The 9 most enchanting villages in the Dolomites to discover in winter

The magnificent Dolomites, a treasure chest of natural sceneries, are the ideal destination for nature lovers, mountaineers, and winter sports enthusiasts. Let's discover together some of the most enchanting and picturesque villages in the Dolomites to visit in winter, nestled in beautiful valleys, and rich in history, art, ancient traditions, and spectacular panoramic views.

This majestic mountain chain has been defined as "the most beautiful architectural work in the world" by Le Corbusier, the famous Swiss architect, painter, urban planner, and designer. Furthermore, it is part of the Eastern Alps and it stretches along Veneto, Trentino Alto Adige, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the provinces of Bolzano, Belluno, Trento, Udine, Pordenone, Verona, and Vicenza.

Firstly, the evocative phenomenon of the enrosadira makes the atmosphere of the so-called Pale Mountains magical and unique. It gives rise to astonishing plays of light, appreciable at dawn and dusk, tinged with a particular colouring that varies from pink to fiery red and purple. Its name derives from an etymon of Ladin origin. This naturalistic sight is related to the mysterious legend of King Laurin's rose garden, placed in the corresponding area of the Catinaccio, the current Rosengarten, in ancient times. It is due to the chemical composition of the dolomite, made up of magnesium and calcium carbonate.

The Dolomites are sprinkled with copious crystal-clear lakes, whose iridescent hues add incomparable beauty to the landscape. In 2009, they were inscribed on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list because of their extraordinary aesthetic and scenic value and geological uniqueness.

Would you like to know what you can do in Ortisei in winter? If you like skiing, you can use the numerous ski lifts, to get to the best ski slopes in the area. Among these, we would like to point out the famous La Longia slope, 10 km long, which connects the Seceda peak with the tourist resort. It will allow you to contemplate one of the most evocative landscapes of Gardena Valley and the Dolomites. The area also offers routes for both beginners and more experienced skiers to practice downhill or cross-country skiing. Children or adults who do not particularly enjoy skiing can try their hand at a toboggan run.

Would you like to know what you can do in Sappada? We suggest you should start your visit to this gorgeous village, rich in authentic traditions and set in extraordinary natural scenery, from Old Sappada. The oldest part of the village has been awarded the prestigious title of Italy's most beautiful hamlet because of its picturesque historic centre. You will be fascinated by the peculiar wooden architecture of the hayloft, the typical Nordic architecture of the traditional dwellings, built according to the Blockbau style. This technique uses wooden beams overlapping on the corners and a base made up of stones. Are you curious about what to see in Sappada in winter? There are copious churches: such as the Church of St. Margherita, chiselled with beautiful frescoes and stained-glass windows, and the Church of St. Osvaldo. Its illustrated glass windows depict the most important historical events of the community as well. Another important place of worship is Regina Pacis Sanctuary in the small village of Soravia.

You can discover the history and traditions of this fairy-tale mountain centre by visiting its interesting museums. First of all, the Giuseppe Fontana Ethnographic Museum is dedicated to the discovery of cultural heritage, customs, geology, ecosystems, and knowledge of the natural environment. The Puichers' Kottlars house museum is dedicated to the ancient customs of the peasant civilisation. We recommend to nature lovers an excursion to contemplate the evocative springs of the Piave river, on the slopes of Peralba Mountain, in Sesis Valley. You will also catch a glimpse of extraordinary panoramas, by practicing Nordic Walking, going on a mountain bike trip leisurely, or climbing iron paths, suitable for the most expert mountaineers.

Let yourself be captivated by the atmosphere of the snow-covered landscape of Old Sappada and Cima Sappada, whose routes are rich in magnificent nativity scenes. If you wish to experience something special, try a romantic ski touring experience under a starry sky illuminated by the moonlight flash. In short, the area offers winter sports enthusiasts a lot of opportunities for fun: the ski slopes of Sappada, Siera Mountain, or Pian di Nidi, accessible by ski lifts, ski mountaineering, ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. You can choose from 20 km of downhill slopes, technical tracks, and 52 km of Nordic ski slopes. The Dolomiti Nordic Ski carousel is nestled in the natural landscape, where even famous Olympic athletes train and prepare for competitions. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy an excursion on board a snowmobile. If you prefer, other activities you can practice are dog sledding, and snow tubing, or trying a horse-drawn sleigh, to contemplate landscapes of breathtaking beauty with a peaceful snowshoe walk.

Amidst the beguiling mountains of the High Pusteria valley, in Trentino-South Tyrol, the charming village of Toblach lies. The lively cultural centre, located in the Three Peaks area, is also known as the Gateway to the Dolomites. You can benefit from trails in the area, which allow easy access to mountain huts and renowned ski resorts. Locals use the toponym Toblacco when referring to the town in the Ladin language. It boasts an ancient history, dating back to the late Iron Age. Its first inhabitants may have been the Illyrians: in this regard, finds have been rediscovered on the hill known as Platte. It is the ideal destination for nature lovers due to the presence of two natural parks. They can explore the Three Peaks Natural Park, characterised by fairy-tale forests of spruce and larch, rich in endemisms, and the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. It is also an area rich in scenic beauty and charming views, such as Toblach and Landro Lakes. Gustav Mahler, the famous Austrian composer of Bohemian origin, also spent his summer holidays here from 1908 to 1910.

Are you asking yourself what you could do in Toblach? In its cosy old town, you can admire ancient churches, such as St. John the Baptist, designed by Rudolf Schraffl and decorated with magnificent frescoes. There are also sumptuous aristocratic palaces, such as the impressive Herbstenburg Castle, which hosted Emperor Maximilian I of Habsburg from 1508 to 1511. At the beginning of the Landro Valley, you will find the prestigious building of the Grand Hotel, built in 1877, and rich in history. Currently, it is the seat to the Euregio Gustav Mahler cultural centre, the Red Tower dating back to 1430, and the romantic Englös House, linked to the descendants of Count Albert II. In the past, it was a popular location for the international jet set and the aristocracy. Nearby Old Toblach, you can visit the house of Gustav Mahler, where he composed the extraordinary Symphony No. 10 and the Song of the Earth. 

If you are passionate about cycling, outdoor activities, and winter sports, this is the ideal location for you. Following the numerous itineraries and cycle paths, you can contemplate the suggestive landscapes of this valley. You can choose from a wide range of proposals, including hiking towards Dobbiaco Lake, the Bike Tour and Stoneman Trail, and the Drava cycle path, which leads to Lienz. If you prefer extreme sports, you will have the opportunity to enjoy adrenaline-fuelled experiences, like climbing iron paths, set in spectacular sceneries. We recommend the Bonner High Route, the Corno di Fana in Toblach, and the routes along the lake, where hiking enthusiasts can enjoy mountain tours.

Winter sports enthusiasts will cherish a remarkable natural setting, made even more fascinating by the muffled atmosphere of the snowy landscape. You will enjoy fantastic excursions, such as snowshoeing in the fairy-tale woods and walks on meadows covered in a soft blanket of snow, or you will try to test yourself by climbing. The Three Peaks Ski Area, a venue for major international competitions, has 120 km of ski slopes, 5 ski resorts, and 31 lifts. With the Ski Pustertal- Express you can also easily reach the Plan di Corone ski area, which has 119 km of slopes suitable for every level of experience. The Nordica Arena ski complex, built in 2009, is a famous location for winter tourism in Toblach and it offers ideal routes for marathon runners and experienced athletes. Among the many events, we would like to point out that, at the beginning of the year, cross-country skiing competitions, such as the Pustertal-Skimarathon and the Gran Fondo from Toblach to Cortina, take place in this town.

Do you know where San Vigilio di Marebbe is? Among the South Tyrolean Dolomites, we find this picturesque village, in High Badia Valley. It is nestled like a precious gem in a basin of the same name, inhabited since prehistoric times and later by the Celts and Romans. This renowned tourist destination, in the province of Bolzano, is an ideal place for athletes, explorers, hikers, and mountain enthusiasts. It lies on the slopes of Plan de Corones, at an altitude of 1201 metres, near the lush Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. In 2009, this natural area was awarded the UNESCO Natural Heritage recognition. Let yourself be allured by the idyllic place characterised by ancient forests and crystal-clear streams.

Its historic centre is embellished by marvellous traditional Ladin houses and the St. Vigilio Church, characterised by a mixture of Gothic architecture and Rococo elements. Nearby you can also see the statue dedicated to Katharina Lanz, a legendary Tyrolean heroine who lived in the 18th century. Among the many events organized in the area, we would like to mention the International Snow Sculpture Festival, during which artists from all corners of the globe come to this location to create masterpieces of great charm.

What can you do in San Vigilio di Marebbe? An interesting tour is the Roda Dles Viles, consisting of two itineraries, which leads to the discovery of the viles, characteristic Ladin rural settlements, made of wood and stones scattered along Badia Valley. The ancient and imposing Ras Castle, once inhabited by the Rost family and now used as an accommodation facility, is also worth being visited. It is an Eden of extraordinary beauty, dreamt of by lovers of nature, culture, and sport. This suggestive Ladin village can be an excellent starting point for mountain excursions and hikes. Its tourist and sports offer is very appealing and varied.

There is a wide range of leisure opportunities to choose from: there are over 300 km of trails and 250 km of paths for biking enthusiasts, rich in unique environments and spectacular landscapes. You can walk while enjoying the tranquillity of the mountain habitat or engage in more challenging sporting activities, such as mountain biking and climbing. If you enjoy sportive and adventurous holidays, we suggest you should try the Plan de Corones ski area, perfect for snowboarders, skiers, ski mountaineers, or sledding and cross-country skiing lovers. It offers 32 ski lifts and it is the stage for World Cup races. In winter, you can choose among 90 km of well-groomed tracks, equipped with modern ski lifts of the highest quality, to have fun in complete safety, cross-country skiing tracks, and snowshoeing trails.

Are you looking for any tips about what you can do and what you can see in Auronzo di Cadore? You will be welcomed into the charming historic centre by the Bridge of Lions, and you will admire picturesque places of worship, such as the Parish Church of St. Giustina, in the hamlet of Villagrande, built in the 18th century and embellished with frescoes by the painter Giovanni De Min. You can continue your itinerary to discover the evocative religious buildings by reaching the Church of St. Lucano, with an octagonal plan, and the Church of St. Caterina, in the hamlet of Cella, on whose dome an iron rooster, evoking a local legend, stands. If you are passionate about history, we suggest visiting the Conte Metto Palace Museum, which has a multi-themed exhibition about four topics, archaeology, life, earth sciences, mineralogy, and the events of the First World War. In the Museum dedicated to the First World War, you will find in-depth documentation and historical artefacts regarding these contents.

Let yourself be mesmerised by the extraordinary natural and scenic beauty. First of all, you could contemplate the enchanting landscape of the majestic Three Peaks of Lavaredo, the vast Somadida Oriented Nature Reserve, whose luxuriant tree vegetation consists mainly of conifers, including white and red firs, beeches, and larches. If you want a moment of relaxation, in contact with nature, to detox yourself from stress, you could take an excursion to the crystal-clear Misurina Lake. Near Auronzo, you will find the ancient village of Lozzo di Cadore, the characteristic town of mills, from which you can see magnificent scenery. If you decide to take a trip and travel to Auronzo during the Christmas season, we suggest that you should visit the traditional markets.

Allow yourself a relaxing holiday in this delightful location, rich in attractions, walking along its characteristic paths. If you are a sports enthusiast, Auronzo di Cadore is the ideal destination for those who want to keep fit. You will find the solution that best suits your needs. For instance, you could try an adventurous and adrenalin-filled experience by climbing the spectacular iron paths. You will have many options, like classic hiking, sled dogs, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, and canoeing. The neighbouring mountain offers a wide range of opportunities for outdoor excursions: skiing or trekking through the lush forests, exploring the area by mountain bike, or more leisurely snowshoeing along the moonlit hiking trails or ice-skating. The Auronzo and Misurina ski facilities are part of the Dolomiti Superski area, which stretches over more than 25 km. This ski area is made up of two tracks: the Auronzo track extends towards Monte Aguto, while the Misurina track runs on towards Col De Varda. It also has cross-country skiing trails with routes suited to different levels of preparation to satisfy all tastes.

The marvellous alpine village of San Martino di Castrozza appears to the traveller like a precious gem at an altitude of 1450 m in the Upper Premiero Valley. It is nestled between the Lagorai, Pale di San Martino and Vette Feltrine mountain chains, in Eastern Trentino, in the area bordering the Veneto region. It is a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts, with a very ancient history: its development as a ski resort dates back to 1873 when the first English and German climbers arrived.

This suggestive town lies within the extraordinary scenery of the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Nature Park, an extensive reserve of 20000 hectares, where you can follow thematic trails to learn the landscape, archaeological, natural, and environmental aspects. From this point, it is possible to see some fascinating Dolomite peaks, such as Vezzana, Cimon della Pala, Sass Maor, Rosetta, the Madonna peak, and Val di Roda. For nature lovers, we suggest visiting Val di Canali, surrounded by dense forests, lakes, and crystal-clear streams, the Alpe delle Marmotte park, and the Path of Museums at the so-called Fedaia Pass.

Are you curious to know what you can do in San Martino di Castrozza village? First of all, If you like skiing, this is the location for you. The San Martino and Passo Rolle ski area, which winds through the Natural Park, has 60 km of slopes and 23 ski lifts. In addition, the circuit known as "Carosello of Shepherd's cottages", consisting of the Ces and Tognola lifts, offers 45 km of pistes, suitable for all levels of technical preparation. In the Colverde ski resort, you can experience skiing even at night along the 3 km of its track. Then, using the shuttle bus, you can reach the panoramic slopes of Passo Rolle, which are 9 km away from the centre of San Martino di Castrozza. If you are a Nordic skiing enthusiast, you will have fun at the Fondo Centre, the cross-country skiing centre in San Martino. In particular, snow lovers can also enjoy telemark skiing, snowboarding, and freeriding, and experience go-karting on ice, agility forestry, hanging trails through the trees, ice climbing, and snowcat tours.

However, for those who are not interested in skiing, the Primiero and San Martino areas offer enticing proposals to treat yourself to a moment of leisure, in contact with the wildest and most authentic nature. For example, it is possible to go snowshoeing and discover the fairytale Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino, the enchanting Val Venegia, the Piani della Cavallazza or follow the itinerary of the Thinking Christ with great historical and scenic importance. Moreover, you can explore the Paneveggio forest, the so-called forest of violins, from which the resonance wood, used by lute-makers to make soundboxes, is extracted. Among the many other activities, you could choose the itinerary of the Legends to admire the marvellous Calaita Lake, nestled in a picture postcard landscape. If you like mountain biking, there are 60 km of trails through the Pale di San Martino area, the Vette Feltrine, and Lagorai, and trips to the Calbricon, Welsperg, and Pradidali lakes. Additionally, other engaging opportunities are canyoning, downhill, free-climbing, climbing on the iron paths, and walking in the woods to discover their natural beauty.