When I tell my kids we’re heading to the Dolomites, they remind me that the first thing they want to do is take the gondola up to Alpe di Siusi. And I don’t argue – I’m also happy to head up to Europe’s largest alpine plateau for a day of hiking, breathtaking views, and hearty mountain food.
I’ve been bringing families up to Alpe di Siusi since 2004 – first as an active travel guide, and now as a mom to three boys.
We keep coming back to Alpe di Siusi as a family for its:
- Stroller-accessible hikes
- Abundance of public toilets (clean, with changing tables)
- Long and fun gondola rides – Kids love them!
- Playgrounds and animals at some of the mountain huts
- Convenience – it’s easy to get to it
- Amazing scenery
- Quality shops (at the base of Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi) – in case you’ve forgotten anything
- Activities to satisfy all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens
These are our 8 best tips for visiting Alpe di Siusi with kids. For more general Alpe di Suisi information, you’ll want to check out our post on Visiting Alpe di Siusi.
Note: These tips are focused on the spring/summer/fall season on Alpe di Siusi. The area is also fantastic in the winter for families, with its kids play areas, variety of ski slopes, and qualified and fun instructors at its ski school.
Good to Know: Alpe di Siusi is part of our 7-Day Dolomites with Kids Itinerary.
Visit Alpe di Siusi With Kids at the Right Time
Keeping in mind that most families will visit the area when school is out, the absolute best times to play on Alpe di Siusi as a family are the second half of June and all of September. July and August also work, but be ready for more crowds (you’ll have to wait for tables at huts, the play areas will be very busy, etc.).
June and July are the best months for wildflowers – the grassy areas explode in shades of yellow, orange, blue, and purple.
Good To Know: Even though July and August are busy months on the Alpe di Siusi, our family still visits. You can still find your ‘space’ on the Alpe (it’s huge!). But, if your family loves to be alone on the trail, the Dolomites in July and August may not be the place for you.
Alpe di Siusi – Summer and Autumn Weather
See the average temperatures below, but always check the weather before you head up. You don’t want to be wandering around Alpe di Siusi in a thunderstorm, especially with kids! If the forecast looks iffy, I’d recommend rescheduling your visit and finding a rainy-day activity.
| June | 65°F (18°C) | 44°F (7°C) |
| July | 69°F (21°C) | 48°F (9°C) |
| August | 68°F (20°C) | 48°F (9°C) |
| September | 60°F (16°C) | 40°F (5°C) |
Important To Know: Weather in the Dolomites can change in an instant! I’ve been sweating in a tank top and shorts on hikes, and minutes later, it’s freezing and hailing! Always dress in layers (or carry some in your backpack) and discuss mountain safety with your kids before you hike.
Trying to decide when to visit Italy? Check out our monthly guides:
Italy in January
Italy in February
Italy in March
Italy in April
Italy in May
Italy in June
Italy in July
Italy in August
Italy in September
Italy in October
Italy in November
Italy in December
Bring the Right Clothing and Equipment
- Layers – Dress like an onion! Even if it seems warm at your hotel below Alpe di Siusi, it’s always cooler on the Alpe and the weather can turn in an instant. Wear breathable layers and if you’ll be hiking, bring rain gear.
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Paper Map – I recommend using the Tabacco 05 (Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi) Scale 1:25000 map as a complement to the free trail map you’re given at the base of the lifts. Important – don’t rely on your phone (and its battery).
- Water – You can refill in a few places and you can also buy water at rifugi (mountain huts). But, it’s best to bring what you think you’ll need plus a little extra, in case your 1-hour hike turns into a 3-hour stroll with your toddlers.
- Stroller or backpack or carrier – If you’re visiting with a baby or small child, you’ll want to have a way to carry him/her. What you choose is a personal choice, and your plans will also have an influence. For example, if you want to hike on trails (vs. stroller-friendly paths or roads), bring a baby backpack. If your child needs to have a nap during the day, bring your lay-flat stroller.
- Solar charger – Alpe di Siusi is a photographer’s paradise, and you’ll get a ton of fantastic photos of your family! You may run out of battery power, so bring a solar charger to top up during lunch or while you’re walking.
- Appropriate footwear – Remember to have everyone in supportive, broken-in, non-slip footwear. There are some (very) small streams that kids love crossing, so water-resistant is a plus. Note: These are streams you can step over – nothing major.
What We Do: When we’re visiting with small kids, we bring the stroller. There are so many stroller-friendly paths and trails and we like being able to use the under-stroller storage space. There are other Dolomites areas we like to visit that aren’t stroller-friendly, so we use it when we can.
You may like our Packing List for Italy with Kids!
Have a Plan for the Day
Alpe di Siusi is big. At this point, you know that. You won’t want to hike for an hour in one direction and then realize you want to be somewhere else. Sure, you can always take a bus, but with kids, it’s best to have a plan! Here’s a sample itinerary that works well with babies, toddlers, and small children:
- In the morning, take the public bus (or drive) to the bottom of the Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi, near the town of Siusi allo Sciliar. We try to arrive at the parking lot around 9:30 am.
- Buy your tickets for the funivia and pick up anything you’ve forgotten (a hat, sunscreen, etc.) in the excellent shops at the base of the funivia.
- Enjoy the ride up to Compatsch (Compaccio). Check out the castle ruins at the base of the Sciliar and see if you can see any snow-covered mountains in the distance.
- Use the bathrooms at the top of the funivia. They’re located underneath the terrace at the top of the lift. You can take the elevator (on the left) if you have a stroller. Otherwise, take the stairs on the right.
- Take the slightly downhill trail to the Puflatsch/Bullaccia cable car. It’s stroller-friendly but narrow.
- Buy your tickets and take the enclosed cable car up to the Puflastch/Bullaccia Restaurant.
- Have lunch and let the kids play in the play area while you relax in the wooden lounge chairs.
- Take the same cable car down and walk uphill (same path) back to the Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi.
- Take the main cable car down OR keep walking and take it down later. Just make sure you check the timing of the last run – usually 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm, depending on the time of year. Hidden Collection: Check out the hat collection hanging from the ceiling inside the cable car station (on the right as you’re about to get into your cable car).
Good To Know: There are toilets and changing rooms at the top and bottom of the Puflatsch/Bullaccia cable car station.
Skip the Picnic
We’re big on picnics when traveling with our kids. They’re easy and fun. But, we always visit a mountain hut or restaurant when we head up to Alpe di Siusi. Regional foods and drinks kids may want to try include:
- Canederli (large bread dumplings, often containing speck or cheese), alone or in broth
- Polenta (cornmeal dish, our boys like it served with melted cheese)
- Kaiserschmarren (chopped up ‘messy’ pancakes served with berries)
- Apple juice
- Skiwasser (sparkling lemon and raspberry drink, literally ‘ski water’)
While you’re waiting for your food to come, your kids can color our Italian Coloring Pages or look at our Map of Italy for Kids!
Find a Play Area to Visit
Your kids may not be keen to ‘hike’ for an hour, but they will love knowing there’s a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow – a play area. There are play areas scattered all around the Alpe di Siusi and a few even have animals.
We always go to the Puflatsch / Bullaccia Restaurant for lunch and play time (and to sit on the humongous wooden witch’s broom).
Our favorite play areas on Alpe di Siusi:
- Puflatsch / Bullaccia Restaurant – our boys’ favorite, with its trampoline, sandbox, swings, rope structure, slide, and rocking horses
- Malga Tirler
- Alpenhotel Panorama
- Malga Schgaguler Schwaige
- Tstötsch Alm
While the kids play, you can relax in the sunshine with a refreshing skiwasser!
Identify Mountain Groups and Peaks Together
The Alpe di Siusi has excellent views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a perfect place to look at a map with your kids and point out some of peaks and ranges. Some of the most easily identifiable and fun mountains for kids to see are (see a map for the locations):
- Sassolungo (Langkofel in German) – Its name translates to ‘long rock.’
- Sassopiatto (Plattkofel) – Neighbor to ‘long rock,’ its name translates to ‘flat rock.’
- Sciliar Range (Schlern) – Local legend says this is where witches would gather. They’d fly in on their broomsticks from surrounding areas and create storms around the massif. Keep an eye out for witches as decorations in huts and in nearby towns (especially Fiè allo Sciliar).
- Marmolada (Marmolata) – Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Marmolada is the highest mountain in the Dolomites. It’s 3,343 meters, or 10,967 feet tall – that’s like 59 Leaning Towers of Pisa stacked on top of each other, or 646 of Michelangelo’s David statues!). Marmolada is easily spotted by its glacier.
- Denti di Terra Rossa (Rosszähne) – These are the ‘teeth of red earth,’ and they’re easily identified. Older kids and teens may even want to make the climb up the zig-zag path to the Rifugio Alpe di Tires on the other side.
Find an Activity to Suit your Child’s Interests
Go For a Walk
Alpe di Siusi is a hiker’s paradise, but not all trails are child-friendly. You’ll find paved, packed dirt, and gravel trails. There are some areas that are very steep (which is why I recommend using the Tabacco 05 Map that has elevation contour lines).
The Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm official website has detailed info on family-friendly hikes on Alpe di Siusi.
We enjoy and recommend the following hikes:
| Hike | Distance | Elevation Gain | Stroller-Friendly | Play Area on Route | Lunch Stop | Notes |
| Compatsch to Bullaccia (Puflatsch) Restaurant | 2.06 km | 225 meters | Yes | Yes | Bullaccia Restaurant or Tstötsch Alm | Steep on way there; return same way (add 2.06 km) or take the cable car down and walk back to Compatsch (add .65 km and 35 m elevation gain) |
| Compatsch to base of Bullaccia cable car and back | 1.3 km | 35 meters | Yes | Yes | Bullaccia Restaurant | Toilets and changing tables at top and bottom of cable car |
| Hans & Paula Steger Route (our shortened version) | 5.72 km | 111 meters | Yes | No | Compatsch Restaurants | Kids like the mini stream, pond, and running through the grassy meadow, reading the info signs; be careful crossing the road |
| Compatsch to AlpenHotel Panorama | 4.89 km | 157 meters | Yes | Yes | AlpenHotel Panorama | Can take lift down but it’s not enclosed – not good for small children or strollers |
| Compatsch to Rifugio Alpe di Tires (for teens & strong hikers) | 16.89 km | 818 meters | No | Yes | Rifugio Alpe di Tires | Pay attention to weather; can take Panorama lift to shorten hike on way out or back |
Disclaimer: These routes are not meant to be used as GPS guides while hiking on Alpe di Siusi. I’ve created them to give you an idea of terrain, distance, elevation gain, etc. Please use trail maps and follow the wooden trail signs on your hike.
Look for Flowers
If you’re visiting in June or July, kids will love the explosion of colorful wildflowers on the Alpe di Siusi. If you want to identify flowers with your children, pick up a small guide (we’ve found the Kompass green guide to be the best) at one of the shops in Compatsch or at the base of the Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi.
Say Hello to the Animals
You’ll see horses, goats, cows, and even a few alpacas (at AlpenHotel Panorama) hanging out on Alpe di Siusi! You can also take a horse carriage ride – the base for the carriages is in Compatsch.
Ride a Bike
You can rent bikes (e-bikes, bikes with child seats, etc) and explore the paved and gravel roads and trails of Alpe di Siusi. Keep in mind that there are some steep uphills/downhills, so plan your route before you go. Rent bikes and bring them up on the cable car, then start exploring!
Important Tip: If you’re using an e-bike, make sure it’s fully charged before you set out!
Take Photos
Budding photographers will have plenty of subjects to photograph, including:
- mountain peaks
- cows
- wildflowers
- paragliders
- your family!
Try Out a New Language
Alpe di Siusi is bordered on the north by Val Gardena (Gardena Valley), one of five main Ladin areas in the Dolomites.
The Ladin culture is the third culture of the Dolomites (along with Italian and Austrian). The Ladin people have their own language and traditions, and you’ll see the Ladin language on road signs, on menus, on official documents, and more.
Your kids can try using the three main languages of the area – Italian, German, and Ladin:
| English | Italian | German | Ladin |
| Hello (good day)! | Buongiorno! | Guten Morgen | Bun dé! |
| Thank you | Grazie | Danke | Giulan |
| Goodbye | Arrivederci | Auf Wiedersehen | A s’udëi |
| What’s your name? | Come ti chiami? | Wie heisst du? | Co aste pa inom? |
Fun Fact: Although Ladin is not a widely used language, local children have school lessons in the Ladin language and culture.
Looking for something else?
Good To Know: The Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) official website has an up-to-date list of activities and hikes you can do with your kids. For example, visit to see dates of the international marathon, family visits to malgas, alp horn performances, and more!
Stay in a Nearby Town, Not on the Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi is a perfect place to spend the day with kids, but I recommend sleeping in one of the towns at its base – my picks are Ortisei or Fiè allo Sciliar. We base ourselves in Fiè allo Sciliar, a quiet town with everything we need for a family trip (walkable, grocery store, parks, easy trails from town, kids attractions nearby). Ortisei is a nice pick if you want a larger town (more restaurants and shops, more ‘action’ in the evening, one of the area’s best playgrounds).
It’s easy to get up to Alpe di Siusi (with your own car before 9:00 am) or by public transport.
Read more about
Visiting Fiè allo Sciliar with Kids
Where to Stay in the Dolomites with Kids
I hope these 8 tips help you plan a fantastic trip to Alpe di Siusi with your kids!
You may want to read our posts on
Visiting the Dolomites with Kids
Italy with a Baby or Toddler
Italy Packing List for a Baby or Toddler
Visiting Alpe di Siusi
Fun & Memorable Things to Do with Kids in Italy
Check out some of our guides to Italian destinations with kids:
Alberobello with Kids
Alpe di Siusi with Kids
Bergamo with Kids
Bologna with Kids
Bolzano with Kids
Burano with Kids
Cefalù with Kids
Dolomites with Kids
Emilia-Romagna with Kids
Fiè allo Sciliar with Kids
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Florence with Kids
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Gardaland and LEGOLAND Water Park
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San Cassiano with Kids
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Sirmione (Lake Garda) with Kids
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Venice with Kids
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First time to Italy? 10th? Either way, you’ll want to check out our 200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips!
Alpe di Siusi with Kids FAQ
October can be a lovely time to visit Alpe di Siusi – the larch trees change from green to gold and orange. The days are chilly but often sunny. We’ve had gorgeous trips in October, but we’ve also cut a trip short because of poor weather.
Alpe di Siusi is pronounced AHL-peh dee SYOO-zee.
Seiser Alm is pronounced SEYE-sehr ahlm.
If you’re comfortable feeding your baby outdoors, there are plenty of benches and shaded areas on Alpe di Siusi. You can also feed your baby at the mountain huts and in restaurants.
There are toilets available at the main cable cars that bring you up to the Alpe di Siusi, as well as at some of the major lifts. If you’re heading to the child-friendly Puflatsch / Bullaccia Restaurant, you’ll find bathrooms (with changing tables!) at the top and bottom of the Puflatsch / Bullaccia cable car. While you’re out hiking, you can stop in at a hut to use the toilet.
Yes, but always make sure your doctor is fine with your infant or small baby spending time at high elevation (pediatricians have different recommendations – ours recommended waiting until 6 months).
You can carry your baby in a carrier or bring your stroller. Alpe di Siusi has a lot of stroller-friendly trails. There are plenty of places to breastfeed, change a diaper, and play with your baby on Alpe di Siusi.
Alpe di Siusi is located in the Dolomites, a part of the Italian Alps in Northern Italy. Alpe di Siusi is in the Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige (aka Sud Tirol or South Tyrol).
