Winter Activities in the Dolomites Without Skiing

Do not ski? No problem. The Dolomites in winter offer far more than ski slopes, and some of the most memorable experiences require neither skis nor ski boots. From night snowshoeing to a zipline over snow-covered landscapes, from thermal spas to Christmas markets, this guide gathers the best winter activities in the Dolomites for non-skiers — or for those who simply want a change from the usual slopes.

Zipline Over the Snow — The Ultimate Winter Adventure

Here is something most people do not know: our zipline in San Vigilio di Marebbe is open in winter too, from December to March. This is extremely rare among European alpine ziplines, which normally close with the first snowfall. And honestly? The winter experience is even more spectacular than summer.

Why the Winter Zipline is Special

Imagine flying at 80 km/h above a completely snow-covered landscape. Conifer forests draped in white, mountains glistening under the winter sun, crisp air rushing past your face as you soar at 100 metres height. It is a visual and sensory experience without equal.

But there is more. In winter there are fewer visitors, which means:

Smaller groups and more personalised attention
Reduced waiting times — you can often start almost immediately
More dramatic photos and videos — the contrast between blue sky and white snow is incredible
A more intimate atmosphere — the silence of the snow-covered mountain amplifies every emotion

Practical Information

The zipline operates in temperatures down to -15°C and in acceptable wind conditions. We provide all necessary safety equipment, but we recommend dressing in warm layers, with gloves, hat and a windproof jacket. The experience includes the same 7 runs over 3 km as the summer version.

Price: from €89 for adults, €69 for children. The 4K video package (€118) is especially recommended in winter to capture the snowy landscape.

Perfect combination: zipline in the morning, then a warm lunch at a traditional mountain hut and an afternoon of relaxation at the spa.

Book the Winter Zipline — Limited Availability

The winter zipline operates from December to March, weather permitting. Places are limited and operating days depend on weather conditions. We strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date. Always check availability on our website or contact us directly.

Snowshoeing in the Dolomites

Snowshoeing is perhaps the most poetic way to experience a Dolomite winter. With snowshoes on your feet, you can explore trails that are hiked in summer but transform into fairy-tale landscapes in winter. From San Vigilio, several routes head towards the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, where the only sound breaking the silence is the crunch of snowshoes on fresh powder.

Night snowshoeing with dinner at a mountain hut is an experience not to be missed: you walk under the stars with head torches, arrive at a hut where a warm dinner of dumplings and mulled wine awaits, and return to the valley with the snow glittering under the moon.

Snowshoe hire: €10-15 per day in the village. Guides available for group excursions.

Sledding — Fun for Everyone

Sledding is the perfect winter activity for families and groups of friends. Several prepared runs are accessible from San Vigilio, with descents ranging from 2 to 6 km. The Kronplatz run is among the longest in South Tyrol. You ride up by cable car and descend on traditional wooden sledges.

Tip: many runs are also open at night with illumination. A magical experience.

Ice Skating

In winter, several locations in the Val Pusteria set up outdoor ice rinks. Brunico has a rink in the town centre with a view of the castle, perfect for a family afternoon. Skate hire is always available.

Where: Brunico centre, Dobbiaco, San Candido. Price: €5-10 entry including hire.

Winter Hiking

You do not need snowshoes for every winter walk. Many local trails are maintained and kept passable with simple trekking boots. Easy walks in the Dolomites in winter offer spectacular views with a unique light — the golden, low winter sun that paints the mountains in pink and orange (the famous enrosadira).

Recommended route: the path along the Rio di Marebbe, flat and panoramic, suitable even for trekking pushchairs.

Spas and Wellness — Relax After the Adventure

After a morning of zipline or snowshoeing, nothing beats a few hours at the spa. South Tyrol is rich in wellness centres with heated pools, panoramic saunas and alpine treatments. The nearest centres to San Vigilio include the Brunico Spa and the Villabassa Spa.

Must try: the hay sauna, a typical South Tyrolean treatment with alpine herbs.

Museums and Culture

Bad weather days become opportunities to explore the Dolomites museums. The Messner Mountain Museum circuit is a fascinating journey through alpine culture. The MMM Corones on Plan de Corones is accessible by cable car even in winter and offers a spectacular view alongside the permanent mountaineering exhibition.

In Brunico, the Town Museum and the Ethnographic Museum round out the cultural offering.

Christmas Markets

If you visit the Dolomites between late November and early January, the Christmas markets are unmissable. Brunico has one of the most charming in South Tyrol, with stalls in the historic centre lit by warm lights, the scent of mulled wine and Christmas sweets. Brixen and Bolzano are also well worth a visit.

Period: late November to around 6 January.

Plan a "ski-free winter week": 2 days of snowshoeing, 1 day of zipline, 1 day of markets and culture, 1 day of spas and relaxation. It is the perfect way to experience a Dolomite winter without ever setting foot on a ski slope. Our team can help you organise everything — get in touch.

Cross-Country Skiing

Alright, technically it is skiing. But cross-country skiing is a completely different experience from alpine skiing: no lifts, no queues, no chaos. Just you, perfectly groomed tracks and the silence of the valley. The tracks in the Val di Marebbe and Val Pusteria are among the most beautiful in the Alps.

For beginners: lessons and equipment hire available in the village.

Fat Biking on Snow

Fat biking — mountain biking with extra-wide tyres — is becoming increasingly popular in the Dolomites in winter. Cycling on packed snow with a fat bike is a unique experience that combines sport and scenery in a surprising way. Several hire shops in the Brunico area offer fat bikes and recommended routes.

Difficulty: easy to moderate, depending on the route. No special experience required.

A Perfect Day Without Skiing

To help you plan, here is a perfect day in the winter Dolomites without skiing:

9:00 — Breakfast at your hotel with fresh bread, speck and blueberry jam
10:00 — Zipline over the snow with Adrenaline Adventures
12:00 — Warm lunch at a mountain hut: speck dumplings and apple strudel
14:30 — Village stroll and visit to an artisan workshop
16:00 — Spa relaxation with panoramic sauna
19:30 — Traditional Tyrolean dinner with Schlutzkrapfen and local red wine

Plan Your Winter Holiday — Contact Us