Italy, Europe
The Dolomites in March
Long bright days, softer spring snow, and lower prices. A favorite of experienced skiers.
The straight answer
March is one of the best months of the year to visit the Dolomites. Long bright days, softer spring snow, and lower prices. A favorite of experienced skiers.
- Weather
- Sunny, valley highs near 45F (7C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What March is like in the Dolomites
March is a favorite of experienced skiers. Days are sunny and longer, valley highs reach about 45F (7C), and the snow softens into spring conditions by afternoon. Crowds thin and prices drop compared to February. The ski season is still in full swing.
It suits skiers of all levels and families on spring break who want relaxed slopes and good value. Ski in the morning when the snow is firm, and enjoy long lunches in the sun. If you want to hike instead, the trails will not open until June, so plan for July or September.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about the Dolomites this month.
Long sunny ski days
More daylight and warmer air make March the most comfortable month on the slopes.
Spring snow
Firm snow in the morning turns soft in the afternoon, easy on legs and fun for improving skiers.
Better prices
Hotels and ski passes cost less than in February, with conditions that are often just as good.
What to pack for March
- Lighter ski layers for warm afternoons
- High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
- Goggles for flat light on cloudy days
- Comfortable shoes for sunny village walks
Our timing tip
Ski the higher runs early in the morning in March, before the sun softens the snow, and save the lower slopes for after lunch.
Book The Dolomites for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The DolomitesOpens a hotel search for The Dolomites in March, 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 March. 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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit the Dolomites?
March is one of the best months of the year to visit the Dolomites. Long bright days, softer spring snow, and lower prices. A favorite of experienced skiers.
What is the weather like in the Dolomites in March?
Sunny, valley highs near 45F (7C).
Is the Dolomites crowded in March?
Crowds in the Dolomites are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning The Dolomites.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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