misqui

We're planning a trip to Italy next summer, and are deciding between the Western Alps including Gran Paradiso National Park (perhaps staying in Cogne) and the Dolomites. We are travelling with our young kids, who will be almost 5 and 14 months, and my 76 year old mother. We'd like to experience the area through short, easy hikes that a 5 year old and relatively fit 76 year old can do (the 14 month old will be carried). Which area would be better for us? I was leaning toward the Western Alps because of the lower elevation of the towns we'd likely stay in, but I've heard that the hikes there are steep, which would be challenging for our group. Any suggestions of where to go?

Thanks!

jamikins

Check out Val Gardena, we just spent a week in Ortisei and there are lots of easy hikes using the gondolas. You can see our report and pics if you click on my name.

HappyTrvlr

I second Orisei. Not only can you access easy hikes to oncredible scenery via gondola or cog rail but there are escalators to take you up the hillside in town.
Once you are up in the mountains, you can hike ina meadow like setting.

bobthenavigator

I agree---the Gran Paradiso is too wild for that gang.

neckervd

There are tons of hiking possibilities for your family in both areas. Cogne is beautiful, but may not be the best base for what you are looking for. Check Courmayeur and Gressoney where you can use a lot of cableways in order to avoid steep hikes (at least in July and August). In Aosta Valley you are closer to the glaciers and the highest mountains of Europe than in the may be more lovely Dolomites.
In both areas, you can find places which correspond perfectly to your requests and others that should better be avoided.
http://www.lovevda.it/turismo/scopri/default_e.asp
http://www.suedtirol.info/en/Destina...ngs-To-Do.html