Are you trying to decide between Dolomites or the Italian Alps? You can’t go wrong either way if you want the perfect mountain vacation. Both Italian mountain ranges are technically part of the Alps. The Dolomites are what most people call the mountain range in Italy’s northeast corner. However, the Alps can be found in the Valle d’Aosta in the northwest.
The Valle d’Aosta is very different from the Dolomites. Here are some suggestions if you need help deciding where to ski, hike, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.
Skiing is great in Valle d’Aosta as well as the Dolomites. However, the Dolomites has more slopes.
There are many ski resorts scattered throughout the Valle d’Aosta as well as the Dolomites. The Dolomites have something for everyone, whether you are looking to snowboard, cross-country or downhill ski. The downhill slopes in the Dolomites are often more varied than those at Valle d’Aosta, which tend to be intermediate.
The Dolomites are home to the charming ski resort Cortina d’Ampezzo. Also, Madonna di Campiglio’s Val Pusteria and Val di Fassa. Val Gardena and Sasso Lungo are highlights. The SuperSki website has a complete guide to the slopes including pricing and lodging.
Both the Dolomites and Valle d’Aosta have breathtaking hiking trails , but the Valle d’Aosta has more stunning views
Gran Paradiso National Park offers breathtaking views of endless green hills and mountains. You can also see rare wildlife and flowers in bloom. All levels of hikers are welcome, whether they’re looking to enjoy the views at a slower pace or go on more strenuous mountain biking and hiking.
The area is also less crowded than Dolomites in warmer weather, which means that trails and accommodations are more peaceful, as well as more affordable.
Both Valle d’Aosta as well as the Dolomites can be reached easily in northern Italy. However, the Alps are closer than Milan or Torino and the Dolomites closer to Verona or Venice.
Valle d’Aosta, located in northern Italy, is close to the French- and Swiss-borders. It can be reached easily in a 2 hour drive from Milan or Torino. The Dolomites are located near the Austrian border and can be reached by a 2-hour car ride from Venice or Verona.
Unfortunately, both areas are equally difficult to access by public transport. Although there are some train stations and many local buses, it can be difficult to get to smaller towns or ski resorts. ).
Valle d’Aosta as well as the Dolomites both have popular resorts… but head to Valle d’Aosta if there are fewer tourists and a better deal
Gran Paradiso National Park and Courmayeur are some of the most visited spots in Valle d’Aosta. Valle d’Aosta visitors can also discover more remote towns than the Dolomites.
Both Valle d’Aosta, as well as the Dolomites, offer delicious comfort food… but Dolomites offers more regional specialties
Comfort food is synonymous with mountain specialties: A hot plate of hearty, comfort food that keeps you warm even in the heat! Local delicacies such as apple strudel and canederli are well-known in the Dolomites. Many dishes contain ingredients such as speck, which is a smoky cured meat that looks like prosciutto. Most menus include wines and spirits from the region, such as Muller Thurgau white wine, vin Santo dessert wine, and grappa digestifs.
Are you still unsure of which region to visit? You don’t have to choose one region? Why not try both?
It takes six hours to drive from Courmayeur, Cortina d’Ampezzo, through northern Italian towns such as Verona and Padova, so why not take the time to visit both? You can always return if you don’t like the experience.
