Hi, I'm Kurt Wallant
I grew up on a farmstead between Ortisei and Castelrotto, in a large family where the mountains were part of everyday life. At six years old I was already hiking with my father and at eight I knew the trail names better than most adults. Since then I have never stopped walking.
A deep connoisseur of the Dolomites for over 15 years, I have turned my visceral love for high altitude into a reference point for over 10,000 travellers. I am the founder of Dolomites and Secret Places, the community born to share those remote and precious corners that escape mass tourism.
My golden rule is one: the true essence of the Dolomites reveals itself only to those with the patience to walk. I spend most of my life exploring the territory — I have covered over 2,000 km of trails and personally tested more than 80 hotels.
But the high-altitude experience cannot be complete without the right reward for the palate. I know the flavour map of these mountains inside out: I can tell you where to find the hut with the best canederli or the restaurant that reinterprets tradition with mastery.
What you can do and what not
Knowing the opportunities and limits is the first step to a safe and fun family holiday.
What you can do with your family
- Easy hikes and themed walks — The valley offers dozens of child-friendly paths: forest trails, themed itineraries, routes with wooden play structures and picnic areas.
- Comfortable and safe cable cars — Modern gondolas and chairlifts take you to plateaus and panoramas effortlessly. Perfect for families with trekking pushchairs.
- High-altitude playgrounds — Monte Pana, Alpe di Siusi, Resciesa and Col Raiser host natural play areas, slides, swings and adventure trails.
- Family‑friendly huts and alpine dairies — Many mountain huts offer children’s menus, safe terraces and small play spaces.
- Educational and cultural activities — Museums, nature trails, educational farms and creative workshops.
What's not recommended with children
- Tackling exposed trails or via ferratas — These are not suitable for children, even when accompanied.
- Underestimating the weather — In the mountains it changes rapidly: storms, wind and temperature drops can create risky situations.
- Walking during the hottest hours — The sun at altitude is strong: better to start early or choose shaded paths.
- Pushing children too hard — The mountains should be a pleasure, not an endurance test.
- Letting children approach livestock — Cows and horses can react unpredictably.
"In the mountains children don't need great achievements: they need time. Time to look, touch, stop, ask questions. Choose simple trails, leave room for curiosity and don't rush. The mountains, seen through children's eyes, are bigger and more beautiful."
For a family holiday
Small precautions that make a difference when travelling with children in the Dolomites.
Always bring water, sun hat and sunscreen
Use hiking shoes for children too
Keep a full change of clothes in the backpack
Prefer trails with shade and rest stops
Always check lift schedules
Avoid overly crowded trails if children are small
Teach children the basic rules of the mountains
10 family‑friendly hikes
Safe, accessible, panoramic routes rich in points of interest, without exposed sections or technical difficulties.
1. Val d'Anna Trail
Flat and safe trail with opportunities to play near the water. Playground and picnic areas available.
⚠ Very busy in high season.
2. Monte Pana → City of Stones
Children love climbing on the boulders. Wide, flat trail with spectacular views of the Sassolungo.
⚠ Avoid the hottest hours, area very exposed to the sun.
3. Col Raiser → Firenze Hut (first section)
Reach altitude effortlessly thanks to the cable car. Incredible views of the Odle. Safe and well-marked terrain.
⚠ Avoid the final section if children are small (it gets steeper).
4. Compaccio → Panorama
Wide, regular trail with options for mountain hut stops. Ideal for photos and playing in the meadows.
⚠ Very exposed to the sun.
5. Resciesa – Panoramic loop
Circular trail without hazards with constant panorama. Chance of spotting wildlife.
⚠ Strong wind on bad weather days.
6. Railway Trail
Ideal for small children. Compact and safe surface. Option to return by bus.
⚠ Some sections can be crowded.
7. Vallunga
Space to run and play. Quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Linear and intuitive trail.
⚠ Wildlife present (deer): keep children close.
8. San Giacomo Forest
Ideal on hot days. Short but evocative trail. Play areas and benches available.
⚠ Some sections can be slippery after rain.
9. Legend Trail
Children follow the story step by step. Educational and fun trail. Constant shade.
⚠ Check seasonal opening.
10. Sanon Alpine Hut
Farm animals and well-maintained play area. Short and panoramic trail.
⚠ Very busy at lunchtime.
Family‑friendly properties
Neutral, non-promotional information. No commissions, no bookings. Just transparent advice to choose the right property for your family.
Cavallino Bianco Family Spa Grand Hotel
One of Europe's best-known family hotels, completely dedicated to families with children of all ages.
👨👩👧👦 Huge kids' club, children's pool, family rooms, professional entertainment.
High price; very popular (book well in advance).
Hotel Alpenheim
Welcoming hotel with wellness area and spacious rooms.
👨👩👧👦 Quiet location, indoor pool, family rooms.
No outdoor play area.
Hotel Luna Mondschein
Elegant property with large garden and indoor pool.
👨👩👧👦 Family rooms, garden, close to the centre.
Atmosphere more quiet than "playful".
Hotel Stetteneck
Historic hotel in the town centre, ideal for families who want to get around on foot.
👨👩👧👦 Spacious rooms, strategic location, children's services.
No outdoor play area.
Residence Villa Stella
Modern and spacious apartments, perfect for families who prefer independence.
👨👩👧👦 Private kitchen, central location, parking.
No hotel services.
Family Hotel Posta
Hotel designed for families, with entertainment, pool and play areas.
👨👩👧👦 Kids' club, indoor pool, family rooms.
Very popular in high season.
Hotel Touring
Central hotel with family rooms and children's services.
👨👩👧👦 Convenient location, spacious rooms, child-friendly cuisine.
Limited outdoor spaces.
Hotel Interski
Quiet property with pool and wellness area.
👨👩👧👦 Indoor pool, family rooms, close to trails.
No outdoor play area.
Family Hotel Biancaneve
Hotel dedicated to families, with pool, kids' club and daily activities.
👨👩👧👦 Entertainment, pool, family rooms, quiet location.
Very child-oriented property (less suitable for those seeking quiet).
Hotel Oswald
Historic hotel with spacious rooms and family services.
👨👩👧👦 Central location, spacious rooms.
No dedicated play areas.
Hotel Sun Valley
Modern property with pool and family rooms.
👨👩👧👦 Indoor pool, central location.
Not a "pure" family hotel.
Sporthotel Sonne
Panoramic hotel with ample outdoor spaces and family services.
👨👩👧👦 Unique location, play area, family rooms.
Regulated access to the plateau.
Hotel Icaro
Modern property with pool and spectacular views.
👨👩👧👦 Pool, play area, family rooms.
Prices above average.
Hotel Steger‑Dellai
Historic hotel in nature, perfect for active families.
👨👩👧👦 Immediate trails, spacious rooms.
Far from town centres.
ABINEA Dolomiti Romantic Spa Hotel
Modern hotel with indoor and outdoor pool, also suitable for families.
👨👩👧👦 Pool, family rooms, convenient location.
Atmosphere more "wellness" than family.
Hotel Alpenroyal
Traditional property with spacious rooms.
👨👩👧👦 Tranquillity, spacious rooms.
No specific children's services.
Hotel Andechserhof
Panoramic hotel with pool and family rooms.
👨👩👧👦 Tranquillity, pool, spacious rooms.
Distance from Val Gardena villages.
Hotel Hubertus‑stube
Small family hotel, simple and welcoming.
👨👩👧👦 Quiet atmosphere, family rooms.
Basic services.
Garni Mirabell
Family B&B in a panoramic position.
👨👩👧👦 Quiet atmosphere, family rooms.
Basic services.
Hotel Niblea
Modern property with pool and family rooms.
👨👩👧👦 Spectacular views, pool, tranquillity.
Steep road.
Hotel Albion
Large property with park, pool and family services.
👨👩👧👦 Indoor/outdoor pool, play area, family rooms.
Surcharges for some services.
Q&A with Kurt Wallant
The 15 most frequently asked questions by families in Val Gardena.
1. What are the safest trails for small children?
Kurt Wallant: "The three safest trails for small children are Val d'Anna in Ortisei, the Railway Trail between Ortisei and Santa Cristina, and Monte Pana. They are wide, shaded, with no exposed sections and frequent rest stops. Perfect for families who want to walk worry-free."
2. Can I bring a trekking pushchair on the trails?
Kurt Wallant: "Yes, but only on suitable paths. Alpe di Siusi, the Railway Trail and some sections of Monte Pana are perfect for trekking pushchairs. Avoid steep or root-covered trails: the mountains don't forgive improvisation."
3. Are Val Gardena mountain huts suitable for children?
Kurt Wallant: "Many are. Huts like Rifugio Firenze, Rifugio Resciesa, Malga Sanon and Rifugio Odles are used to families. Always ask if they have high chairs, children's menus and safe outdoor areas. In high season, better to book."
4. How far can a child walk in the mountains?
Kurt Wallant: "It depends on age and habit. A 4–6 year old can handle 3–5 km, a 7–10 year old up to 6–8 km. But remember: in the mountains, smiles rule, not the clock. If they get tired, just turn back — no drama."
5. What should I pack for a day out with children?
Kurt Wallant: "Water, sun hat, sunscreen, a full change of clothes, energy snacks, a fleece, windbreaker, wet wipes and a small blanket for sitting in the meadows. And don't forget a map or photo of the route: the mountains deserve respect."
6. How to handle the heat at altitude?
Kurt Wallant: "Leave early, seek shaded trails like Val d'Anna or the San Giacomo Forest, and take frequent breaks. The Dolomite sun is strong, especially above 1,500 metres. Don't trust the cool breeze: sunburn arrives anyway."
7. Is it safe to approach cows in pastures?
Kurt Wallant: "No. Cows look calm, but they become protective when they have calves. Watch from a distance, never walk through the herd, and don't let children run near them. The Dolomites are real nature, not a theme park."
8. What should I do if a sudden storm arrives?
Kurt Wallant: "Head downhill immediately and back into the woods or towards the village. Ridges and plateaus like Alpe di Siusi or Seceda become dangerous. Children scare easily and the mountain changes in minutes."
9. Are there playgrounds at altitude?
Kurt Wallant: "Yes, and they are beautiful. The best are: Monte Pana Playground, Col Raiser – panoramic play area, Alpe di Siusi – Compatsch, Ortisei – Val d'Anna. Perfect for alternating walks and playtime."
10. When is the best time for a family holiday?
Kurt Wallant: "June and September are the ideal months: perfect weather, fewer crowds and more balanced prices. July and August are fine, but choose shaded trails and leave early."
11. Can children use the cable cars?
Kurt Wallant: "Yes, Val Gardena's lifts are modern and safe. But keep children close: cabins can sway and doors close automatically. Explain what happens before getting on."
12. Where can I find toilets along the trails?
Kurt Wallant: "At mountain huts and the upper stations of the lifts. Plan your stops: not all trails have facilities, especially the wilder ones like Vallunga."
13. What to do in case of rain or bad weather?
Kurt Wallant: "The valley is well equipped: Museum Gherdëina in Ortisei, Mar Dolomit Swimming Pool, libraries and creative workshops, short village walks. The mountains are not just sun and trails: culture is part of the experience too."
14. Is it necessary to book mountain huts?
Kurt Wallant: "In high season, yes, especially at lunch. The most popular huts like Firenze, Daniel, Sanon and Resciesa fill up quickly. A phone call avoids unnecessary waits."
15. What's the most common mistake parents make in the mountains?
Kurt Wallant: "Thinking that children have our endurance or our motivation. The mountains should be experienced at their pace: more play, more breaks, more curiosity. If they're happy, the holiday becomes unforgettable."
Impressum
Site Owner
FamilyFriendly.it — The independent guide for family holidays in the Dolomites
Santa Cristina Val Gardena (BZ) — Italy
Content Manager
Kurt Wallant — Local territory expert, father and connoisseur of family-friendly activities in Val Gardena. Promoter of responsible tourism and child-friendly mountain experiences.
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