Dolomites: Winter tour from Venice with Cortina & lakes

Summary

Venice to the Dolomites for snowy lakes, Cortina streets, and mountain air

You’ll feel winter settle around you as you explore snowy Cortina d’Ampezzo, ride a snowmobile up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo or stroll along frozen lakes with your guide. Warm up in a mountain hut with local food and take in views from Mount Elmo’s cable car — moments you’ll remember long after leaving Venice behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the crunch of snow under my boots when we stepped out in Cortina. It wasn’t loud — more like a soft crackle, mixed with the distant sound of someone laughing near a café. Our guide, Marco, waved us over to point out some old wooden signs in Ladin (I’d never even heard of that language before), and I tried to repeat one of the words. He grinned but didn’t correct me. The air felt sharper than in Venice, almost sweet, and you could smell woodsmoke somewhere nearby.

We piled back into the van for the drive up toward Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The road twisted through forests dusted white — honestly, I lost track of time just watching the light shift on the snow. When we stopped for the snowmobile ride, I hesitated (not really my thing), but it turned out to be more fun than scary. There’s this moment when you crest a hill and suddenly those three peaks just appear — huge, silent, kind of unreal. Marco told us about how climbers come here in summer; today it was just us and a few bundled-up hikers waving from below.

Lunch wasn’t included but we stopped at a mountain hut anyway — I got polenta with cheese that tasted like something you’d only find up here. The inside smelled like coffee and wet gloves drying by the stove. Later we wandered around Lake Antorno (or Lake Braies if weather changes things), where everything was so quiet except for crows calling overhead. I tried sledding down through the trees once — fell off halfway but nobody seemed to mind.

I still think about that view from Mount Elmo’s cable car: clouds drifting low over the valley, sunlight catching on icicles along the roof of the refuge. It’s not really about ticking off sights — more like letting yourself get small for a while in all that space. On the way back to Venice, everyone was quieter than before. Guess we were all still somewhere up there among those peaks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolomites Winter Highlights

• Visit Cortina town and city tour
• Snowmobile or walk to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Explore Antorno Lake in winter
• Walk at a beautiful Dolomites lake near Austria
• Visit South Tyrolean village and Christmas market
• Cable car to Mount Pelmo hut and relax

Top questions

How long is the Dolomites winter day trip from Venice?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from Venice and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included on this Dolomites tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip from Venice.

Do I need special equipment or clothing?

No special equipment is needed but warm clothing and good shoes are recommended due to snow and cold weather.

Can children join this Dolomites day trip?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if requested during booking.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No, lunch is not included but there are stops at mountain huts where you can buy food.

What happens if there isn’t enough snow for snowmobiling?

If fresh snow is lacking or weather changes, alternative stops such as Lake Braies or Mount Elmo will be arranged instead.

Are pets allowed on this Dolomites tour?

Service animals are allowed on this day trip.

How many people are on each tour group?

The mini-van holds up to 8 people plus your driver-guide for an intimate group experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Venice, transport by air-conditioned mini-van with your local driver-guide throughout the Dolomites winter landscapes, all scheduled stops such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and scenic lakes, plus options for snowmobile rides or cable car tickets depending on conditions (extra fee applies). Lunch is at your own expense at cozy mountain huts along the way before returning to Venice in the evening.