If you're looking for the perfect mountain vacation, you can't go wrong with either one. (And, yes, both Italian mountain ranges technically belong to the Alps. But most locals call the range in Italy's northeast corner the Dolomites, while those in the northwest, in the Valle d'Aosta, are the Alps).

The Dolomites (Dolomiti) are located entirely within northeastern Italy, spanning the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol, and Trentino. While they are a part of the broader European Alps—which do extend into Switzerland, France, and Austria—the specific mountain range known as the Dolomites is distinct for its unique carbonate rock (dolomite) and jagged, pale-colored peaks. They were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2009 due to their extraordinary beauty and geological significance. Travelers often confuse their location because the region of South Tyrol (Alto Adige) is culturally and linguistically Austrian/Germanic, and the "Alpine" aesthetic is very similar to what one might find in the Swiss Engadin valley. However, if you are visiting iconic spots like Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or Seceda, you are firmly on Italian soil. In 2026, the Dolomites remain one of Italy’s premier year-round destinations, offering world-class skiing in the winter and some of the world's most dramatic "Via Ferrata" climbing and hiking routes during the summer months.