Family Friendly Dolomites, Italy
Why the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are a gorgeous mountain range and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Northeastern Italy near the border of Austria.
Made up of snow capped summits, large green pastures, and picturesque towns, this corner of Italy has heavy Austrian influence in its food, language, and culture, making it uniquely different from other Italian regions. It is beautiful year round but best experienced during spring/summer and ski season.
With easily accessible cable cars into the mountains, this a great destination for families to effortlessly get in touch with nature and still be back to their hotel in time for dinner.
Where to Stay
Cavallino Bianco Hotel - Ortisei
Just 45 minutes from the city of Bolzano, Ortisei is a picturesque destination attracting visitors year round with spring and summer activities and winter sports in the colder months. Here, nestled right next to the river and the pedestrian walkway is the Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel.
This all inclusive hotel is for families only and the result of such exclusivity is a judgement-free environment for parents and kids to unwind.
Cavallino does not just entertain kids, it caters to them as one would any adult customer; considering not just the factors that will bring them enjoyment, but amenities that will equalize them in a space normally designed with just adults in mind.
- Rooms have low-rise sinks & youth sized bath robes.
- Toilets in the room have adaptable seat sizes.
- Free rental of strollers/push bikes for getting around town.
- Shaded bassinets and cribs next to lounge beds at the pool.
- Play areas are incorporated into the cocktail bar and dining room.
- Supervised play zone, onsite infant care, in room babysitting.
- Spa services for kids, outdoor playgrounds, indoor kids pool with slides.
One could go on and on about the amenities Cavallino offers for families, but ultimately the greatest benefit of a stay here is being in an environment where parents and caretakers are seen and supported.
As an all-inclusive hotel, the rates for a stay here are priced high but include amazing access to facilities, staff support, and entertainment. They also offer a "light" package for those looking to cut back on some amenities. Spa services are not included in the price.
Bookings can only be made through the hotel website directly so you won't find this hotel using any third party booking sites!
Hotel Activities
Lessons
Ski lessons are available through the hotel during the winter and mountian bike lessons available in the summer months. In addition, bikes are available to rent at the hotel and there is always an activity board of events taking place each day including morning walks, hikes, cycling, etc.
Summer Activities
Aside from kids theater performances, a dedicated play zone, and endleses pool activities, there are a host of seasonal outdoor offerings you can participate in for an added charge.
For example, you can spend an afternoon at the Cavallino Bianco hut in Alpe di Siusi and enjoy a catered BBQ lunch. Kids can also go to the local high-line & adventure course or sign up for a horse drawn carriage ride through Ortisei! Adults can take in a round of golf at a nearby course or sign up for a group hike or cycle through Val Gardena.
Winter Activities
In winter, outdoor activities with Cavallino include ski school programs, showshoe hiking, and toboggan runs!
Local Playgrounds
Kinderspielplatz Playground
This was a great playground for the younger kids to enjoy and is a nice walk from the hotel along the Luis Trenker walking path. Rent a stroller or push bike from the front desk for a nice stroll through town to this great play area!
Activities in the Mountains
One of the biggest draws to Ortisei are the lifts that make for easy access up to the mountains and pastures above. This section covers the three main lifts and the lookout points, trails, and restaurants they reach.
1. Alpe Di Siusi Gondola
2. Seceda Gondola & Cable Car
3. Resciesa Funicular
The lifts in this area are seasonal -- so check online to ensure they are running during your trip as getting up to these views is a huge reason to visit in the first place!
1. Alpe di Siusi Gondola
The Alpe di Siusi Gondola is a 5 minute walk from the Cavallino Bianco and a 15 minute ride up the valley wall to Alpe di Siusi -- the largest high-mountain pasture in all of Europe.
The gondolas are large enough for winter skiers and summer cyclists to bring their gear up and the ride is very smooth. Tickets can be bought on site or online.
EXPLORING ALPE DI SIUSI
In the Spring & Summer Alpe di Siusi has winding trails down into the pasture and along the perimeter - great for biking, hiking, and strolling at your own pace.
With three kids (age 3 - 5) we enjoyed walking a perimeter trail to Viewpoint Bench Panorama; it took about 30 minutes with the kids walking and was a great entry-level stroll.
Panorama Alpe Siusi is another scenic spot in the center of the pasture which lends a 360 view, but requires a downhill walk that younger kids may not manage on the uphill return.
Be sure to pack water, snacks, and wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes. And for those with little ones -- bathrooms are in short supply so plan ahead!
In winter Alpe Di Siusi is a popular ski destination and the gondolas fill with winter adventurers heading up to the slopes. There are also a number of toboggan runs in the pasture that look like a good time! Ski and Toboggan gear rentals are available at down in Ortisei next to the Gondola depot.
RESTAURANTS IN ALPE DI SIUSI
The Almgasthof Mont Seuc is situated directly at the cable car station up on the perimeter of the pasture and is a great place to get a bite before or after an excursion. Convenient for families with smaller children who may not want to venture too far. It's also fun people watching here in spring as you may spot thru-hikers arriving after days on the trail!
Malga Schgaguler Schwaige is a short 1km walk from the Gondola station down into the pasture. A nice destination for those who maybe want to get into the trails and pasture without going too far before eating.
Malga Sanon is located about a 40 minute walk (or quick ski!) down into the pasture giving you a great immersive view of the rolling hills and distant mountains. This is a nice option if you're looking to take a lunch break mid-excursion.
2. Seceda Gondola & Cable Car
The Seceda Gondola station is a 10 minute walk from Cavallino Bianco through town and tickets can be purchased on site or online. Here you can catch a Gondola up to Furnes where you can explore some trails or continue up via cable car to the Seceda summit and it's famous view!
EXPLORING SECEDA
You've likely seen a photo of Seceda's famous ridge line on social media and never knew it! It is a dramatic meeting point of jagged rock and green sloped pasture and well worth a visit. In the summer you can enjoy the walking trails, mountain biking, and even book guides to take you through some of the best routes for you and your family.
In winter Seceda is open as a ski destination with a variety of routes but no advertised toboggan runs.
Note that the trails up here will have more incline, and may not be ideal for families with small children. That being said -- check the little ones into the kids zone at Cavallino Bianco and enjoy a lunch date up in Seceda for a few hours!
Below is an outline of some trails and restaurants ranging in distance from the cable car station at the summit.
1. RESTAURANT SECEDA
Located conveniently at the cable car station, Restaurant Seceda has the title of "Highest Restaurant in Val Gardena" (2500m elevation). Enjoy a meal, a spritz, or a nice hot chocolate here with stunning views of the ridge line. With a large indoor dining area and outdoor patio, this is a good place for families to gather and find a large table. From here you can walk a short distance up to the ridge line and Croce Del Seceda (2)
2. CROCE DEL SECEDA
A short walk up past the cable car station, Croce Del Seceda offers an amazing view of the famous ridge line and features a beautiful wood carved statue of Christ on the cross.
3. BAITA SOFIE
If you're looking to stretch your legs without investing too much into the trip, take a 5 minute walk from the cable car station to Baita Sofie Hütte in the pasture nearby. Sofie offers both indoor and outdoor seating and a great place to settle in for an afternoon in the pasture or prep for a hike onto one of the trails.
4. BAITA TROIER
For those committing to a longer trail, Baita Troier Hütte offers a meal further into the pasture (2.3 km from the cable car station) giving you plenty of time to work up an appetite! This is a smaller restaurant with more limited indoor and outdoor seating so anticipate a possible wait time on arrival during the peak seasons. From here you can follow your trail back to the cable car station.
3. Resciesa Funicular
Getting to Resciesa requires a funicular rather than a cable car or gondola, meaning you'll stay firmly on the ground and will be pulled up the mountain in a trolly car designed for the incline. This may be a preferred destination for anyone who doesn't like the lifts.
EXPLORING RESCIESA
Resciesa is much more level terrain than Seceda and has a nice 5km trail circuit here that offers great places to stop for a bite and some points of interest.
Below is an outline of the route but you can easily make this an out-and-back trail whenever you want to turn around! AllTrails rates the route as Easy and kid friendly. The hardest part is likely the route from the church (3) up to the statue of Christ (4) .
1. CHALET RESCIESA
Exit the funicular here and enjoy a bite to eat before hitting the trail following signs towards Resciesa Rifugio. The Chalet also has a limited number of rooms available for an overnight stay!
2. RESCIESA RIFUGIO
The rifugio is about a 1.5 km walk from the chalet and is another nice place to stop for a break, a meal, or to take in the views. It can be a popular place in summer so if it's full you can kill time by continuing down the trail to the next destination Cappella Santa Croce, a short 10 minute walk away. By definition, the rifugio also offers limited rooms for overnight stays.
3. CAPPELLA SANTA CROCE DEL RESCIESA
This charming one room chapel sits perched on the edge of the meadows looking down into the valley below - Val Gardena. Have a look inside the chapel, enjoy the views, and take a rest before setting out for Cristo alla Rasciesa.
4. CRISTO ALLA RASCIESA
This marks the highest point on the loop trail and offers amazing 360 views of the the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys below. From here you can either take the same trail back or continue on along the loop trail which begins leading you back towards the chalet.
5. MALGA CASON
Before returning to the chalet, consider stopping in at Malga Cason, a small family run restaurant, for a final bite to eat or a drink before the descent to Ortisei.
Final Notes
1. Hotel Costs & Tipping
While it is considered an all inclusive hotel, this applies to the cost of rooms and meals. Additional activities such as the spa, ski school, or outdoor excursions are not included. Be sure to have an understanding of what is included in your booking before your trip.
Tipping is at your discretion. Since we had the same waiter in the dining room all week we left a tip for them at the end of our last dinner that reflected a week of excellent service.
2. Language Barrier
This region has a strong blend of Germanic and Italian languages and a bi-lingual (even tri-lingual) community. If you're an English speaking traveler you will find little to no language barriers in a visit to Ortisei.
3. Transportation Terms
Gondola
Gondolas use cable suspension, will hold 4-6 people comfortably seated, and are fully enclosed. They are a bit like a ski-lift in that the gondola slows down for passengers to hop on and off but ultimately keeps moving.
Cable Car
Cable cars also use cable suspension but are larger so as to accommodate more passengers and have a dedicated operator on board making stops on a set schedule.
Funicular
Much like a cable car, funiculars are larger, have a set schedule and an operator on board. However, Funiculars don't lift into the air. Instead, they run along a track up and down the hillside.
You will often find these in cities like Naples with many steep hillsides or islands like Capri where there is a need for public transportation that can get people up and downhill more quickly than busses.
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