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

Dolomites in April is quite an interesting thing. Theoretically, it’s the shoulder season so many things are open, but just as many things are closed.

Weather-wise, it can go all ways. You can still have opportunities to ski, but it’s just as likely that the spring will be there.

I had been to the Dolomites multiple times before so I knew the best things to do and see, and I also knew that in April, most of them will probably be impossible because of snow or because of the shoulder season.

But still, April is a good time for sightseeing, which we succeeded in.

Although we couldn’t go and hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo, we saw them in another way.

Lake Braies was frozen and snowy, but lago di Dobbiaco was the picture-perfect mountain lake.

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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.

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 on my to-do list that were kind of non-negotiables for me. Those were places such as Lakes Braies, Dobbiaco, and Landro; Tre Cime di Lavaredo; Cortina d’Ampezzo, and maybe Lake Misurina.

Besides that, I’d checked quite a few places on Google Maps and other blogs, as well as from our previous trips, which were interesting to me, such as lakes Valdaora and Carezza, as well as many mountain passes.

We didn’t manage to do a few of the things that I planned, but actually 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. We stopped quite a few times to enjoy the views and take pictures.

The roads in the Alps – and the Dolomites – going to the mountain passes are quite winding, which can get quite tricky to drive. Especially if you meet the big busses on the turns, haha.

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 to make the trip more budget friendly. After checking in in our place – Haus Greg in the center of Dobbiaco -, we went for a dinner.

The restaurant was Winkelkeller, and I can recommend it if you’re in this area of the Dolomites.  

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

A clear mountain lake reflects snow-covered peaks and surrounding evergreen trees. The foreground shows stones and branches in shallow water. A few people are walking along the snowy path by the lake under a bright blue sky.

There was still quite a lot of snow on most of the Lake Braies, 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.

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.

We tried doing the Braies Loop, but the trail was closed on the left side so it wasn’t possible. So we just went a bit on the right side of the lake, to enjoy different views of the Seekopfel mountain range and the Hotel Braies.

Snow-covered lake with surrounding mountains and pine trees under a clear blue sky. Small groups of people are walking on the frozen surface. A lodge is visible near the edge of the lake.
Looking at Lake Braies from the left side of the lake
A small chapel with a pointed roof sits amidst a snowy landscape. Tall evergreen trees surround the area, and a rocky mountain rises in the background. People are walking near the chapel, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
The water level was very low
A person stands on snow-covered rocks by a partially frozen lake surrounded by snow-dusted mountains and pine trees under a cloudy blue sky.
Enjoying the right side of lake
People walking on a snowy path through a forest with tall trees on a sunny day. Some snow covers the ground and branches. A wooden fence lines the path, and a sign is visible. The sky is blue with a few clouds.
The trail

The trail was a bit wet, but still good enough for strollers even.

Afternoon – other lakes and a river

A serene lake with clear turquoise water bordered by a rocky shore. Evergreen trees line the surrounding hills, under a partly cloudy blue sky. The landscape reflects a peaceful natural setting.

For lunch, we decided to have a little picnic on Lake Valdaora. It’s an artificial lake in the Val d’Aora – a little bit of a hidden gem, actually. There’s a hotel with a parking place right on the lake, which I didn’t know – so we spent a bit of time going back and forth until my friend noticed a place where we could stop.

A narrow dirt trail winds through a dense forest of tall pine trees. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting light and shadows on the path. The forest is thick, with an occasional glimpse of sky through the canopy.
The trail
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
A person in a red jacket sits on a rock by a tranquil turquoise lake, surrounded by a rocky shore. Pine-covered hills and snow-capped mountains are visible under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
The view

There was a trail that led us down to the lake – just by some local fishermen. It was a very nice picnic – we were protected from the wind, in the sun, so it felt a bit warm.

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!

A white car is parked on a dirt path near a house surrounded by snow. Tall pine trees and a mountain range are in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

What I love about road trips is that you can just stop pretty much anywhere for the views. Like this spot at the crossroads on the way to Lake Misurina.

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.

As for the Misurina lake itself, as I thought, it was covered in snow. The Cadini di Misurina in the background looked nice!

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. 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.

The prettiest lakes in the Dolomites
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 – as I said, 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, so we went there. The visibility was amazing! 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.

Way too enthusiastic.

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 interesting 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.

It was quite beautiful!

A paved path leads through a valley flanked by towering mountains under a cloudy sky. Trees line the path, and snow-capped peaks are visible in the distance. A wooden barrier crosses the path in the foreground.
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.

After enjoying the views, we walked to the centre of Cortina and had a lunch in Ristorante Il Vizietto. The lunch was tasty and the prices were 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 the wait for the next one was more than an hour. Since we felt quite tired that day, we decided to leave instead.

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, though, I let 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.

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 – the snow hadn’t really started melting yet in the mountains, so the water levels in the rivers were very low.

Clear turquoise creek flowing over rocks with a gentle waterfall, surrounded by rocky banks and trees. A wooden bridge and fence are visible in the background, set against a forested area. The scene is tranquil and natural.
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! It’s one of the coolest off-the-beaten-track places I’ve ever been to!

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. What a perfect ending to the day!

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.
A scenic mountain village with a prominent tower is surrounded by lush greenery and dense forests. Snow-capped peaks rise majestically in the background under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.
Mountain road with guardrail winding through a forested area. Snow-capped peaks are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Bare trees and grass lines the road.

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.

A serene lake with clear water reflecting a cloudy sky and distant mountains. An island with a church and buildings is in the middle, surrounded by trees and hills. The water's foreground is transparent, showing the lakebed.

And then on to Lake Bled!

What are the Dolomites

A rugged mountain landscape featuring three towering peaks known as Tre Cime di Lavaredo, set against a clear blue sky with a few clouds. The rock formations are steep and jagged, and the surrounding area is rocky with some green patches.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo in August

The Dolomites are a mountain range in the Northeastern Italian Alps. They cover the area between the Adige and Piave rivers – altogether approximately 141,903ha!

The Dolomite mountains are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site “for the beauty and uniqueness of their landscape and their geological and geomorphological importance” in 2009.

And another important thing – the Dolomites themselves are not a national park. In fact, there is a single National Park, 8 Nature parks, a national monument, and multiple nature reserves that protect altogether approximately 95% of the Dolomites.

Full guide on planning your Dolomites vacation

Weather In The Dolomites In April And In Spring In General

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.

If you’re planning on visiting the Dolomites in April, you need to keep in mind that the higher elevations will still have snow. What this means is that you might not be able to visit places such as Tre Cime de Lavaredo, like we couldn’t.

In march, the ski season is still sometimes going so it would be still possible to go for a ski trip. Just make sure to stay in the higher altitudes to ensure there’s still snow!

In May, it’s the complete off season. It would be the hardest time to travel, but the weather will most probably be nice and spring-y.

As for April, it can go either way. Sometimes, the snow is melting already, but some other years, it’s just freshly fallen.

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.

When is the best time to go to the Dolomites?

What Can You Plan To Do In April

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.

My suggestion is that if you visit the Dolomites in April, plan to do a road trip – it’s the safer option. Some lifts might still be closed and places to visit inaccessible, as you could see.

There are a lot of activities that you can do, of course. Such as paragliding, some hikes, and of course, exploring. Many of the cable cars are running, so for example, I believe you’d be able to go to Alpe di Siusi.

So make sure to check out what things you’d like to do and what’s available.

As for hiking in April, although the options are very limited, there are trails that are open. You just have to plan for snowy and wet conditions and look in the lower altitudes.

Speaking of the snowy conditions, it’s still possible to ski in the higher altitudes! The Dolomiti Superski is huge, and most of the higher altitude resorts will still be open – probably with technical snow, but there might still be real one, too.

Plus, in April, most hotels offer discounts for ski holidays, which is a nice thing for the busdget.

How To Get To The Dolomites

A person wearing glasses and a white sweater is driving a car with a smile. The interior of the car is visible, including the dashboard and rearview mirror. Snow-covered mountains and trees are seen outside the window.

There is no airport directly serving the Dolomites (although Bolzano does have some flights). The closest big international airports are Venice Marco Polo, Milan Malpensa, and Munich International.

From there, you can either rent a car and drive or use public transport.

I recommend a car for a trip in April, as it just gives you more opportunities.

If you do decide to use public transport to get to the Dolomites, it’s possible, too. For the west Dolomites, you can go from Milan to Bolzano by train (transfer in Verona will probably be needed). From Venice, you can get to the Eastern Dolomites (Cortina) by taking a bus. Cortina is not served by trains, unfortunately.

All the ways to get to the Dolomites

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.

Since so many of the places are closed, it’s important that you have a way to stop anywhere.

If you do need to use public transport, it’s usually free – make sure to ask your accommodation for a public transport card!

Do you need a car to enjoy the Dolomites?

Where to stay

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, such as our stay in Dobbiaco. Cortina would work, too.

For the western Dolomites, Val Gardena is still the best place to stay for exploring.

Best areas and hotels in the Dolomites for every type of trip

Are The Dolomites Expensive?

A cozy restaurant table with a small dish of herb-infused butter, a tall candle holder, a pepper grinder, and a wooden bowl of assorted bread slices in the background. Warm lighting enhances the rustic ambiance.

The Dolomites are relatively expensive, if you compare them to the rest of Italy, but inexpensive in comparison to the Alps in Switzerland.

Our April trip was relatively inexpensive. We stayed in an apartment to save on costs – it was both cheaper than a hotel and allowed us to make our own meals.

Dobbiaco is great for staying, as it’s less expensive than, for example, Cortina.

As for food, we ate out only twice; the rest of the meals we prepared by ourselves. A meal in a restaurant for a person is 25-50 euros.

The cable cars, if you use those, can cost from 15 euro to 50 round trip.

The fuel can add up easily, as it costs around 2euro a litre usually.

The rest of the expenses really depend on what you do. For this trip in April, we did only free activities, but when we visited in June, I went tandem paragliding which cost ~160 euro.

How expensive is it to travel to the Dolomites?

In Conclusion

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 an interesting time to visit the Dolomites. It worked out for us, although it wasn’t possible to do some of the things that I wanted.

If you plan to visit the Dolomites in April, make sure that you check the weather conditions almost religiously, and you’ll have an amazing trip!

Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to ask me!

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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

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