How is the driving to Bolzano, Ortisei or Castelrotto at the end of December ? How far should I drive and to where should I train/bus ? Thank you.

It might help if we knew where you were starting that drive.

I'd also like some help on this question. Driving from Lake Garda to Bolzano, staying overnight in Castelrotto, then north to Bressanone then east to Innichen then south to Cortina in January. Has anyone done that road? Is the more direct route from Castelrotto to Cortina blocked in January?

Bolzano is low altitude so you shouldn't have a problem driving there.

The roads in the Val Gardena area are usually cleared pretty quickly if it snows - but the weather can change very quickly and it's obligatory to carry snow chains.

The Bressanone-Innichen-Cortina route is more likely to be clear than the higher altitude passes between Castelrotto and Cortina in the event of snow.

You can find road info on the Val Gardena website before you travel, or locally.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Thank you. I was interested mostly Bolzano to Castlerotto.

Steve,
Thanks for the input

Steve,

When renting a car they want 25 Euros/day extra for chains. Would it be cheaper to purchase some and if so where? I'll be renting a car in Venice and heading into the Dolomites from there.

Gageyk - I don't know the purchase price in Italy - so I'm not sure whether it would be cheaper to rent or buy them I'm afraid.

What route are you taking up into the Dolomites from Venice? I think you could buy them in one of the main 'gateway' towns, e.g. Belluno or Feltre.

Steve

Are the chains really necessary? Don't they have snow tires?

Don't really know. I know from previous threads that you know your way around quite well. Do you have any suggestions? I live in the mountains and am quite comfortable driving on snow. Thanks for responding.

I thought a read that chains were "obligitory." Not sure what that means.

My understanding is that it is a legal requirement that you carry snow chains in winter. So if you are stopped for a vehicle check and don't have them I presume they can fine you.

Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong ...

Steve