Not everyone in the family has to ski to love the Dolomites in winter. With a toddler in tow, or a partner who would rather walk than ski, there is plenty to do: snowy walks on groomed trails, sledging, horse-drawn sleighs, ice skating, Christmas markets and long lunches in mountain huts reached by gondola. Here is how to plan a winter trip that works for skiers and non-skiers alike.
Choose a base that works for everyone
The best bases for mixed groups are villages where skiers and walkers can meet at lunchtime. Alpe di Siusi is ideal: a high, sunny plateau with gentle slopes, winter walking trails, sledging runs and huts, reached by gondola from Siusi or Ortisei. Val Gardena and Alta Badia are also good, with walking trails and huts close to the pistes. Stay near a gondola or bus stop, so non-skiers can get up the mountain easily.
Winter walks
Many valleys groom winter walking trails, so you can walk in ordinary winter boots, ideally with light microspikes. Good examples include:
- Alpe di Siusi: trails across the plateau from Compatsch, with views of the Sassolungo and the Sciliar. Some sections cross ski slopes, so take care.
- Armentara meadows, Alta Badia: a groomed trail to the pilgrimage church of La Crusc, away from the ski runs.
- Around Lago di Carezza: a short walk beside the lake, with the Latemar behind it.
Many walkers use gondolas to reach the trails. Most lift companies sell pedestrian tickets for selected lifts. Check which lifts are open to walkers before you go.
Sledging
Sledging is the best non-ski activity for families. Alpe di Siusi alone has six sledge runs, including one of about 1.8 km from the Bullaccia hut, and gentle slopes for small children. Longer runs include the Resciesa run above Ortisei (about 4.9 km) and the Tru dla liösa Foram in Alta Badia (about 3.1 km). You can rent sledges in the villages.
Italian law now requires a helmet for sledging as well as skiing, for every age. Small children should ride with an adult on the longer, faster runs.
With toddlers
- Snow play areas and playgrounds at many huts and gondola stations keep small children busy.
- Kids' clubs: some areas, including Alpe di Siusi, have supervised clubs for young children while parents ski.
- Pushchairs: groomed trails are manageable with a sturdy pushchair, but a child carrier or sledge is often easier.
- Short days: plan one main activity a day and a long lunch inside a warm hut.
- Sun and cold: high-altitude sun is strong, so use sunglasses and sun cream even in January.
More non-ski ideas
- Horse-drawn sleigh rides on Alpe di Siusi and in several valleys.
- Ice skating on outdoor rinks and, in some places, frozen lakes when conditions allow.
- Christmas markets in Bressanone, Chiusa, San Candido, Ortisei and Castelrotto, from late November to early January.
- Lunch with a view: many huts can be reached on foot or by lift without skis, for example on Kronplatz and in Alta Badia.
- Snowshoeing, ideally with a guide, for older children and adults.
Mixing skiers and non-skiers
The easiest plan is a morning apart and lunch together. Choose a hut that is on a ski run and also reachable on foot or by lift, agree a time, and meet there. Skiing children can join ski school in the morning while non-skiers walk or sledge. Our guide to ski schools for kids explains how courses work.
Ready to try skiing after all? Read skiing in the Dolomites with kids.
Rules, prices and dates change every season. We checked them in October 2026 against official sources; always confirm with the ski area or operator before you travel.
