How to Spend Three Days in The Dolomites in Winter

Day Two in the Dolomites: December Magic in the Mountains

While spending Christmas in Venice or Christmas in Rome is always magical, celebrating the holidays in the Dolomites takes the festive experience to new heights - quite literally! If you head to the Dolomites this side of Christmas—and you spent your first day enjoying the snow—day two is the perfect time to check out the Christmas markets and the museums to rest those weary muscles.

Morning: Christmas Markets in the Dolomites in December

Depending on where you’re based, you can take your pick. Bolzano is home to the biggest Christmas Market in Italy. Walterplatz is covered with more than 100 stalls selling gorgeous handmade decorations and presents from the region.

Bressanone also has a gorgeous Christmas Market framed by the exceptional St. Michael's parish church and the town hall. This is a great spot to pick up some handmade pottery, candles and painted glass, as well as trying a few of the local delicacies.

Afternoon & Evening: Cultural Winter Discoveries in the Dolomites

What started off as one small museum in Sulden in Vinschgau, called Curiosa, is now a network of six mountain museums. Now known as the MMM—Messner Mountain Museums—these museums capture the history and art of mountaineering in South Tyrol.

The Dolomites have a recorded history that goes way back to the Stone Age, through the Roman Empire, both World Wars, right up to the present. Each people and culture that has passed through the region has left its mark behind.

For example, over 60% of people in this region of Italy speak German. There’s also the language of Ladin, a Romance language that is spoken almost exclusively in the Dolomites.

Excited to learn more about the ancient history of the Tyrol? Head to the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology to learn more about Otzi the Iceman, the oldest human body ever to be found intact.

For a more intimate exploration of these cultural treasures, consider our Private Day Tour to Dolomites from Venice. Your personal guide will share fascinating insights about the region's unique blend of Italian and Austrian heritage while you travel through spectacular winter landscapes.

Day Three in the Dolomites: Adventures Beyond the Slopes

On your last day in the Dolomites, we’re heading back out into the great outdoors, but not to ski this time. There are loads of other things to do in this snowy region, apart from skiing, so go get those boots!

Morning: Alternative Winter Activities in the Dolomites in January

This is going to be such a fun one! Think snowshoeing, tobogganing, winter hikes, snowmobiles—using those amazing ski lifts, you can get all over the show—even dog sledding! There’s so much to do out in the snow that doesn’t involve skis or snowboards.

You could also take those cableways up to the mountaintops to see the amazing views and eat at the lovely restaurants. No need for sports at all, if that isn’t your thing. Prefer something at a lower altitude? Head to Cortina for some of their world-class shopping (only your credit card will regret it!).

Afternoon & Evening: A Taste of Winter in the Dolomites

Since it’s our last afternoon in this amazing area, we’re going to do as the locals do: eat! Food in this area is a unique blend of German and Italian and it’s delicious.

Look out for Tris di Canederli, tennis-ball-sized bacon speckled dumplings served in a soupy broth. If you see game meat on the menu, give it a go! You should see cervo (deer), daino (fallow deer), capriolo (roe buck), Camoscio (chamois, a goat-antelope native to Europe), and stambecco (ibex, or mountain goat) in restaurants throughout the region.

There are also two kinds of cheese native to the mountains: Fontina and Montasio. Fontina is originally from the Valle D’Aosta and Montasio was first made by Benedictine monks in the 1200s. Both are DOP protected, although other countries do make their own versions of Fontina, at least.

Planning Your Winter Trip to the Dolomites: From Venice to the Mountains

The Dolomites and South Tyrol are such a unique area, and well worth taking the time to explore. I find that one weekend is never enough: I want to return again and again! Luckily, it’s quite easy to get to from the office.

If you fly into Venice, it’s an easy trip by car up to the mountains. In fact, why not book a private transfer or transfer tour from Venice to wherever you’re staying? These are not live yet, but email us at sales@tours-italy.com for more information.

Fancy exploring the area a bit more? Stop off anywhere en route to get even more out of the experience. Bassano del Grappa—and its gorgeous 13th-century Ponte Vecchio style bridge—is always worth a stop. In fact, there are many towns and villages along the way that are each unique and wonderful to explore.But we’ll talk about that some other time.

Whether you have three full days to explore or are short on time, the winter Dolomites are waiting for you. If you're based in Venice and want to experience these majestic mountains in a day, our Small Group Venice to Dolomites and Cortina Day Trip offers the perfect introduction to the region's winter beauty. You'll get to experience the highlights of the area, from breathtaking mountain views to the glamorous streets of Cortina. For those seeking a more personalized experience, our Private Day Tour to Dolomites from Venice lets you set the pace, perfect for photography enthusiasts or families who want to linger longer at favorite spots. Both tours offer a taste of everything we've mentioned - from the stunning winter landscapes to the unique cultural blend that makes the Dolomites so special.

Get in touch here to start booking your winter trip to the Dolomites now!