THE DOLOMITES
Italy, but vertical. In the Dolomites, alpine beauty meets Ladin traditions, where rifugi lunches, wooden villages, and postcard views are the everyday backdrop. Come winter, the snow is deep, the ski terrain world-class, and the mountains shimmer like something out of a snow globe.
Where We Eat
In the Dolomites, comfort food reaches new heights—from cozy rifugi serving Schlutzkrapfen and polenta to après-ski soulfulness with Lagrein or hot vin brûlé.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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Tucked in a remote mountain basin, only accessible by foot or snowmobile. In winter, reach it via torchlit snow path or sleigh, then settle in for wild game, house-made pastas, and Ladin desserts, all served in an old timber hut that hums with atmosphere.
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Casual, rowdy, and wildly beloved, L’Murin is the go-to for après in Alta Badia. Expect ski boots, wood beams, live music, and comforting South Tyrolean fare—from dumplings to barley soup—served with schnapps or craft beer.
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A former dairy farm turned rustic-chic trattoria, El Brite offers a hyper-local take on mountain cuisine—think speck from their smokehouse, cheeses from their creamery, and dishes that honor Ampezzan traditions. It’s just outside town, but the warm interiors and farm-to-table ethos make it worth the trip.
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Perched on a scenic pass with jaw-dropping views, Da Aurelio blends unfussy mountain hospitality with beautifully plated alpine food. Come for the nettle gnocchi and butter-sage ravioli; stay for the golden hour light pouring over the peaks outside the window.
Street Food
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This low-key, family-run spot in Bressanone is a local go-to for no-frills slices and perfectly blistered Neapolitan-style pies. Take it to-go and eat on the steps of the nearby Duomo.
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A tiny Ladin-run kiosk serving rustic mountain snacks like speck panini, polenta cakes, and deep-fried cheese bites. Come après-ski or post-hike, it hits the spot every time.
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An open-air sausage garden hidden behind a souvenir shop? Exactly. Come for the bratwurst and sauerkraut, grilled over an open flame and eaten at communal picnic tables, often with live Tyrolean music and tall beer mugs clinking nearby.
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Still-warm schüttelbrot, flaky apple strudel, and chocolate-dipped shortbread from this humble, family-run San Cassiano bakery are a morning ritual for locals. A few high-stacked shelves sell jams, cured meats, and Alto Adige wines — but the real draw is the scent wafting onto the street.
Go All Out
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With a Michelin star and a philosophy that combines sustainability, creativity, and bold alpine flavors, 1908 is anything but traditional. The dining room feels like a curated art gallery, while the food—a modern take on South Tyrolean classics—pushes boundaries without losing its soul.
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Elegant, modern, and rooted in the rhythm of the seasons, In Viaggio delivers a minimalist, intimate experience. With just a handful of seats and a fixed tasting menu, this is less a meal than a sensorial journey through the Dolomites via local produce and international technique.
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Equal parts rustic and refined, this longtime Moena favorite (and proud Michelin star holder) balances alpine tradition with culinary finesse. Dishes like juniper venison or mountain herb risotto reflect both place and precision, served in a dining room with heart and history.
Best Desserts
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Yes, that Loacker. Their flagship café and pastry shop near the Austrian border is an ode to the iconic crispy wafer, with a sit-down patisserie for espresso, tiramisu, and hyper-engineered chocolate-layered creations you won’t find anywhere else.
Where We Wake Up
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This cheery, design-forward café from the famous wafer brand offers more than just sweets. Expect excellent espresso, flaky pastries, and warm Tyrolean hospitality in the heart of Bolzano.
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Tucked inside the ADLER Dolomiti, this sleek lounge is open to the public and serves proper cappuccinos and seasonal cakes on a quiet garden terrace—ideal after a morning ski or hike.
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A beloved local bakery known for its rich apple strudel, airy brioche, and traditional South Tyrolean treats. Come early for a seat inside or grab a pastry and wander through Bressanone’s baroque old town.
Art of Après
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A Cortina classic, this rustic-chic chalet draws in-the-know locals for vin brulé and spritzes on its sun-drenched terrace. Après starts early here and lingers until the peaks turn pink, with snow boots traded for shearling-lined slippers and mountain air laced with woodsmoke.
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At 2,000 meters above sea level, this glass-walled lounge mixes skyline views with DJ sets and chilled Franciacorta. It’s not your average slope-side hut — this is Dolomites après with polish, best enjoyed in sleek skiwear and mirrored shades.
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The mood is glamorous alpine nostalgia at this legendary hut known for seafood lunches and sun-soaked drinks. Come for a post-ski grappa, stay for the white tablecloths, designer sunglasses, and lobster arriving on silver trays.
Where We Sleep
La Perla
A traditional Tyrolean chalet hotel with timeless charm and Michelin-starred dining.
This family-run retreat feels both grand and grounded. The rooms are wood-paneled and warm, with classic Alpine furnishings, and the spa is known as one of the best in the region. But what really sets it apart is the restaurant — Stüa de Michil — one of the Dolomites' most lauded fine-dining spots.
Image courtesy of La Perla
From ~€490/night
54 rooms and suites
Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant
Located in Corvara
Ski-in/ski-out access in winter
Full-service spa with indoor pool
Summer e-bike and hiking rentals available
Family-owned since 1957
Closed April through May and mid-October to early December
The wine cellar holds over 30,000 bottles, many of them sourced from boutique Northern Italian producers.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Forestis
A sleek, design-forward sanctuary suspended above the clouds.
Why We Like It
If your idea of après-ski includes raw spruce walls, high-altitude spa rituals, and mountain-framed floor-to-ceiling windows, this is your spot. Set high above Bressanone, Forestis is rooted in South Tyrolean healing traditions but feels more Kyoto than Kitzbühel. It’s quiet luxury, recalibrated for the Alps.
Image courtesy of Forestis
From ~€560/night
62 suites and penthouses
Adults-only, ages 14+
Located on Plose mountain above Brixen/Bressanone
Daily seasonal tasting menus with local and foraged ingredients
Full spa with three pools, five saunas, and massage therapies
Shuttle service to ski lifts
Closed early April–mid May and mid-November–early December
Minimum 3-night stay in high season
Their detox philosophy is based on four “natural gifts”: air, sun, spring water, and climate — a nod to ancient Celtic principles.
Details To Know
Hotel de Len
Sustainable design and contemporary alpine soul in the heart of Cortina.
Hotel de Len reimagines the mountain stay with an eye for wellness, woodwork, and quiet luxury. Interiors feel considered but cozy, with windows that frame the Dolomites like paintings. The spa, built entirely from natural materials, includes a rooftop sauna and panoramic hot tub. It’s one of the rare ski hotels that feels truly modern without losing its sense of place.
Image courtesy of La Perla
From ~€530/night
22 rooms and suites with custom wood interiors
Located in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, a 5-minute drive to the slopes
Spa with alpine treatments, rooftop sauna, and outdoor hot tub
On-site restaurant focused on local and seasonal cuisine
In-room yoga mats, weighted blankets, and detox minibars
Ski concierge and shuttle service available in winter
The hotel’s name means “wood” in Ladin, the ancient local language still spoken in corners of the Dolomites.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Rosa Alpina
The most exclusive address in the Dolomites, blending family legacy with Aman-caliber serenity.
Recently reimagined through its Aman partnership, Rosa Alpina still retains its sense of place. The communal warmth of its family roots is present, but now with seamless, understated luxury at every turn — from candlelit dinners to suite-only accommodations. The concierge will arrange everything from heli-skiing to forest bathing.
Image courtesy of Aman Rosa Alpina
From ~€1200/night
Adults-only in high season
Located in the upscale village of San Cassiano
Ski concierge, private ski guide, and gear storage
Michelin-starred restaurant St. Hubertus by chef Norbert Niederkofler
Extensive spa with hammam, sauna, and cold plunge
Private movie theater
Managed by Aman with a full-resort experience model
This was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite alpine stays — the food and views left him speechless.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Lefey
A grand epicenter of alpine wellness and modern elegance.
Why We Like It
Under one vast glass roof, you’ll find pools that flow into the mountainside, Ayurvedic and Alpine spa programs, and refined dining rooted in natural, local ingredients. This place is a game-changer for restorative alpine travel—sleek, expansive, and unapologetically luxurious, yet deeply tied to the environment. From spa journeys to energy-focused treatments and gourmet cuisine, it feels like a bespoke wellness village perched at altitude.
Image courtesy of Lefey
From ~€950/night
88 suites and residences with all-mountain views
5,000 m² of wellness space: thermal pools, saltwater grotto, saunas, Ayurveda
Ski‑in/ski‑out at Campo Carlo Magno
Electric vehicle charging, eco-certifications
Guided hikes, yoga, and snowshoe programs on-site
Located near Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino
High-season minimum-stay restrictions may apply
The wellness suites each feature a private spa area—ideal for zen mornings with panoramic peaks.
Details To Know
What We Do
In winter, this is one of Europe’s most iconic ski destinations. In summer, it turns into a hiking, biking, and alpine wellness playground. Whether you’re here for snow or sun, these are the moments worth making time for.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Museo Ladin de Fascia
A beautifully curated museum showcasing the language, history, and traditions of the Ladin people who’ve inhabited this region for millennia.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: San Giovanni di Fassa
Price: €7
Vibe: Intellectual, immersive, and deeply rooted in place
Need to Know: Check opening hours, especially in off-season — exhibits are bilingual (Italian + Ladin)
Woodcarving in Val Gardena
Ortisei and its surrounding villages have a centuries-old tradition of intricate woodcarving, from religious figures to modern sculptures.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Ortisei, Val Gardena
Price: Varies — many shops open to visitors; custom works available
Vibe: Deeply regional, quietly refined
Need to Know: Visit Dolfi Land or Deur Sculptures for museum-level craftsmanship and purchases
Toblach Herb Market
A hyper-local weekend market that brings together wild herbs, alpine honey, mountain cheeses, and handmade wellness goods.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Toblach/Dobbiaco (select weekends)
Price: Free entry, goods vary
Vibe: Slow-living, authentic alpine wellness
Need to Know: Pair it with a morning hike or spa day; the dates change seasonally, so plan ahead
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Ski the Sellaronda
One of the most iconic ski circuits in the Alps, the Sellaronda loops around the massive Sella massif, linking four valleys with panoramic pistes and charming mountain huts.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, and Val di Fassa
Price: Dolomiti Superski pass from €74/day
Vibe: High-altitude adrenaline with scenic breaks for tagliatelle and Aperol
Need to Know: Best experienced with a private guide for smoother logistics and off-the-beaten-path routes
Snowshoeing to Rifugio Fanes
This fairytale trek through powdery forests and alpine meadows ends at one of the Dolomites’ most legendary huts for strudel and schnapps.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park
Price: Equipment rental from €15, guided tours from €60
Vibe: Tranquil, storybook scenery with rewarding rustic luxury at the end
Need to Know: Rifugio Fanes is open in winter but requires booking ahead for meals or overnights
Sunrise Hike to Seceda
The spiny Seceda ridgeline is one of the Dolomites’ most photographed views, and seeing it at dawn is worth the early start. Ride the cable car up from Ortisei and take a short but steep walk to the summit.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Val Gardena
Price: Cable car from €25, hike is free
Vibe: Serene, cinematic, golden-hour perfection
Need to Know: The first cable car often starts too late—consider hiking up in the dark with a guide to catch sunrise
Bike Tour through Alta Badia
Tackle dramatic mountain passes and lush valleys with ease on a guided e-bike loop through Alta Badia. You’ll pass picturesque hamlets, forest trails, and hidden alpine farms.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Alta Badia
Price: From €70 for bike rental, guided tours from €120
Vibe: Active but relaxed, with plenty of scenic breaks
Need to Know: Local operator Holimites offers bespoke routes with wine tastings or rifugio lunches
Lago di Braies Hike
Yes, it’s popular. But the emerald-green lake surrounded by limestone peaks is still one of the most cinematic hikes in Italy—especially at sunrise.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park
Price: Free (parking fees may apply)
Vibe: Picture-perfect and peaceful early in the morning, crowded by midday
Need to Know: Loop trail takes about 1.5 hours; arrive by 7:30am in high season for stillness
Paragliding Over Alpe di Siusi
There’s something surreal about soaring over meadows and jagged peaks, especially with the soft golden light that hits Alpe di Siusi in early evening. Tandem flights offer an unforgettable perspective on the Dolomites’ raw beauty.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Launch from Spitzbühl, Castelrotto
Price: Tandem flights from €130
Vibe: Peaceful, exhilarating, and surprisingly meditative
Need to Know: Best in summer; book in advance
Fitness & Wellness
Fitness & Wellness
Forest Bathing
Connect with the landscape in its quietest form through a guided forest and ice bathing ritual. This meditative practice is led by wellness experts from the Adler Spa and designed to heighten awareness, calm the nervous system, and immerse you in the natural rhythms of the Dolomites.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Adler Spa Resort, Ortisei
Price: Included for guests, or inquire for à la carte bookings
Vibe: Grounding, spiritual, cold
Need to Know: Sessions are often paired with sauna rituals or silent walks — book ahead for early morning slots
Iyengar Yoga
Practiced in a purpose-built studio in the Alta Badia valley, this Iyengar-based class offers precise posture alignment, depth, and calm among similarly ike-minded travelers. Sessions are taught in English and ideal for morning grounding before a day exploring.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Pedraces, Alta Badia
Price: Drop-in classes from €18; multi-class passes available
Vibe: Intentional, centered, quietly focused
Need to Know: Studio is a ten-minute drive from Corvara—arrange a taxi or combine with a guided e-bike route.
Thermal Spa Circuit
Set in a contemporary alpine lodge, QC Terme offers an indulgent spa circuit with thermal pools, waterfalls, steam grottos, salt rooms, and panoramic outdoor hot tubs. The scenery alone is healing, but the atmosphere—quiet, steamy, and scent-infused—takes it further.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Ruga degli Spezieri, near Rialto
Price: €–€€
Vibe: Aromatic, old-school, wildly authentic
Need to Know: Try the house-made limoncello — locals swear by it.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 48 Hours
PART ONE: Check In And Slow Down
Settle into the quiet luxury of Hotel de Len in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where blonde wood, alpine minimalism, and rooftop saunas set the tone. Or, for remote elegance, book a suite at Forestis Dolomites, a high-altitude retreat near Brixen with cinematic views and deeply meditative energy.
Once checked in, grab a warm apple strudel and mountain herbal tea from Panificio Gasser, then wander Cortina’s Corso Italia—window shop, sip a quick espresso, and acclimate to the pace. Before sunset, take the cable car to the Faloria Terrace for a sweeping aperitivo moment above the clouds.
PART TWO: Dinner With A View
Book in advance for a dinner at Ristorante Tivoli, a Michelin-starred refuge of wood beams and white tablecloths just outside Cortina. Expect mountain flavors with finesse: venison, truffles, polenta, and elegant pastas.
Alternatively, head to Baita Fraina for a slightly more relaxed but still elevated take on regional cuisine, housed in a traditional chalet surrounded by forest. End the evening wrapped in a blanket under the stars—or sipping a grappa fireside in your hotel’s lounge.
PART THREE: The Mountains Call
Start your day with strong coffee and warm pastries at Pasticceria Alverà, then head out for a scenic alpine adventure. For something moderate, hike the Cinque Torri loop—complete with WWI tunnels and jagged peaks.
If you’re craving solitude and wild beauty, consider a guided e-bike ride through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, or a forest bathing session with Adler Spa Dolomiti in Val Gardena. Return to town and pause at Lovat Boutique—a sleek design store filled with Alpine-made home goods and cozy wearables.
PART FOUR: Sauna, Sundown, And Stuben
Post-adventure, drop into QC Terme Dolomiti for a thermal spa circuit—think panoramic outdoor hot tubs, salt caves, and Alpine steam rituals.
Back in Cortina, toast to your trip with a Negroni at Enoteca Cortina, then walk over to El Camineto for a final dinner: locally foraged ingredients, mountain cheese, and slow-cooked meats served with old-school grace. For a sweeter goodbye, grab a slice of buckwheat cake or a scoop of pine gelato at Gelateria Alverà.
