10 Things to Do in the Dolomites (Beyond Hiking) | Adventures for Every Season
Last Updated on February 24, 2026 by Charlotte
The Dolomites are famous for hiking, but if you think it’s all trekking boots and trail maps, think again. This mountainous region in northern Italy is also a dream destination for thrill-seekers, road trippers, lake loungers, and foodies. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the Dolomites that don’t involve hiking. From scenic drives and spa days to skiing, cycling, and paragliding, here are the best non-hiking activities in the Dolomites.
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Non-Hiking Adventure Activities in the Dolomites
Ready to feel the adrenaline? These high-altitude thrills let you experience the Dolomites in bold, unforgettable ways, from scaling vertical rock walls to soaring above alpine meadows.
Via Ferrata: Climb Dramatic Rock Faces with Cables & Ladders
Via ferrata is a uniquely Dolomites experience. These climbing routes use steel cables, ladders, and rungs to help adventurers scale vertical cliffs and dramatic rock spires with no technical climbing experience required. Iconic routes include the beginner-friendly Via Ferrata Tridentina near Val Gardena and the more advanced (but very panoramic) Ivano Dibona route above Cortina.
If this will be your first time doing a Via Ferrata, we highly suggest going on a guided tour. On a tour, your guides will teach you how to use the equipment, and if you spontaneously discover that you have a fear of heights, someone will be there to help.
Paragliding: Soar Over Alpine Valleys
For a bird’s-eye view of jagged peaks and wildflower meadows, go tandem paragliding from one of the region’s most scenic launch points: Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, or Col Rodella. Summer thermals make this the perfect season to fly, and many operators offer packages that include video footage of your sky-high adventure. Tandem paragliding experiences are available for beginners, making it an accessible thrill for first-time fliers.
We should mention that paragliding is highly dependent on the weather, so budget extra time if this is a priority for you! Our Dolomites paragliding tour was unable to operate due to thunderstorms, which was a huge bummer! We did end up getting to paraglide for the first time later on, and it was so much fun.
Cycling & Mountain Biking: Pedal Through Alpine Paradise
The Dolomites are legendary among cyclists. The Sellaronda Loop, a 52 km (30 mile) ride around the Sella Massif, is one of the most stunning road bike circuits in Europe. For mountain bikers, Val di Fassa and Alta Badia offer trails through forests, alpine pastures, and ski runs repurposed for summer fun. If you’re visiting in summer, look out for Sellaronda Bike Day, which is a car-free celebration of the loop.
Again, I should mention that if you are hoping to mountain bike for the very first time, it can be worth going with a group that can show you the ropes! My first mountain biking experience was a bit frightening, and I think I would have had more fun had I taken a group tour or class.
Ride Iconic Cable Cars
Several cable cars in the Dolomites lead to panoramic viewpoints, alpine restaurants, and even via ferrata or paragliding launch points. Don’t miss the Seceda cable car from Ortisei, the Lagazuoi cable car near Falzarego Pass, or the Tofana cable car in Cortina. Some lifts run year-round, but most operate from late May to early October.
Scenic Mountain Passes & Drives
Driving through the Dolomites’ high-altitude mountain passes is an adventure in itself, with winding roads, breathtaking viewpoints, and dramatic peaks. Here are some of the most scenic drives in the region:
- Passo di Giau – One of the most beautiful panoramic passes, offering wide-open views and easy access to hiking trails.
- Passo Gardena – A winding road connecting Val Gardena and Alta Badia, with epic Dolomiti peaks towering on both sides.
- Passo Sella – A must-drive pass near Sassolungo, great for road trips and hiking access.
- Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti) – The ultimate scenic drive, spanning from Bolzano to Cortina, passing through multiple stunning passes.
Photo credit: Passo di Giau, Photo by Frisia Orientalis, Wikipedia Commons
Lakes, Spas & Leisure Time
Whether you’re unwinding in a lakeside rowboat, soaking in a mountaintop spa, or strolling through scenic towns, these low-key experiences showcase the Dolomites at their most peaceful.
Paddle Peacefully on an Alpine Lake
In summer, you can rent rowboats at Lago di Braies and Lago di Misurina, or simply bring a picnic with you and enjoy the scenery. These lakes get very busy midday, so arrive early for a peaceful experience.
Unwind in a Wellness Hotel
The Dolomites are known for their alpine spa culture. Many hotels offer luxurious wellness areas with saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and panoramic pools. High-end spa hotels like Forestis Dolomites and Aman Rosa Alpina are some of the best in the world, and you get to be in the beautiful mountain setting.
It’s the perfect way to recover from a big ski day or treat yourself after a long drive, or a week spent hiking mountain ridgelines.
Dine at a Scenic Rifugio
You don’t have to hike to eat well in the Dolomites. Many rifugi (mountain huts) are accessible by cable car or car, and serve up hearty Tyrolean dishes like speck, polenta, and apple strudel. Some even offer wine tastings or gourmet experiences.
Winter Fun in the Dolomites
When snow blankets the Dolomites, the entire region transforms into a wonderland of ski slopes, snowshoe trails, and cozy après-ski delights. Here’s how to make the most of winter in the mountains.
Skiing & Snowboarding: Explore the Dolomiti Superski Area
With over 1,200 km of ski slopes and 12 interconnected resorts, the Dolomiti Superski region is a winter wonderland. The Sellaronda Ski Circuit is a must-do for intermediate to advanced skiers, while Cortina, Val Gardena, and Alta Badia offer a mix of luxury, scenery, and excellent snow. You can purchase ski passes for individual valleys or for the entire network.
Snowshoeing & Sledding
Prefer to keep things slow and scenic? Snowshoe trails wind through snow-covered forests, while traditional sled runs offer a playful way to enjoy the slopes.
If you’re new to snowshoeing (or just don’t own the equipment), consider trying out a guided snowshoeing tour. In my experience, you can get the hang of snowshoeing pretty quickly, but it can be fun to go with a group.
Ready For Your Next Adventure?
And there you have it, your complete menu of the best Dolomites adventures! Now that you’ve got your activity wish list sorted and that you’ve read our Dolomites Hiking Guide, it’s time to figure out the logistics! Our comprehensive Dolomites Travel Guide covers everything from the best time to visit and where to base yourself, to transportation tips and what to pack. Let’s turn these daydreams into a real trip!
