Summer in the Italian Alps: what to do in Silva di Cadore (Dolomites). Dolomites of Italy

The Dolomites are perhaps the most beautiful in the whole mountain system. They were formerly called Monte Pallidi, which means Pale Mountains in Italian. Indeed, the Dolomites are not like the other Alps. Rocky, with bizarre, tower-like peaks, they are made of light stone. His mineral composition- CaMg2 - described in the 18th century by the French geologist Deodat de Dolomew. In honor of him, the mountains began to be called the Dolomites. This rock is of sedimentary origin. Many millions of years ago, a shallow, warm sea splashed here, populated by corals and mollusks. When the earth's surface began to rise, the water left, leaving behind a memory in the form of lagoons, fjords and reefs. As a result, high mountains appeared, more than three thousand meters above sea level, melting the warmth of the prehistoric ocean in their depths.

Dolomite effect

In this region, as in the entire mountain system, there are many But it is not because of this that the Dolomites, photos of which probably everyone has seen, were included in the UNESCO list in 2009 as unique natural object. What is their phenomenon? How does Monte Pallidi differ from the rest of the Alps? This phenomenon is called Enrosadira - this is what the inhabitants of the high-mountain Ladin valleys call it. And the Austrians call it Alpengluhen - Alpine ignition. What does it mean? At dawn and sunset, the sun hanging low above the horizon illuminates the dolomite mineral with its light for several minutes. And it reflects the rays of the sun, visually becoming purple-orange, later changing color to creamy pink. Now imagine this landscape in winter, when the sparkle of alpine snow is added to the riot of colors! Truly, Le Corbusier was right when he called these mountains “the most beautiful natural architecture in the world.”

Legend of the Dolomites

Residents of high mountain valleys explain the effect of alpine ignition in their own way. There is a legend that once in these places there was a beautiful kingdom of gnomes, ruled by King Laurino. Its territory was completely planted with beautiful roses. The state of the gnomes did not have fortress walls, ditches, or anti-tank hedgehogs. Only a thin silk thread marked the cordons of the kingdom. In vain did the dwarves hope for the decency of their neighbors. They were not slow in invading and capturing the beautiful region. The legend is silent about who it was - Austria or Italy. The Dolomites bristled with rugged peaks because Laurino cast a spell on his garden. From now on, roses could not be seen either day or night. But Laurino forgot about dawn and sunset. It is at this time that you can admire the wonderful garden of the disappeared kingdom for a few minutes.

Dolomites Resorts

In such a beautiful area, God himself ordered the construction of places for recreation. Previously, some valleys were part of Austria. They were transferred to the Italian Republic only after the First World War. The Ladian language is still spoken in these lands, and Austrian speech is heard more often than Italian. Accuracy and punctuality also distinguish the valleys from the other lands of Trentino, Val d'Adige and Veneto. Tourists from all over the world come here all year round. Rock climbing, trekking, river rafting, mountaineering - lovers of outdoor activities will not be bored here. But still the most common type local entertainment - the Dolomites are home to interesting know-how. To attract winter tourists, twelve ski regions decided to join forces and established a single ski pass.

Dolomiti Superski - relaxation without limits

The Dolomites cover two regions of Italy - Alto Adige and Trentino, as well as the province of Belluno in Veneto. Now, looking at the map, imagine the scale of this giga-skiing area! Without taking off your skis and with one ticket you can ride 470 and try 1220 kilometers of excellent ski slopes. The ski area includes twelve valleys and resorts: Arabba/Marmolada, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Val di Fiemme, Kronplatz, Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fasa, Alta Pusteria, San Martino di Castrozza, Valle Isarco, Tre Vali and Civetta . Some towns are located in close proximity to each other, others are at a considerable distance. Then there is a bus service between them.

Sella mountain range

On the slopes of this peak, reaching 3152 meters, there are four ski areas. These are Araba, Alta Badia, Val Gardena and Di Fasa. They are connected to each other by a network of lifts and cable cars. You can travel along the slopes without taking off your skis. Therefore, the Sella Ronda route is very popular among winter tourists. Since it is a circle, you can move clockwise or counterclockwise and start your journey from any point. The Dolomites in Sella form a kind of crown, a monolithic group of inaccessible peaks with steep cliffs. The chasms reach 600-800 meters. Moving along a circular route, you can go around all the peaks - Miara, Meisulez, Quima Pissado, Lek, Sass Pordoi and this ridge - Boe (3151). You don't even have to buy guidebooks - the trail is well marked. The length of Rondo is about forty kilometers. The entire journey will take about five hours.

Other resorts in the ski area

The total number of ski spots in Dolomiti Superski is difficult to calculate, since new artificial villages and even towns appear every year. Now there are about forty of them. All of them are good: with well-equipped slopes, fast ski lifts, and excellent tourist infrastructure. But there are also local features. For example, Civetta is located on the slopes of the mountain of the same name, three thousand two hundred and twenty meters high, and the highest skiing point at this resort does not exceed 2100 m. Kronplatz is praised for its ultra-modern lift system. Dolomites in plan ski holiday very diverse. There are resorts with noisy après-ski, and there are quiet villages aimed at families with children (the Italians themselves prefer them). Some of these places have gained fame for sports, they host international competitions, while others are chic, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is called the Queen 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 belonging to Austria. These lands changed hands more than once, and are now the property of the Italians. If you need to more accurately imagine the geographical location, the Dolomites lie in the north-east 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, fjords and reefs, unusual rock formations remained. At the end of the 18th century, the Frenchman Dolomier described these mountains, collected samples, and Swiss scientists responded to a request that they had not yet explored such soil. Therefore, the mountains were named after Dolomieu. The Dolomites are most beautiful during sunrise and sunset, when they turn into different colors - from yellow to purple. Of course, this effect is provided by the minerals that make them up. 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 planted a beautiful garden, and from the numerous roses growing on the slopes, the mountains from afar seemed red, yellow, or pink. No walls enclosed 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 in these places once were.

Another legend says 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 replicate 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. Legends also call the highest peak of Marmolada an “enchanted girl”: supposedly, the stepmother cast an evil spell on her stepdaughter, envying her beauty. And, of course, according to legend, gnomes, fairies and sorcerers still live in the caves and grottoes of the Dolomites, who sometimes appear to people.

Dolomites in Italy: resorts and attractions

Today the Dolomites are known as a ski resort that unites a dozen regions. The most famous are: 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 the 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 kinds of amenities and a lot of entertainment, and very small ones, without developed infrastructure. The main attractions of the latter are only the stunning mountain landscapes.

Most 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 aimed mainly at professionals. They have a system of the most difficult trails that require high level preparation. This region is also rich in sights that are worth visiting.

The unusually beautiful abbey resembles an ancient castle, drowning in the greenery of the 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. Its architecture has Baroque features, and its ancient frescoes, preserved in good condition, give it additional historical value. Throughout its long life, the abbey experienced difficult times more than once. It was robbed, monks died during plague epidemics, and fires occurred here. Only in the 16th century, under the German monks, did it begin to grow.

One of the novices wrote a history of the abbey, listed the names of its abbots and the privileges that the kings and Popes granted to the monastery. In the mid-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 booking a special excursion.

The castle was named after its owners - the Counts of Tyrol. Moreover, the counts immortalized themselves not only in the name of the castle. Later this entire 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 early Middle Ages. The first Christians even built their own church in this area. 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 had to be dismantled into stones. But, after a while, it was decided to restore the Tyrolean castle; this work was finally completed in the first years of the 20th century. The decision to restore it 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 view them - the Museum of the History of South Tyrol is opened in the castle. Nearby there 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, exceeding 3300 m. Now it is no longer possible to know whether people climbed it in ancient times, but of the officially recorded ascents, the first to set foot on the top of Marmolada was the Austrian Paul Grohmann. This happened in 1864. At the same time, the mountain was called the “Queen of the Alps.” It is not only impressive with its height, but it is the only one where the glacier has been preserved, crowning it like a royal crown.

During World War I, Austrian and Hungarian troops dug tunnels into the glacier to reach Italian positions undetected. The work was hard and required rest. In tunnels made in the 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. In the winter season it is a real paradise for skiers and snowboarders. You can ride here seven months a year. Modern lifts and trails are equipped.

An ancient castle dating back to the 14th century is also located in South Tyrol. In the 19th century it underwent significant reconstruction at the behest of its owner, Count von Trauttmansdorff. For many years after the Second World War, the beautiful structure was neglected; restoration work began in the first years of the 21st century. Today there is a museum here that attracts large number visitors.

You can look at the rooms where Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Sissi) lived, admire the ancient chapel, a spacious hall decorated in the Rococo style, and also get acquainted with exhibits telling 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 is open.

Unusual peaks, shaped like teeth. There are three of them, each almost reaching 3000 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. The mountains were first conquered by man in the second half of the 19th century: the same Paul Grohmann climbed Cima Grande, and Michael Innerkofler climbed the other two peaks.

Today anyone can do this if they are in good physical fitness– there are many hiking trails here, along the way there is the opportunity to relax in shelters and mountain huts. On the mountain slopes there are traces of the First World War: remains of fortifications, memorial 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. This place is very attractive for tourists. Firstly, it’s possible to climb each of the mountains. Secondly, you can have a very special holiday by relaxing in shelters and mountain huts. Beautiful groves, roads from the First World War, unusual colors of the mountains in the evenings - all this attracts many guests here. And in winter, skiers come here to ski using the well-equipped slopes.

Translated into Russian, the name means “Lake of the Holy Cross”. Even those who come to Italy to explore Venice try to get here. After the city noise, you want privacy. Silence, peace and pristine beauty - that’s what travelers find here. You can admire the centuries-old trees and mountain peaks reflected in the water surface. Tourists have boats for rent, and the bravest ones will be offered paragliding.

Ski resorts of the Dolomites

The resorts of the Dolomites are in demand at any time of the year. Rock climbers and mountaineers come here, as well as those who like to raft on rivers and simply wander along mountain paths. And yet, this place is, first of all, a ski resort. There is a single ski pass for 12 regions.

This resort is called a “winter dream” for its extreme picturesqueness: the mountain slopes are covered with dense forest. The tracks stretch for more than 220 kilometers. Designed for both beginners and professionals.
There are sports schools for beginners. There are also skating rinks open at the resort, you can go ice skating, work out in indoor sports complexes, or go on excursions. The infrastructure is developed. Guests stay in 3-4 star hotels, many cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Hotels in Val di Fassa near ski lifts:

Near the resort there is an unusual peak “Sassolungo” (“long stone”). So people come here not only to ski, but also to look at this wonder. Val Gardena is one of the best resorts in Italy. The small town is provided with everything necessary. There are excellent hotels, developed infrastructure, and excellent ski slopes. From any hotel the road to the ski lift takes just a few minutes.

The local population speaks their own dialect, which is a mixture of Italian and German languages, 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. Val Gardena has hosted international alpine skiing competitions more than once. Climbers also come here to conquer the local peaks.

Hotels in Val Gardena near ski lifts:

Russians are still just discovering this picturesque resort, while residents European countries it has been appreciated for a long time. There are all conditions here to have a good time. There are many comfortable hotels, and easy trails are perfect for families with children and those who are just starting to learn the basics 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 unites the small towns of Moena and Passo San Pellegrino. Every year more and more not only skiers, but also nature lovers come to Moena - the local landscapes are unusually beautiful. At sunset, the mountains are painted in a fabulous pink light. You need to go to the ski lifts by bus for about 10 minutes - they are located outside the city. Tourists have 15 km of trails for beginners, there are also “red” and “black” trails, the latter for experts. 8 lifts are in operation. Those interested can go snowboarding, and children's playgrounds are open.

Passo San Pellegrino is also popular with tourists, and 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 mountain slopes will not leave anyone indifferent. You can also go ice skating, race through virgin snow on a snowmobile, and play snowballs. In summer, many guests also come to this town. Various tourist routes originate from here, mountain hikes are organized, and tourists visit the sights of the First World War.

Hotels in Passo San Pellegrino near ski lifts:

Val di Fiemme

This resort is also called the “gateway to the Dolomites” if you come here from Milan or Verona. Many tourists do not want to go further, since Val di Fiemme has many advantages.
There are beautiful, well-lit pistes, modern ski lifts, a wide selection of hotels, cafes and shops, reasonable prices, very tasty cuisine and friendly attitude of the locals.

The town can become best choice for families who come to relax with children. Skiers have about 100 km of slopes at their disposal, as well as toboggan runs and snow parks. It’s also worth noting that there is an artificial snowmaking system here, so the weather won’t be a problem active recreation. Also come here are those who simply love skiing on snow-covered plains. 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 isolated, in the valley of the Boite River. There are practically no trails designed for experts, but all other skiers will enjoy the skiing. Young people love this place - it’s a great place to hang out, sit in nightclubs, and have a blast at discos. Lovers of a refined holiday will find fashionable hotels here.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can go on excursions to Venice or Verona and 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 ski lifts:

It occupies a leading place in the list of resorts, as it unites 14 settlements located on different heights. All of them serve the ski area of the same name. The center is the town of Reischach in the lower part, from where skiers begin their climb on cable cars. The tracks run down from the top of the mountain into different sides, 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 Alta Badia resort.

Hotels in Kronplatz near ski lifts:

Here, perhaps, is the most extreme of all the resorts in the region. Experienced skiers should prefer steep mountain slopes; beginners should choose another place for training. The Marmolada glacier is located nearby; this is especially valuable for freeriders, since they can ride here throughout the year. But if beginners still come here, they should start skating 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 - the resort is for professionals who are ready to ride from dark to dark.

Hotels in Arabba-Marmolada near ski lifts:

This is a whole valley that unites about 10 resorts. Skiers can note 2 places for themselves: Plose and Gitchberg. There are comfortable hotels and equipment rentals are available. People have lived in this valley since time immemorial, merchants stayed here, so they always think about guests here. They offer shops, cafes, wine cellars, and various entertainment options. And, of course, 85 km of slopes await skiers.

Sella Ronda ski route

Almost all skiers who come to the resorts of the Dolomites, at least once, pass along the famous route. This route has received various names. Some call it a “carousel”, others a “round the world”. But it really gives you the opportunity to see a lot. After all, a skier who sets off goes around the Sella mountain range in a circle. Ascents alternate with descents, but in general, the route is not difficult, and even beginners can ride here. Just be sure to take your camera with you – because you won’t see such landscapes anywhere else.

It is difficult to give directions from where and how best to get to this route. It’s worth taking a map and seeing where you are at the moment, and then finding Sella Ronda. It is marked with green and orange colors. If you are not too confident in your abilities, it is better to start on the “green” path. It goes counterclockwise, the signs 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 journey will take from 3 to 4 hours.

More experienced skiers, as well as snowboarding fans, prefer the “orange” track. It’s a little more difficult to navigate here; the signs are located further apart. There are 11 lifts in operation, 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 – holiday without limits

To provide maximum comfort for guests, 12 resorts located in the Dolomites have decided to combine their ski areas. The result is simply a huge territory, which includes 1,200 km of trails served by 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 plenty to do here in both the warm and cold seasons. In summer it rarely gets 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. All you have to do is carry an umbrella or a light raincoat with you - it suddenly rains. In autumn it becomes cooler, the thermometer can show + 10C, and snow often falls in November. This good time for those who expect peace and quiet from their trip, since most tourists are leaving. Mountains covered with forest are very beautiful in the first half of autumn, before the leaves fall.

In spring, the air warms up quite late - by May. This benefits skiers. But all tourists are pleased with the abundance sunny days, and whole meadows of flowers that you can admire. In winter, the Dolomites are a real Mecca for skiers. Noticeable frosts, down to -20-25 C, are rare; more often the temperature stays around -5-8 C. Bright sun provides skiers with a wonderful tan. The Dolomites are an extraordinary place on the planet. It's worth visiting here and seeing for yourself.

In summer in Italy you can find not only the gentle sea, but also huge mountain ranges, snow-capped valleys, waterfalls, gentian meadows, gopher families, Tyrolean villages, and mountain lakes. As for delicious pizza and wine, I think no one has any doubts.

Background

My family and I love to go mountain hiking. The Alps attract us with a high degree of organization. There are routes in the mountains, there are maps, the trails are maintained, along the routes you can find shelter in case of bad weather, rest areas and benches are equipped. Sometimes there are even cafes where you can eat a hot meal, warm up in the cold, or cool off in the heat. We look forward to the time when the beautiful mountain ranges of our country will become just as accessible.

An unforgettable trip

On the calendar June 6th, we are entering Italy! Summer, Italy, vacation, hooray! Our car begins to climb the mountain, and summer gradually recedes. Here on the thermometer it’s +17, +15, +13... I’m starting to suspect something is wrong... After all, it’s summer, Italy... Even higher and +9, it’s starting to drizzle. The very beautiful village of Arabba, where we have a hotel for 3 nights. Altitude 1800 meters, temperature +2, rain and snow. But from our balcony, at a glance, there is a Tyrolean village with a pointed bell tower in the center, and in the village shop there is wine, cheese, bread and olives. We have knitted wool slippers from Siberia and warm clothes for mountain hiking. We are ready for adventure!

In the morning we leave early, taking breakfast in our pocket boiled eggs, bread, pizza and whatever else fit. There is hot tea in a thermos. Yesterday's rain has stopped, but the temperature has not improved, my nose is freezing. We walk through green meadows, along the cable cars, which lift skiers in winter and are for maintenance in summer. There are clearings of alpine flowers around. They are low, small, but so alive and beautiful! So simple and real. A gopher poked his head out of a hole in a small hill. He froze, looked and did not move. Studying whether we are dangerous or not? And his kids are not so careful, they crawl out from behind dad’s back and start running around the hill. They probably haven’t yet been told that they need to beware of strangers. Gradually along the route, green meadows are replaced by moss and lichens. We decide to take a break while there are still clearings where we can lay out the dining table. We eat the food we saved from breakfast and yesterday’s dinner, and warm up with hot tea from a thermos. A black bird with a bright yellow beak became interested in our meal. We feed her crumbs. Forward with renewed vigor!

And ahead is a steep climb along bare rocks with loose rocks - small rubble; if you step carelessly, you will slide down. The angle of climb is already such that I sit down on the rock every three minutes and whine that there is no way to take at least one more step upward, and it would be better for me to die right here. My husband waits patiently while I act up. Sometimes not very patient. Here and there there are whole clearings of melted snow. We throw snowballs, play, relax. Ahead, quite close, is the top of the ridge. Our planned route is circular. We are thinking whether to go along this side back to the village, or to cross over and go on the other side. We decided to cross, so that later we wouldn’t be upset that we didn’t see what was there, beyond the ridge. We were very tired, the climb was difficult. But soon a second wind will open. Sooner or later, it opens!

And here we are at the very top! It's like a different time of year here. The snow is waist-deep, and maybe higher, but we fall right through to the waist. He is no longer in the clearings, there is simply nothing else besides him. Another surprise awaits us behind the ridge. Huge black clouds are coming towards us. It becomes almost dark, although it is an hour or two in the afternoon. We rest for five minutes after the steep climb and set off along the inner side of the ridge to look for an exit to the path leading to the village. We walk for half an hour, an hour, two, it’s time to get out. The fact that every three to five minutes one of us goes into waist-deep snow significantly slows down movement. The clouds are getting closer, and evening is just around the corner. But there is still no turn onto our path. Ahead is another climb to some snow-capped peak. As we found out later - 3000 meters. It's getting scary. Have you seen the film about how people die in a snowstorm on Everest? I felt like those climbers. We decide not to go up, turn around and return the way we came. After all, there is still a whole vacation ahead, it’s too early to die. Through the snow along the edge of the ridge, down the loose powder.

Below there is a cafe with tea, green grass and people appear. It becomes calmer. Another couple of hours and we are in our Arabba, a cafe with a fireplace, hot pizza and homemade wine. Saved.

The next day another route, but this time simple, around the Sassolungo mountain range. There is a slight difference in elevation, there are much more people on the trail. Along the route there are green flowering meadows, waterfalls, small clearings of wet snow, and even areas of pine forest. Panoramas of sun-drenched alpine meadows are as far as the eye can see. Everything is green, flowers bloom and birds sing, goats and cows graze. Nature delights with a riot of colors, sounds and aromas. This is relaxation and true unity with nature, without extreme adventures. There are many benches along the route where you can sit and admire the mountains. There is even a cafe with an open terrace and a breathtaking view of the gorge. At the end of the journey, it’s nice to sit at a table on a bench covered with animal skin and drink a glass of cold, sour, sparkling lemonade. We also visited the highest point of the Dolomites, Mount Marmolada, but just by going up there by cable car.

The Alps are the soul. Such is the shade, then the sun, blue gentian and white alpine daisies on the green grass, stretching their flower heads towards the sun, cold crystal waterfalls, a fresh breeze with the aroma of the meadow and giant giants in snow caps, guarding the fragile beauty of these places. Here, when you sit on the grass and look into the distance, your heart is at home.

Travel notes

The name Dolomites, contrary to popular belief, is not given to the mountains because of their color and does not translate as “white”. The mountains are named after the French scientist Deod de Dolomieu, who conducted research on rocks of this type.
The highest point of the massif is Mount Marmolada, 3342 m. The glacier of the same name is also located here. First world war The border between Austria-Hungary and Italy ran along the glacier. Austrian soldiers built an entire “ice city” in the glacier.
Tyrol is a historical region in the eastern part of the Alps, comprising one Austrian region and two Italian ones.
The Italian Alps are in many ways different from the Italy we are used to seeing. This is more Austria or Switzerland. Chalet-style houses, no baroque in cathedrals, cozy fireplaces indoors, mountain coolness outside. Take warm clothes.
Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, but, as it seemed to me, it is mainly pizza, pasta, ravioli and lasagna. Yes, in many cafes these dishes are incredibly tasty and juicy. But how much dough are you willing to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Meat and fish are on the menu, but they are very expensive and not very tasty. On average, a dish of dough costs 10-15 euros, a small piece of fish or meat costs 20-30 euros.

Italy has the most expensive gasoline in all of central Europe. And expensive toll highways. If you are traveling by car, be prepared to fork out some cash. But there is a trick here too - if possible, refuel not on the highway, but in a village or city, it will be cheaper. You can also drive on free roads, but it will take much longer. You have to choose - time or money.
Thanks to their light color, the mountains beautifully reflect the rays of the sun. Take the time to watch the sunset or sunrise and watch the mountains turn into giant pink canvases.
Do you want to eat three times a day? Remember the Italians' lunch and dinner schedule in advance, and build your day based on it. Lunch from 12 to 14, dinner from 19:00. Want to eat at 15:00? A defrosted piece of tasteless pizza or lasagna is at your service, you have to pay 8-12 euros.
When hiking, take clothes for all occasions. Wear a thin T-shirt, a warm jacket with sleeves, it won’t be too hot in the morning, fleece. A light down jacket and a jacket with a membrane against rain and wind should be in your backpack. Thermal pants and light sweatpants for the legs. It will be hot - take it off. Take extra socks, you might slip on a rock and step into a waterfall. For hiking on dry terrain - high-top trekking boots. It’s also comfortable to walk through the meadows in them, although they are a bit heavy. Firstly, the ankle is protected from dislocation, and the foot itself is protected from sharp stones and branches; secondly, the heavier the backpack, the higher the top of the boot should be, the load is distributed more evenly, and the leg gets tired less. And in your backpack you have food for at least a day, tea, water, clothes, photo and video equipment. It's hard. Don't forget something around your neck, and a hat or headband. It’s cold in the snow even in summer, and no one knows what the wind will be like in the mountains.
Find in advance and print on paper a map of the route you will take. Maps are drawn at the entrance to the route, and there are markers on the trail itself. But anything can happen, it’s better to be safe. You can follow electronic maps, but anything can happen with technology; in the mountains, GPS sometimes makes mistakes.
Set timestamps in advance significant points route. What time should you leave, what time should you reach your goal, several intermediate points. What time should you exactly turn back? This way you will understand whether you can still relax and sit with a cup of tea in the clearing, or whether you need to hurry up. This way you won’t be taken by surprise by the suddenly thickening twilight in the middle of a stone ridge, when the people in the nearest village are still 5-6 hours away. By the way, take flashlights.
Pack protein bars or regular chocolate bars in your backpack. They contain a lot of carbohydrates, which means energy. You never know.
Look around, catch the wind, sun and rain. Smell flowers, drink from waterfalls, lie in a flower meadow. Absorb nature into every cell of your body, let it touch every string of your soul.

Once upon a time there was a sea here. 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 list world heritage, but also a unique complex of ski resorts.

General information

Initially, the mountain complex had a different name - Monti Pallidi (i.e. Pale Mountains). They received this name because of their milky-gray color. There is even a legend about this: an Alpine prince once lived in these parts, and he married a beautiful lunar princess. But she missed her lunar mountains so much that she wasted away day after day. Seeing this, the gnomes wove a special blanket from lunar threads and covered the mountains with it.

Its own current The name of the mountain was given by the geologist from France Deod de Dolomier, who in the 80s of the 18th century discovered a unique mineral here, which later received the name dolomite.

The Dolomites are the largest ski alliance, which includes 12 main ski regions:

Alta Badia
Valle Isarco
Alta Pusteria
Arabba
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) include to the Sella Ronda ring road, around the Sella mountain range (the total length of the route is 500 kilometers). These resorts are connected by cable cars and ski slopes - from one resort you can easily get to another by ski track.

The Dolomites are a complex of almost 40 resorts. Some of them are more famous and extensive, others are small ski stations without any infrastructure.

The resort climate is sunny and mild. The average winter temperature ranges from 0 to -5 degrees. January and February are considered the coldest months: temperatures can drop below -20. The humidity in these parts is low, so even with low temperatures Vacationers can feel quite comfortable.

The skiing season directly depends on weather conditions (thickness of snow cover, air temperature). The season begins at 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 are distinguished by highly developed infrastructure and excellent service.

The visiting card of the valley is the Chiampak peak; the descent from it is considered quite difficult, so many experienced athletes consider it their duty to conquer this peak. The average price for a ski pass is 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 every resort in the Dolomites complex There are restaurants and discos, entertainment centers and shops.

For those who prefer excursion holiday Along with sports, you can contact resort tour desk.

In summer, Trentino hosts the Sounds of the Dolomites music festival, a series of open-air concerts.

You can go to neighboring cities for impressions. In Verona you can stroll through the places of romantic meetings of Romeo and Juliet, in Bruneck you can get acquainted with the monastery of Ursuline nuns and an ancient castle, and 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 attractions in another article)

Do you definitely want to go skiing or snowboarding in Italy? Then take a look at and descriptions of the best of them before choosing where to go on vacation in 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 variety of accommodation options. Depending on their financial capabilities, vacationers can choose their option - from a room in a 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 room hotel 3-4* – from 4990 rubles/day.
Luxury hotel room 3-4* – from 7270 rubles/day.
Apartments – from 9560 rubles/day.
Chalets, cottages – from 12,830 rubles/day.

The most economical option of all is refuges, mountain shelters. 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, this option is used by lovers of hiking routes. The cost of such accommodation is from 1480 rubles.

All prices are approximate, based on the average cost of living in the region. Before your trip, it’s better to familiarize yourself not only with pricing policy selected hotel, but also with a list additional services that the hotel can provide to its guests. For example, is food included in the price of the voucher, does the voucher include transfer to/from the airport, transfer to the ski lift, and other services.

Services and prices

If guests of the complex plan to visit several ski resorts during their trip, then it would be wiser and more economical to purchase single ski pass “Dolomiti super-ski”. This ski pass gives you the right to use all lifts at any ski resort.

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries peace. It's about not only about ancient cities, centuries-old history and architecture, but also about nature. There are seaside resorts and ski resorts, so you can come here both in summer and winter. One of favorite places among tourists - fans of skiing - the Dolomites or simply the Dolomites are considered. This amazing place, located in the northeast of the country.

This is a mountain range 120 km long. The place is beautiful, with glaciers, cozy picturesque alpine meadows, pine forests. It is no wonder that this place has become so popular with tourists from Italy and Europe and the rest of the world.

True, the Dolomites are not as advertised as other popular resorts, so not everyone knows about it. This, in principle, is not a drawback, because there are not a lot of people, the contingent of vacationers is very decent. Here you really relax and gain strength.

The climate here is mild. Typically, the air temperature ranges from 0 to -5° C. The coldest months are January and February, when the thermometer can reach -20° C. Since these areas have low humidity, even in cold weather, tourists feel comfortable and do not freeze .

Many hotels, inns, hostels, ski slopes, ski lifts, cafes, restaurants, ski equipment rentals, souvenir shops and much more will make your holiday as comfortable, interesting and unforgettable as possible.

Myself ski season begins around mid-November and continues until mid-April. Although you can come here specifically for vacation at any other time of the year to enjoy the silence, fresh air and the incredible beauty of the local nature.

Le Corbusier once said that this place is the greatest architectural structure that nature has created. This is true. Billions of years ago there was a sea here, but due to the movement of plates, over time mountains formed here, and the water disappeared. Therefore, the landscapes here are amazing.

All photos of the Dolomites in Italy:

List of ski resorts in the Dolomites

There are about 50 resorts here. They differ from each other. There are resorts that have existed for a long time, with their own centuries-old history and tradition. Some resorts are specifically sports resorts, where various competitions and championships are regularly held, and at other times professional athletes train.

These can also be small villages with their own resorts, which are more intended for beginners who are not yet familiar with skiing and are unsure of skiing, snowboarding, etc.

The most popular resorts are:

Val di Fiemme
Alta Badia
Alta Pusteria
San Martino di Castrozza
Valle Isarco
Araba (the most extreme)
Val Gardena (longest pistes)
Civetta (ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts)
Tre Valley (for beginners)
Kronplatz
Cortina di Ampezzo

Trails and lifts

It should be noted that this is the most extensive ski area in the world in terms of the number of slopes and lifts.

The total length of the slopes is 1220 kilometers, and the number of lifts is 470.

There are red and blue trails for beginners with different slopes and lengths. Therefore, everyone will be able to choose an option to their liking and their capabilities, dexterity, and experience. It is better for beginners not to start with difficult trails, because it is dangerous. But short, low slopes will no longer be of interest to professionals. They can choose something cooler for themselves. The main thing is not to forget about safety and common sense.

Cost of a single ski pass

Many tourists prefer to purchase a single Dolomites ski pass, because it is more convenient and more profitable. The cost depends on whether it is purchased for an adult or a child, and the duration of validity.

Hotels

Located in a very convenient location, just 5 minutes from the center of Madonna di Campiglio. It is located on the main street of the resort. The hotel has 3 stars. Each room has a bathroom, some also have balconies with picturesque views of the mountains and forest. The price includes buffet breakfast. The hotel is very cozy, the staff is hospitable.

Hotel Garni St. Hubertus

Also located in Madonna di Campiglio. It has 4 stars, but reviews about it are all 5 stars. Convenient location, single, double and multi-bed rooms, breakfast. The tracks are about 10 minutes on foot. Near the hotel there are a large number of cafes, shops, souvenir shops, etc.

Miramonti hotel Madonna di Campiglio

One of 2 five star hotels located in Cortina. Part of the Majestic hotel chain. It justifies its status with spacious, stylish rooms, with bath, shower, and everything you need. Breakfast is included in the price. The hotel also has its own swimming pool, gym, recreation area, restaurant, and offers many additional services.

Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel

Search for other hotels in the Italian Dolomites:

Sights of the Dolomites

Since this is a ski resort, there aren’t really any architectural attractions here. But here it is very beautiful nature, and those who are not lazy have the opportunity to go and admire frozen waterfalls, engage in eco-tourism and walk along forest trails.

Those who decide to conquer the highest local point - Marmolada (over 3000 m), get the opportunity to see the Dolomites in all their glory.