Dolomites from Milan
 

Hi Fodorites, in particular the hiking kind.

There's a possibility I can take 5-6 days off on a forthcoming Europe trip. I'll be in Milan - any suggestions about how easy it is to get from there to some great walks in the Dolomites? Affordability? A good base for a series of hearty day walks perhaps? Not staying in top hotels but refuges and more modest type accommodation. Also, it will be late March so is snow likely to be a problem?
Any advice welcome, thanks

Considering the severe weather much of Europe has been experiencing this winter, I would think (but don't know for a fact) that late March would be too early for hiking in the Dolomites.

Oh yes, that is a good point - thanks Jean

Even without the recent weather reports from Italy, March is real early for Dolomite hiking. Pity, as it is spectacular and one of our favorite destinations--but it has to be in the right season.

Hi capekidnappers,
We're trialling an online solution you can use to send postcards while traveling and I just wanted to let you know we have some from the Dolomites.
I hope this helps you and I hope you have a great trip.
Safe travels.

Thanks for everyone's help. I'm abandoning this idea for now and heading straight to Spain, Maybe another time I'll organise better summer timing.

Pitty I only just now got to read your note, capekidnapper. as much as all those remarks about the snow-conditions in the Dolomites in March are correct it does not mean you can not do some wonderfall hikes. You need to know where and when you can hike. I'm local, so I know that the snow conditions are more relaxed this winter than on the alpine main ridge. the years before we did have a lot more snow than this winter. One thing you MUST consider hiking in thoses days is, that only a tiny numer of huts are open, most of them are more of a hotel than a reffuge. And: you'll cedrtainly need snow-boots. Well, if you're still keen to getting some more information on hiking in the Dolomites in March (or whenever), just drop me a line [email protected].

Hi Gerd,

Thanks for your contact - having made plans to go direct to Spain I hadn't checked back in here for a while. Certainly the Dolomites are high on my 'list' of places to explore, so your message has encouraged me to make more plans, perhaps for travel next year. If so I will get in touch. Meanwhile, I'm heading to the Alpujarras in Andalucia next week!

Kind regards
Kathy

Any time, Kathy, and have a nice time in Spain.

Gerd