Snowy activities for winter elopements in the Dolomites

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Snowy activities for winter elopements in the Dolomites

Dolomites Elopements

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A couple kiss under a wooden arch, framed by flowers and snow on a clear winter morning in the Dolomites

There are endless options for winter elopements in the Dolomites, as things here do not slow down once the snow falls! Green hiking trails transform into powdered pistes, and mountain bikes are swapped for skis. The rich winter culture in South Tyrol is a snowy paradise, whether you prefer an active day on the slopes or a more leisurely one with savory foods by a warm fire.

This blog covers a range of winter elopement activities popular in the Dolomites.

Snowboard and ski elopements in the Dolomites

Most people planning a winter elopement in the Dolomites intend on skiing at some point. There are slopes and runs for all skill levels, and gear rentals are everywhere.

Day tickets for lifts cost anywhere from €28 for one lift area, to around €75 for a whole day in the entire Dolomiti Super Ski area.

The elaborate network of slopeside rifugios and apres ski huts make it super easy to pop in and out whenever you’re cold — or just thirsty! You can spend the entire day on the slopes without overplanning, going from place to place on a whim.

Dog sledding or horse drawn carriage rides in the Dolomites

A couple stand next to a team of sled dogs with snow covered Dolomites mountain peaks behind them on their winter elopement day

Winter elopements in the Dolomites don’t have to be on skis. If you’re animal lovers and want something super unique for your day, dog sledding or horse drawn carriage rides are a great alternative.

There are multiple experienced companies in the Dolomites offering these tours. They’re incredibly fun ways to access locations far from crowds to exchange rings.

Snowmobile or helicopter transfers

A couple in wedding clothes stand in front of a helicopter on top of a snow capped mountain in the Dolomites for their elopement day

For those wanting 100% privacy during their mountaintop ceremony, helicopter or snowmobile transfer is the way to go. These transport options are vastly more flexible than the previous ones, and don’t require any physical effort or long exposure to the elements.

Cozy chalets, five star spa resorts and alpine winter weddings

For those prioritizing guest experience, choosing a hotel or chalet that accommodates everyone’s needs is important. There are so many hotels and resorts in the Dolomites perfect for hosting your winter wedding.

Many of them have excellent dining, huge spa and wellness areas, add on day tours and ski and ski out slope access.

Even if you or your group aren’t skiers, there is still so much available to you in the Dolomites.

Dolomites Winter elopement FAQs

When is the best time for winter elopements in the Dolomites?

From mid December to mid March. Each month has it’s pros and cons, which a good local planner or photographer can walk you through.

What do we do if the weather is bad?

Winter in the mountains is unpredictable. Plan for the best, but always have a backup plan for the worst. It’s very important to work with local teams who know how to handle the mountains safely, and are available for emergency plans or backup days.

What if some of our guests don’t ski, or don’t like the cold?

For them, it’s a good idea to plan activities that accommodate their skill levels and comfort. The gondolas make things accessible for those with mobility issues. For those who don’t like the cold, consider an indoor ceremony location and save the outdoor fun for yourselves.

What does a winter elopement in the Dolomites cost?

It’s impossible to say without setting some parameters. Everyone’s needs and budgets are different. Check out this breakdown of Dolomites elopement budgets from previous couples for an idea.

Choosing a photographer for winter elopements:

Photographing outdoors all day in winter elements is a special skill set. Once you add in the factor of needing to do it while on skis, your potential pool of qualified photographers becomes very small. While interviewing photographers for your winter or ski wedding, make sure you see full galleries and an extensive portfolio of outdoor winter shoots. They must be advanced or expert skiers/snowboarders as well in order to keep up with you while juggling gear and composing candid action shots.

Luckily, you’re already in the right place!

I’m Mariah. I am an elopement photographer based along the Italian and Austrian border. I specialize in ski and snowboard elopements all across the Dolomites.

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