Spectacular colors, crystal-clear air, hikes through UNESCO landscapes, and South Tyrolean culture and cuisine: the ideal season to experience the mountains at a slower pace.
Autumn gifts the Plan de Corones Dolomite region with precious time, allowing the mountains to be discovered at a leisurely pace. It is the ideal season to recharge before winter sets in, immersing oneself in soft light, vibrant foliage, and the pleasure of rediscovering a slower rhythm. September, October, and early November are perfect for planning long weekends, romantic getaways, culinary journeys, wellness experiences, and peaceful stays far from the stress of the city.
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A mosaic of possibilities designed for couples, families with children, and groups of friends, where everyone can find their own pace and enjoy unforgettable days. Visitors arriving at Plan de Corones in autumn find a mountain that is quieter and less crowded, yet no less vibrant: numerous mountain huts, restaurants, and lifts extend their operating season into the autumn months, ready to welcome guests. The cooler weather invites pleasant hikes suitable for all skill levels—balancing active pursuits with moments of relaxation—while nature puts on a spectacular display of autumn foliage and local villages offer a chance to discover the area’s history and traditions.
Brunico and the villages of Plan de Corones: discovering the most authentic South Tyrol
Morning light on a golden forest, the silhouette of the Dolomites in the distance, a stop at an alpine hut or a dinner featuring traditional Ladin cuisine, a hike through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, a visit to a museum: it is in this serenity that the Plan de Corones Dolomite region reveals its ability to blend nature and culture, freedom and hospitality.
In the heart of South Tyrol, between the Puster Valley and the Anterselva Valley, the various towns reflect the region’s unique identity and traditions. Brunico—the main town of the Puster Valley, featuring a historic center with arcades, shops, cafés, and a castle—is the perfect place to combine a leisurely stroll with a touch of culture.
San Vigilio and San Martino in Badia, on the other hand, are the hubs of the most authentic Ladinia and gateways to the Fanes-Senes-Braies and Puez-Odle nature parks, where the landscape introduces visitors to a world of legends, the Ladin language, craftsmanship, and local traditions.
Valdaora is a destination particularly well-suited to active families, thanks in part to its proximity to Plan de Corones. Chienes, with its strategic location, is nestled in a gentle landscape of forests and nature trails, while the Anterselva Valley enchants visitors with its turquoise-green lake, its tranquility, and access to the alpine scenery of the Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park.
Plan de Corones, the panoramic heart of the region
At 2,275 meters, Plan de Corones remains the region’s natural landmark. Known in winter as one of South Tyrol’s premier skiing mountains, it reveals a different character during the milder months: quieter, more scenic, and contemplative.
From its summit plateau, the view opens up 360 degrees toward the surrounding Dolomites and Alps, offering a prime vantage point over valleys, forests, and peaks that seem even closer on clear days.
Alongside the scenery, culture also plays a central role: located at altitude are the MMM Corones—designed by Zaha Hadid and dedicated to mountaineering—and the LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography. Nearby, Brunico Castle, the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor, and the Provincial Museum of Folk Traditions round out the cultural offerings across the towns and valleys.
To easily reach the panoramic views of Plan de Corones, gondola lifts departing from Brunico, Valdaora, and San Vigilio whisk you up to the heights in just a few minutes. From there, you can explore attractions such as the Via Artis—one of the world’s highest open-air art galleries—which stretches for 7.2 km and has been enhanced this year with five new artworks.
Another option is the Concordia 360° scenic route, a loop trail around the summit of Plan de Corones—also known as the “Panettone”—offering views of the Fanes, Sella, Odle, Sass de Putia, and Ortles massifs.
Food and wine events and the flavors of autumn
The season can also be savored at the table, where culinary tradition becomes an integral part of the travel experience. After a hike through forests, pastures, and peaks, the mountain huts and restaurants of Plan de Corones invite you to discover traditional flavors through dishes prepared with local ingredients—such as *canederli* (bread dumplings), speck, alpine cheeses, aromatic herbs, desserts, and South Tyrolean wines—that tell the story of a culinary heritage deeply rooted in the mountains.
The autumn calendar is further enriched by events celebrating this culinary identity, such as the South Tyrol Speck PGI Festival, scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2026, at the summit of Plan de Corones. Set against a spectacular backdrop, top local producers gather to offer tastings, farm-to-table specialties, and experiences dedicated to South Tyrolean food and wine culture, turning flavor into a memorable experience.
Autumn offers at Plan de Corones
“Golden Summit Weeks” in Brunico and Valdaora
From October 1 to November 8, 2026, guests staying at participating establishments in Brunico and Valdaora can use the Guest Pass Plan de Corones to enjoy one free ascent and descent per day on the included lifts, during their respective operating periods.
The “Golden Summit Weeks” initiative offers the chance to experience the mountains in their autumn splendor, amidst scenic vistas, nature trails, and a rich program of activities. High up in the mountains, visitors can join guided hikes and other organized events, discovering the landscape from fresh perspectives.
Info: www.kronplatz.com
“Autumn Special” in San Vigilio di Marebbe
To fully experience the autumn season, San Vigilio Dolomites presents the “Autumn Special San Vigilio”—running from September 5 to November 1, 2026—a package of experiences designed to enrich guests’ stays with activities focused on discovering the local area, culture, and nature.
From guided excursions to discover Alpine wildlife and museum visits to adrenaline-fueled activities—such as riding Europe’s longest zip line—the initiative allows you to explore the region from diverse perspectives, combining outdoor experiences, culture, and adventure.
The program includes over 15 experiences and special offers with a total value exceeding 250 euros, many of which are free or available at discounted rates for guests staying at participating properties.
Info: www.sanvigilio.com
“Autumn Package” in the Anterselva Valley
The Anterselva Valley—known for its turquoise mountain lake of the same name, surrounded by coniferous forests and the towering peaks of the Rieserferner Group—also celebrates autumn with the “Autumn Package.”
The initiative, dedicated to guests of participating establishments, is scheduled to run from September 11 to October 10, 2026, and offers a rich program of experiences designed to let visitors explore the area in all its facets.
Itineraries focused on Lake Anterselva, guided hikes, visits to farmsteads with tastings of local products, outdoor activities, discounted admission to Plan de Corones museums, and reduced rates for the cable car from Valdaora complement a wide range of other offerings.
A way to showcase the valley’s landscape, cultural, and culinary heritage and discover the Dolomite nature parks in autumn.
Info: www.antholzertal.com
Benefits and discounts for guests in Chienes
Guests staying at establishments belonging to the Chienes Tourist Association can use regional public transport in South Tyrol—including buses and trains—and enjoy numerous services and discounts.
From September 6 to November 8, 2026, they are entitled to one ascent and one descent per day on the Plan de Corones 2000 lifts.
Info: www.kiens.bz/it
Guest Pass Plan de Corones
Sustainability is a tangible choice: various locations in the Plan de Corones Dolomites region have embarked on paths structured according to international GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) standards.
The Plan de Corones Guest Pass allows guests of participating establishments to use regional buses and trains throughout South Tyrol, while services like Südtirol Transfer provide direct links between stations and accommodations; this makes it easier to travel between villages and valleys and to experience the region at a more leisurely pace—appreciating the landscape—without relying solely on a car.
Reaching Brunico by train, continuing on to the region’s various locations, organizing day trips, and returning comfortably to your accommodation thus becomes part of a different way of traveling.
In autumn, when the pace is naturally slower, this possibility reinforces the destination’s character as a place to be experienced with calm and mindfulness.
