debbspero

we have been planning a trip to the dolomites for next week but are a little apprehensive now due to forecasts of inclement weather. we are flying into milan and that is not someting we can change. any opinions out there about st, moritz in the rain? is there any more to do there than there is in the dolomites when it rains? we are grateful for all input on this matter. thanks so much!

Dukey1

IMO the "village" of St. Moritz, and I'm speaking now strictly of the VILLAGE, is one of the most dreary and lifeless places I have ever seen. The surrounding countryside is another matter as are many of the surrounding towns.

I would not skip THE DOLOMITES in favor of St. Moritz regardless of some weather forecast which may not end up being true.

michelhuebeli

If the mountains are what you're really after, even this late in the season, then get up to Bolzano or Cortina so you're right there if/when the clouds lift, even if it's only for a few hours. Be sure you know what you can and want to do when that happens, what funiculars and cablecars and gondolas are operating, so you waste no time when the moment comes.

St. Moritz is for people with Porsches and Lamborghinis who have too much money for their own good that they spend in the Casino. Other than that, in bad weather, you can shop - it'll cost you, it's St. Moritz which stands for Mo-Ritz (not really, but you know what I mean...).

In good weather, the Engadin region is a vacation paradise.

But if you can trade the uncertainty of the mountains for the certainties of towns and cities that offer a lot in any weather, then there's a lot to explore, from Ravenna to Torino and anything in between, starting with Milan itself of course. Have you climbed onto the roof of the Duomo? That's a must - bring your camera. And there is much more.

asps

Well, St. Moritz is much higher than any Dolomites village, so snow and freezing temperatures are expected already for this weekend.

IMHO any of the major towns in Dolomites area like Bolzano, Bressanone, Brunico or Cortina is a nicer place to spend a day than St. Moritz. As for the weather, autumn is coming over Alps (well, over all Europe) and there is little to be done about that. In my experience places in broad Dolomites valleys may have marginally better local weather than places in narrower valleys - say, it may be cloudy in Brunico when it is raining in Ortisei or Moena.

neckervd

What do you call "the Dolomites"?
It's a big area consisting mainly of the provinces of Bolzano/Bozen, Trento, Belluno and East Tyrol. According to the place you plan to go, you may find everything between towns with big museums, churches, castles, monasteries, wine cellars, etc. and small mountain villages where is nothing to do at all.

St. Moritz on the other hand is just a small place around a mountain lake, consisting mainly of hotels, apartment houses, shops, restaurants and a small art museum. For scenic villages you must go to the places around St. Moritz.

BTW: the weather forecast isn't really bad for next week, but still uncertain.

debbspero

thanks so much to all of you. i guess we will chuck st. moritz! the forecast has def improved so we will head for the hills and hope for the best!