Dolomites to the French & Swiss Alps: Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

17th Aug 2025

Plan the ultimate Alps road trip: drive from the Dolomites to the French and Swiss Alps with routes, stops, and must-see mountain towns.

Why Combine the Dolomites with the French & Swiss Alps?

The Dolomites are stunning on their own – but if you have a car and extra days, combining them with the French or Swiss Alps makes for the ultimate European mountain road trip. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can link UNESCO Dolomite peaks with Mont Blanc, Zermatt, or even Chamonix.

This guide offers itinerary ideas for travelers looking to connect Italy, Switzerland, and France in one Alpine adventure.

Itinerary 1: Dolomites to Switzerland (5–7 Days)

Start: Bolzano or Cortina d’Ampezzo
Stop 1: Lake Como (3.5–4 hrs) – combine mountain scenery with Italian lakeside villages
Stop 2: Zermatt/Cervinia (4 hrs from Como) – ski beneath the Matterhorn
- Stay on the Italian side with Cervinia skiing for big verticals and great value
- Or cross into Switzerland’s Zermatt for iconic Alpine charm
Stop 3: Bernese Oberland (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen; 3 hrs from Zermatt) – waterfalls, Jungfrau peaks, iconic Swiss railways

✨ Highlight: Drive the Simplon Pass or Great St. Bernard Pass for iconic Alpine scenery.

See our full Switzerland Alps guide for more resorts and travel tips.

Itinerary 2: Dolomites to France via Switzerland (7–10 Days)

Start: Val Gardena in the Dolomites
Stop 1: St. Moritz & Engadin Valley (3.5 hrs) – luxury ski hub + pristine landscapes
Stop 2: Chamonix, Mont Blanc (5 hrs) – world-famous skiing and the Aiguille du Midi cable car
Stop 3: Megève or Annecy (1–2 hrs from Chamonix) – French alpine village charm or lakeside relaxation

✨ Highlight: The drive between St. Moritz and Chamonix takes you through some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain roads.

Explore more in our Best Ski Resorts Near Geneva.

Itinerary 3: Dolomites to the French Alps Direct (5–7 Days)

Start: Cortina or Alta Badia
Stop 1: Milan (4 hrs) – mix alpine and urban culture
Stop 2: Aosta Valley (2.5 hrs) – ski Courmayeur or relax in alpine spas
Stop 3: Chamonix or the Three Valleys (2–3 hrs) – choose Mont Blanc adventure or France’s largest ski area (France Alps guide)

✨ Highlight: Cross from Italy to France through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, one of the most famous Alpine crossings.

More ideas in our France Alps guide.

Practical Road Trip Tips

Best time: December–April for skiing; May–September for scenic drives & hiking
Car hire: Pick up in Venice or Bolzano (Venice to Dolomites guide) and drop off in Geneva, Zurich, or Milan for flexibility
Tolls & passes: Expect toll roads in Italy and France; in Switzerland, buy the vignette for motorways (~CHF 40/year)
Mountain gear: Winter tires and snow chains are mandatory in Alpine passes

Looking for seasonal travel ideas? Check out Zurich’s Best Ski Destinations in Winter.

Suggested Routes at a Glance

Route	Days	Key Stops
Dolomites → Switzerland	5–7	Lake Como – Cervinia/Zermatt – Bernese Oberland
Dolomites → France (via CH)	7–10	St. Moritz – Chamonix – Megève/Annecy
Dolomites → French Alps	5–7	Milan – Courmayeur – Chamonix/3 Valleys

Final Thoughts

A Dolomites trip doesn’t need to end in Italy. Extend your Alpine adventure into Switzerland or France and experience three cultures, cuisines, and landscapes in one unforgettable journey.