Dolomites in Dec 05 0r Mar 06
 

Can anyone or Steve or Bob give some advise to these questions Will the surrounding Lake Garda be more accessible by public trnsportation in Dec or Mar? IYO which month is more beautiful? Will the lake be frozen? Dont know how to ski but would love to see the beautiful Dolomites scenery and have fun with snow.Do I need special foot wear and what to bring to keep warm, what to expect...never been to snow mountain, so no experience.Have hear about the lovely lakes and mountain of northern Italy ( scenery gorgeous)...make me want to go.Looking into the airfare as well as to decide which month to go.Hope all you lovely people out there can share your opinion, info or experience.Will have about 8-9 days. Thanks

I can only speak for the Dolomites at Christmas. When we visited there was light snow in the valley town we stayed in (can't remember the name but it included 'Fiore' or 'Fiori'). We went on day trips to other towns, some of which had light snow & some of which didn't, and visited one ski resort which had more snow. We didn't see any frozen lakes.

We didn't buy special clothes; just took the warmest jumpers, coats, boots, hats & gloves we have. (But then we live in Scotland - maybe you live somewhere warmer ? :-) )

The only time we weren't warm enough was, curiously, on a day trip to Venice - on the mainland it was cold but sunny, but out in the lagoon it was misty & absolutely freezing.

Last year on Dec. 5 we were bbqing wurst in the mountains while wearing a light jacket. It was warm and no snow.

On March 6, we were skiing.

However, there are no guarantees for either (although there usually is snow in the mountains early March).

The above occured in the swiss alps.

BelBel - I love pre-Xmas in the Dolomites. It's a great time to go - and there are some really good hotel deals before about 22 Dec ...

I'm not a skier - but the ski-season starts about 5 Dec if you want to try. (Most of the main resorts have ski-schools ...)

I just take layers to keep warm. The most important thing is to have boots with good grip ...

Lake Garda rarely freezes as it's not much above sea-level. (You might see frozen lakes at high altitude in February but not in December ...)
There wouldn't be any public transport problems around Garda whenever you decide to go.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Unlike Steve I am a skier ... and from own experience I can tell you that March is much more snow reliable (usually) than December. At least at higher elevation.

I agree with Steve that before Christmas the ski resorts in the Dolomites have great deals to offer ... but if you focus on Lake Garda March is better. You'll see blooming spring flowers around the Lake and snow on the mountains. December can be foggy at the lakes.

I.

Thanks for all the good response.All these sharing are very good for me.One more question to go....how about accomodition? Will it easy to get maybe BB/ pension/hotel on the day itself when we arrive or better or book before we leave.We are on budget where accomodition is concern.But just wonder if for cheaper places to stay will we be far away from the surrounding lake or Dolomites.Also have to depend on local transport or walking.Any suggestion where to base? Perhaps 3nights in the Lake and 3 in the Dolomites with another 2nights in Verona and oh forget about Venice...will be flying in and out of Venice or second choice Milan.Have been to Venice for only day trip ...so this time round wonder if we should stay or just do another day trip.It is expensive to stay in Venice so doing day trip from Padua maybe a good choice.What do you all think of this plan.Please give your view or suggestions and whoever respond thanks a lot.Looks like Mar is good have the snow and the lake more beautiful.
My appreciation, BelBel