itineraries
The Dolomites
5 days — Cortina, the Sella Ronda, Lago di Carezza, and Ortisei.
Curatorial note
The mountain trip. Cortina as a base, the Sella Ronda for hiking or skiing, Lago di Carezza for the photo, and Ortisei in the Gardena valley. Austrian-Italian food, organized infrastructure, the cleanest corner of Italy.
Scenic Drive · Trentino-Alto Adige
Sella Ronda
The 40km circuit around the Sella massif in the Dolomites — by ski, bike, or car, through four valleys. Worth the day (or the ski week); the most famous tour of the Alps.
Mountain · Trentino-Alto Adige
The Dolomites
The most beautiful mountains in the Alps — pale limestone spires, the 'Enrosadira' (the pink at sunset), the Sella Ronda ski circuit, and the rifugi. Worth a week for skiing or hiking; worth a few days for anyone.
Lake · Trentino-Alto Adige
Lago di Carezza
The most photogenic of the alpine lakes — a small turquoise pool in the Dolomites, with the Latemar and the Catinaccio (Rosengarten) behind, and the Ondina (water nymph) legend. Worth a stop on any Dolomites drive.
Town · Trentino-Alto Adige
Ortisei
Ortisei is the best Dolomites base for most travelers. It has direct lifts to the Alpe di Siusi and the Sella Ronda, a walkable center, and is less expensive than Cortina. The German-Italian culture is the bonus.
Mountain · Trentino-Alto Adige
Dolomites
The Dolomites are worth three to five nights if you hike. Base in Ortisei or Cortina. A car is essential. Go in summer for hiking or winter for skiing; the shoulder seasons are quiet but lifts may be closed.
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