What’s Open in the Dolomites in Winter (and What’s Not)
One of the biggest worries people have about visiting the Dolomites in winter is whether things will actually be open. The short answer: winter is a core season here, not an off-season but it works differently from summer.
This guide explains what’s open in the Dolomites in winter (and what’s not), so you can plan around hotel seasons, lifts, roads, and closures without surprises.
Here’s what you can realistically expect, especially in February.
What Is Open in Winter
Winter is one of the main operating seasons in the Dolomites.
You can expect:
Most hotels to be fully open, especially ski and spa hotels
Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and village shops
Cable cars and lifts (on winter schedules)
Groomed winter walking paths in valleys
Roads and mountain passes, weather permitting
Villages feel active and organized, not shut down.
What’s Open in the Dolomites in Winter (and What’s Not)
Cable Cars and Lifts
Many cable cars run throughout winter, but schedules vary.
Important things to know:
Some operate daily
Others close one or two days per week
Certain lifts are winter-only; others are summer-only
Always check the official lift website before planning a day around it.
Walking vs Hiking in Winter
Traditional alpine hiking is not possible in winter.
Instead, you’ll find:
Flat or gently rolling winter walking paths
Snow-packed valley routes
Scenic walks near villages and towns
These are designed for walking in boots, not for elevation gain or technical terrain.
Restaurants, Shops, and Villages
In winter, most villages remain lively.
What to expect:
Restaurants are open and easy to book outside peak weeks
Shops may close a bit earlier in the evening
Après-ski areas are lively in ski towns, quieter elsewhere
Spa hotels are particularly enjoyable in winter.
What’s Limited or Closed
Some things are reduced or unavailable in winter:
High-alpine hiking trails
Remote rifugi only accessible on foot in summer
Certain scenic routes meant for summer walking
This doesn’t limit the trip, it simply shifts the focus.
Roads and Driving in Winter
Roads are well maintained in winter, but conditions can change.
Plan for:
Winter tyres or snow chains (often required)
Slower drives on snowy days
Flexible plans if weather changes
That said, winter driving is common and well managed.
Practical Tips for Planning
Check lift days before booking accommodation
Choose a walkable village base
Plan fewer activities per day
Build in cafés, spa time, or indoor breaks
Bottom Line
Winter in the Dolomites isn’t about doing everything - it’s about doing fewer things well. Once you understand what’s open (and what isn’t), winter becomes one of the easiest and most enjoyable seasons to plan.
I’ve visited the Dolomites in winter multiple times and plan trips based on real opening dates, seasonal closures, and on-the-ground conditions.
