I'm planning on spending 3 nights in this region to do some light hiking, exploration, maybe some lifts or cable cars (if any are open). It will be the last week of May.

I noticed that there is a Sheraton 4 Points hotel in Bolzano & I have some free hotel nights that expire May 31, so I was thinking about using them here.

But I'm wondering if Bolzano is the best place to be based. I will be relying on public transportation, but definitely want to get up into the hills and have freedom to roam.

Any suggestions on Bolzano, Kastelruth or other location?

Read the part of my report about our recent stay in Dolomites. Perhaps there will be some helpful ideas there. Look under Reeder. Good Luch! H

Hi mspguy

I have a similar suggestion as Reeder: click on my name and look for my post called "very belated trip report, thanks fodorites." If you read the trip report there are a few comments about the Dolomites, and then if you scroll down further I have about three responses to another poster on the Dolomites in particular. Maybe it will help. Let me know.
Annabelle

Beware that the Giro d'Italia will be passing through Bolzano on May 27. It will also be around the area the days prior and after - Of course for me this is a Plus!

Mspguy - Kastelruth/Castelrotto is an attractive Tyrolean village in a lovely setting and is a good choice if you want to be higher up, - but Bolzano has good bus connections into the Dolomites so would also make a good base if you prefer to be in a city.

Many of the lifts don't re-open until sometime in June, but a few are open in late May, e.g the Alpe di Siusi lifts re-open on 29/5.
http://www.val-gardena.com/?pagid=65&newlang=eng

The main access lift leaves from just outside Siusi below Castelrotto (- great views of Scilliar) - about 40 mins from Bolzano - but the lift from Ortisei is also open (from 22/5).

If you do go up to the Alpe di Siusi I can recommend the Florian chairlift for more great views.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Steve-Thanks for the info on the lifts schedule. I have been trying to find out what's operating when we are in Bolazno May 20-24. Now I know.

MK - You're welcome.

If you have a car you can get to other lifts, e.g Lagazuoi, Sass Pordoi - which will be open in May. Both are superb.

Steve