There's a way to experience the Dolomites in winter that asks for neither lifts nor skiing skills: all you need is a pair of snowshoes and the urge to walk. That's what snowshoeing is. You strap the snowshoes under your boots, take your poles and walk on fresh snow where the trails run in summer.
It's probably the simplest way into a snow-covered landscape. No courses, no special technique: if you can walk, you can snowshoe. And the slow pace lets you notice things that slip past on skis, from the silence of the woods to the animal tracks in the snow.
In this guide I'll explain what snowshoes are, where to go across the plateaus and valleys of the Dolomites, what gear you need, how to move around as a beginner or with kids, and above all the rules on avalanche safety, which matter most of all here. If you want a wider picture of the snow, start with the guide to skiing in the Dolomites.
What snowshoeing is and why it's so simple
Snowshoeing is walking on snow with snowshoes, called ciaspole in the local usage. They're light frames, in aluminium or plastic, that strap under the boot and widen the foot's footprint. That way your weight spreads over a larger surface and you don't sink into the fresh snow at every step.
The principle is all here. Where on foot you'd sink to the knee, with snowshoes you stay on the surface and walk. Under the shoe there are small crampons that bite into ice and hard snow, so you hold even on steep or frozen stretches.
The great thing is that it needs no apprenticeship. Unlike skiing, you don't have to learn to brake or turn: you walk, with a step a little wider than usual so you don't tread on your snowshoes. That's why snowshoeing is often the first contact with the winter mountains for those who have never skied, and it stays the most direct way to cross a wood or a plateau under snow.
Where to snowshoe in the Dolomites
The Dolomites offer different terrain, and the choice changes with how far you want to walk and what landscape you're after. Wide plateaus are ideal for starting out, because the slopes are gentle and the snow stays firm. The Alpe di Siusi is the best-known case: a vast, sunny plateau where the routes run almost flat, with the Sciliar in the background. Perfect terrain for families and beginners.
In Val Gardena there's a valley that becomes a snowshoe classic in winter, the Vallunga snowshoe walk: a flat, sheltered valley that pushes in between rock walls, easy to cover and suitable for everyone. In Val Pusteria the plateaus of Prato Piazza and the Val Fiscalina, below the Tre Cime, offer open settings and woods with views onto the peaks, with well-marked routes.
On the Trentino side, the plateaus of Val di Fiemme combine woods and clearings where snowshoes and cross-country skiing sit side by side, and it's no surprise you'll also find cross-country skiing at Passo Lavazè here. Further south, the basin of San Martino di Castrozza and Passo Rolle, at the foot of the Pale, gives you silent woods and wind-swept plateaus. In all these zones the rule is the same: pick marked, packed routes, and match the distance to your legs.
The gear for snowshoeing
The basic gear is simple and largely available to rent on the spot. The snowshoes are the central piece: you'll find them in the sports shops in the valleys, often by the day. You then need poles, ideally with the large snow baskets, the wide ones that don't sink when you plant the pole in fresh snow.
On your feet go winter trekking boots, sturdy and waterproof, with a sole that grips. Over them, gaiters cover the ankle and the lower part of the trouser and keep snow from getting into the boot. A small detail, but when the snow is deep it makes the difference between dry feet and wet ones.
For clothing the layering rule applies: a technical layer next to the skin, a warm mid-layer such as a fleece, and a windproof, waterproof jacket over the top. Add gloves, a hat, sunglasses for the glare and some sun cream, because the snow reflects a lot of light. If you plan to leave the packed routes, you need avalanche self-rescue kit, meaning transceiver, shovel and probe, and above all the ability to use it.
- Snowshoes, often available to rent in the valleys.
- Poles with large snow baskets.
- Waterproof winter trekking boots and gaiters.
- Layered clothing: technical layer, warm layer, windproof and waterproof jacket.
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses and sun cream for the glare.
- Off the packed routes: transceiver, shovel and probe, and the ability to use them.
For beginners and families
If it's your first time, the choice of route matters more than anything else. Aim for the easy routes, packed and marked, the ones many resorts prepare and signpost with boards and poles. They're the safest, because they follow gentle terrain far from the dangerous slopes, and they're also the most comfortable, because packed snow walks better than deep fresh snow.
Plateaus like the Alpe di Siusi and flat valleys like the Vallunga are the right setting to start out and to head out with children. The height gains are minimal, the landscape is open and the risk is low. With the little ones keep the distances short, bring something warm to drink and plan frequent stops, because in the cold energy runs down fast.
One simple tip for everyone: set out to enjoy yourself, not to get far. Better a short walk done well and at an easy pace than a walk that's too long and leaves you short of breath. If you don't know the area, ask locally which routes suit you and what condition they're in that day.
Guided walks and going with a mountain guide
If you want to keep it easy, a guided outing is the best solution, especially the first few times or when you're thinking of less-travelled routes. Ski schools, mountain guides and hiking leaders organise snowshoe walks for every level, by day and sometimes at sunset or with head torches.
The advantage isn't just the company. Whoever leads knows the area, reads the snow, knows which slopes to avoid and picks the route according to the conditions of the moment. To leave the marked routes or take on steep terrain, going with a mountain guide isn't a luxury but the correct way to move.
Guided outings are also a good starting point for learning. They show you how to adjust the snowshoes, how to walk uphill and downhill, how to read the bulletin and what to carry in your pack. After a few guided outings, you'll move with more confidence on the easy, packed routes.
Safety and avalanche risk
This is the part to read carefully. Snow in the mountains can slide as an avalanche, and someone walking off the marked routes can set one off themselves. Snowshoeing is a simple activity, but it stays a winter mountain activity, with its own risks. Taking them seriously is what makes it truly safe.
The most important rule is to stay on the packed, marked routes. These are chosen to keep clear of the dangerous slopes, and as long as you stay on them the risk is low. Trouble comes when you drift toward steep terrain loaded with fresh or wind-blown snow, often without realising it.
Before you set out, always check the avalanche bulletin for the area, which gives the danger level and the most critical slopes of the day. Avoid steep slopes loaded with snow and the zones below walls from which snow can fall. Don't go off-piste alone: if something goes wrong, being in a group and carrying transceiver, shovel and probe can make the difference. When in doubt, pick the easy, packed route, or put it off. The mountain will still be there tomorrow.
When to go
The snowshoe season follows the snow. Generally you go from December to March, when the plateaus and valleys are covered enough to walk on. Conditions change from year to year and from week to week, so the exact period depends on how much snow has fallen and how it has settled.
The heart of winter, between January and February, usually offers the best snow and the most settled days, even if they're colder. Early in the season the cover can still be thin lower down, while toward March the days grow longer and there's still good snow up high, but you have to account for snow that warms up in the afternoon.
Before you leave, check the day's conditions and the bulletin, and pick the right time: in the morning the snow is firmer and the light is better. To get a better sense of how the mountains change with the seasons, take a look at the guide on when to go in the Dolomites.
Frequently asked questions
What are snowshoes?
Snowshoes are light frames in aluminium or plastic that strap under the boot. They widen the foot's footprint and spread your weight over a larger surface, so you don't sink into fresh snow. Underneath they have small crampons that grip on ice and hard snow. Walking with snowshoes is called snowshoeing, or ciaspolata in Italian.
Do you need experience to go snowshoeing?
No, no special technique is needed. If you can walk, you can snowshoe: all it takes is a step a little wider than usual so you don't tread on your snowshoes. That's why snowshoeing is often the first contact with the winter mountains for those who have never skied. The first few times, though, it's best to stay on the easy, packed routes or join a guided outing.
Where can you go snowshoeing in the Dolomites?
Wide plateaus and flat valleys are ideal, especially for starting out. Among the most suitable are the Alpe di Siusi, the Vallunga in Val Gardena, the plateaus of Prato Piazza and the Val Fiscalina in Val Pusteria, the plateaus of Val di Fiemme and the basin of San Martino di Castrozza and Passo Rolle. Always choose marked, packed routes and match the distance to your legs.
What gear do you need for snowshoeing?
You need snowshoes, poles with large snow baskets, waterproof winter trekking boots and gaiters to keep snow out. To dress, use the layering rule, with a windproof and waterproof jacket, plus gloves, a hat and sunglasses for the glare. If you leave the packed routes you also need a transceiver, shovel and probe, and the ability to use them.
Is snowshoeing dangerous because of avalanches?
On packed, marked routes the risk is low, because these are chosen to keep clear of the dangerous slopes. The danger grows when you drift toward steep terrain loaded with fresh or wind-blown snow. Always check the avalanche bulletin, avoid steep slopes loaded with snow and don't go off-piste alone. When in doubt, pick the easy, packed route or put it off.
When can you go snowshoeing in the Dolomites?
Generally from December to March, when the snow covers the plateaus and valleys enough. Conditions change from year to year, so the exact period depends on how much snow has fallen. Between January and February you usually find the best snow and the most settled days. Before you leave, always check the day's conditions and the avalanche bulletin.