Travel Tips.

Language

The languages spoken in the Dolomite region are Ladin, Italian and Austrian.

The Dolomites are bilingual, even trilingual in some places, many villages and towns have both an Italian and Austrian name, and sometimes Ladin one too. Town, road, and trail and signs will vary between one, two, and three languages, depending on where in the Dolomites you visit.

Currency

The currency in the Dolomites is the Euro, just like in most parts of Italy.

Cash

I would always advise on carrying some local currency when travelling but Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Italy. American Express is accepted in some places but not all. Italy uses a “chip and pin” system for debit and credit card transactions. Retailers may still accept swipe cards, but please note this is not always guaranteed. In my own experience, you can pay 90% of the time with a card, though in mountain villages and huts/Refugio's you will often find that you need cash.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory, however, it is one of those things that is normally done. As a general rule, a tip of about 5-10% of the original cost is quite acceptable.

Water

Water in the Dolomites is excellent and pure. It comes directly from the mountains, so there is no need to buy bottled water. My advice is do not use disposable water bottles and fill your water bottle or flask from a water fountain or the tap.

WHERE TO FLY IN & FLY OUT / HOW TO GET TO THE DOLOMITES

• Verona (Valerio Catullo Airport) | 2 hour drive to Bolzano, 3 hour drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Innsbruck (in Austria) | 90 minutes to Bolzano, 3 hours to Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Venice (Marco Polo or Treviso Airports) | 3 hours to Bolzano, 2 hours to Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Milan (Malpensa or Bergamo Airport) | 3+ hours to Bolzano, 5 hours to Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Trieste | 4 hours to Bolzano, 3 hours to Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Bologna | 3+ hour drive to both Bolzano and Cortina d’Ampezzo

Transport

For car rentals in Italy, I always look and book using AutoEurope. However, with prices increasing a lot in recent years, it’s a good idea to also check out Rentalcars.com

For trains, take a look at schedules + book tickets on Trenitalia or Omio. For buses, Flixbus is the best budget option for travel.

Weather

The best time of year to hike in the Dolomites is typically from late June to early October. During this period, the weather is generally mild, the trails are clear of snow, and the mountain huts (Refugio's) are open to accommodate hikers. Here are some details about each part of the hiking season in the Dolomites:

1. Late June to Early July:

• Pros: The trails are starting to clear from the winter snow, and the landscape is lush and green with wildflowers in full bloom. This period offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.

• Cons: Some higher-elevation trails might still have patches of snow, so it's important to check trail conditions beforehand.

2. Mid-July to August:

• Pros: This is the peak hiking season with the most reliable weather and the longest daylight hours. All mountain huts and facilities are fully operational, and most trails are clear of snow.

• Cons: This period also sees the highest number of visitors, so popular trails and accommodations can be crowded. Booking in advance is recommended.

3. September to Early October:

• Pros: The weather is generally still good, and the crowds begin to thin out. The autumn colours start to appear, adding a beautiful dimension to the landscape. The temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for hiking.

• Cons: Some mountain huts and facilities start to close in late September, and weather conditions can become more unpredictable as you move into October. It's important to check the operating status of huts and trail conditions before your trip.

Tips for Hiking in the Dolomites:

• Weather: Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

• Gear: Bring appropriate gear, including sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing, and rain protection. A map, compass, or GPS device is also advisable.

• Trail Conditions: Check trail conditions and any potential closures or hazards. Local tourism offices or mountain huts can provide updated information.

• Accommodations: If planning to stay in mountain huts, make reservations well in advance, especially during the peak season.

• Safety: Be prepared for the high altitude and varied terrain. Know your limits and consider hiring a guide if you are unfamiliar with the area.

By choosing the right time of year and being well-prepared, you can enjoy a memorable and safe hiking experience in the stunning Dolomites.

Electricity

Italy's electrical outlets are primarily on the 220 volt / 50 cycles per second system, most using a 2-round pin plug. If you plan to use any electric devices while you are travelling you will need to use an electrical converter and a plug adapter

Wifi / Mobile Data

In many accommodations in the Dolomites, you will find good Wi-Fi service. However, don't expect Wi-Fi at most mountain huts. The altitude and weather can make the signal extremely spotty and unreliable. Some mountain huts do not have a router or internet access altogether.

If you cannot use European Data Roaming because you are visiting from overseas, I recommend you download an E SIM.

I also recommend a good VPN (e.g. Nord VPN) whilst using local unsecured WIFI for security reasons.