The Best Cable Cars in the Dolomites Open for Non-Skiers in Winter
Explore the Best Cable Cars in the Dolomites for Breathtaking Views, Even Without Skiing
The Dolomites are a winter wonderland for skiers, but non-skiers can also experience the region’s most iconic peaks. While many flock to the slopes, there’s a quieter side of the Dolomites perfect for those who want to enjoy the mountains without the skis.
Winter cable cars in the Dolomites offer the ideal way to explore without needing to actually go skiing. Many of the region’s most scenic lifts stay open all season, providing an opportunity to soak in jaw-dropping panoramic views, savor a cozy meal at high altitudes, and capture photos that look like they’ve been straight out of a dream… all while avoiding the ski crowds.
Whether you’re a foodie, a photographer, or simply seeking peace above the clouds, the Dolomites’ cable cars are ready to take you on a breathtaking adventure.
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Quick Overview: Winter-Open Cable Cars for Non-Skiers
Here’s a quick list of cable cars that welcome non-skiers during the winter season in the Dolomites:
- Monte Elmo Cable Car (Helmjet Sexten)
- Seceda Cable Car
- Punta Rocca (Marmolada Cable Car)
- Alpe di Siusi Cable Cars
- Faloria Cable Car
- Funivia Plan de Corones (Kronplatz)
- Cable Car Tofana
- Funivia Sass Pordoi
- Catinaccio – Ciampedie Funivie
- Cable Car Lagazuoi
- Col dei Rossi
- Funivie Ciampinoi
- Col Margherita Lift
13 Best Dolomites Cable Cars Open in Winter
1. Monte Elmo Cable Car (Helmjet Sexten)
Location: Sesto, South Tyrol
Website: 3 Zinnen Dolomites
Highlights: The peak of Monte Elmo (the border between Italy and Austria), Croda Rossa and iconic Tre Cime.
Ticket Price: Round trip tickets are €32.00 for adults with discounts for children and teens.
Dining Recommendation: At the summit, the Rifugio Gallo Cedrone awaits, offering traditional Tyrolean dishes with a side of breathtaking views. The homemade strudels are the stuff of legends.
Nearby Accommodation: Residence Bad Moos | Rated 9.2 (CHECK PRICES)
2. Seceda Cable Car
Location: Ortisei, Val Gardena
Online Tickets: Seceda
Highlights: The famous Seceda Ridgeline.
Ticket Price: Less than €50 per adult round-trip (with discounts for children).
Dining Recommendation: The Baita Sofie Hütte boasts a Tyrolean-style interior and a sun-drenched terrace, perfect for soaking in the alpine ambiance while savoring local specialties.
Nearby Accommodation: Hotel Fortuna | Rated 8.9 (CHECK PRICES)
3. Marmolada Cable Car
Location: Malga Ciapela, Belluno
Website: Funivie Marmolada
Highlights: The highest panoramic terrace in the Dolomites at 3,265 metres and the Museum of the Great War.
Ticket Price: Less than €40 per adult round-trip (with discounts for children).
Dining Recommendation: At the peak, the Rifugio Serauta offers a cozy retreat with hearty meals without any frills, making it an ideal spot to refuel while gazing over the Queen of the Dolomites.
Nearby Accommodation: Apartments Sol E Nef | Rated 9.8 (CHECK PRICES)
4. Alpe di Siusi Cable Cars (Funivie Ortisei – Alpe di Siusi)
Location: Seiser Alm, South Tyrol
Website: Funivia Ortisei
Highlights: The Alpe di Siusi mountain plateau – known for being the sunniest corner of the Dolomites and the largest high alpine pasture in Europe.
Ticket Price: Less than €35 per adult round-trip (with discounts for children).
Dining Recommendation: The Gostner Schwaige is a charming alpine hut renowned for its gourmet dishes crafted from local ingredients. Their flower-infused risottos are a must-try for foodies.
Nearby Accommodation: Hotel Garni Walter | Rated 9.0 (CHECK PRICES)
5. Faloria Cable Car
Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto
Website: Faloria Cristallo
Ticket Price: Less than €30 per adult round-trip (free for kids under 7).
Dining Recommendation: At the summit, the Rifugio Faloria offers delectable Italian cuisine with panoramic views of the Ampezzo Valley. Their wood-fired pizzas are particularly popular.
Nearby Accommodation: B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina | Rated 8.4 (CHECK PRICES)
6. Funivia Plan de Corones (Kronplatz)
Location: Brunico, South Tyrol
Website: Kronplatz
Ticket Price: Less than €75 per adult round-trip (discounts for children).
Highlights: The LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography and MMM Corones Mountaineering Museum.
Dining Recommendation: At the top of Plan de Corones, AlpiNN by Norbert Niederkofler serves exquisite dishes with a focus on local ingredients in a stunning building. Enjoy gourmet meals paired with stunning views of the Dolomites.
Nearby Accommodation: Garni Schorneck | Rated 9.3 (CHECK PRICES)
7. Cable Car Tofana
Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto
Website: Tofana Cortina
Ticket Price: €20 per adult round-trip to Col Drusciè and less than €35 per adult round-trip to Ra Valles.
Highlights: The Capanna Ra Valles circular observation deck located at 2470 metres.
Dining Recommendation: The Masi Wine Bar and Restaurant Col Druscié 1778 both offer a cozy spot to unwind with a selection of fine wines and small plates, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Cortina.
Nearby Accommodation: Hotel Des Alpes | Rated 8.8 (CHECK PRICES)
8. Funivia Sass Pordoi
Location: Canazei, Trento
Website: Sass Pordoi
Ticket Price: Less than €30 per adult round-trip.
Highlights: 360° panorama from a terrace overlooking the Marmolada mountain group and a close-up view of Piz Boè.
Dining Recommendation: Restaurant Rifugio Maria, located at 2950 meters on the Terrazza delle Dolomiti, offers a true taste of the Dolomites. Enjoy local, flavorful dishes paired with a stunning panoramic view, making every meal a memorable experience.
Nearby Accommodation: Hotel Alpino Al Cavalletto | Rated 9.0 (CHECK PRICES)
9. Catinaccio – Ciampedie Funivie
Location: Vigo di Fassa, Trento
Email: info@catinacciodolomiti.it
Ticket Price: Less than €30 per adult round-trip.
Highlights: Kinderpark – a fun-filled park for families with kids including activities like slides, swings, and an inflatable castle, while parents relax with a drink in hand.
Dining Recommendation: At Rifugio Bellavista, enjoy hearty goulash and warming drinks while taking in stunning panoramic views of the Dolomites, making it the perfect spot to rest and refuel.
Nearby Accommodation: Garnì Villa Elsa | Rated 9.5 (CHECK PRICES)
10. Cable Car Lagazuoi
Location: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto
Website: Lagazuoi Dolomiti
Ticket Price: Less than €20 per adult round-trip.
Highlights: An open-air WWI museum and the highest sauna experience in the Dolomites.
Dining Recommendation: Enjoy traditional Ladin cuisine with Venetian and South Tyrolean influences at Rifugio Lagazuoi, all while relaxing in a peaceful setting with stunning views of the Dolomites.
Nearby Accommodation: Rifugio Ospitale | Rated 9.2 (CHECK PRICES)
11. Col dei Rossi
Location: Canazei, Trento
Website: Lift Val di Fassa
Ticket Price: From Canazei to Col dei Rossi, the cost is less than €30 per adult round-trip (with discounts for children).
Highlights: The Statue Gräfin von Doleda and a panoramic observation desk of Viewpoint of Canazei.
Dining Recommendation: Indulge in cozy chalet vibes with hearty dishes like tasty minestrone and delicious Kaiserschmarren at Chalet Belvedere, all served alongside stunning views and warm, attentive service.
Nearby Accommodation: Piccola Cesa B&B | Rated 9.5 (CHECK PRICES)
12. Funivie Ciampinoi
Location: Selva di Val Gardena, South Tyrol
Website: Ciampinoi
Ticket Price: Less than €30 per adult round-trip (with discounts for children).
Dining Recommendation: Rifugio Emilio Comici is a must-visit for non-skiers taking their time. It offers a unique alpine experience with luxurious touches, from celebratory aperitifs at 2,154 meters to exquisite dining in a charming blend of retro chic and contemporary style, all while soaking in breathtaking mountain views.
Nearby Accommodation: Piccolo Hotel | Rated 9.0 (CHECK PRICES)
13. Col Margherita Lift
Location: Passo San Pellegrino, Trento.
Website: Ski Area San Pellegrino
Ticket Price: Email info@skiareasanpellegrino.it for information on ticket prices without skiing.
Dining Recommendation: Stop at InAlto for a Michelin-worthy dining experience. A place where every dish showcases the essence of the region, paired with stunning mountain views and impeccable hospitality that make every moment unforgettable.
Nearby Accommodation: Casa di Franz | Rated 8.8 (CHECK PRICES)
Map of Winter-Open Cable Cars
FAQs Cable Car Rides in the Dolomites During Winter
Q: Are these cable cars suitable for children and elderly visitors?
A: Absolutely! These cable cars are designed to accommodate visitors of all ages, providing a safe and comfortable ascent to the peaks.
Q: Do I need to book tickets in advance?
A: While it’s possible to purchase tickets on-site, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability. Otherwise, you may have to wait in a particularly long queue just for tickets.
Q: Are the restaurants at the summit open year-round?
A: Most summit restaurants operate during the cable car’s operational seasons. However, it’s best to check their specific opening times on the official websites before planning your visit.
Q: What should I wear for these trips?
A: Dress warmly in layers, as temperatures at higher altitudes can be significantly cooler. Don’t forget sturdy footwear, as paths can be slippery. The restaurants are of course, heated indoors and very comfortable even in low temperatures.
Q: Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the cable cars?
A: Many cable cars are equipped to handle strollers and wheelchairs, but it’s recommended to verify accessibility details on the official websites beforehand.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the cable cars?
A: Most cable cars are pet-friendly and allow dogs on board. Just be prepared to pay a small fee of around €5 per pet, in addition to a human ticket(s).
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a cable car journey in the Dolomites during winter offers non-skiers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the magic of the mountains. From savoring culinary delights at lofty altitudes to capturing wall art-worthy panoramas, these excursions promise memories that will last a lifetime.
So, wrap up warm, charge your camera, and get ready to elevate your winter adventure (literally).
Note: Information is based on available data as of February 2025. For the most current details, please refer to the official websites linked above.
Related Travel Posts:
- A Winter Itinerary for the Dolomites
- Best Road Trips in the Dolomites
- Visiting Hallstatt in the Winter Season
- Plan a Visit to St. Moritz in Winter
- Winter Wonderland Village of the Apennines Mountains
Travel Resources for the Dolomites
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA and VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner and Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars and Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline and Omio
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com
📞 ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
