Italy, Europe
The Dolomites in April
Ski season winds down around Easter or early in the month. After that, lifts and many hotels close.
The straight answer
April is a month of real tradeoffs in the Dolomites. Ski season winds down around Easter or early in the month. After that, lifts and many hotels close.
- Weather
- Mild in valleys, highs near 52F (11C), snow up high
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What April is like in the Dolomites
April is a transition month. The valleys turn mild, with highs near 52F (11C), while snow stays up high. The ski season winds down around Easter or early in the month, and after that, lifts and many hotels close. Crowds and prices drop sharply.
It is a mixed month. Early April can still offer late-season skiing, especially if Easter falls early. Later in the month there is little open and the high trails are still snowbound. If you want skiing, come in March. If you want hiking and meadows, wait until late June or July.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about the Dolomites this month.
Last ski days
Early April can bring sunny spring skiing with short lift lines before the season closes.
Easter in the villages
If Easter falls during the ski season, the mountain villages are lively and the last lifts are still running.
Bolzano and Merano
The valley towns are mild and green in April, good for strolling and food while the mountains are between seasons.
What to pack for April
- Layers for mild valleys and cold mountains
- A waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for spring snow
- Comfortable walking shoes for town days
Our timing tip
If you want to ski in April, go in the first days of the month and check that your resort's lifts are still running before you book.
Book The Dolomites for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The DolomitesOpens a hotel search for The Dolomites in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The DolomitesWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The DolomitesTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Dolomites for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in the Dolomites
Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop
The famous three peaks, reached by a toll road to the Auronzo hut. Arrive early; the lot and road can fill in summer.
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
Europe's largest high alpine meadow, with gentle trails and the Sassolungo behind it. Private car access is restricted during the day in season, so use the cable car from Siusi or Ortisei.
Seceda ridgeline, Val Gardena
Take the lift from Ortisei for one of the most photographed ridges in the Alps. Early lifts beat the crowds.
Lago di Braies
The famous emerald lake with rowboats. In peak summer the access road is restricted and parking must be booked; check current rules.
Sella Ronda
A roughly day-long ski circuit around the Sella group in winter, and a classic road cycling loop over four passes in summer.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
The glamorous resort town and a base for the Tre Cime, Cinque Torri, and the wartime open-air museums.
Beat the crowds
- Take the first lift of the day in summer. The famous viewpoints (Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Tre Cime) are quiet before 9am and crowded by 11am.
- Choose the first half of July or the first half of September over August. Everything is open and the huts are far easier to book.
- Base yourself in quieter valleys like Val di Funes, Val di Fassa, or the Val Badia side villages rather than the busiest parts of Ortisei or Cortina.
- Book mountain huts months ahead for overnight hikes in July and August; the popular ones fill early.
Know before you go
- Most summer lifts run from about mid June to mid or late September; some keep running into early October. Winter lifts run from early December to early April.
- Mountain huts generally open from about mid or late June to mid or late September. Outside those weeks, overnight hiking is not practical.
- Many hotels close for several weeks in the spring and autumn gaps, usually from around mid April to late May and from mid October to late November.
- High mountain passes can close briefly for snow even in early summer or late September. Tre Cime and Braies access rules change year to year, so check them before you go.
The Dolomites in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit the Dolomites?
April is a month of real tradeoffs in the Dolomites. Ski season winds down around Easter or early in the month. After that, lifts and many hotels close.
What is the weather like in the Dolomites in April?
Mild in valleys, highs near 52F (11C), snow up high.
Is the Dolomites crowded in April?
April is one of the quieter months in the Dolomites; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning The Dolomites.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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