Snow-covered mountains and a wooden cabin beside a frozen lake under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The scene is serene, with a mix of sunlight and shadows highlighting the rugged landscape.

Dolomites In April: Perfect 2-Day Itinerary + What To Expect

ByKristine Posted on Updated on

Dolomites in April is shoulder season, which makes it charming and risky at the same time.

You really need to be flexible to enjoy this time in the Dolomites, so if you’d like a strict plan with all the highlights neatly ticked off the list, this will not be for you.

April – or any off-season and shoulder season month actually – rewards flexibility.

When planning our trip, I made an itinerary with the best things to do and see. You see, I had been to the Dolomites multiple times so I knew them – which actually made me overconfident.

I was aware that in April, there might be snow and seasonal closures, but I didn’t do any proper research, which added stress I could have easily avoided.

I wanted to go up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, but it wasn’t possible because the road was closed (it’s a seasonal road). We did manage to see the Drei Zinnen from afar, though, which was amazing. Lake Braies was frozen and snowy, but lago di Dobbiaco was the picture-perfect mountain lake.

That mistake reshaped how I approach planning trips to the Dolomites in different seasons.

April works very well for road trips and lower-altitude sightseeing, but not so much for big hikes.

So should you plan your Dolomites trip for April – or not?

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Quick Verdict: Is April Right For You?

✔️ Yes if you want a quiet road trip and flexibility.
❌ No if you want iconic hikes and guaranteed lift access.
✔️ Good for photography from valley level.
❌ Not ideal for rifugio-based itineraries

Is April a Good time to go to the Dolomites? Who is it best for?

Nighttime view of a church with a tall bell tower and onion dome in Dobbiaco in the Dolomites illuminated against a deep blue sky in a quiet town square. The pale facade of the church stands between modern alpine buildings with bare trees and empty pavement, creating a calm evening atmosphere.

April is a good time to go to the Dolomites if you’re ok with being flexible and pivoting plans doesn’t stress you out.

It’s one of the “transit” months in the Dolomites: ski infrastructure is shutting down, summer infrastructure is not yet starting, and snow can still block higher trails and some roads, such as the toll road to Tre Cime.

If it’s your first trip and you want to see the highlights, it’s not a good time. If the reason you were considering April is that you’re afraid of crowds – look into June or September. Those are shoulder seasons when things are still running.

But April? It’s going to be great for you if you’re dreaming of a road trip through these mountains, seeing the views – many from afar -, and just enjoying the time.

Full guide on planning your Dolomites vacation

Early vs late April

A person in a dark coat and backpack stands on a dirt path, gazing at a mountainous landscape dotted with trees and houses. Snow-capped peaks rise in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

There’s actually quite a big difference if you’re visiting in the beginning or in the end of April.

In early April you’re still in winter mode in the Dolomites, as there’s still snow in the higher altitudes (above 1800m asl generally). By late April you’re in a true in‑between season with most lift‑based “greatest hits” effectively off the table and a heavier reliance on road access, self‑catering, and valley‑level towns.

The very beginning – roughly until the 7th of April – is still ski season. Yes, you can ski in the higher altitudes. In the lower, it’s already a light-jacket weather, though.

Starting from the 2nd week of April? That’s when it rolls into off season. Lifts to the main sightseeing areas are closed (Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, Sass Pordoi, for example) so you either need to hike or enjoy from afar.

In late April especially, it’s much easier if you choose self‑catering apartments or half‑board hotels, because restaurant choice is limited and sometimes involves driving to another town.

What’s open and what’s closed?

A person in a red jacket and black pants sits on a log by a clear, rocky stream, dipping their feet in the water. Pine trees and a snowy mountain are in the background under a cloudy sky.

In April, many rifugi and mountain restaurants, as well as hotels,  close for several weeks in April for renovations or staff holidays between seasons. They open again sometime in May for the summer season – the precise timing changes valley to valley and year to year.

As for hiking in April, although the options are very limited, there are trails that are open. Plan to do low‑ to mid‑elevation walks where snow has melted, especially near valley floors.

Plan your stay in year‑round towns (Dobbiaco, Santa Cristina, Castelrotto) and treat it as a slower, scenery‑and‑road‑trip focused visit rather than a classic lift‑and‑rifugio Dolomites trip.

My suggestion is that if you visit the Dolomites in April, plan to do a road trip – it’s the safer option. Generally, the mountain passes such as Giau, Gardena, Falzarego, remain open so the views are still there.

Getting Around

A white car is parked on the side of a scenic road under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees line the background. A few buildings are visible on the left.

The best way to get around the Dolomites, and especially in April, is a car. It gives you the best flexibility possible – in shoulder seasons, the buses are running on a very bare-bones schedule, so getting… well, places, is really tricky.

A car gives you flexibility when the weather changes (it will), something that should have been open is suddenly closed (happened to us, multiple times), or you just feel like spending some more time in the beautiful location.

If you do need to use public transport, it’s quite often free in South Tyrol – make sure to ask your accommodation for a public transport card!

Check out car rentals to make your trip more flexible – and stress free

Where to stay – Best bases

Mountain view from a wooden balcony with residential houses in front. Snow-capped peaks under a partly cloudy sky create a scenic backdrop. A grassy yard with a swing is visible between the buildings.

In April, it’s a good idea to stay in the lower altitudes and in places that don’t rely on cable cars or heavy infrastructure for exploring.

Our stay in Dobbiaco was great. Cortina would work, too, but I prefer Dobbiaco, as it’s less touristy and more convenient for off-season trips.

In the Western Dolomites, look into villages that also offer you the best views from the town itself. Places like Val di Funes is a great location for that, as well as Castelrotto or Santa Cristina in Val Gardena.

Avoid the areas that rely heavily on lifts or that are more tourist geared. I generally suggest not staying in Alta Badia for that reason.

And the best suggestion I can give you for your accommodation in April? Choose self-catering apartments or half-board hotels.

Shoulder-season friendly hotels in the Dolomites

Weather In The Dolomites In Spring

A person in a red and blue jacket sits on a rock, overlooking a frozen, snow-covered lake. Majestic, snow-dusted mountains rise in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

April weather heavily relies on altitude.

If you’re planning on visiting the Dolomites in April, you need to keep in mind that the higher elevations will still have snow. But at the lower ones (up to 1500m asl), will feel more like spring.

What this means is that you might not be able to visit places such as Tre Cime de Lavaredo, like we couldn’t.

The key thing to understand is this: April is a transition month. In March, the ski season is still going strong, but in May, it’s the complete off season. In April, then, you won’t get full winter access anymore, and you won’t get full summer access yet either.

If you’re planning an April visit, check:

  • Lift operating calendars
  • Road status (especially mountain passes)
  • Snow levels at your intended elevation

And always have a backup plan.

So if you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites in spring, make sure to check the weather forecast frequently and have back up activities planned.

Again, it’s really important that you pack layers – the weather is not that predictable in April

2 Full Days In The Dolomites In April – how my trip went

A serene mountain lake with clear reflections of snow-capped peaks and surrounding forests under a cloudy sky. The landscape is framed by rugged mountains on both sides, with a mix of bare and evergreen trees lining the shore.
Lake Landro with the Cristallo group

All in all, we had two full days in the Dolomites on our trip in April, plus an afternoon when we arrived and the morning of departure.

Since it was my friend’s first time in the Dolomites, I had some things big plans. Huge.

I had the main Eastern Dolomites sights on the list (Lakes, Tre Cime, Cadini di Misurina), as well as a all-around-the-Dolomites road trip.

As you know, my lack of proper planning made that impossible, but luckily, we accidentally discovered some other interesting places!

Day Of Arrival

A picturesque street scene with snow-capped mountains in the background. Traditional Alpine houses line the road, and a pharmacy with a green cross sign is visible. A car is parked, and the sky is partly cloudy. Trees and a pedestrian crossing are present.
Dobbiaco

We drove from Austria on the first day of our trip, so we arrived in Dobbiaco (Tobblach) – our destination – in the evening. It was still snowing quite a lot in the Alps both in Austria and Italy, so the views were really nice.

The day of arrival, especially if you arrive in the afternoon (which makes sense because the check in in the hotels is usually afternoon), I recommend not really planning anything, but getting a sense of the place.

Two glasses of cocktails on a table with a white tablecloth. One glass contains an orange drink with ice and an orange slice; the other a light-colored drink with ice and a lemon slice. A bowl of bread is in the background, with a cozy, dimly-lit setting.

We booked an apartment for our stay – Haus Greg in the center of Dobbiaco, and after checking in, it was celebratory dinner time – in restaurant Winkenkeller (I recommend it – the food was tasty).

It’s really important that you choose a base that will properly support your trip – April is off season, so not everywhere is great. One choice is Dobbiaco, some others – Castelrotto and Val di Funes, but there are more.

1st Day

A large, alpine-style hotel stands amidst a snowy landscape with towering mountains in the background. The sky is bright blue with scattered fluffy clouds. Pine trees flank the building, adding to the picturesque, serene setting.

The activities for our first day in the Dolomites depended completely on the weather conditions. It was supposed to be rainy and gloomy, so we decided to wait until the morning to see what we could do.   

When we woke up, though, the sky was blue and the sun was shining! So we started doing the things I had on my Dolomites in April to do list.

Morning – lake Braies

Snow-covered mountains surround a partially frozen lake under a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds. A thin layer of snow covers the ground in the foreground. Pine trees line the right side of the landscape.

First stop? Lake Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, Lago di Braies, and the Jewel of the Dolomites.

Lago di Braies is located at above 1500m in Alta Pusteria valley, so there was still snow.

It’s in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, which is part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Snow-covered landscape with a partially frozen lake surrounded by evergreen trees. A rugged mountain range rises in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky. A path leads towards the water's edge.

The Lake was just starting to melt, so we could only see a bit of the emerald green waters on the Braies river.

But to be fair, I really like lago di Braies in spring, it has a different kind of charm than the over-instagrammed summer version.

April at Lake Braies means fewer crowds and more space to walk – but also partial trail closures and a lake that may still be frozen.

It’s relatively peaceful, just not postcard-perfect in the classic sense.

Pack layers for your trip – as you see, the weather changed from wintery with snow to sunny and warm in a couple of hours for us.

Afternoon – other lakes and a river

A person in a red jacket stands on rocks by a turquoise lake surrounded by forested mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

For lunch, we decided to have a little picnic on Lake Valdaora.

Open-faced sandwiches with white spread on bread, cherry tomatoes, and thin slices of meat are placed on a rock. A jar of pickled onions is open next to the food. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly during a picnic.
The picnic

There was a trail that led us down to the lake – just by some local fishermen.

That’s the greatest thing about staying in a self-catering accommodation – you don’t have to worry about restaurant openings and timings.

A rocky stream flows through a forested area with tall coniferous trees and a cloudy sky. The water reflects a variety of shades, and the landscape shows brown and green tones, indicating a natural, tranquil setting.

After the lunch, we moved on to the next random spot on our road trip – Braies river. It was an unplanned stop, basically – hey, we just crossed a river and here’s a place to park, let’s see if we can find it! And we did!

That’s one of the great things about April – you can’t rely on lifts operating, but you can rely on finding hidden gems just on the side of the road.

And our next viewpoint is the perfect example of there still being “winter” in the higher altitudes – lake Misurina was completely covered by snow.

A snowy landscape featuring a frozen lake in the foreground, with buildings nestled among trees on the right. towering snow-covered mountains in the background under a partly cloudy blue sky.

The Cadini di Misurina in the background looked impressive, though.

The prettiest lakes in the Dolomites
A serene mountain landscape featuring a calm lake in the foreground and snow-capped peaks under a blue sky with clouds. A wooden bench faces the lake, and a signpost stands nearby, adding a human element to the natural scene.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at lake Landro which is just on the side of the road between Cortina and Dobbiaco. And there’s a parking lot there, too, so it’s a very convenient lake to enjoy!

Although the color looks better in the sun, you can see the emerald greens even in the shade.

If you look to the South side of the lake, towards Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll see the Cristallo mountain group – and its reflection in the waters of the lake.

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A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with snow-capped peaks under a blue sky. Pine trees frame the foreground, with patches of snow on the ground. Fluffy clouds float above, adding contrast to the vibrant scene.

Since we couldn’t get up the toll road to Rifugio Auronzo because it was closed, I decided to try a different way to see Tre Cime di Lavaredo – that was one of the non-negotiables of our trip.

A rock display resembling a mountain range with numbered climbing routes is set against a backdrop of real mountains. A sign in front provides information about the climbing paths. Snow-capped peaks and trees are visible in the background.

Luckily, there is a viewpoint not far from Lago di Landro.

Clear spring air can give you incredibly sharp mountain views so we could clearly see the Tre Cime.

And there is an informational placard where you can learn about the Dolomites.

A tranquil lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees under a partly cloudy sky. The water is clear, reflecting the blue sky and clouds, with logs partially submerged near the shore.

The last stop for the day was my all-time favorite lake in the Dolomites – lake Dobbiaco. It has that perfect emerald color with the mountains in Val di Landro behind it. And in April, the peaks will probably be snow-capped, so even better!

2nd Day

View of a snowy mountain range under a partly cloudy sky, framed by wooden residential buildings. A grassy yard with bare trees is visible, along with a few parked cars in front of the houses.

I was making quite monumental plans for the second day.

I’d planned a 6h road trip (just the driving!) which included different mountain passes (Passo Giau, Passo Gardena, Passo Falzarego among others), Lago di Fedaia, Lago di Carezza, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and many other places.

This is exactly the kind of overplanning April punishes. Flexibility is key for April!

So we decided to just go to Cortina d’Ampezzo, with some stops on the way at places that we saw on the map. The mission for the day? Find rivers!

Morning – Lake Landro, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the first river stop

A person in a black jacket sits on a rock near a scenic lake, holding a large wheel sculpture. Snow-dusted mountains and evergreen trees frame the background, under a cloudy sky.

I was still hoping to get a nice sunny picture of Lago di Landro, so on the way from Dobbiaco to Cortina we made another stop by the lake.

  • A serene mountain lake with green waters is surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. A grassy, sandy shore curves along the lake's edge, and tall trees line the opposite bank under a cloudy sky.
  • A serene turquoise pond sits beside a mountain road with a wooden guardrail. Snow-dusted trees line the surrounding rugged terrain, and snow-covered peaks rise in the background under a cloudy sky.

It still didn’t work out, but we did get some dramatic views!

Our first “river” stop was a very cheeky one from Google Maps – for some reason, the navigation thought that you can drive on hiking trails, ha.

Information board at Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d'Ampezzo, locality Sant’Uberto. It features maps, hiking routes, and local regulations. Below are smaller images of park views. The sign is wooden with a natural background.

But the second one was more successful! We parked by the Eliporto Fiames-Cortina d’Ampezzo and walked down to the river Boite.

A clear, shallow stream flows through a rocky riverbed, surrounded by leafless trees and evergreen forests. Snow-capped mountains rise in the background under a cloudy sky, creating a serene, natural landscape.

Lower-elevation rivers are often more reliable in April than alpine hikes.

Mountain landscape with a rocky peak under a cloudy sky. Green forest covers the lower slopes. In the foreground, a dirt path leads past stacked logs and a covered pile, with a small cabin on the right.

And so were the views of the mountains around.

In Cortina, we parked in a free parking lot (yes, there is one) and walked up a hill that overlooks the town.

A rustic wooden bridge stretches over a rocky stream with small waterfalls. Bare trees surround the scene, and distant mountains rise against a cloudy sky. Fallen leaves cover the ground, suggesting late autumn or early spring.

Lucky us, we “met” the river Boite once more on the way!

  • A scenic view of a mountainous landscape with rocky peaks under a partly cloudy sky. A winding road leads through a village with scattered houses and pine trees in the foreground.
  • A dirt path winds through a grassy landscape under a partly cloudy sky. Snow-capped mountains rise in the background, bordered by sparse trees. The scene conveys a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.

This place is great for seeing the mountains around Cortina and the town from the top.

For lunch, we went to Ristorante Il Vizietto. The food was tasty and the prices – quite reasonable!

a little snack arranged like a smiley face in restaurant il vizietto in cortina d'ampezzo in dolomites

We planned to maybe go up the Faloria cable car, but it was running on the reduced schedule – once an hour or so.

Since we felt quite tired that day, we decided to leave instead. But if you have the chance, I definitely recommend going up.

A cobblestone street in a quaint alpine village is lined with charming buildings featuring wooden balconies and pastel facades. Snow-capped mountains and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background.

Afternoon – Gorge di Felizon

Signs and information boards at the entrance of a wooded area, including a large map labeled "Cascate di Fanes" on the left. Tall pine trees and a walking path are visible in the background.

On the way back to Dobbiaco, I was letting another car pass me, and completely accidentally we noticed a sign for “Cascate di Fanes” – Waterfalls of Fanes!

Never have I been so happy about someone annoying me to pass them.

View from a car driving down a narrow, paved road surrounded by tall pine trees. The road is flanked by a forest with some patches of dry grass, creating a serene, natural landscape. The sky appears overcast, adding a calm ambiance.

A short scary drive and a short not-scary walk away, and we found the first waterfalls. It’s not the “Fanes” one, but still!

A narrow rocky canyon with a small stream flowing through it. Sunlight highlights the clear water and the textured rock walls. Sparse vegetation grows on the canyon edges, including some evergreen branches in the foreground.

Unfortunately, they had barely any water.

This is something many first-time April visitors don’t expect – without full snowmelt, waterfalls can look surprisingly small.

June is a much better time for seeing waterfalls.

A clear river winds through a rocky landscape, flanked by tall evergreen trees. Towering mountains rise in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The scene conveys a sense of natural beauty and tranquility.

So we continued on on the trail, and found another waterfall which had a little bit more water.

A person sits on a rock ledge near a cascading turquoise stream surrounded by rugged rock formations and dense forest. The water flows energetically, creating small rapids as it winds through the serene natural landscape.

From the little bridge, we could see a really nice spot for pictures.

  • A person wearing a dark jacket wades through a shallow, clear stream in a rocky canyon. Steep cliffs and green trees surround the area, creating a serene natural landscape. The person appears to be carefully balancing on the rocky bed.
  • A person in a red jacket sits on a rock by a rocky riverbank surrounded by forested hills. The water is clear, and the sky is partly cloudy. The scene conveys a peaceful, natural setting.
  • A person in a red shirt and blue pants stands beneath a large, steep rock face, gesturing upward. The rocky terrain is rugged, with scattered stones at the base. Sparse greenery is visible at the top right.
  • A person in a red jacket stands near a clear, shallow stream running through a rocky gorge. Tall trees line both sides of the gorge, and a cloudy sky looms overhead. The scene is peaceful and natural.

And from that little spot we could see the Felizon Gorge which we promptly went to explore!

April forces you off the “top 10” bucket list – and that’s when you often find places like this.

A scenic view of snowy mountains during sunset, with orange and pink hues reflecting on the peaks. In the foreground, several houses and buildings are silhouetted against the vibrant sky.
View of an alpenglow from our apartment Haus Greg in Dobbiaco.

And in the evening, we were treated to a bit of Alpenglow.

Departure Day

A person stands on a grassy hill, wearing a light jacket, gazing at a mountainous landscape. Snow-capped peaks rise under a partly cloudy blue sky, surrounded by pine trees. Some snow patches are visible on the ground.

Our last day in the Dolomites was sunny and warm again.

A picturesque street in a mountain town with wooden houses and buildings. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Cars are parked along the street, and the scene has a peaceful, vibrant atmosphere.

We decided to go to the Triglav national park in Slovenia on our way back to Slovakia, so we went through the Cadore valley, stopping in San Vito di Cadore and Valle di Cadore for the views.

FAQ: visiting the Dolomites in April

Can you hike in the Dolomites in April?

Yes – but only at lower elevations.
Most high-altitude hikes (like Tre Cime di Lavaredo or Seceda) are not accessible because lifts and roads are closed and trails are still covered in snow.
However, valley-level walks, riverside paths, and lower-elevation lakes are usually possible, depending on snow conditions. April is better for scenic walking and short nature trails than for big alpine hikes.

Are cable cars open in the Dolomites in April?

Usually not – at least most of them.
Early April may still have some ski lifts operating in higher areas, but by mid-April most cable cars shut down between winter and summer seasons. Famous lifts like Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Sass Pordoi are typically closed during this period.
Always check official lift calendars before planning your itinerary.

Is April too cold to visit the Dolomites?

Is April a good time to visit the Dolomites for the first time?Not necessarily – mostly it depends on altitude.
At lower elevations (under 1,500m), temperatures can feel like spring, especially on sunny days. Higher elevations still experience winter conditions with snow and colder temperatures.
Layering is essential because the weather can shift quickly from sunny to snowy within hours.

Is April a good time to visit the Dolomites for the first time?

It depends on your expectations, but I recommend against it.
If this is your first trip and you want to see all the iconic viewpoints via cable cars and classic hikes, April is not ideal.
But if you’re comfortable with flexibility and love scenic road trips, fewer crowds, and quiet towns, April can feel peaceful and surprisingly rewarding.

Is it worth visiting Lake Braies in April?

Yes – but expect a different experience.
Lake Braies may still be partially frozen, snow-covered, or have limited trail access. It won’t look like the summer photos you see online.
However, you’ll likely have fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere, which many travelers actually prefer.

Is it a good idea to visit the Dolomites in April?

A straight road in a snowy forest leads towards distant snow-covered mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky. Trees line the roadside, and a car is parked in a small lot to the right. Signs and patches of melting snow are visible.

April is not the best month for a first-time, highlight-heavy Dolomites trip.

But if you’re flexible, love road trips, and don’t mind missing a few iconic hikes, it can be quiet, beautiful, and surprisingly rewarding.

If you plan to visit the Dolomites in April, check lift schedules, road conditions, and snow levels regularly in the weeks before your trip. Just make sure that you’re confident planning the trip by yourself.

Would you like to go on a similar trip? We can plan it for you!

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Dolomites, Italy in April | Are you thinking of going to the Dolomites in April? Learn all you need to know for planning: can you hike in April? Where to stay? How to get around? And so much more! | April in dolomites | dolomites travel | dolomites italy apres ski
Dolomites, Italy in April | Are you thinking of going to the Dolomites in April? Learn all you need to know for planning: can you hike in April? Where to stay? How to get around? And so much more! | April in dolomites | dolomites travel | dolomites italy apres ski

CEO & Editorial manager

Kristine is the CEO and local expert for Italy. From her childhood, she's always been fascinated by the country. The first time Kristine visited Italy, she fell in love, and has visited the country countless times - and lived there; so she knows what she's talking about.

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