Are you thinking of planning a family trip to the Dolomites in the winter? Wondering if there’s enough to keep every member of your family satisfied?
Maybe you’ve already got your tickets and are trying to figure out where to stay.
No matter what, I’ve got you covered!
I’m a mamma of three living in Tuscany and I’ve been visiting the Dolomites since 2004 – as a cycling and hiking guide, a trip planner, a solo traveler, with my now-husband, and finally… with my three boys!
We love visiting the Dolomites in the summer and winter, although the activities for our kids are quite different, depending on the season.
The Dolomites is a magical place to explore during chilly, snowy months. There’s plenty to do with kids in the winter, like:
- skiing and sledding in snowy wonderlands
- visiting a 5,000 year old mummy in kid-friendly Bolzano
- eating sausages and potatoes at a mountain hut (& don’t forget the hot chocolate!)
- exploring dreamy mountain villages and Christmas markets
- and so much more!
Let’s take a look at planning a family trip to the Dolomites in the winter. I’ll go over:
- Important dates to think about when planning your winter trip with kids
- Dolomites winter weather
- Where to base your family for the optimal Dolomites winter family trip
- Family-friendly things to see and do
- Transportation to/from and around the Dolomites in the winter with kids
- Family logistics for winter in the Dolomites (strollers, diapers, etc)
- Packing musts for a family trip to the Dolomites in winter
Andiamo – Let’s go!
You may also want to read
Dolomites with Kids – Summer Edition
Fun & Memorable Things to Do in Italy with Kids
Important Dates to Consider for a Family Trip to the Dolomites in the Winter
If you’re seeking snow, visit between December and March. There may also be snow in November and April. If there’s not a lot of snow, they’ll use the snow making machines.
If you want to visit Christmas markets, visit in December or the first few days of January. Some Christmas Markets in Italy open in late November.
If you want to avoid crowds and higher prices, avoid visiting during the Christmas – New Year period and the Carnevale period.
The major Italian holidays to know about in the winter are:
- December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Festa della Concezione Immacolata)
- December 24 – Christmas Eve (La Vigilia)
- December 25 – Christmas Day (Natale)
- December 26 – St. Stephen’s Day (Giorno di Santo Stefano)
- December 31 – New Year’s Eve (Notte di San Silvestro)
- January 1 – New Year’s Day (Capodanno)
- January 6 – Epiphany (Epifania). If you want to participate in Italian culture, have your children set out socks for the Befana
- Some time in February or March – Carnival (Carnevale)
You can read more about Italian winter holidays in
Italy in December
Italy in January
Italy in February
What’s the Weather Like in the Dolomites in the Winter?
Weather in the Dolomites in the winter is typically cold and dry and the precipitation is usually in the form of snowfall.
As I mentioned above, you’re most likely to get snow during the traditionally snowy months of December through March. And, you may also see snow in November and April.
Regarding temperatures, let’s take a look at averages in a few places in the Dolomites:
Average Dolomites Winter Temperatures in Celsius
Bolzano High/Low | Corvara in Badia High/Low | Cortina d’Ampezzo High/Low | |
November | 11° / 2° | 6° / 0° | 16° / -3° |
December | 6° / -3° | 3° / -2° | 0° / -7° |
January | 6° / -3° | 2° / -4° | 0° / -8° |
February | 10° / -1° | 2° / -4° | 3° / -7° |
March | 15° / 3° | 5° / -2° | 7° / -3° |
Average Dolomites Temperatures in Fahrenheit
Bolzano High/Low | Corvara in Badia High/Low | Cortina d’Ampezzo High/Low | |
November | 52° / 36° | 43° / 32° | 41° / 27° |
December | 43° / 27° | 37° / 28° | 32° / 20° |
January | 43° / 27° | 36° / 25° | 32° / 18° |
February | 50° / 30° | 36° / 25° | 37° / 20° |
March | 59° / 37° | 41° / 28° | 45° / 27° |
Sunny days are common, but it’s important to be prepared for the colder temperatures.
Where to Base Yourself on a Winter Trip to the Dolomites with Kids
The Dolomites take up a huge area in northern Italy, and there are a ton of places to choose from for a family trip.
You’ll want to keep a few things in mind when deciding like:
- What you want to do during your trip (if you want to ski, stay near the slopes or in a place with good transport options)
- If you’d like to cook or eat out
- Will you need to do laundry?
- If you’ll have a car, or need to use public transport
- Budget (some places, like Cortina d’Ampezzo, are known to be pricey)
We typically stay near Alpe di Siusi, because we love the villages, area, and easy access by public transport (and the Autostrada), but here are some ideas you may want to investigate:
- Ortisei (bigger town with plenty of restaurants and one of our favorite playgrounds in the Dolomites; gondola from town up to Alpe di Siusi)
- Castelrotto (medium-sized town with good access to mountains)
- Corvara in Badia (snow-focused town; harder to get to/from because it’s deeper into the mountains)
- Fiè allo Sciliar (we usually stay here; small village with grocery store, playgrounds, easy access to public transport; close to mountains and Bolzano)
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (chic, lux town in the eastern part of the Dolomites; great for skiing but also shopping and people-watching)
- Bolzano (perfect winter city base; plenty of winter events and our favorite Christmas market; great playgrounds and things to do in town for kids)
- Merano (another great city base; winter events, Christmas market; thermal baths in center of town, access to snow)
- Santa Cristina Valgardena and Selva di Valgardena (next to Ortisei; popular ski/snow towns)
- San Cassiano (dreamy village in Alta Badia with access to mountains; tiny village so not much to do but it’s picture-perfect)
- Andalo (family-focused winter town; a little bit harder to reach)
- Madonna di Campiglio (great snow activities for kids; a little bit harder to reach)
- Bressanone (charming town with family-friendly mountains easily-accessible, has a lovely Christmas market)
Read more about Where to Stay in the Dolomites with Kids
How Long Should You Spend in the Dolomites on Your Winter Visit?
Because many places in the Dolomites are easy to access (by car from the Autostrada or by train/bus), you could easily combine a family visit to the Dolomites with other destinations in Italy.
I’d recommend spending at least 3 nights. You could stay much longer, depending on your family’s interests. For example, if you love skiing and snow sports, a week would fly by.
Family-Friendly Things to See & Do in the Winter in the Dolomites
Take a Ski or Snowboard Lesson

The Dolomites lives up to its reputation as a mountain region full of family-friendly ski areas. With pretty much guaranteed snowfall during the winter and family-focused ski resorts, you’ve got plenty of choices.
We love Alpe di Siusi because it’s got something for all ages and ability levels and it tends to be sunny most of the day because it’s on a plateau (vs getting shade part of the day). Other areas to look into include Merano 2000, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, and Alta Badia.
Try It: Take a lesson on Alpe di Siusi (Compatsch) without having to get a second mortgage (we paid 172€ for a private 2-hour snowboarding lesson for my son). We spent 43.20€ on his equipment (helmet/goggles, snowboard, snowboard boots).
Good To Know: Many resorts have kids clubs for little ones who don’t feel like playing in the snow (or need to have a little break during the day).
You may want to read
Alpe di Siusi with Kids – Winter Edition
Play in the Snow


You don’t need to take a lesson to enjoy the snow in the Dolomites. Go sledding, make snow angels, build snowmen, take a horse carriage ride, play with other kids at a mountain hut play area.
Try It: Rent a toboggan (and helmets) at K&K sports on Alpe di Siusi and slide down the 1.8km track. Hold onto the brakes!
Visit Playgrounds

If you’ve spent time on Mom in Italy, you know that I think Italy’s best playgrounds are in the Dolomites. Good news – most are also accessible in the winter.
Try It: There are so many great ones to choose from! We were just at the Castelrotto playground, and although small, it’s got plenty of things to do. We also enjoy the playgrounds in Ortisei, Bolzano, and Fiè allo Sciliar. And, there are a ton of playgrounds up in the mountains in the snow!
Heads Up: Be careful of icy areas at playgrounds – it can get slippery!
Explore a Christmas Market

The Christmas markets in the Dolomites are magical. So much so, some people plan vacations to tour them.
Kids will enjoy strolling the German/Austrian style markets, complete with twinkling lights, local products, sweet treats like apple strudel, and of course, cioccolata calda (hot chocolate).
Many Christmas markets in the Dolomites have family-friendly activities like puppet shows, live music, small carousels or trains, face painting, chances to see Babbo Natale, and live presepi.
Try It: We love Bolzano’s Christmas market, and it pairs well with a family visit to the city.
Read more about
Bolzano’s Christmas Market
Christmas Markets in Italy
Where to Spend Christmas in Italy
Warm Up in Merano’s Thermal Baths

I know, thermal baths don’t seem like the most-kid friendly place to go, but Merano’s baths are convenient (in the center of Merano), easy to use (just buy your ticket, head downstairs, and enjoy!), and there are many pools (so no one will get bored right away).
While we love the baths in the summer, the indoor area is large and kids can swim, play on the bubble loungers (set in the pool), or try to catch the water from the fountains. It’s a perfect way to spend a couple of hours, and adults – it feels great after time on the slopes!
Try It: Terme Merano offers a family ticket for 3 hours or a full day. In the winter, 3 hours is plenty.
Read my guide to Terme Merano with Kids
Explore Dolomites Villages and Cities

You don’t have to choose between playing in the snow and checking out the area’s charming villages and cities. You can do both!
Try It: Head to Bolzano to play at the Talvera Park playground, say hi to Ötzi the Ice Man, check out the shops on Via dei Portici, and explore the Christmas market.
You may want to read
Bolzano in Winter
A Family Visit to Bolzano in Winter – Yay or Nay?
Bolzano Restaurants for Your First Visit
Try Kaiserschmarrn or Apple Strudel

If you’re seeking pizza and pasta, you can find it, but it’s definitely overshadowed by the area’s Austrian-influenced (and Ladin-influenced) food.
One of our favorites is the kaiserschmarrn, a kind of fluffy, torn up pancake.
Try It: Dig into a plate of kaiserschmarrn at Ütia Saraghes, above San Cassiano. There’s even a playground for kids!
You can also sample different versions of apple strudel or saltier dishes like sausage and potatoes or mezzelune pasta. Canederli are delicious, and if your kids turn up their noses at them, try cutting them into pieces first.
You’ll find in the Dolomites something to satisfy each of your kids’ tastebuds!
Check out a Castle

Dolomites castles ooze atmosphere in the winter, and you can visit many of them. Bolzano’s are easily accessible, and there are plenty of others in the region.
Try It: If you can make it up to Prösels Castle above Bolzano, it’s worth doing the tour with your kids (check out the dungeon and the toilet!). Check the website before you go, as the winter tours are limited (currently they’re only on Thursdays at 3:00pm).
You may want to read Castles to Visit in Italy with Your Kids
Take a Cable Car Ride


You can take a cable car or chairlift up into the snow (and back down) even if you’re not skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.
You can also take the gondola to a hut for a warm drink and to check out views (although if your kids are like mine, they’ll want to play in the snow!).
We just took the Renon funivia from Bolzano up to Soprabolzano, where we had hot chocolate at the Christmas market and went for a walk in the woods.
Try It: The Renon cable car station is just a 10-minute walk from Piazza Walther in Bolzano. The Freudpromenade path is a perfect stroll if you need some space and nature after visiting Bolzano.
Leave a Stocking Out for the Befana

Did you know we don’t leave our stockings out on Christmas Eve in Italy? Instead, bambini (children) in Italy leave stockings out for the Befana on the evening of January 5th. If you’ve been good, the friendly old witch will leave you treats… otherwise, you’ll be left with a lump of coal!
Try It: This is something fun you can do with your kids in Italy over the holidays that’s easy-to-do (just use a sock!) and introduces your children to something in Italian holiday culture.
What We Do: As an Italian/American/Swedish family, we actually do leave our stockings out for Santa on Christmas Eve, but we also leave them out for the Befana on January 5th.
You may want to check out
La Befana – Italy’s Holiday Witch
Befana Coloring Pages
Italy Coloring Pages
How to Get to the Dolomites in Winter with Kids

To get to the general area, you’ll arrive by plane, car, or public transportation.
PLANE – Depending on where you’re headed in the Dolomites, check out flights into Innsbruck, Venice, Verona, Bologna, or even Milan.
TRAIN – You can also reach parts of the Dolomites by train, but you may need to use another mode of transport to get to your final destination. For example, we like the Alpe di Siusi area in the winter, so if we travel by train, we go to Bolzano and then take a local bus to our final destination. Or, for somewhere like Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can take the train to Venice and then take the Cortina Express bus to the center of Cortina.
You may want to read
Florence to Bolzano by Train
How to Get to the Dolomites from Venice
Dolomites Without a Car
Visiting the Dolomites in Winter Without a Car
Train Travel in Italy
Taking the Train in Italy with Kids
CAR – Depending on where you’re staying and what your itinerary looks like, you may want to have your own two wheels. You can rent cars in cities and towns in the Dolomites, and if you’re coming from further away you can also rent and drive to the Dolomites. For example, if you fly into Venice, you can rent a car there and drive directly to your hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Be sure to check out
Driving in the Dolomites
Car Seats in Italy
Helpful Tip: Don’t rent a car for the Dolomites in the winter if you’re not a confident driver in snow, ice, or winter conditions. Also, keep in mind that mountain passes may close in heavy snowfall.
BUS – There are long-distance buses, but with kids, I’d consider arriving by train and local bus over a long-distance bus. On trains, you’ll have easy access to toilets and snacks, and there’s plenty of space to move around during the journey.
Transport Options Once You’re There

CAR – You can move around by car in the Dolomites in the winter, but as I mentioned above, you need to have chains in your car (and know how to put them on) or have winter tires.
BUS – I think the easiest way to move around is by public transport. It’s reliable and efficient, and it’s the choice I make when I’m in the Dolomites as the only adult. If my husband comes, we’re more likely to drive (he’s totally comfortable driving in snowy, icy conditions). If you plan on using the buses, download the sudtirolmobil app (or pull it up on your phone’s browser). It’s much better than Google Maps for planning your route and seeing live schedules. You can also buy your tickets on sudtirolmobil (or on the bus with cash or contactless).
GONDOLAS & CHAIRLIFTS – Once you’re up on the mountain, take advantage of the Dolomites’ extensive network of lifts and gondolas. You can find them on the sudtirolmobil app or website.
Dolomites in the Winter with Kids – Logistics
STROLLERS – You can definitely use your stroller in the villages and cities, as sidewalks here are good and there are almost always pedestrian areas. Be sure to bring a stroller muff to keep your baby or toddler cozy, and if you think you’ll be going on walks, bring some sort of rain cover. You can also bring your stroller up to many ski areas. We were just up at Alpe di Siusi and strollers were plentiful – on gondolas, on cleared paths, in the snow(!), at restaurants, and more.
BREASTFEEDING – Like the rest of Italy, Dolomites locals are very supportive of breastfeeding mammas, so feel free to feed your baby wherever and whenever you like. If you feel more comfortable, you can bring a scarf or light covering. In the chilly winter months, you may want to take refuge in a mountain hut, restaurant, or café. Make sure your layers are easy enough to take off or zip down (I’ve had this problem before!). Also, if you think you’ll be hiking with your baby in the snow (or snowshoeing), you may want to bring something waterproof to sit on (in a pinch, even a plastic garbage bag) so you can sit on wet benches or even snow.
TOILETS – In towns, you can ask to use the toilet at a bar or restaurant. It’s kind to make a small purchase (like a coffee or a pack of gum). On the slopes, look for toilets at the top and bottom of gondola stations, and inside huts and restaurants.
ROADS – Dolomites roads can be winding, so if you’ve got kids who tend to get carsick, take it easy, and limit your drives. If you decide to take the bus, make sure you choose seats with a view out of the front window.
WATER – In the winter, we (I) carry water bottles. If we’re playing in the snow, I try to make sure everyone sips throughout the day and that we also drink during meals and breaks. In cities, you can refill at fountains or purchase at a grocery store.
Good To Know: Potabile means drinkable water. If you see non potabile, it’s not potable water, so don’t drink it.
POOR WEATHER DAYS – Don’t fret – there are plenty of things to do in the Dolomites if you catch some rainy or stormy weather. Here are a few ideas:
- Bolzano – shop under the porticoes, check out the toy shops, see the Ice Man, see a movie at the cinema (some like Cineplexx Bozen even have English movie nights)
- San Cassiano – see the Ladin Museum
- Merano – soak in the indoor thermal baths
- Cortina – explore all floors of the Cooperativo di Cortina
- Visit one of the Messner Mountain Museums
- Play cards or games at your hotel
- Most family hotels have indoor kids’ clubs
- Have an indoor picnic with local foods
What to Pack for a Family Trip to the Dolomites in Winter

You can check out my complete list – Family Packing List for the Dolomites in the Winter.
Or, take a look at my general packing lists for Italy and add the below for your winter visit:
- Ski pants (or a warm, waterproof combo of pants)
- Warm, breathable top layers (like merino wool or fleece)
- Warm coat
- Warm socks (preferably wool or other non-cotton material)
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Hat (for when not wearing a helmet)
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Warm, water-resistant or waterproof shoes – Don’t worry, you don’t need to look fancy in the Dolomites. My kids typically wear hearty sneakers like Salomon in town, or they’ll wear boots that they use on the mountain or leather sneakers (if we’re not planning on spending time in the mountains). I also try to pack two pairs of shoes in case one pair gets wet and I can’t dry them in time.
- Sunglasses (or goggles)
- Sunscreen – I love the Sun Bum kids stick sunscreen because it fits in a pocket and it goes on clear.
- External charger for phone battery – your battery loses charge quickly in the cold weather, and you’ll be taking plenty of photos!
- Translator app or dictionary – You’ll encounter three languages in the Dolomites – Italian, German, and Ladin. You can use Google translate or dictionary apps on your phone. Or, bring a real pocket dictionary (I like Rick Steves’ German and Italian phrase books / dictionaries) and let your kids work their way through situations at restaurants, markets, grocery stores, and museums.
Helpful Tip: Don’t stress about packing everything. Know that you can always purchase something in a city (like Bolzano) if you need to, or even up in the mountains (plenty of shops!).
Check out
Italy Packing List for Kids
Italy Packing List for a Baby or Toddler
Kids Shoes for Italy
Doing Laundry on Vacation in Italy
Italy Packing List (for Adults)