, sunset moves to around 5 pm, roughly an hour earlier than earlier in the month.
Best Places to Stay in October
Alta Badia
Alta Badia becomes exceptionally quiet in autumn. Unlike nearby Val Gardena, the summer period in Alta Badia wraps up quite early, usually before the end of September. By the time October arrives, many hotels, mountain huts, restaurants, and lifts have already shut down. Though there are obvious limitations to visiting Alta Badia in autumn, the payoff is immense, especially for travelers who enjoy stillness and vibrant fall colors.
From a cost standpoint, autumn is an ideal time to experience Val Badia. Just be sure to choose a self-catering accommodation or a hotel that offers meals, as the number of open restaurants drops significantly in October and even more so in November.
I recommend Berghotel Ladinia in Corvara, 4-star Ama Stay (my My Arbor review), and 4-star Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort (my Excelsior Dolomites review) in San Vigilio, 5-star Hotel Fanes in San Cassiano, 4-star Hotel Cristallo in La Villa, and 5-star Kolfuschgerhof Mountain Resort in Colfosco.
Val Badia self-catering apartments: Residence Costa Burjada in Colfosco, Agriturismo Sotgherdena above Badia, Ciasa Agreiter in La Villa, Sportony Mountain Lodges in La Villa, Ciasa Milandura and Bio Lรผch Ruances in San Cassiano, and Les Dolomites Mountain Lodges in Lungiarรผ (read our Les Dolomites review).
If your stay extends into November, be sure to attend the Leonardiritt horse parade, a traditional Ladin celebration held in the hamlet of San Linert above Badia, honoring Saint Leonard, the patron saint of horses, livestock, and farmers. The event takes place each year on the second weekend of November.
In terms of hiking, I highly recommend Armentara Meadows, Stรถres Meadows, the Colfosco High Trail, รtia Ciampcios, Sass de Putia circuit, and Trail of the Larches with an extension to the La Crusc Pilgrimage Church, conditions permitting.
If there’s no show, you can also hike to Lake Lagazuoi and tackle the Setsas circuit trail.
Learn More: Alta Badia Autumn Travel Guide
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina dโAmpezzo, the resort town in Ampezzo Valley, is quiet in October, as many hotels and restaurants shut down for the season in late September. Most mountain huts and cableways are also closed. Luckily, the best hiking trails around Cortina do not require cableways:
- Croda da Lago Circuit Trail
- Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail
- Passo Giau to Monte Mondeval
- Rifugio Nuvolau and Cinque Torri
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit
- Sentiero Bonacossa Trail
- Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint Hike
A rental car, however, is essential in getting to trailheads.
Shoulder-season travel to Cortina means quiet trails, gorgeous fall colors (mid-late October), no traffic, and readily available parking. Nonetheless, popular destinations like Lago di Sorapis continue to attract many visitors, especially during the weekends.
If you want to stay in the town center, I recommend 4- star HOTEL de LรN (see my HOTEL de LรN review), 4-star Hotel Ambra Cortina D’Ampezzo, or 3-star Hotel Villa Alpina.
Just north of the town center, 4-star Camina Suite & Spa is a lovely boutique hotel with only 12 alpine-style suites. We loved the high-quality breakfast and complimentary spa. Take a look inside in my Camina Suite & Spa hotel review.
3-star Ciasa Vervei in Pocol is a great place for hikes, because it’s located near numerous trailheads like Passo Falzarego, Rifugio Dibona, Col Gallina, Ponte de Ru Curto, and even Passo Giau. For a more upscale experience, consider 5-star Hotel Tofana Cortina.
For a budget-friendly stay, take a look at B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina, located at the Lake Sorapis trailhead. Another option is 3-star Jรคgerhaus Agriturismo.
Learn More: Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tips for Visiting Cortina in October
Tre Cime di Lavaredo & Cadini di Misurina | This circuit trail around Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina viewpoint hike begin at Rifugio Auronzo, which is accessible by a toll road (pre-booking required). The road stays open until late October, or even early November, depending on snow/ice conditions. If you’re not sure whether the road is open (e.g. after a snowstorm), contact the Misurina-Auronzo Tourist Office: iat@comune.auronzo.bl.it. If temperatures are low and there’s a risk of snow/ice, the toll road is only open during the day. When we visited in late October, the toll gate was only open from 8 am until 6 pm.
Lago di Sorapis | In fall, water levels decline drastically in mountain lakes in the Dolomites. If temperatures are low enough, high-elevation mountain lakes freeze. So, if you visit Lago di Sorapis in late October, thereโs a chance that it will be frozen.
Lagazuoi | At Passo Falzarego, there’s a cable car that connects the mountain pass with Rifugio Lagazuoi, one of the most impressive Rifugios in the area. This aerial cable car operates until late October. You can also hike to Lagazuoi via the WWI tunnels or the secured Kaiserjรคgersteig. Please do not attempt the latter if there is snow.
Rifugio Croda da Lago / Rifugio Palmieri | Rifugio Croda da Lago (aka Rifugio Palmieri) at Lake Federa usually stays open until end of October, depending on snow conditions. This is one of the most photographed destinations in the Dolomites in autumn, because the lake is ringed with larch trees. If there’s snow, you may need microspikes to hike up to the this mountain lake. If conditions are favorable, I recommend hiking the full Croda da Lago Circuit Trail.
Alta Pusteria
Alta Pusteria, the “Three Peaks Region” surrounding Upper Puster Valley (Hochpustertal) in South Tyrol is home to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Val Fiscalina, Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza, and Lago di Dobbiaco.
October is a great time to visit Hochpustertal, because there are no traffic restrictions in Braies Valley (like in high summer) and congestion is low. Furthermore, many hotels, restaurants, and cableways (Croda Rossa – Rotwand and Helmjet) stay open throughout the month.
This region is an excellent base for exploring both the Braies/Prags Dolomites, Sesto/Sexten Dolomites, and Carnic Alps. Additionally, Alta Pusteria is only a 35-40 minute drive to Cortina dโAmpezzo. So, the Lago Federa, Lago di Sorapis, and Cinque Torri hikes are all possible day trips.
If you’re traveling without a car, I recommend staying Sexten or San Candido.
In San Candido, take a look at Wachtler Dolomite Apartments (open all-year-long), Residence Silvia (apartments), ATTO Apartments (design apartments), and 4-star Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio.
If you’re craving beautiful spa facilities and half board dining, Naturhotel Leitlhof, a climate-neutral wellness hotel overlooking the Sexten Dolomites, is the best choice. Read my Naturhotel Leitlhof Hotel Review.
In Sexten, I recommend B&B Grรผne Laterne – Lanterna Verde, 3-star Hotel Schoenblick, 4-star Aparthotel Gamz, 4-star Hotel Bad Moos, and 4-star Hotel Alpenblick.
Learn more: Where to Stay in Sexten
Tips for Visiting Alta Pusteria in October
Vallon Popera | This secret basin in the Comelico sub-group of the Sexten Dolomites is one of the most extraordinary places in the Dolomites. If traveling without a car, you can start and end this hike at the Kreuzbergpass bus stop. If driving, start at Rifugio Lunelli. Read my Vallon Popera trail guide for all the details.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo | So long as conditions permit, I recommend hiking to the Three Peaks from the north, either via Val Fiscalina or Val Campo di Dentro (Innerfeldtal in German) along this Torre dei Scarperi hike. Alternatively, you can drive the Rifugio Auronzo toll road (pre-booking required) to reach the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit trailhead.
Prato Piazza Plateau | Prato Piazza (Plรคtzwiese in German) is the starting point of the easy Monte Specie summit hike. Rifugio Vallandro (Dรผrrensteinhรผtte) and Rifugio Prato Piazza (Berggasthof Plรคtzwiese) usually stay open in October.
Lago di Braies | Autumn is an excellent time to visit Lago di Braies, since there are no traffic restrictions in Braies/Prags Valley in October. Keep in mind that the lake’s water level is significantly lower in autumn. Conditions permitting, I recommend hiking the Lago di Braies – Hochalpenkopf circuit trail.
Val Gardena
Val Gardena, the South Tyrolean valley stretching from Gardena Pass and Sella Pass (Passo Sella) to Valle Isarco (Eisacktal), enjoys the longest summer seasons in the Dolomites. Many hotels, huts, and cableways operate the whole month.
While most visitors come to Val Gardena intent on visiting Seceda and Alpe di Siusi, I recommend also hiking Steviola Plateau, Vallunga Valley and Val de Chedul, and Monte Pic.
Val Gardena is also the best place to stay if you’re traveling across the Dolomites without a car. If you want to explore everything that Val Gardena has to offer, check out my Val Gardena itinerary and Best Day Hikes in Val Gardena.
In October, I recommend staying in either Ortisei or Selva.
In Ortisei, I recommend staying in 3-star Boutique Hotel Planlim, 3-star Luxury B&B August, Chalet Hotel Hartmann – Adults Only, 5- star ADLER Spa Resort BALANCE, 5- star Gardena Grรถdnerhof Hotel & Spa.
In Selva, check out Linder Cycling Hotel and 5-star Hotel Granbaita Dolomites.
Learn More: Best Hotels in Val Gardena
Tips for Visiting Val Gardena in October
In most regions across the Dolomites, cableways stop operating by mid/late September. Fortunately, in Val Gardena, many cableways run until late October, or even early November.
Consult val-gardena.com to find out which cableways are open, or closed.
These cableways make certain hikes accessible, by trimming off long ascents/descents.
Seceda Cableways | The Ortisei-Furnes gondola and Furnes-Seceda aerial cable car links the village of Ortisei with Mount Seceda. The Seceda cable cars will be open until November 2, 2026. From the mountain station, we recommend hiking the Seceda to Regensburger Hรผtte Circuit Trail.
Resciesa Funicular | The Resciesa funicular connects the village of Ortisei with Resciesa plateau until October 11, 2026. You can hike a circuit atop the plateau, walk to Rifugio Brogles, the starting point of the Adolf Munkel Trail. If conditions are favorable, you can even tackle this Resciesa – Seceda Hike.
Mont Sรซuc Gondola | The Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola links Ortisei with Alpe di Siusi Plateau. This gondola will be operating until November 2, 2026. We recommend following this enchanting Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail. Consult seiseralm.it for more info.
Col Raiser Gondola | The Col Raiser gondola connects Santa Cristina with Puez-Odle Nature Park. From the Col Raiser gondola mountain station, it’s a 20 minute walk to Rifugio Firenze. This Val Gardena gondola is operating until November 1, 2026. From the mountain station, you can hike to the summits of Col dala Pieres and Piz Duleda.
Kabinenbahn Sellajoch-Langkofelscharte (Gondellift Forcella Sassolungo) | The famous 2-person “coffin” gondola links Sella Pass to Forcella Sassolungo (Langkofelscharte in German) and the Toni Demetz Hut. In October, we hiked from the mountain station to Langkofelhรผtte and then climbed up the Oskar Schuster Via Ferrata. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best idea, because there was so much lingering snow. This lift usually operates until October 11, 2026.
Val di Funes
Val Di Funes/Villnรถsstal is the the 24-km-long valley that runs from Valle Isarco/Eisacktal Valley to the Odle/Geisler mountain range.
This idyllic valley is a wonderful place to stay in autumn, because all hiking trails are accessible and many alpine pasture huts like Gschnagenhardt Alm and Geisleralm stay open until mid-October, weather permitting. Recommended hikes:
- Adolf Munkel Trail
- Rifugio Genova Circuit
- Tullen Summit
- Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail
- Sass de Putia Circuit Trail – starting at Passo delle Erbe
I recommend staying in Santa Maddalena in 4-star Hotel Tyrol Dolomites, 3-star Hotel Fines, Proihof (farm stay with rooms and apartments), or Oberkantiolhof (beautiful apartments and small spa).
Autumn Itinerary
The best way to create a Dolomites October Itinerary is by choosing 2-4 bases (Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Pusteria, Val Gardena, and/or Val di Funes) and staying in each base 3-5 nights:
- 3 Nights in Val di Funes
- 3-5 Nights in Val Gardena
- 3-5 Nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- 3 Nights in Sexten
You could also pick one base like Cortina d’Ampezzo or Val Gardena and stay there 5-6 nights, as there is plenty to see and do from one base. See my Val Gardena itinerary for inspiration.
If you’re traveling without a car, I recommend staying in either Val Gardena or Alta Pusteria (Sexten or San Candido).
For trip planning inspiration, check out our itineraries: 5-day Dolomites road trip, 7-day road trip itinerary (better for summer), 10-14 day Dolomites itinerary.
REGIONS
Brixen / Val di Funes
Val Gardena
Alta Badia
Val de’Ega
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Alta Pusteria
Dolomites Mountain Huts Open in October
There’s a vast network of managed mountain huts across the Dolomites. These staffed huts are generally open from late June until late September. However, there are several huts (Rifugio / Hรผtte) and alpine pasture huts (Baita/Malga/Alm) that stay open until mid- or late- October.
During shoulder season, some alpine pasture huts have “rest days.” Always check the hut’s opening times on their websites, before committing to a hike.
All of these huts serve food and drinks during the day. Typically, only Rifugios/Hรผtten accommodate overnight guests.
Payment | Always bring cash with you, because not all huts accept credit card payments.
Hut to Hut Hiking | The hut to hut hiking season in the Dolomites ends in mid-late September. Even though some huts are open in October, it’s not a promising month for hut hiking. I would only recommend booking huts spontaneously, when you’re fully aware of the conditions.
Below, I’ve listed all the Dolomites huts that typically stay open in October. Please keep in mind that the closing dates are only projections, and dependent on favorable weather conditions.
Cortina d’Ampezzo Huts
Rifugio Lagazuoi | The mountaintop refuge above Falzarego Pass can be accessed in several ways, including the Lagazuoi WWI Tunnels, the secured Sentiero Kaiserjรคger (only in snow-free conditions), and the Falzarego cable car. Open until October 18, 2026.
Rifugio Croda da Lago / Rifugio Palmieri | Located at Lago di Federa beneath Croda da Lago, this lakeside mountain hut is a much sought after destination in autumn. Start the Croda da Lago circuit hike at Ponte di Rocurto SP638, located between Pocol and Passo Giau. Open until October 25, 2026 (last overnight stay: October 16, 2026).
Rifugio Fodara Vedla | This mountain hut is located in Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park in South Tyrol, but you can access it from Cortina d’Ampezzo via the Ra Stua trailhead. Open until November 2, 2026.
Rifugio Averau | You can hike to this gourmet refuge from Col Gallina, following this Cinque Torri and Rifugio Nuvolau hike. Though this refuge only accommodates overnight guests until early October, the restaurant stays open until October 11, 2026 (11:30 am – 3 pm).
El Brite de Larieto | Located in the Larieto larch forest, east of Cortina, this alpine pasture hut is accessible by both car and foot. We hiked here along the Crepe de Zumeles trail, as described in my Cortina d’Ampezzo Hiking Guide.
Alta Pusteria Huts
Rifugio Vallandro / Dรผrrensteinhรผtte | Located on the Prato Piazza plateau in the Braies/Prags Dolomites, this refuge is located on the way to or from the easy Monte Specie summit hike. Open until October 11, 2026.
Malga Prato Piazza / Almhรผtte Plรคtzwiese | This hut, the starting point of both the Monte Specie trail and Gaisl high trail, is also located on the Prato Piazza plateau. Open until November 1, 2026.
Rifugio Fondovalle / Talschlusshรผtte | An easy, family-friendly trail leads through Val Fiscalina in Sesto to this hut, which is usually open until around October 20th (closed on Thursdays).
Val Gardena Huts
Rifugio Sasso Piatto | Plattkofelhรผtte stands at the foot of Sasso Piatto on the Sentiero Friedrich August trail. Starting at Passo Sella, this hut is situated at the halfway mark of the Sassolungo Circuit Trail. Open until October 18, 2026.
Baita Sรซurasas | Located on the southern slopes of Monte Pic above Santa Cristina, this alpine hut offers heartwarming food and breathtaking views of Sassolungo. From the Praplan/Cristauta Parking Lot, you can either hike here directly or via Seceda, as described in my Monte Pic and Seceda Circuit. Open until October 18, 2026.
Baita Troier | This family-friendly alpine hut is located along the Seceda to Rifugio Firenze trail, starting at either the Seceda cable car mountain station or the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. Open until October 11, 2026.
Rifugio Firenze / Regensburger Hรผtte | This hut serves as the starting/ending point, more or less, of the challenging Col dala Pieres and Piz Duleda summit hikes. You can reach the hut from Seceda cable car mountain station following the Seceda to Rifugio Firenze trail, or from the Col Raiser gondola. Open until October 11, 2026.
Rifugio Fermeda | This Val Gardena rifugio is located along the Monte Pic and Seceda Circuit. Stay here overnight if you want to experience sunrise or sunset at Seceda.
Baita Gamsblutt Hรผtte | Baita Gamsblutt is located on the junction of trail 4 and 1A, just below the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. We passed this hut along the Monte Pic and Seceda Circuit, starting in Santa Cristina. Open until November 2, 2026 (Closed on Mondays).
Alpe di Siusi / Sciliar-Catinaccio Huts
Rifugio Alpe di Tires / Tierser Alpl | Outstanding modern hut standing between the Schlern and Rosengarten groups. I recommend hiking here via Rifugio Bolzano, following this Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tires Circuit starting in Compaccio. If you have less time, you can hike from Compatsch to Tierser Alpl out-and-back. Open until October 18, 2026.
Rifugio Bolzano / Schlernhaus | Located atop Schlern plateau, this hut commands an incredible view of the Rosengarten Dolomites. Follow my Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tires trail guide. Open until October 11, 2026.
Rauchhรผtte | This gourmet hut on Alpe di Siusi Plateau can be reached from either the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi cable car mountain, or from Compaccio. Trail options: Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail or Hans and Paula Steger Trail. Open until November 1, 2026 (Closed on Wednesdays).
Gostner Schwaige | A magnet for foodies, this lovely hut is also located on both the Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail and Hans and Paula Steger Trail. Try the hay flower soup. Open until October 29, 2026.
Val di Funes Huts
Malga Geisler / Geisleralm | Boasting one of the most impressive views of the Geisler peaks, this alpine pasture hut is the highlight of the Adolf Munkel Trail, starting at the Zannes/Zans car park in Val di Funes. Open until November 8, 2026 (Closed on Mondays).
Malga Casnago / Gschnagenhardt Alm | Also located along the Adolf Munkel Trail, this hut is a stone’s throw away from Malga Geisler.
Rifugio Genova / Schlรผterhรผtte | We hiked to this Alta Via 2 mountain hut in Puez-Odle Nature Park following the Rifugio Genova circuit trail, starting at the Zannes car park. Open until October 11, 2026 (Kitchen Open: 11:30 – 3 pm).
รtia de Gรถma | We ate at this alpine hut the first time we hiked the Sass de Putia circuit trail, starting at Passo delle Erbe.
Malga Dusler / Dusler Alm | This Malga is also located on the Adolf Munkel Trail, on Trail 36, near the park boundary of Puez-Odle Nature Park. Open until November 1, 2026 (Closed on Saturdays).
Val Badia Huts
Rifugio Lavarella / Lavarellahรผtte | This Ladin Rifugio in Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park can be accessed via Capanna Alpina near San Cassiano or Pederรผ near San Vigilio. Open until October 11, 2026. Nearby Rifugio Fanes usually closes in early October.
รtia Ranch da Andrรจ | This alpine hut is located along the Armentara Meadows Trail, starting in San Linert, Badia.
รtia Da Rit | This Ladin hut is located beneath Mount Pares in La Val at 2000 meters. Open until October 18, 2026 (Closed on Tuesdays).
รtia Ciampcios | This enchanting hut stands in a meadow facing a mighty procession of Puez peaks. Hike here following the Uฬtia Ciampcios & Kreuzjoch Circuit Trail in Lungiarรผ/Campill, a side valley of Val Badia. Their food is delicious. You can also buy homemade products on-site like syrups, herbal teal, and Schnapps. Open until October 18, 2026 (Closed on Mondays).
Dolomites Travel Guides
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I am a student studying abroad in San Sebastian, Spain this semester and am planning a trip for my boyfriend and I in the dolomites when he visits. We will be flying into Venice (October. 28th) and our return flight is a short 4 days later. I haven’t been able to pint point where we will be and what hikes will work the best for us but I want to say a big THANK YOU! This website has so much information, and I would feel lost without it all in one place. Also, thank god I found your page because I would have had no idea the Secada cable car will be closed when we go. Any who, thank you so much for your post and know it will go to good use.
Hi Robin,
Thank you so much for the feedback! Wishing you great weather this October! Have fun in the Dolomites!!
All the best,
Sabrina
Hello!
Wonderful post. My daughter and I will be travelling to Italy October 13th. We don’t wish to rent a car, and wonder if it’s possible to visit the Dolomites without a car rental. Are there some tour buses? Public transportation? We do wish to do some hiking and of course will require accomo dations The airport we fly into is somewhat flexible.
Hi Diane,
If youโre traveling without a car, you can take this direct coach from the Venice Airport to Cortina dโAmpezzo (2 hours). Buses connect Cortina d’Ampezzo with major destinations, but you’ll need to plan ahead, due to reduced frequency.
All the best,
Sabrina
My partner and I have 4-5 nights to travel to the Dolomites from Venice in early/mid October. We will be renting a car. I was thinking of staying in Cortina DโAmpezzo for half and then possibly at the Utia de Borz, or would you recommend somewhere closer to a village? If so which area? We are looking to enjoy as much hiking as possible late in the season. This website has already been so helpful, thanks for any further insight!
Hi Bridget,
I would split your time between Cortina and either Val di Funes or Val Gardena, for the most flexibility/hiking options.
If you can extend your trip by 2 days, I would then add in รtia de Bรถrz.
Best wishes,
Sabrina
Hello, I am planning to visit the Dolomites in Oct 17-20, 2022. Am planning to visit San Maddalena and thinking of staying at Hotel Proihof. From the website description the place looks quite isolated. This is my first time in this region. Would it be a good place to stay without restaurants nearby? My objective is to see the fall foliage.
Hi Laikin,
Are you traveling with a car? If so, it’s only a 4-minute drive from the “village center.” It’s also located just off the Panoramaweg and Sunnseitenweg loop trail.
Alternatively, Hotel Fines is quite central and they have a restaurant.
Have a great trip!
Sabrina
Thank you for this post! My husband and I and our 2 year old son and 4 month old son are heading to the Dolomites this October for 2 weeks. I can’t tell you the number of times I have read this article as I’ve been trying to figure out the best options for where to stay, rifugios that are open in October, etc. – it’s been a real lifesaver! Thank you for all your research and documentation.
Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for the kind feedback! So happy we could help.
Have an unforgettable trip to the Dolomites in October.
-Sabrina
I’m visiting the Dolomites in late october this year, and boy oh boy your website has been a lifesaver! I can’t appreciate the detailed guidance enough! I realized too late in the game that Italian Alps in late October is a gamble, and have been panic googling non stop for a week. Found your site last night and felt the weight lifted off immediately. Tip of the hat to you, and stay gold!
Hi Vi,
Thank you for the feedback!! Crossing our fingers that it’s a brilliant October this year!
Hi, Is it an absolute terrible idea to be in the area November 14-28th?
Hi Mariam,
We generally don’t recommend visiting in November.
-Sabrina
Wow, you have so much information. I am wondering if you have any information for someone wanting to hike to the New Bivouac Fanton, near the Forcella Marmarole pass? I canโt seem to figure out what the closest town is that would be a good base. My son is studying in Florence and wants to go there the last weekend of this month, October 2022. Any advice would be helpful and much appreciated.
Thank you!
Hi Ayrin,
The shelter looks amazing! But, we haven’t been. I recommend reaching out to a few local tourist offices for help.
-Sabrina
Hi there! Thank you so much for all of this information, it has been so helpful! I’m looking to visit the Dolomites from September 24 – October 4. I would love to do the must-sees around Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Alta Pusteria and/or Cortina but am trying to keep costs to a minimum. I don’t think I want to rent a car and accommodations in the town centers are seeming a little pricy for me. I would so appreciate any recommendations for cheaper sleeping options as well as inter-village transport (if even possible) seeing as some buses wont be running anymore. Thank you!!
Hi Patrick,
Finding budget-friendly accommodation in the Dolomites is a challenge. Here are a few hotels and guesthouses to consider:
Smart Hotel Saslong in Santa Cristina, Val Gardena.
Ciasa Agreiter in La Villa, Alta Badia.
Hotel Meuble Oasi in Cortina d’Ampezzo. However, I believe they are fully-booked this season.
Residence Silvia in San Candido, Alta Pusteria.
In terms of transit, please take a look at our guide to visiting the Dolomites without a car.
Have a great trip!
Thank you so much for this post. This is truly gold! My wife and 9 yr old will be visiting the Dolomites this October in the 1st week (2nd-10th). Between Alp di Siusi and Seceda which will be prettier/greener at that time of the year? I’ve seen some pictures where the scenery looks a little brown in October instead of the summer green landscapes. Is this true? What can I expect at either of these places?
We are not keen on doing any major hikes (maybe some easy ones) but are there more for the scenery and landscapes.
I look forward to your feedback. Thank you!
Hi Rohit,
Yes, you’re right. In October, youโll see beautiful golden and warm autumn colors rather than the bright green landscapes of summer. We loved hiking Seceda (and Monte Pic) in October. Easy hikes: Vallunga Valley in Selva di Val Gardena, Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail in Val di Funes, Viel del Pan starting at Passo Pordoi (just follow the main track, don’t hike the Alta Via Della Cresta).
Have a great fall trip!
Sabrina
Lovely post, thank you. Which area would you recommend staying in if traveling in October (September if necessary) without a car?
Hi Maki,
Val Gardena is the best place to stay without a car in autumn.
Have a great trip,
Sabrina
First, thanks for your great information!!
We are travelling to the dolomites in mid October. Want to stay at least 2 nights at the same hotel.
Where would you recommened to stay?
Even at this time of the year many of the hotels are occupied…
And what is the MUST to do there?
Hi Mosche,
It depends on your mode of transportation and your hiking experience level. If you’re traveling without a car, Val Gardena is the easiest option. If you’re traveling with a car and you want to tackle some challenging hikes, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Pusteria, and Alta Badia are all great options. And if you’re traveling with a car and want to hike moderate trails, Val di Funes is a dreamy place to stay.
Thank you for your detailed information. You’ve covered so much.
My husband and I are looking to do the Dolomites when autumn is at its peak. Is about 13-20/21 October 2026 a good window or should we push it to a little later, say get there in the 15/16 October?
We would like to do it without a car. Where should we base ourselves? Should we opt for two bases or one?
We enjoy hiking and love autumn and would love to do as many hikes as we can.
Thanking you,
ahana
Hi Ahana,
The colors usually peak in late October. Dates shift depending on frost and temperature.
If you’re traveling without a car, I would stay in Ortisei in Val Gardena and Sexten in Alta Pusteria.
Kindly,
Sabrina
Wow that is a plethora of great information – thank you so much! Can you suggest or exclude certain areas to do with a 3-month-old baby? We just want (or can do) easy hikes where I can carry him in the backpack or stroller and 2nd priority is having a comfy hotel with a spa to relax. Coming by car from Switzerland. Anything helps!
Hi Luca,
Please check out my guide to easy walks in the Dolomites.
I hope that helps!
Sabrina