Hi, I will be in northern Italy for about 2 weeks in May visiting from the US. I was hoping to explore a little in the Alps and Dolomites. Are there any good 1-3 day hikes you can suggest for a person while I am there? I can not dedicate my entire 2 weeks to the area, but would like to see as much as I can and possibly do some challenging hikes while I am there.

Any suggestions from those knowledgeable in the region would be appreciated. Thank you.

Right, as Borut said May in the Alps is very snowy, people are still doing a lot of ski tours, and huts are closed (unless you ski or snowshoe!). But on "the edges" of the ranges you may find walking tours that you like. The Garda Lake in Italy, a bit southwest of Trento is very nice at this time, and you can do hikes up on ridges that should be snowfree. I'm not sure about the huts down there, but you could certainly do a lot of day hikes and even "via ferratas" if you like that sort of excitement.

Yep, have fun!

I'd suggest the Dolomites actually. You won't be able to get to the tops without snow but between the many mountain groups there are lots of plateaus and valleys and the area is worth seeing.

Two years ago I spent a week in the Sarntal Alps in early June. While there was still snow it wasn't much and most of the group's mountains are rather easy. The range is shaped like a horseshoe and there is a trail "Sarner Hufeisentour" which follows the whole ridgeline for something like 60 - 80km (40 - 55 miles). Since the range is not that high and large parts are aggriculturally used you probably will find acccommodation without having to stay at the huts. Plus it's the best place to view Dolomites, Zillertal Alps, Stubai Alps, Ötztal Alps and the Ortler Group.

SP page:
http://www.summitpost.org/sarntal-alps- ... ini/186157

Typical Panorama:
http://www.summitpost.org/360-summit-pa ... una/636758

Be advised that currently even here around Lugano there's snow down as low as 1500m. Pack accordingly, especially if you're aiming for Dolomites or Monte Rosa.