Discover Dolomiti Supersummer…

…The Ultimate Active Mountain Holiday for UK Travellers

I’ve spent a long time chasing winter across the globe. But when the snow melts there’s another kind of magic to be found in the mountains. For those of us in the UK with a deep love for alpine air, rugged peaks, and the sweet burn of an uphill trek or downhill ride, the Dolomites in summer are nothing short of revelation.

Welcome to the Dolomiti Supersummer — the warm-weather alter ego of the famed Dolomiti Superski area, and possibly Europe’s most underrated playground for hikers, bikers, and anyone yearning to swap the daily grind for granite grandeur.

A Summer Awakening

Step by step, the Dolomites reawaken each year as spring breathes life into alpine pastures and pine forests. This summer, the Supersummer season kicked off on 10 May in Val Gardena, with other legendary spots like Plan de Corones and Carezza following suit. By July, over 140 ski lifts will be humming across the region, carrying adventurers not to powdery pistes, but to panoramic hiking routes, epic biking trails, and craggy via ferrata climbs.

These lifts remain open through mid-September, with select routes stretching right into early November, making it one of the longest and most accessible mountain seasons in Europe.

Two Galaxies of Adventure: Hike & Bike

The Dolomiti Supersummer cleverly caters to two tribes: those who tread, and those who ride.

Hikers are welcomed into the Dolomiti Hike Galaxy, an enormous network of more than 10,000 km of marked trails and 80 via ferratas. Whether you fancy a gentle alpine stroll or a lung-busting scramble up vertical cliffs, the choice is yours. For those unfamiliar with via ferratas — these are protected climbing routes using fixed ladders, cables, and bridges, offering adrenaline rushes without the need for advanced climbing skills.

Need inspiration? The DolomitiHikeGalaxy.com platform lets you build a personalized itinerary filtered by difficulty, elevation, duration, and even themes — from wildflower walks to sunset summits.

Meanwhile, mountain bikers get their own cosmic treat with the Dolomiti Bike Galaxy — a red-hued realm filled with over 400 km of MTB trails and an eye-watering 24,000 metres of vertical drop. From flowy bike parks to the beastly Sellaronda Bike Tour, this is a pedaller’s paradise. Want to roll light? Bike hire, repair stations, and wash stops are scattered throughout, and the online map and printed “bike galaxy guide” are your trusty trailmates.

Lift Passes That Work for You

Gone are the days of lugging bikes or boots uphill for hours. The Supersummer lift passes make exploring as easy as ordering a flat white. Daily passes start from €65 for adults, with more flexible options like 3-out-of-4 or 5-out-of-7 day deals.

Regulars can opt for the Seasonal Supersummer Pass at €410, which includes full access from 23 May to 9 November. Even better — if you’ve held a Dolomiti Superski season pass, you’re entitled to a cheeky 10% discount.

And for the cherry on top — load it all onto your reusable My Dolomiti Card to cut down on plastic waste. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s baked into the mountain ethos.

Trekking Reimagined: Dolomites Ronda

For those who like their hikes with a narrative arc, the new Dolomites Ronda project is a game changer. Born from a partnership with ASI Reisen and regional tourism boards, it offers curated multi-day trekking routes across the Dolomites — think hut-to-hut hiking, but with the added comfort of valley accommodation.

So far, two of the three planned routes are online, and they’re ideal for UK walkers wanting a soft adventure experience with full logistical support and scenery that’ll blow your waterproof socks off.

Parks That Stir the Soul

Let’s not forget the natural soul of the region: eight Dolomite national and nature parks, each a sanctuary of myth, geology, and staggering beauty. The likes of Fanes-Senes-Braies, Puez-Odle, and Tre Cime are more than names on a map — they’re realms of golden eagles, fossil-rich cliffs, and silence so profound it’s almost musical.

At over 250 million years old, the Dolomites tell stories older than humanity, and thanks to a vast network of trails and lifts, they’re accessible to everyone — kids, grandparents, even city dwellers fresh out of the office.

Cortina to Carezza: Where and When

Every mountain town offers a different flavour. Here’s your fast-track guide to when to go and where to base yourself:

Val Gardena: Open from 10 May to 2 November, a classic blend of culture, climbing, and cuisine.

Plan de Corones and Carezza: Early starters (17 May), ideal for bikers and family-friendly adventures.

Alta Badia and Arabba: Kick off mid-June; think gourmet hiking and serious elevation.

Cortina d’Ampezzo: Open until 26 October, with a high-octane mix of sport and sophistication.

And remember, the full opening calendar is always up to date at dolomitisuperski.com.

The App That Knows the Alps

Don’t set foot (or tyre) on a trail without downloading the My Dolomiti Summer App. It’s a pocket guide to everything from live webcam feeds to suggested routes and lift status. Best of all, it gamifies your adventure — hikers and bikers can unlock badges, hit milestones, and even win prizes.

Why UK Travellers Should Go Now

For UK travellers weary of airports, resorts, and the usual Med haunts, the Dolomites offer something radical: peace, space, and purpose. You don’t just visit the mountains here — you engage with them, whether that’s through the sweat of a steep ascent or the quiet joy of watching marmots scamper through a meadow.

It’s not just about nature either. From the rich Ladin culture to mouth-watering mountain cuisine (don’t miss the speck platters and knödel dumplings), the Dolomites feed the body and the soul.

With direct flights to Verona, Venice, and Innsbruck, and top-tier infrastructure throughout the region, it’s never been easier to trade the Tube for a trailhead.

The Dolomiti Supersummer is a portal to a world where adventure is king, nature is sacred, and every day ends with the smell of pine in your hair and the sky painted with alpenglow.

So, if you’ve ever looked out at the drizzle of a British July and dreamed of something more, now’s the time to swap your beach towel for a backpack and see what summer really looks like in the mountains.

Kick start you Dolomiti Supersummer – Because up here, the snow may be gone, but the adventure’s only just begun.

Crans Montana Cycling Inspo