The Dolomites (Italian: Dolomiti) is a mountain range within the system of the Southern Limestone Alps, located in northeastern Italy in the provinces of Bolzano-Bozen - South Tyrol, Trento and Belluno. It extends from the valley of the Adige River in the west to the valley of the Piave River in the east, the northern and southern borders are framed by the valleys of the Pusteria and Brenta rivers. The Dolomites are special in that the deposits of colored stone, forming peaks and steep slopes, turn creamy pink under the rays of the sun.
The array owes its origin coral reefs that formed at the bottom of an ancient shallow sea. Approximately 65 million years ago, they rose from the bottom to the surface along with the mountain system of the Alps.
Initially, the mountains were called Monti Pallidi (Pale Mountains). Today, in the region of the Dolomites, there is a beautiful legend that tells why the mountains have such a peculiar color: in order to amuse the moon princess saddened by homesickness, who married an Alpine prince, the gnomes covered the mountains with a light blanket woven from moonbeams.
The massif got its name - the Dolomites - thanks to the rock characteristic of them, which, in turn, was named after the famous French geologist Deod de Dolomieu. In the 1780s, he was the first to discover a unique type of mineral in the rock, called "dolomite".
The total area of the massif, dotted with 18 peaks, the height of which exceeds 3 thousand meters, is 15.9 thousand km². As a result of erosion, the landscapes of the region were covered with bare cliffs, sharp vertical cliffs, long and narrow valleys. This area is also characterized by karst and glacial landforms. Due to the accumulation of ice and snow on the vast territory occupied by the massif, avalanches, floods and landslides often occur here.
The heart of the Dolomites are the Catinaccio mountains, the Alpe di Siusi plateau and Mount Marmolada (3342 m), crowned by the largest glacier in the region, whose area reaches 3 km². Here, in the central part of the massif, there are snowfields and more than 40 glaciers.
Deciduous and pine forests grow on the lower parts of the slopes, but mountain meadows cover most of them. In the spring, more than 50 species of orchids bloom wildly here. The world of fauna is represented by mountain goats, marmots, chamois, occasionally you can meet a European brown bear. Eagles, gray partridges and crows soar above the Dolomites. The forests of the lower belt are home to woodpeckers, owls and capercaillie. Local meadows are full of huge amount butterflies, and mountain rivers gleam with trout.
Since 2009, the Dolomites, which include several natural parks and the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Treasury.
The Dolomites region is popular place tourism, especially among fans of active winter recreation. On the slopes of the mountains there are many resort villages: Rocca Pietore, Ortisei, Alleghe, Auronzo Cadore, Cortina d'Ampezzo and Falcade, which are connected by a narrow gauge railway.
You can get to the Dolomites by plane or by railway transport. In the ski season, which lasts from December to April, in addition to regular flights, many charter flights open, plying to the cities closest to the massif: Bolzano, Innsbruck, Venice, Verona.
If you travel by rail, then the nearest stations go along the Verona-Brennero-Innsbruck-Munich line. From there, buses run regularly to all the resorts of the Dolomites.
This is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The Dolomites in Italy have long been called the "eighth wonder of the world." They form part of South Tyrol, formerly part of Austria. These lands changed hands more than once, and are now the property of the Italians. If you need to be more precise geographical position- The Dolomites lie in the northeast of Italy, where the provinces of Bolzano-Bozen are located: Trento, Belluno and South Tyrol. They also invade the Veneto region a little.
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The Dolomites are separate mountains and small massifs. Millions of years ago there was a warm sea here. When it retreated, there were fjords and reefs, unusual rock formations. At the end of the 18th century, the Frenchman Dolomier described these mountains, collected samples, and Swiss scientists answered a request that they had not yet explored such soil. Therefore, the mountains were named after Dolomier. The most beautiful Dolomites during sunrise and sunset, when they are painted in different colors - from yellow to purple. Of course, this effect is given by their constituent minerals. However, the extraordinary spectacle gave rise to many legends.
One of the most poetic legends says that the Dolomites were once inhabited by good gnomes. They divorced beautiful garden, and from the numerous roses growing on the slopes - the mountains from a distance seemed either red, then yellow, then pink. No walls protected the magical valley - the territory was limited only by the thinnest thread, like a cobweb. Evil people captured the dwarves and their king Laurino. But the ruler managed to enchant his flower garden. He told him to be invisible day and night. And only at the moment of twilight one can imagine how beautiful the mountains and lowlands were once in these places.
Another legend tells that the mountains, which have such an unusual shape, were once beautiful castles. One of the princes who lived here fell in love with a beauty who descended from the moon. The girl married him, but continued to yearn for her homeland. And then the gnomes, in order to repeat the lunar landscape on Earth, covered everything around with magic threads. Because of this, the Dolomites appear light gray during the day. Even the former name of the mountains Monti Pallidi (Pale Mountains) appeared in connection with this beautiful story. And legends also call the highest peak of Marmolada an “enchanted girl”: allegedly, the stepmother sent an evil spell on her stepdaughter, envying her beauty. And, of course, according to legend, gnomes, fairies and sorcerers, who sometimes appear to people, still live in the caves and grottoes of the Dolomites.
Dolomites in Italy: resorts and attractions
Today, the Dolomites are known as a ski resort that unites a dozen regions. The most famous were: Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Arabba. They are connected by ski slopes and cable cars. This gives tourists the opportunity to short term visit all resorts. In total, there are about four dozen towns and villages here - large and small. Among them there are large ones, where guests will find all sorts of amenities and a sea of entertainment, and very small ones, without a developed infrastructure. The main attractions of the latter are only stunning mountain scenery.
Most of the resorts are designed for guests of all ages, both beginner skiers and families with children can come here. But there are also places that are focused mainly on professionals. They have a system of the most difficult routes that require a high level of training. And this region is rich in sights that are worth seeing.
The unusually beautiful abbey resembles an ancient castle, drowning in the greenery of forests. To visit here, you need to come to the town of Mals in South Tyrol. The abbey was founded at the beginning of the 12th century. Baroque features can be traced in its architecture, and ancient frescoes, preserved in good condition, give it additional historical value. Throughout its long life, the abbey has experienced difficult times more than once. It was robbed, monks died during plague epidemics, fires broke out here. Only in the 16th century, under the German monks, did it begin to grow.
One of the novices wrote the history of the abbey, listed the names of its abbots and the privileges granted to the monastery by kings and popes. In the middle of the 18th century, under the auspices of the abbey, a humanist school was opened, which is still run by monks. You can see the abbey from the inside by ordering a special tour.
The castle is named after its owners - the counts of Tyrol. Moreover, the counts immortalized themselves not only in the name of the castle. Later, this whole region in Italy became known as South Tyrol. This place was inhabited in ancient times. Archaeologists have found historical finds here dating back to antiquity and the early Middle Ages. The first Christians even built their own church in these parts. The castle was built over a long period: from the beginning of the 11th to the end of the 13th century. Each subsequent owner tried to expand and decorate it. In the 15th century, the rulers of Tyrol lived here, then their residence was moved to Innsbruck (Austria).
In the 18th century, the beautiful castle almost ceased to exist. Part of it collapsed into the gorge, and everything that remained was to be dismantled into stones. But, after a while, it was decided to restore the Tyrolean castle, and these works were finally completed in the first years of the 20th century. The decision to restore was the right one: after all, the castle is valuable not only as a building - there are rare frescoes and sculptures here. Today, everyone can see them - the Museum of the History of South Tyrol is open in the castle. Nearby is a nursery where falcons are raised, preparing them for hunting - another fun that came from the darkness of centuries.
In clear weather, the snowy peak of Marmolada can be seen from Venice - the city is only a hundred kilometers away. Marmolada is the highest point of the Dolomites, it exceeds 3300 m. Now it is no longer possible to know whether people climbed it in ancient times, but from officially recorded ascents, the Austrian Paul Grohmann was the first to set foot on the top of Marmolada. It happened in 1864. Then the mountain was called the "Queen of the Alps". It not only impresses with its height, it is the only glacier that has been preserved on it, crowning it like a royal crown.
During World War I, Austrian and Hungarian troops dug tunnels through the glacier to reach the Italian positions undetected. The work was hard and required rest. In tunnels made in ice, rooms were equipped where soldiers could sleep and eat. Now there is nothing left of these tunnels - the glacier is moving. In fact, Marmolada is a mountain range, each of its peaks exceeds 3 thousand meters. During the winter season, it is a real paradise for skiers and snowboarders. You can ride here seven months a year. Equipped with modern lifts and slopes.
An ancient castle dating back to the 14th century is also located in South Tyrol. In the 19th century, it underwent a significant renovation at the behest of its owner, Count von Trauttmansdorff. For many years after the Second World War, the beautiful building was in disrepair, restoration work began in the early years of the 21st century. Today it houses a museum that attracts a large number of visitors.
You can look at the rooms where the Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Sissi) lived, admire the old chapel, the spacious hall decorated in the Rococo style, and also get acquainted with the exhibits that tell about the development of tourism in South Tyrol. The park surrounding the castle has now been turned into a botanical garden, where plants from all continents are collected, and an aviary has been opened.
Unusual peaks resembling teeth in shape. There are three of them, each almost reaching 3,000 m. At the beginning of the 20th century, the "Three Prongs" separated Austria and Italy, today they serve as the border between the Italian provinces. For the first time, mountains were conquered by man in the second half of the 19th century: the same Paul Grohmann climbed Cima Grande, and Michael Innerkofler climbed two other peaks.
Today, anyone who is in good physical shape can do this - there are many hiking trails here, along the way there is an opportunity to relax in shelters and mountain huts. On the slopes of the mountains there are traces of the First World War: the remains of fortifications, commemorative plaques.
Cinque Torri is located in the east of the Dolomites and is a small mountain range consisting of 5 peaks, the highest of which is a little over 2300 m. The place is very attractive for tourists. Firstly, it is realistic to climb each of the mountains. Secondly, you can spend a very special holiday, relaxing in shelters and mountain huts. Beautiful groves, roads from the First World War, the unusual colors of the mountains in the evenings - all this gathers many guests here. And in winter, skiers come here to ski using well-equipped slopes.
Translated into Russian, the name means "Lake of the Holy Cross". Even those who came to Italy to see Venice try to get here. After the noise of the city - I want solitude. Silence, peace and pristine beauty - that's what travelers find here. You can admire centuries-old trees and mountain peaks reflected in the water surface. At the service of tourists there are boats that are rented, and the most daring will be offered to fly on paragliders.
Ski resorts in the Dolomites
Resorts of the Dolomites are in demand at any time of the year. Climbers and climbers come here, lovers of rafting down the rivers and just wandering along the mountain paths. And yet, this place is, first of all, a ski resort. A single ski pass has been established for 12 regions.
This resort is called a "winter dream" for its extreme picturesqueness: the mountain slopes are covered with dense forest. The trails stretch for more than 220 kilometers. Designed for both beginners and professionals.
For beginners there are sports schools. Skating rinks are also open at the resort, you can go ice skating, or work out in indoor sports complexes, go on an excursion. The infrastructure is developed. Guests stay in 3-4 star hotels, many cafes, restaurants, nightclubs.
Hotels in Val di Fassa near ski lifts:
Near the resort is an unusual peak "Sassolungo" ("long stone"). So people come here not only to ski, but also to look at this curiosity. Val Gardena is one of the best resorts in Italy. The small town is provided with everything you need. There are excellent hotels, developed infrastructure, excellent ski slopes. From any hotel the road to the ski lift takes a few minutes.
The local population speaks their own dialect, which is a mixture of Italian and German and is very welcoming to tourists. All the necessary equipment can be rented here, and if necessary, you can use the services of an instructor who will teach you how to ski. In Val Gardena, competitions have been held more than once skiing international level. Alpinists also come here to conquer the local peaks.
Hotels in Val Gardena near ski lifts:
The Russians are just discovering this picturesque resort for themselves, while the residents European countries has long been valued. There are all conditions for having a good time. There are many comfortable hotels, and easy trails are perfect for families with children and those who are just starting to master the basics of skiing. Special buses deliver tourists from hotels and boarding houses to the ski lifts. The resort also offers a varied excursion program.
The name means "three valleys". The resort combines the small towns of Moena and Passo San Pellegrino. More and more not only skiers, but also nature lovers come to Moena every year - the local landscapes are unusually good. During the hours of sunset, the mountains are painted in fabulous pink light. You need to go to the ski lifts by bus for about 10 minutes - they are located outside the city. At the service of tourists there are 15 km of trails for beginners, there are also “red” and “black” trails, the latter for experts. There are 8 lifts. Those who wish can go snowboarding, playgrounds are open.
Passo San Pellegrino is also popular with tourists, and the hotels here are located near the slopes. It is in this town that you can fully appreciate the beauty of the Alps. The local slopes are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers, and the landscapes opening from the slopes of the mountains will not leave anyone indifferent. You can also go ice skating, rush through the virgin lands on a snowmobile, play snowballs. In summer, many visitors also come to this town. Various tourist routes originate from here, mountain hikes are organized, tourists see the sights of the times of the First World War.
Hotels in Passo San Pellegrino near the ski lifts:
Val di Fiemme
This resort is also called the "gateway to the Dolomites", if you go here from Milan or Verona. Many tourists do not want to go further, because Val di Fiemme has a lot of advantages.
There are beautiful, well-lit trails, modern ski lifts, a wide selection of hotels, cafes and shops, reasonable prices, delicious cuisine and friendly attitude of local residents.
The town can become the best choice for families who come to rest with children. There are about 100 km of slopes for skiers, there are toboggan runs and snow parks. Separately, it is worth noting that there is a system of artificial snow, so that the weather will not interfere with outdoor activities. Also, those who love just skiing on the snowy plains come here. The tracks here are so good that major competitions are regularly held in these parts. You can ride both during the day and in the evening, and twice a week - even at night.
Hotels in Val di Fiemme near ski lifts:
This small town is located somewhat apart, in the valley of the Boite River. There are practically no slopes designed for experts, but all other skiers will enjoy skiing. Young people love this place - here you can perfectly hang out, sit in nightclubs, break away at discos. Lovers of exquisite rest will find luxurious hotels here.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can go on excursions to Venice or Verona, visit local museums. In a word, this is a very beautiful and ancient resort, where everyone will be welcome - wealthy guests, young people, and families with children.
Hotels in Cortina d'Ampezzo near the ski lifts:
It occupies a leading position in the list of resorts, as it unites 14 settlements located on different height. All of them serve the skiing area of the same name. The center is the town of Reischach in the lower part, from where the skiers start climbing on the cable cars. Trails run from the top of the mountain in different directions, so if you wish, you can choose a “sunny” road or ride in the shade. In addition, there are two famous "black" slopes that make up the glory of the Dolomites. The ski area of this resort has recently been connected to the resort of Alta Badia.
Hotels in Kronplatz near ski lifts:
Here, perhaps, is the most extreme of all resorts in the region. The steep slopes of the mountains should be preferred by experienced skiers, for beginners it is better to choose another place for training. Nearby is the Marmolada glacier, which is especially valuable for freeriders, as they can ride here throughout the year. But if beginners still come here, then they should start skiing under the supervision of an instructor: there are two schools here. In the village itself there are about 2 dozen small hotels. There is no influx of tourists - a resort for professionals who are ready to ride from dark to dark.
Hotels in Arabba-Marmolada near ski lifts:
This is a whole valley, uniting about 10 resorts. Skiers can note 2 places for themselves: Plose and Gitchberg. There are comfortable hotels and equipment for rent. People have lived in this valley since time immemorial, merchants have stayed here, so guests are always thought of here. Shops, cafes, wine cellars, various entertainments are at their service. And, of course, 85 km of slopes are waiting for skiers.
Ski route Sella Ronda
Almost all skiers who come to the resorts of the Dolomites, at least once, go along the famous route. This route has been given various names. Some call it "carousel", others "round the world". But it really gives you the opportunity to see a lot. After all, a skier who sets out on a journey circles the Sella mountain range. Ascents alternate with descents, but in general, the route is not difficult, and even beginners can ride here. Just be sure to take a camera with you - after all, you will not see such landscapes anywhere else.
It is difficult to give instructions - from where and how best to get to this track. Take a map and see where you are this moment are, and then find the Sella Ronda. It is marked in green and orange flowers. If you are not too confident in your abilities, it is better to start from the “green” path. It goes counterclockwise, the pointers are close to each other. There are about 23 km of ski slopes and 15 lifts. The difficulty is minimal and the panoramic view is very beautiful. The road will take from 3 to 4 hours.
More experienced skiers, as well as snowboarders, prefer the "orange" track. It is a little more difficult to navigate here, the signs are located farther from each other. There are 11 lifts, and the direct length of the route is also about 23 km. On average, the route can be completed in 2.5-3 hours.
Dolomiti Superski – holidays without limits
To ensure maximum comfort for guests, 12 resorts located in the Dolomites have decided to combine their ski areas. It turned out just a huge territory, which includes 1200 km of slopes, which serve 450 ski lifts. To take advantage of all this splendor, you need to buy one ski pass.
When is the best time to go on vacation
People come to the resorts of the Dolomites all year round. There is something to do in both warm and cold seasons. In summer it is rarely hot here, usually the temperature does not rise above + 25 C. You can walk, ride bicycles, go to the mountains, and just wander through the streets of ancient cities. One has only to carry an umbrella or a light raincoat with you - it suddenly rains. In autumn it gets cooler, the thermometer can show + 10C, in November it often snows. This is a good time for those who expect peace and quiet from the trip, as most tourists leave. The mountains, covered with forests, in the first half of autumn, until the leaves have fallen, are very beautiful.
In spring, the air warms up quite late - by May. This is good for skiers. But all tourists are pleased with the abundance of sunny days, and whole glades of flowers that you can admire. In winter, the Dolomites are a real Mecca for skiers. Feeling frosts, up to -20-25 C are rare, more often the temperature is around -5-8 C. The bright sun provides skiers with a wonderful tan. The Dolomites are extraordinary place on the planet. It is worth visiting here and seeing for yourself.
Once upon a time there was a sea. Warm, tropical... Gradually, the continents moved, the sea became shallow, and, in the end, disappeared completely, leaving behind only a wonderful mountain landscape, which today is the Dolomites mountain complex.
But the Dolomites are not only a nature reserve in Italy, included in the World Heritage List, but also a unique complex of ski resorts.
general information
Initially, the complex of mountains had a different name - Monti Pallidi (i.e. Pale Mountains). They got this name because of their milky-gray color. There is even a legend about this: once an Alpine prince lived in these parts, and he married a beautiful moon princess. But she missed her lunar mountains so much that she withered from day to day. Seeing this, the dwarves wove a special blanket of moon threads and covered the mountains with it.
Its own current The name of the mountain was named after the French geologist Deod de Dolomier., who in the 80s of the 18th century discovered a unique mineral here, later called dolomite.
The Dolomites are the largest ski alliance, which includes 12 major ski regions:
- Alta Badia
- Valle Isarco
- Alta Pusteria
- arabs
- Val Gardena
- tre valley
- Val di Fassa
- Kronplatz
- Cortina di Ampezzo
- San Martino di Castrozza
- Val di Fiemme
- Civetta
The largest and most famous resorts (Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Arabba, Sappada) are to the Sella Ronda ring road, around the Sella mountain range (in total, the length of the route is 500 kilometers). These resorts are interconnected by cable cars and ski slopes - from one resort you can easily get on the ski track to another.
The Dolomites is a complex of almost 40 resorts. Some of them are more famous and extensive, others are small ski stations without any infrastructure.
The climate of the resort is sunny and mild. The air temperature in winter is on average between 0 and -5 degrees. January and February are considered the coldest months: the temperature can drop below -20. Humidity in these parts is low, so even at low temperatures, vacationers can feel quite comfortable.
The skiing season directly depends on weather conditions (snow cover thickness, air temperature). The beginning of the season falls on the end of November - December, when the snow cover is already stable, and ends in mid or late April.
Main resorts and photos
The largest ski resorts differ highly developed infrastructure and excellent service.
The hallmark of the valley is Chiampak peak, the descent from it is considered quite difficult, so many experienced athletes consider it their duty to conquer this peak. average price for a ski pass - from 36 euros.
Entertainment and excursions
Any of the resorts included in the Dolomites complex has a developed infrastructure and is ready to offer vacationers maximum comfort and all types of services. Almost at each of the resorts of the Dolomites there are restaurants and discos, entertainment centers and shops.
For those who prefer sightseeing vacation along with sports, you can contact resort tour desk.
In the summer, Trentino hosts the Sounds of the Dolomites music festival, a series of open-air concerts.
You can go for impressions in neighboring cities. In Verona, you can walk along the places of romantic meetings between Romeo and Juliet, in Bruneck you can get acquainted with the monastery of the Ursuline nuns and the old castle, and the brilliant Venice will present a whole cascade. On Lake Garda, it is worth visiting the two largest entertainment centers - Gardaland and Movieland (you will find a description of the sights in another article)
Do you definitely want to go skiing or snowboarding in Italy? Then take a look at and describe the best of them before choosing where to go on vacation in the winter.
Find out about another amazing ski resort in Italy - Cervinia, its features, slopes and prices in a separate publication.
Accommodation
Each of the resorts included in the Dolomites complex has a lot of options for living. Depending on financial capabilities, vacationers can choose their own option - from a room to guest house to luxury apartments.
Approximate cost of living:
- Single room hotel 3-4 * - from 2780 rubles / day.
- Double room hotel 3-4 * - from 4310 rubles / day.
- Family hotel room 3-4 * - from 4990 rubles / day.
- Suite hotel 3-4 * - from 7270 rubles / day.
- Apartments - from 9560 rubles / day.
- Chalets, cottages - from 12830 rubles / day.
Most economical option of all is refugees, mountain huts. Here you can rent rooms for 3-5 people, or you can stay in a room for 20-30 people. This option is suitable for those travelers who only need to spend the night and move on. As a rule, lovers of hiking routes use this option. The cost of such accommodation is from 1480 rubles.
All prices are approximate, based on average cost residence in the region. Before the trip, it is better to familiarize yourself not only with the pricing policy of the selected hotel, but also with the list of additional services that the hotel can provide to its guests. For example, is food included in the price of the tour, does the tour include a transfer to / from the airport, a transfer to the ski lift, and other services.
Services and prices
If the guests of the complex plan to visit several ski resorts during the trip, then it would be wiser and more economical to purchase single ski pass "Dolomites" (Dolomiti super-ski). This ski pass entitles you to use all the lifts in any of the ski resorts.
For many Russians, a summer vacation in Italy is necessarily the sea. Or the sea plus a tour of the cities that I have heard about since childhood. Well, you yourself know what a standard scenario turns out to be: first we will look in Rome, then on the coast of Tuscany, and before departure we will visit Florence.
Of course, for "Italy for the first time" this option is acceptable. It is at least much better than the notoriously terrible idea of going around the country in a week by bus. But, paradoxically, this species rest is not too conducive to relaxation. And here's the thing. Firstly, in summer it is very hot in Venice, Rome, Florence and other treasures of world culture. Not even like that. It's horrendously hot there. I went out into the street and covered myself with a thick layer of sticky sweat, and now go and try to enjoy the architecture. Secondly, in the cities and on the coast there are crowds of tourists. Plus, most Italian beaches are not analogous to Turkey, Cyprus or Greece, where you left the hotel, dived into warm and clear water, and then dozed off on a sunbed.
Of course, in some Forte dei Marmi, and even on the beaches of Pescara in the Abruzzo region, there are sand and sunbeds with umbrellas, but you still have to walk a decent distance to the coveted place for swimming and reclining from the hotel. If you decide to stay, for example, in Amalfi or Portofino, then you will walk up and down: here high steps often lead from the villas to the beaches, which, of course, has a very positive effect on the state of the fifth point of vacationers who love to pamper themselves on vacation pizza, pasta and cheeses, but does not integrate well into our idea of complete and completely selfless relaxation.
You know, in my personal opinion, the mountains are much better at helping to relieve the stress accumulated over the year than the beach. Here, it's true. See for yourself. What do residents of cities suffer from most often?
1. Constant lack of clean air. For this reason, the face of many acquires such an earthy hue that no mesotherapy can correct it. In the mountains, the air is incredibly clean, I think no one will argue with this fact.
2. Lack of movement. All day at the computer crocheted, in the subway and at home - with the eyes on the phone. Even regular visits to the hall are sometimes not able to compensate for our many hours of sitting on a chair and, inevitably, following it, lying on the couch. Yes, to be honest, most of the office heroes of our time do not reach the hall, in principle, and the subscription bought a year in advance shamefully gathers dust on the shelf. In the mountains the main summer entertainment is many hours of hiking. While doing it, you kill with one shot not even two, but three birds with one stone. Firstly, arrange yourself a cardio workout, secondly, pump up your leg muscles, and thirdly, saturate your lungs with oxygen.
3. Sleep disturbance- another scourge of residents of large cities. Believe me, in the mountains you will simply forget about it. A walk for a couple of hours in the mountains replaces the trickiest sleeping pill. A pleasant nuance is that the inhabitants of the Italian mountains get up early and go to bed early (the same restaurants open here for dinner as early as 18.00), so you will have the opportunity to adjust your own daily routine.
An additional pleasant moment is the absence of heat. You need to understand that in July and August in Italy it is very hot. Yes, you say, you found something to complain about, but you will remain in your unshakable confidence exactly until the moment you decide to take a walk at two in the afternoon in the sun itself. The skin begins to literally burn, and the lungs melt from the inhaled hot air. At night, your bed can easily turn into an analogue of a sauna. You wake up and run to take a shower. In the mountains, it is even cool at night, which again accompanies a good sleep, but during the day the temperature stays within a comfortable 25-27 degrees, while in the valley it can rise to +35.
But, the main thing, of course, is peace and relaxation. nervous system. Everything works for this in the mountains: landscapes, air, and optimal exercise stress. So, if I have already tempted you with the idea of spending a summer vacation from the mountains of Italy, then I give out one place that is my favorite place - Silva di Cadore. It is located in the Veneto region, in close proximity to the well-known resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
However, I personally like Cadore more. There are fewer people here and, as a result, more calmly, prices are an order of magnitude lower than in Cortina, but natural beauty and entertainment is the same. The nearest airports to Silva di Cadore are Venice, Venice-Treviso (where Pobeda Airlines flies) and Verona. Next, rent a car and go to the mountains. Important point! There is nothing to do in the mountains without a car.
WHAT YOU MUST DO IN SILVA DI CADORE
1. GO HIKING AROUND LA STUA
Hiking lovers in Silva di Cadore, of course, expanse. In general, you don’t need to plan in advance which trails you want to conquer. Just take a map of the routes to the hotel reception and follow them.
For those who like walks of medium difficulty, I recommend paying attention to the surroundings of the village of La Stua. You will be rewarded with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites regardless of the season, and along the way you can meet flocks of sheep and goats, which are herded by menacing-looking, but extremely friendly black dogs.
The place is also ideal for photography, so lovers of breathtaking shots social networks it makes sense to take things for changing clothes with you to the mountains, because, as you know, nothing decorates a mountain landscape like a girl in a fluttering summer dress, taken from her back. We put the dress in a backpack and go! You can change clothes right in the bosom of nature, fortunately on the trails in the vicinity of La Stua people are many times less common than sheep.
2. CLIMB THE MARMOLADA
One of the important sites in the immediate vicinity of Silva di Cadore is Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites. I inform people interested in geography that this natural object already to the neighboring region of Trento, but the road here by car from Silva di Cadore will take less than an hour.
The peculiarity of Marmolada is that its top is covered with a glacier, so that even in the hottest summer, the sorceress-winter reigns and dominates here. At the foot of the mountain there is a mirror-clear lake, it was formed just because of the regular snowmelt.
You can climb Marmolada with the help of one of the lifts, however, before you go to the top of the mountain, be sure to change into jackets, warm trousers and, of course, trekking boots, because at the top even in summer it is December.
However, this is the case when the contrast pleases: just 10 minutes ago I was in a valley full of blossoms and suddenly found myself in the realm of cold and ice, where crows and yellow-billed birds unknown to me silently cut through the icy air with their black wings.
Hiking is recommended on the top of Marmolada. It is worth noting that the local route is essentially just an alternative to a relaxed walk, nothing complicated. A restaurant is also open here, where only three people work: two young men and a girl. They say they go down to the valley to buy food for the restaurant no more than once a week. When you find out about this, the brain, against its will, begins to invent stories of different genres about three people in a space isolated from the outside world: from a thriller to a classic love triangle.
3. GET TO KNOW THE LADIN CULTURE
Another one distinguishing feature Silva di Cadore - the Ladin culture has been preserved here. This is a small Romansh people, its total number is only 35,000 people, and the Ladins live in 18 villages belonging to the provinces of Bolzano, Trento and Belluno. The Ladins, as in ancient times, are engaged in cattle breeding, agriculture and woodcarving.
The latter, by the way, is hard not to notice - you will meet wooden sculptures depicting eagles, bears and wolves in every second village. Although the Ladins have not lost their language, which is a mixture of Vulgar Latin and Rhaetian, which has been seriously processed by time, they have their own special dialect in each village. Nevertheless, the Institute of the Ladin language is open and operates here, created to preserve and study local dialects.
The traditions of this people are also very distinctive. The house has always been run by women, and the last word in making important decisions invariably remained with them. This fact is not a new trend of feminism, but a centuries-old tradition dictated by historical realities: in the old days, men went to work in the towns in winter, and in summer they grazed cattle in the mountains, so ladies remained the main ones in the villages.
Local folk costumes are also curious: in the male version, it is a red frock coat trimmed with strips of green brocade, a scarlet waistcoat, a wide-brimmed hat or top hat, and leather trousers. Women's attire will remind many of Tyrol's costumes: a black wide skirt, over which a white apron is tied, a white shirt and a red corset with green trim. You can meet Ladins in La Stua, and if you want to learn more about their culture, go to the village of San Martino in Badia - the Museum of Ladins is open here.
4. VISIT THE VILLAGE OF SOTTOGOODA
When you find yourself in the village of Sottoguda, at first you think: well, everything is nice, of course, but nothing special. The same chalets with balconies and woodpile with firewood neatly stacked in them, as if they were figures in a Tetris game. Is that the grass here is cut a little more carefully than in other villages. “Why is Sottogouda often called one of the most beautiful and unusual villages in the Dolomites?”, A curious tourist begins to wonder. And the answer is just around the corner! You look around and notice: some granny is putting firewood into one of the woodpile. Look closely, but no! It's not grandma at all! Just a doll representing her.
Go ahead and wow! Soldier with a lady. You look more closely - no, also two human-sized dolls. Further inspection of the village and does turn into a game "Find new characters." Over there, a couple of dolls are “sawing a log”, but here a grandmother and her grandson are resting on a mound.
All dolls depict ordinary villagers in their daily activities. At the same time, which is typical, we did not meet the inhabitants of Sottoguda made of flesh and blood during a walk around the village. As we were later explained, the entire local population goes to work during the day: the men graze cattle in the mountains, and the women work on farms located in the surrounding area.
5. SEE THE PASSO JAU MOUNTAIN PASS
Do you know that the Dolomites got their name from the name of the French geologist Deod de Dolomier, who was the first to study them? It was he who found out that earlier the entire zone of the mountain system, the length of which was about 170 kilometers, was the seabed, and the main material of the local rock- rather fragile limestone. Then the sea left and stone giants appeared on the surface of the earth. Under the influence of winds and inevitable erosion, they began to slowly collapse and take on extremely unusual shapes.
If you hold a competition for the title of the most beautiful work of nature in the vicinity of Silva di Cadore, then the Passo Giau pass will take the first place. Here, as they say, mother nature created with inspiration.
The peaks of the pass soar into the sky at the most dashing angles, it seems that these are the waves of a stormy ocean, soaring to the highest point, and then suddenly petrified by the will of some evil wizard. And, yes, this is one of the best places you can think of for a photo shoot in the Alps.
WHERE TO STAY?
Also, interesting accommodation options can be found on the website https://booking.dolomiti.org/en/, here information is exclusively about hotels in the Dolomites and many family pensions presented here are not available on booking.com.
AVERAGE BUDGET FOR A TRIP
Accommodation, double room with breakfast - 70 euros per day
Meals in restaurants and wine - 70 euros per day for two
Car rental - 11 euros per day
Parking, lifts, incidentals - 10 euros per day
Total: for a couple for a week, excluding air tickets, accommodation in the Dolomites will cost 1127 euros.
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Julia Malkova- Julia Malkova - founder of the website project. In past Chief Editor Internet project elle.ru and editor-in-chief of the cosmo.ru website. I talk about traveling for my own pleasure and the pleasure of readers. If you are a representative of hotels, tourism office, but we are not familiar, you can contact me by email: [email protected]
I was lucky enough to visit the Dolomites twice - in autumn and summer. Your report about this amazing mountain world heritage UNESCO I will start with the November trip.In the porthole through the darkness and the clouds are visible snow-capped peaks foothills of the Italian Alps. The plane comes in for a landing in Bergamo, the time is eleven o'clock in the evening. Having received our 500 fiats at the airport, we go to the hotel of the Old City.
Waking up before dawn, I hurried to the walls of the "Sitta Alta" to admire the beautiful morning view from them.
Bergamo is a very beautiful and cozy town with beautiful diverse architecture and a unique atmosphere. The old part of the city is at the top of the hill. After having a snack, I climb the highest mountain to look at the Cathedral, the Church of St. Mary Maggiori and the Palace of Reason from there. The misty view turned out to be just right
In November, the nature here is full of rich and bright autumn colors, and the trees beckon to pick their ripe, beautiful and juicy fruits. It is a pity that only my telephoto lens could reach this persimmon.
Before leaving for the Dolomites, we decided to take a walk in the center of the main city. On Sundays, a festive atmosphere reigns here: fairs, festivities and entertainment are everywhere.
We leave along the Venetian highway, then we leave to the north. The road is gradually gaining height, we turn into Riva del Garda.
Inspection of this picturesque place begins from the observation deck. From here you have a magnificent view of the northern part of Lake Garda. It is here that the foothills end and the real Alps begin.
The old town of Riva del Garda is very cozy and well-groomed. No wonder it is considered one of the best holiday destinations in Italy. But now is not the season. On the almost deserted streets you can meet only lonely pensioners and fishermen. All cafes and restaurants are closed. The picturesque embankment is unusually deserted.
It was only necessary to get bread out of the backpack, as all the birds immediately flocked from the area. Sparrows, gulls and pigeons were so hungry that they snatched pieces right out of their hands and fought for every crumb.
But we must move on towards Austria. The beauty of the mountains in autumn is amazing. Clouds hang over the well-groomed green slopes, yellow vineyards add contrast to the already picturesque pictures. The Alps at this time of the year resemble puzzles, the pattern of which on each individual mountain is original.
Almost on every rock, under the very clouds, beautiful medieval castles and houses are built.
Before Bolzano, we left the highway and climbed the serpentine into the mountains to enjoy the beautiful scenery from there, take a walk and breathe in the purest mountain air. Beauty surrounds from all sides, and we are among the clouds.
It's time to go down to Bolzano. After walking around it for a bit and having dinner, we went to sleep at the hotel. The next morning we were to be in Dandelion Valley...
It's dark outside. Thick clouds surrounded the mountain valley of the city of Bolzano. It's a light drizzle outside. The soft and warm bed does not let me out of its arms into the cool and damp autumn mountains. As much as I would not like it, but I have to get up and follow the planned program. After breakfast, we leave for one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites, this is the Dandelion Valley. Having left the main road, we rushed up the seemingly endless mountain serpentine. The dark sky, which until recently hung overhead, now appeared before my eyes. Lights up very slowly. The higher we go, the denser the clouds become.
To be honest, I imagined the morning in Dandelion Valley in a different light (orange sun, curly clouds and other beauty). But now outside the window is the end of November - the time of heavy snowfalls. The weather makes its own adjustments and we have to be content with such a cloudy-foggy morning.
In the Dandelion Valley there is a wonderful village - Santa Magdalena. After some wandering, we find ourselves there. Friendly locals in Tyrolean attire are already wishing us good morning. Some of them are so early hour already chopping firewood, and someone is starting a tractor, the workers have begun to repair the road, a team of woodcutters is ready to leave for the plot. A police car also came across. Why is she in these parts? This is probably the most quiet place on the whole planet - it would be better if they were seconded somewhere to Sicily :)
Santa Magdalena is a very pleasant and quiet place at the foot of magnificent mountain ranges, with beautiful alpine houses, many beautiful flowers on the streets in summer time, households, churches, rivers. We climb to the observation platform to admire the fantastic view of the mountain peaks. Below in the frame you can see the wonderful three-thousanders: Sass Rigais and Furchetta, who did not dare to look out from behind the clouds :) Sad, but still beautiful.
I had to turn on the "time machine" and go seven months ahead. I ended up in someone's garden without permission and was impressed by such a sunset light. And you, dear readers, which view do you like more?
Sharp dolomite teeth strive to grab some magnificent cloud, shining with a stunningly beautiful rainbow in the warm evening light. Such beauty is everywhere.
St. John's Chapel stands alone and modestly on a spacious alpine meadow.
Let's finish with this inspection of this picturesque valley, in which I never saw dandelions.
We descend back down to then climb the most beautiful alpine passes.
The mountain range of Sella-Group had to go around twice. Having climbed a little uphill, the road forked, and the sign read: “If you go to the left, you will get to the Passo Gardena pass, if you go to the right, you will get to the Passo Sella pass”
In November, the lot fell on Sella. From 1500 meters the road rose through the clouds to the mark of 2200. Snow was added with each turn of the road. From somewhere in the clouds, illuminated by the sun, creamy sheer cliffs were visible.
One thing was pleasing - the road was cleared, and the ice was only in places. The magnificent view of the winter snow-capped Alps was worth such an extreme. Rising above the clouds, we saw the sun for the first time in 2 days.
Having left this pass and overcoming a couple more similar ones, we finally ended up in the capital of the 1956 Winter Olympics - the city of Cortina d'Ampezzo. This is a panoramic view of the city and the mountain valley.
I return to my "time machine" ... July again. At the fork in Val Gardena, I turn left. It's already dark. I rise to the level of 2100, to the Passo Gardena pass. Despite the middle of summer, it's only +4 outside. I spend the night in a hotel on the pass.
The morning starts, as always, early. Having climbed one of the slopes, a magnificent view of the serpentine rising from the Gardena Valley opened up in front of me.
This beautiful chapel on the pass was built already in this century. It blends in well with the beautiful mountain landscape.
Next to it are such barracks (or maybe huts or barns). If it were not for the mountains in the background, then I would have thought that this is the Russian outback, and not the center of Europe.
Leaving the Passo Gardena pass, I made my way through a winding and narrow gorge to the village of La Valle.
The smell of manure, which is dumped right along the road, immediately made me feel the rustic flavor. But he in no way affected the positive impression of this beautiful place.
Having climbed to the very top, the road ended, I got out of the car to admire great view mountain valley. I was accompanied by a black domestic cat.
La Valle reminded me a lot of Dandelion Valley. Highly beautiful place, where you can stay away from the urban jungle, breathe clean mountain air and admire the fantastic mountain scenery.
I will not linger here, there is still a very rich program ahead. I made a few more stops and continued on my way. After driving another 15 kilometers, the road brought me to the banks of the Rienza River.
The next place I went to is the pearl of the Dolomites - Lake Lago di Braes. It is located at an altitude of almost 1500 meters above sea level. Everyone who plans a route through the Alpine corners of Italy should definitely visit here.
With difficulty finding a place in three equipped parking lots, I went for a walk along the shore of the emerald lake. People are brought here by buses, so here you don’t feel lost far away in the mountains. The path along the lake resembles the sidewalk of a decent city.
However, this in no way detracts from the beauty of Lago di Braes and does not cause discomfort.
You can walk around the lake in about an hour, covering a distance of about 5 kilometers. It is a pity that the weather was overcast without a single hint of light.
Having made a walk, I went to the car, but the nearby cafe beckoned me with fresh and fragrant pastries, I had to stay here for half an hour to have lunch and then visit another lake located nearby. Meet Lake Dobyacco (Toblach Sea)
In November, we got into a terrible snowfall here, but we looked at the beautiful swans, which from day to day were supposed to fly away towards the warm Adriatic.
Directly there is only 150 kilometers.
My route was built in a different way, but the tripod for the camera, forgotten in La Valle, made adjustments and the next place where I ended up was the Valparola pass and the lake of the same name. There is still snow on the pass even in July.
After admiring Lake Valparola from a height, I decided to get closer to its shore.
As soon as I approached, I noticed some creature that was darting near the shore. It was hard to recognize him from a distance. The “long” lens, reserved for such cases, helped me.
I read on the Internet that if you are very lucky, then in the Dolomites you can meet alpine marmots, it turns out - I was lucky. However, as soon as I tried to get closer to him, he immediately hid behind numerous stones. This photo is from a series of find a groundhog :)
Now I will tell you about another Dolomites lake. From the city of Bolzano there is a direct road to it, which begins with a three-kilometer tunnel. The lake itself is about 25 kilometers away. On the way, I make a stop in Welshnofen to take a closer look at an interesting chapel.
This lake is called Karretsa and it met me very cloudy and sometimes rainy.
hopes for good weather there were almost none, so I had to be content with such obese views
Decided to come back and drink coffee in the parking lot. The miracle happened after some 15 minutes. The clouds suddenly receded and the sun finally illuminated the water surface of the lake.
This shot "Lattemar Mountains in the Reflection of Lake Carreza" won second place in one of the NG photo contests.
Having traveled enough through the Dolomites, I headed towards, probably, the most picturesque mountain range Tre Cime Di Lavaredo to meet the alpine sunset there. Having safely crossed the Tre Croki pass, I ended up near Lake Misurina. Standing on the banks of the Misurina with a cup of tea and hot apple strudel, bought in a store on the nearest street, admire the stunning view of the mountain lake.
Having traveled only a few kilometers up, I ended up on another lake called Antorno.
Cute ponies are slowly walking along the shore and nibbling juicy and, most likely, very tasty alpine grass, but they were still afraid to come close to me.
Carpets of colorful and fragrant alpine flowers and herbs surround almost all the shores of this fabulous lake. The weather is magnificent, in the late afternoon it finally cleared up.
At the risk of missing the last rays of the long-awaited sun, I climb up from Antorno.A barrier blocks my way. Having paid 20 euros, I'll pass. Having wound 15 turns of the serpentine already familiar to me, I ended up somewhere in a rain cloud, and again +4 on the thermometer. Hostel Auronzo, located 100 meters from me, was barely visible. Hello, we have arrived! And where is the sun that shone in my face 10 minutes ago? Where is the sunset and the most important question: where, in fact, is the trident of Tre Cime di Lavaredo itself? Of course, I am not one of those people who lose heart, but I clearly wanted to see something else here. Leaving some things at the shelter, I went straight to the cloud to get my luck, hoping to see at least something ...
After walking half a kilometer, the cloud suddenly ended, and the majestic mountain peaks of Lavaredo hung over me. On the way, I came across such a beautiful chapel, which was built right on the edge of the abyss. The light area around it seemed very symbolic to me.
Stunning mountain landscapes are everywhere, just have time to turn your head and press the camera buttons. Jumping over a small pass, I finally saw Tre Cime from the other side. I saw it exactly as I imagined it. Here is a sunset in the Alps.
However, the miracle did not last long, in this light I managed to take only a few shots, as the sun first disappeared behind the clouds, and then behind the neighboring mountain peaks. But thanks for that too. At the foot there are three small lakes ""no name" with crystal clear glacial water.
Before dark I had to get to Auronzo's orphanage. The route "around Tre Cime" turned out to be about nine kilometers.
The next place I have to visit is the magnificent lake Federa, hidden in the mountains.
After Cortina, D'Ampezzo had to slow down and look for the right path. Fortunately, there was an information stand and signs near it. Leaving the car right on the side of the road, I began the six-kilometer ascent.
At first, the track was relatively gentle and passed near a beautiful mountain gorge.
Having crossed the bridge, I ran into a very steep mountain, which I had to climb. A test worthy of a good workout.
I have already seen a lot of things in the Dolomites, but Federa will be remembered for its unique and unlike landscapes and the atmosphere of Alpine tranquility.
I went down to the car much faster and headed towards the already mentioned Valparola pass. A little before reaching it, I left the car in the parking lot next to the deployed division of NATO troops and began a two-kilometer ascent to Lake Limides.
Along the way, I repeatedly met the fortifications of the First World War. Due to its accessibility, this route is very popular, especially among tourists with children.
Lake Limides is not very big - only 100 meters long.
From all sides it is surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. The springs gushing at the bottom of the lake create the illusion of heterogeneity and multicolored water.
The Cinque Torri mountain is within easy reach from here.
You can climb to its foot either on a lift or by car. Since the lift finishes work quite early, I drove up the mountain by car. A one-kilometer walk to the foot of the Cinque Torri, of course, was not difficult.
There is an open-air museum of the First World War. Everywhere trenches, dugouts.
Dugouts have been reconstructed, soldier dummies and models of weapons of those times are on display.
The highest peak has a height of 2361 meters. About five years ago, this massif was partially destroyed - a huge boulder broke off from the second peak and fell.
Climbers constantly train on the sheer cliffs of the Cinque.
This is the last part of my report.
I planned to stay here until late in the evening, but the changeable wind again dragged numerous clouds from somewhere, it began to rain. Realizing that in this way the Dolomites told me “goodbye!”, I got into the car and set off on a long journey to the Adriatic coast ...