Italian Alps in winter. Dolomites. See the passo jau mountain pass

This place is one of the most beautiful in Italy. It is often referred to as the "eighth wonder of the world". It should be noted that this object is part of South Tyrol, which previously belonged to Austria. And these lands, which are now the property of the Italians, have changed hands more than once.

We are talking about the Dolomites of Italy, located in the northeastern region of the state. Administratively, they are located on the territory of several provinces: Bolzano-Bozen - South Tyrol, Belluno, Trento, Pordenone and Oudinot. They invade partly in Veneto.

General information

The Dolomites are the main attraction of Italy. This massif is included in the system of the Limestone Alps. This area represents the eastern part of the mountain range. In these amazingly beautiful lands, every tourist can find suitable entertainment for themselves.

There are many villages rich in their sights and historical monuments. These places are great for outdoor enthusiasts. It is here that numerous ski resorts are located.

Origin story

Millions of years ago, in the area of the Dolomites, the waters of the endless tropical sea splashed. In the process of approaching the two continents (Europe and Africa), this sea gradually became shallow until the waters completely dried up. And in the end, only the bottom remained of the huge natural reservoir, which is a depression and depression, fjords and coral reefs. And so did the Dolomites - mountains of fabulous beauty.

They got their name thanks to the mineral dolomite, which is part of the rock in large quantities and named after Deodat de Dolomier, a French geologist who first studied the chemical composition of the mineral.

general description

The mountains of the Dolomites have sharp and impregnable peaks, reaching a height of more than 3 thousand meters above sea level. They are most beautiful during sunset and sunrise, when the peaks and slopes are painted in a variety of shades - from yellow to purple. This effect is created due to the minerals that make up the rock. This mesmerizing sight has given rise to many beautiful legends.

It is especially beautiful here in summer. For tourists on different mountain routes, hiking trips (one-day and multi-day) are organized on foot or by bicycle. Lakes and natural parks are beautiful here. Not only in winter attracts rest in the ski resorts of the Dolomites. In summer it is no less interesting.

legends

One of the most poetic legends is the one that tells that once these mountains were inhabited by good gnomes. They planted a wonderful flower garden here. Because of the numerous roses, the mountains looked very colorful from a distance - they seemed either red, or pink or yellow. There were no walls to enclose this delightful valley. The territory was limited only by the thinnest thread, similar to a cobweb. Once, evil people captured all the gnomes along with King Laurino. However, the ruler managed to perform witchcraft over his flower garden - the garden became invisible day and night. Only at the moment of twilight can one see and imagine what the lowlands and mountains of these places once were. They are delightful.

According to another legend, the Dolomites, which have an unusual shape, were beautiful castles a long time ago. In those days, one of the princes fell in love with a beauty who descended from the moon. This young girl married him, but she was very homesick for her homeland. The dwarves, in order to create a landscape peculiar to the Moon on Earth, covered the territory with magic threads. Thanks to them, the Dolomites in the daytime appear light gray. And the old name of the mountains Monti Pallidi (in translation - the Pale Mountains) arose thanks to this beautiful story.

According to legend, even today good fairies, gnomes and sorcerers live in the grottoes and caves of the Dolomites, sometimes appearing to people.

General information about the resorts

In total, there are about 40 resorts scattered across the vast territory of the Dolomites. There are recreation areas close to each other (for example, Arabba, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa and Val Gardena, which are adjacent to Mount Sella), there are also independent resorts, which can only be traveled by car.

In the skiing world, this region in Italy is called the "Superski Dolomites". From 1974 to 1994, he united 12 ski areas of the Dolomites. In total, in these forty resorts, the length of well-equipped slopes is 1220 kilometers, and there are 470 lifts in them.

All resorts of the Dolomites of Italy have their own characteristics: there are also small stations where only Italians rest, and there are larger ones, where even international competitions are held. Among the latter, Monte Bondone, the oldest ski resort in Europe, is located in the valley called Valle del Adige. It is also notable for the fact that the first lift in Europe was installed here in 1934.

The most popular ski resorts in the Dolomites

Below are the tourist areas with the most trails:

Alpe di Siusi resort in Val Gardena - exciting ski safaris suitable for both beginners (the slopes of the Seiser Alm) and athletes (the more difficult slopes of Santa Cristina and Selva). The entire length of the tracks is 175 km.
The resort of Carezza in the Val di Fassa - slopes of various difficulty with moderate prices. Campitello and Canazei are popular with professionals, while Pozzo and Vigo di Faça are popular with families with children. The length of the trails is 120 km.
The Obereggen resort of the Val di Fiemme is designed for beginner skiers and children. Accommodation prices are moderate, but the distance to the ski lifts is large - you need to go by bus. The length of the slopes is 107 km.
Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the largest and most prestigious resorts for a luxurious holiday. There are quite expensive hotels and restaurants with a high level of service, boutiques and shops, antique and art salons, and a well-developed infrastructure. Trails - 140 km.
Alta Badia - not very difficult, but picturesque trails are attractive for beginners. It is more convenient to get to the resort through Austria (Innsbruck), from which the distance is only 130 km. The length of the tracks is 130 km.
The Tre Valley resort includes villages located in 3 different valleys. The village of Passo San Pelegrino is closest to the ski slopes and ski lifts. Moena offers the possibility of skiing on the slopes of the Val di Fiemme, as well as a variety of leisure activities in the evening. In the village of Falcade, tourists can enjoy a real Italian atmosphere.

Attractions

The resorts of the Dolomites attract tourists here with their interesting sights. You should definitely visit the town of Mallas, where the Marienberg Abbey, founded in 1149, is located. This building, located in the mountains, is the highest in Europe, taking into account the mountain (above sea level at an altitude of 1340 meters).

In the village of Meran you can see the pride of Italy - the beautiful Tyrolean castle (1100). During the excavations, a church of ancient times was also discovered here.

The highest peak of the Dolomites is Mount Marmolada. On the western side, it has a steep cliff, similar to a smooth smooth wall. The mountain is several kilometers long. There are glaciers on its northern side. Marmolada is the only mountain in all the Dolomites where they have been preserved. The first person to reach the summit was Paul Grohmann (Austrian writer) in 1864. It should be noted that many tunnels passed through these mountains during the war years. Inside them were catacombs with military uniforms and ammunition. On the surface of the mountains, in the process of melting glaciers, remains of clothing and ammunition are often found today, which have been preserved from the period of the 1st World War.

Many other historical sights are also interesting, which cannot be counted here.

Finally

The Dolomites of Italy are magnificent. Ski resorts for outdoor enthusiasts are a real expanse. Due to the presence of numerous tracks, stopping in any one place, each tourist can choose any track, using a single system of modern lifts.

For lovers of skiing, the Sela Ronda route will be of particular interest. It passes through a mountainous monolithic group of peaks, which alternate with valleys. Its length is 40 kilometers, and it passes through four sections: Val Gardena, Araba Marmolada, Alta Badia, Val di Fasa.

In conclusion, I would like to note that the shooting of the famous film "Cliffhanger" with the participation of Sylvester Stallone took place in the Dolomites.

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In the most beautiful mountains in the world - the Dolomites - there is an extensive "ski country", which harmoniously combines 12 winter resorts, more than 1200 km of ski slopes and more than 450 ski lifts into a single whole. An ideal day for a holiday in the mountains is the sun-drenched expanses of snow framed by picturesque wooded mountains, modern and comfortable lifts rushing to the tops of the mountains, as well as diverse and well-prepared slopes. All this is famous and proud of the united ski area Dolomiti Superski.

The combined ski area with a shared Dolomiti Superski ski pass includes 12 resorts: Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia, Arabba - Marmolada, Cortina d "Ampezzo, Kronplatz, Alta Pusteria, Val di Fiemme, San Martino di Castrozza, Valle Isarco, Tre Valli and Civetta.The Dolomites are a mountain range in the northeast of Italy, in the regions of Trentino and Veneto.This area is famous for its steep slopes and many picturesque mountain peaks. , whose base is covered with pine forests, and green alpine meadows stretch closer to the peaks covered with ice and snow.The highest peak in the Dolomites is Mount Marmolada (3343 m) south of Arabba, although there are many mountains with peaks rising into the sky more than 2300 meters.

Ski pass

Ski pass - an electronic pass card for lifts. The validity period is from 1 to 28 days.

You can calculate the cost of tickets for yourself or the whole company using the price calculator on the official Doloniti Superski website.

Ski passes for children under 16 (born after November 27, 1994) - with a 30% discount. Children under 8 ride for free. For skiers over 65 years old (born before November 27, 1945) - 10% discount.

You can buy combined ski passes: for example, for 10 ski days out of 14 for the price of 11. You can also buy combined ski passes 3+3, 4+2, 5+1, 5+2, where the first digit is the number of ski days on the resort where the ticket was purchased, and the second - the number of days of skiing in any neighboring resort.

Attention: multi-day passes are only sold at central ski pass sales points. Usually they are located near large lifts.

Apres Ski

At the Dolomiti Superski resorts, in addition to skiing and snowboarding, you can entertain yourself with relaxation in spa centers, restaurants and shops.

There is a free mobile guide for hiking in the Dolomites - Sentieri parlanti ("Talking trails"). The English app is currently only available for iOS devices. Content is available in the form of texts, audio recordings, photos and videos.

Insurance

Before traveling to the mountains, you must purchase insurance that covers extreme sports. Also, ski insurance can be purchased at the box office at the Dolomiti Superski resorts, it is provided by the insurance company Deutschen Skiverband.

Travelers who love the resorts of such a wonderful country as Italy should at least once visit its main attraction - the Dolomites. This massif is part of the Limestone Alps in the eastern part of the mountain range. In this stretch of mountains, every tourist can find entertainment for themselves. On the territory of the Dolomites there are a large number of villages that are rich in various sights and historical monuments. For lovers of outdoor activities, Italy is perfect for the occasion. It is here that there are multiple ski resorts.

Dolomites and their sights

Italy boasts of its great variety of recreation: resorts, SPA salons, shopping, beaches, nightlife. The Dolomites are also no exception. If you have already got here, be sure to visit the town of Mallas - here is the Abbey of Marienberg. From historical sources, you can learn that its foundation dates back to 1149. Due to its location in the mountains, this building is recognized as the "highest" in Europe (1340 meters above sea level). The building is made in the Baroque style. A large number of frescoes have been preserved in the halls of the Abbey. During all these years, the Abbey has been attacked, destroyed and robbed. And in 1418 Marienberg was completely burned. Almost immediately, work began on its restoration.

In the village of Meran, there is a beautiful Tyrolean Castle - the pride of all Italy. The castle is located on the withers of a mountain in the Dolomites. In this area, during the excavations, a church was also discovered from the time of antiquity. The building was built in several stages. It all began in 1100 and came to an end in the second half of the 13th century. For a long time the castle was the residence of the leaders of Tyrol. At the beginning of the 18th century, part of the castle was destroyed due to cliffs, and it was sold. But already in the 19th century, work began on its restoration, and it was decided to preserve the castle as a monument of culture. Inside the building is rich in frescoes, paintings, portals, sculptures and images of mythical heroes.

The highest peak in the Dolomites is Mount Marmolada. On the western side, the mountain forms a steep cliff, resembling a smooth, even wall. Its length is several kilometers. The northern side is covered with glaciers. This is the only year in all the Dolomites, on which glaciers have been preserved. The first person who was able to conquer this peak was the Austrian writer Paul Grohmann (1864). During the war years, multiple tunnels passed through these mountains. Inside were catacombs with ammunition and uniforms. Due to global warming, the glaciers are gradually thawing and the remains of ammunition and clothing of soldiers from the First World War appear on the surface of the mountains.

Other attractions worth mentioning are:

Trauttmansdorff Castle;
Tre Cime di Lavaredo;
Cinque Torri;
Parish Church;
Lake Santa Croce.

Ski resorts in the Dolomites

All the highest quality ski resorts in Italy are collected here. There are 12 ski regions here, and about 40 resorts. So everyone can choose the right one for themselves. The trails here are quite extensive, there is where to roam. The trails of all resorts are conveniently combined into a single system of lifts. Italy is known for its resort in the Dolomites Val di Fasa. Both residents of Italy and visiting tourists strive to get here. This attraction is located in the town of Trentino. Here are the most upscale slopes and convenient transportation in all the Dolomites.
A wide variety of routes allows you not to repeat yourself in the passage of tracks, but to choose for yourself something new and unknown every day. And by purchasing a special subscription, you can visit any slopes of this ski resort and lifts at any time. Val di Faça is perfect for both professionals and beginners. The most famous area for skiing this resort is Tre Valley. For beginners, shorter trails are recommended, with a soft descent. Such a zone is located between Vigo di Fassa, Pera di Fassa and Pozza di Fassa. In one of these villages (Pozza di Fassa) there are mineral springs. So the Alps will help every tourist not only to actively relax, but also to improve their health. These ski resorts have a lot of entertainment:

Tracks for luge;
Open and closed skating rinks;
Sport complexes;
Tracks for children;
Winter kindergartens.

For lovers of nightlife, there is a wide variety of nightclubs, bars and restaurants. This Italian town is home to the famous Andrea Soparetta Gallery, which annually hosts exhibitions presenting handicrafts. All hotels of the resort are presented to choose from - from a cozy budget house to luxurious apartments of a five-star hotel. Not far from the resort, just forty minutes by bus, there are cities such as Milan, Venice, Verona.

Italy and the Dolomites boast a real paradise - the ski resort of Val Gardena. This mountain range is located on the border of Germany, Italy and Austria. This zone has its three centers: Selva, Ortisei and Santa Cristina. Rest in this valley is perfect for spending time with the whole family. Here all the slopes are quite soft and there are many places for entertainment. It is here that Italian schoolchildren go on winter holidays. Many trails are equipped for children of different ages. There are also trails for snowboarders and cross-country skiers. The nature of this area has the greatest beauty. To get here, you should know the features of the location of this area: Milan - 300 km, Bolzano - 40 km, Venice - 250 km, Rome - 700 km.
In this valley there are also trails for real professionals, which can be visited by any confident tourist. It is in this part of Italy that all world championships in skiing are held. For travelers, it will be important information that the instructors here do not speak Russian. Therefore, it is worth pulling up your Italian, German or English. If you decide to go on all the slopes on a common system of lifts, then first study the time of their work. Since you run the risk of miscalculating and going to the hotel by taxi, for the services of which you will have to pay a lot of money.
A picturesque region for skiing in the Dolomites is Alta Badia. This area is famous for its pink mountain peaks. The ski resorts here are as follows: Corvara, Colfosco, San Cassiano, La Val. It is in this valley that the circular route Sella Ronda is located. Corvala is the liveliest resort of all the Dolomites. A large number of restaurants, clubs, bars, cinemas are concentrated here. Local trails are multilevel. By purchasing a ski pass you can visit all four resorts using a common lift system. This service will save you a lot.

Other Dolomitic ski resorts also deserve attention:

Tre Valli - the length of the tracks is 100 km;
Val di Fiemme - the length of the slopes is 107 km;
Cortina d'Ampezzo - 140 km;
Kronplatz;
Arabba-Marmolada;
Valle Isarco.

Italy is a versatile country that you should definitely visit in your life. Italy receives great opportunities and privileges because of the Alps located on its territory. Significant replenishment of the country's budget is determined precisely by the presence of tourism infrastructure. The Dolomites allow you to bring income to the Italian budget all year round.

The Dolomites are a piercingly beautiful mountain range with a length of more than one and a half kilometers. It is part of the Southern Limestone Alps and is located in northeastern Italy. From all sides it is framed by river valleys, creating a breathtaking landscape with its magnificence. The map will give an opportunity to appreciate the true scale of the Dolomites complex, where only the famous alliance of Dolomiti Superski ski resorts includes over 1200 kilometers of slopes of varying difficulty. What is remarkable about these amazing mountains?

History of the Dolomites

Tens of millions of years ago, waves of the tropical sea splashed on the site of this mountain range. However, the displacement of the continental plates led to the fact that it began to shallow, until it completely disappeared, and its coral reefs turned into a mountain system. Initially, it was called Monti Pallidi, which means "pale mountains". This is due to their peculiar milky-gray tint. But at sunset, they miraculously change color and turn into warm peach-pink hues, throwing flashes of orange highlights on the sparkling bluish snow.

The Dolomites owe their current name to a valuable mineral discovered there - dolomite, which, in turn, was named after the geologist de Dolomier who discovered it. Today, the infrastructure of ski resorts is superbly developed in the Dolomites, but these lands are interesting both for fans of mountaineering and simply for travelers who want to capture all the amazing beauty of the bewitching landscapes in a photo.

What sights are worth visiting

Basically, the Dolomites in Italy attract lovers of ski resorts, and the period from late November to April is ideal for such a pastime. However, at any time of the year there is something to see here.

Marienberg Abbey in Mallas

The centuries-old history of this abbey dates back to Charlemagne himself, who founded the Benedictine monastery in the 8th century. Over the years, the abbey has undergone many changes, and in the XV century it was burned to the ground, but again revived. The building, built in the Baroque style, rises more than 1300 meters above sea level. Many ancient frescoes have been preserved in its halls.

Tyrolean Castle in the village of Meran

This ancient structure on a hill in the Dolomites is almost a thousand years old. Thanks to the restorers, even now you can admire the Romanesque portals, marble statues and wonderful frescoes. There is also an interesting museum of the history of South Tyrol.

Castle in Meran village

Trauttmansdorf Castle

Another ancient castle is located south of Meran. Despite the fact that it was significantly rebuilt in the 19th century, its southwestern side has partly survived in its original form. The castle houses the Thurizeum Museum, which contains original and witty collections dedicated to travelers, and the amazing Trauttmansdrof botanical gardens are open all the warm season.

Trauttmansdorff Castle

Mount Marmolada

The composition of this ridge, consisting of several peaks, includes the highest peak of the Dolomites, reaching 3343 meters. In clear weather, it can be seen even from Venice. There is a large glacier on its northern side, and sheer cliffs on its western side.

It is also worth paying attention to the peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Cinque Torri ridge and the bewitching beauty of Lake Santa Croce, whose mirror surface, reflecting the mountain peaks, begs to be photographed. In addition, the Dolomites have magnificent nature reserves, including the Dolomiti Bellunesi Park.

Holidays in the resorts of the Dolomites

The climate in the Dolomites is mild, in winter the average temperature is from zero to -5 degrees, in January and February it sometimes reaches -20, but due to low humidity, even in cold weather, holidays in resorts remain comfortable. In the Dolomites, you can find a huge number of different resorts - from upscale, distinguished by excellent service and comfort, to small ski stations. There are about forty of them in total, but the most famous is the Dolomiti Superski complex, which unites a number of large resorts. All of their pistes are connected by a convenient system of lifts and ski basses (ski shuttles). There are several of the most famous resorts.

Kronplatz

In terms of skiing, this is one of the best resorts in the Dolomites, uniting 13 villages. There are a large number of modern lifts and over 100 km of excellent slopes of various difficulty levels. There are also two parks for snowboarders. And after an active holiday, you can look into numerous entertainment centers and cozy cafes.

Kronplatz resort in the Alps

Val Gardena

This fabulous resort in the Dolomites is an ideal place for a family holiday, from where you can bring a lot of pleasant impressions and a huge number of memorable photos. In addition to equipped children's tracks, there are also routes for experienced skiers, as well as snowboard slopes and many different entertainments.

Resort Val Gardena

Arabba

This resort is for real fearless and experienced thrill-seekers. Here are the routes of the highest difficulty. There is also a skating rink, a snow park and the best observation deck in the alliance at an altitude of 2.5 km.

Tre Valley

The slopes of this resort are suitable for beginners. Slopes with small height differences will make skiing safe and enjoyable.

Civetta

This is a great place for fans of mountaineering. There is a magnificent natural climbing wall, as well as cross-country trails. The Sella Ronda route has gained wide popularity among tourists. Its uniqueness is that it is circular. Here you can move only forward all day, without repeating a single track, and then return to the same point from which you left. The total length of the route is about 40 kilometers. Trails of medium difficulty. This route includes all the most significant resorts of the Dolomites.

Also, almost every resort can offer:

ice arenas;
routes for skiing children;
sleigh tracks;
excursion tours;
discos;
cafes, restaurants;
sports complexes;
looking after children in special kindergartens;
training with an instructor.

Less than an hour's drive from some of the resorts of the Dolomites are Milan, Verona, Venice, where you can go on an excursion or just for an exciting shopping experience.

Video: trekking in the Dolomites, part 1

Trip to the Dolomites and accommodation there

To travel to Italy you will need a passport and a visa. If a child travels abroad with one of the parents, permission from the other parent will be required.

How to get there

You can get to the Dolomites by plane or train. During the ski season, a large number of charter flights fly there. The nearest airports and railway stations are in Milan, Venice, Innsbruck, Verona. Regular buses depart from the stations, heading directly to the resorts. It is also possible to rent a car.

Accommodation

Resorts in the Dolomites can offer a wide range of hotels. The most budget option is the so-called mountain shelters, refuges. There are both rooms for 3-4 people, and common rooms for 20 or more guests. This option is suitable for lovers of hiking routes, when you only need to spend the night in order to move on in the morning. The cost of living in resort hotels ranges from 3 to 12 thousand rubles. Photos of hotels and reviews about them can be viewed in advance on the Internet.

In order for a vacation in the Dolomites to leave only the best impressions about yourself, it is advisable to prepare for it thoroughly and know some points.

It is most advantageous to purchase a universal ski pass (subscription) Dolomiti Superski. It gives access to all funiculars and slopes that are part of the alliance of resorts. When purchasing a ski pass for an adult, you can additionally get the same one for a child under 8 years old for free.
Skis, snowboards and other attributes can be brought with you or rented.
Most resorts do not have Russian-speaking staff, so it is worth learning English or Italian before the trip.
In the restaurants of the resorts of the Dolomites, you should definitely try the local national dish - polenta. This is by no means a simple corn porridge, but an interesting dish with many options for additives and toppings. They also serve delicious cheeses.
At the resorts themselves, purchases will be expensive, so it’s better to go to the nearest city - Bolzano. There are boutiques and huge supermarkets, as well as markets. In various outlets with significant discounts, you can buy branded items.
In the Dolomites in Anterselva, at the famous Südtirol Arena, you can visit biathlon competitions and see the competitions of athletes live.

Video: trekking in the Dolomites, part 2

The Dolomites are not only magnificent resorts for active winter holidays, but also magically beautiful landscapes, wonderful nature, vivid impressions, fabulous photos for memory. This is a real gem, in every unique facet of which everyone will see the unique beauty and find exactly what he likes.

The Dolomites in Italy are a Tyrolean fairy tale that even adults will believe in. But first, some dry statistics. The picturesque mountain range, 150 kilometers long, is located in the northeast of Italy. Its highest point is Marmolada, a mountain that rises more than 3300 meters above sea level. The other 18 peaks are slightly lower, but their height is still over 3000 meters.

History of the Italian Alps: from the seabed to the modern name

Once upon a time (so long ago that it's even hard to imagine), several million years ago, on the territory of modern cliffs and rocks, the real sea splashed. No matter how difficult it is to guess, over time the water left, otherwise there would be no our today's story. Scientists explain this by the fact that Africa, located at a considerable distance from Europe, at some point began to move north. The water gradually receded, exposing the Alps and the territory of the modern European Mediterranean. The fact that the Dolomites at one time were the seabed, we are told by traces of coral reefs found by geologists high in the mountains.

The name of the mountains comes from the name of the French scientist Deod de Dolomieu. In the 18th century, he was the first to explore this alpine region and discovered that the mountains were composed of limestone and another rock previously unknown to the scientific community. This rock, first described by Dolomier, was subsequently named after the geologist - dolomite, and the mountains, respectively, Dolomites.

But this is not the only name of the mountain range. It used to be called Monti Pallidi. The origin of this name is explained by a beautiful legend. A prince once lived in the alpine regions, and he fell in love with a lunar princess of unearthly beauty. Yes, he fell in love so much that he could not imagine life without her, therefore he took the beauty as his wife. But the earthly life did not bring joy to the princess. The royal lady fell ill, she withered day by day. And all because I really missed my native lunar mountains. The gnomes came to the rescue: they wove a blanket from the threads of the moon and covered the mountains with it. So the Dolomites acquired their milky gray color. What about princess? She, of course, recovered, and she and the prince lived a long and happy life.

Despite the uniqueness, and simply the beauty of the Dolomites, they received official recognition relatively recently, in 2009 - UNESCO included them in its famous World Heritage List.

Inhabitants of the Dolomites

Flora and fauna

The lower tiers of the mountains are covered with pine and deciduous forests: centuries-old pines, larches, firs, mighty oaks, birches, willows, ash-trees, hornbeams, maples. However, most of the green cover of the Dolomites is mountain meadows.

Of the representatives of the local fauna, marmots, mountain goats, and chamois are most often found. Particularly "lucky" tourists can also meet a brown bear, he loves to feast on trout that lives in local mountain rivers. There are also many small fluffy animals here: squirrels, martens, hares, ferrets. Eagles soar proudly over the mountains. The crowns of trees were chosen by crows, owls and woodpeckers, and partridges and capercaillie nest in the thick meadow grass. In the green alpine expanses, among the huge number of wild flowers in summer, you can observe no less number of butterflies.

Indigenous people

However, local residents are of particular interest. Although these people live in Italy, they do not consider themselves Italians. Nor does he identify himself with his Austrian neighbors. A small but proud mountain people are called Ladins. According to legend, earlier the lands of the Ladins were inhabited by good spirits - sylvans.

The locals speak their own, Ladin, language, as well as a bizarre mixture of Italian and German dialects, but this mixture is such that neither Italian nor German experts can understand it. They have their own traditions and, of course, food and drinks, which they introduce to tourists from year to year at local festivals.

Santa Maddalena, Val di Funes, South Tyrol. Photo: Alex Cheban.

Italian Alps in winter

Winter in the Italian Dolomites is good (with the exception of some January and February days, when the thermometer shows -20). The temperature is kept within 0…-5 degrees Celsius, and low humidity makes staying in the mountains comfortable even at lower thermometer marks. The sun in Italy shines almost every day, in some resorts for 7 hours.

Photo: IGotoWorld Photo Group.

It is for winter entertainment that tourists most often go to the mountains. In order to have a comfortable stay in ski resorts, the Italians have done their best. They started with the unification of popular resorts in the "carousel" Sella Ronda and ended with the introduction of a single subscription for an unhindered "round the world trip" around the Sella mountain range. But even if you choose quiet, unpromoted locations, simple ski stations (where locals spend most of their time) for your vacation, you still won’t be left without the benefits of civilization.

And now IGotoWorld will introduce you in more detail to the resorts of the Dolomites. We tried to guess your preferences, but the prudent Italians made sure that you will definitely find what you are looking for in their country. There is plenty to choose from: it is difficult to name the exact number of resorts, but you can roughly outline the figure - about 50.

Alpine classic

Famous resorts of the Dolomites:

Val di Fassa (the center of the Dolomites, this area is protected by UNESCO).
Bolzano (capital of South Tyrol, gateway to the Dolomites).
Folgaria-Lavarone (leading Italian ski resorts in terms of size, beauty and infrastructure).
Monte Bondone (in the list of the oldest European ski resorts).

Val di Fassa. Photo source: turpogoda.ru.

Once in one of these locations, get a Dolomiti Superski pass. With it, you will be able to freely use 450 (!) lifts in 12 resorts.

Photo source: skisport.ru.

The tracks of 4 famous resorts (Arabba, Val Gardena, Sappada, Val di Fassa) are located around the massif called Sella, because this route is often called the "carousel" of Sella Ronda, and the journey along it is "around the world". In addition, ski buses run regularly (weather permitting, of course) between these and other resorts.

Photo source: twlwanpd.appspot.com.

Professional athletes and extreme sports enthusiasts

There are many "red" and "black" runs, as well as places for freeride in the Arabba resort and the young Kronplatz. The Val di Fassa valley (the resorts of Canazei and Campitello) does not lag behind in this regard, here is the Chiampac peak, which every self-respecting professional skier must conquer. Alta Valtellina is considered the most sporting resort, it is beneficial to hone your skills here for two reasons: firstly, the local mountains are the highest, and secondly, the local prices are among the lowest.

Arabba . Photo source: skirest.com.

For family holidays

The slopes of Val Gardena are ideal for families with children. The resorts of the Val di Fassa boast moderate elevation changes, gentle slopes and a mild climate. There are also many safe trails for toddlers in Val di Fiemme and Tre Valli.

Val Gardena. Photo source: yapokupayu.ru.

Lovers of chic, brilliance and bohemian relaxation

Cortina d'Ampezzo is the most elite tourist center of the Dolomites. Here you will plunge into the atmosphere of luxury and pathos. Sometimes it seems that people come here not to ski, but to demonstrate expensive cars, furs, leather shoes and boots, costumes of eminent couturiers. If you have something to surprise the refined local public, this is the place for you.

Photo source: bl.com.ua.

For inexperienced skiers and for those who are afraid of heights

There are flat tracks on Val Gardena, Civetta, Kronplatz and Arabba. If you still want to slide down the mountain, then go to resorts with "green" and "blue" slopes, for example, on Val di Fiemme, Tre Valli - the slopes here are gentle and wide.

Val di Fiemme. Photo source: worlds.ru.

For those who don't like skiing

Val Gardena has a huge ice rink. In the resorts of Kronplatz and Cortina d'Ampezzo, you can enjoy various entertainments with snow-: - tubing, - rafting, - boarding. There are also bobsleigh tracks on Cortina d'Ampiezzo, here is, no less, the Olympic Ice Palace.

Photo source: tez-travel.com.

Sports lovers

The tracks of the Razun-Anterselva resort host the stages of the Biathlon World Championship. In Val di Fassa, the 70 km Marcialonga ski marathon is held. You can watch the Alpine Skiing and Downhill Skiing World Cup (Men) in Val Gardena. Val di Fiemme often hosts world-class competitions in ski jumping, figure skating, Nordic combined and cross-country skiing.

Razun-Anterselva. Photo source: eurosport.ru.

Holidays in the Alps in summer

In the warm season, the resorts are not empty. In spring, more than 50 species of wild orchids bloom in mountain meadows! Just imagine this riot of colors and aromas.

Photo source: newpix.ru.

In the summer in the Dolomites you can:

Spend time chasing butterflies.
Go to mountain rivers and lakes for fishing. Despite the severity of European laws and seemingly continuous restrictions and prohibitions, fish in local reservoirs can be caught not only by brown bears, but also by tourists. True, for the latter, this pleasure is paid. Or you can just ride a boat or a catamaran on a crystal-clear water surface.
To overcome the canyons of mountain rivers, simply go in for canyoning.
Take off on a paraglider.
Take a bike and ride along the forest and meadow paths.

Lake Braies in the Dolomites. Photo: Alex Cheban.

Organize a picnic.
Visit the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park. This place was created by nature and slightly ennobled by man especially for those who want to get around the "mountains, rivers and valleys", inhale the coniferous aroma, look into the crystal clear lakes, and maybe meet one of the representatives of the local fauna.
Go rock climbing, mountaineering.
Take riding lessons in Ortisei.
Watch a 120 km cycling marathon (“Dolomiti Superbike”) on mountain roads or a cycling race (Maratona dles Dolomites).

To ski. Yes, and skiing again. In the Dolomites, you can go down the slopes even in summer - the glaciers of Marmolada do not melt.

Holidays in the Dolomites at any time of the year

Mild snowy winter, blooming spring, bright summer and colorful autumn... And all this is bathed in generous Italian sun rays. Rest in the Alps is good in any season, and not only on ski slopes or on forest paths. IGotoWorld will advise you on how to diversify your holiday in the Dolomites.

Watch the sunset

This is an amazing sight, which is free almost every evening (except for those few days when it is cloudy in the Alps) by nature. It's really fantastic. If you have ever looked at a photo of the Dolomites at sunset and the thought has crept into your mind that this is a photoshop, feel free to discard it: the stone cliffs are actually so amazing. In the rays of the setting sun, the tops of the mountains are first painted yellow, then darken and light up orange. Then the bright fiery tops turn red and as the sun goes down, they change their color to deep purple and “disappear”, merging with the dark sky.

Festivals

"Sounds of the Dolomites" is a festival that will delight lovers of good music performed by famous world musicians. But not only this. Famous actors also come to the event to recite works of classical literature to the audience.

Photo source: gfhome.ru.

Museums, castles and other architectural antiquities

In the towns and villages of the Dolomites, there are scattered many old churches, castles and just residential buildings, which are several hundred years old.

The open-air museum on Mount Lagazoi will tell about the events of the First World War. In his "funds" - a system of tunnels, which was created for laying explosives, entire military camps. While digging one of the tunnels, a mine explosion of enormous destructive power occurred, its consequences are still visible today.

Photo: IGotoWorld Photo Group.

The history of more ancient times, in particular the Roman Empire, will be told by the so-called Underground Archaeological Space of Sas in Trento (Tridentum). This is an ancient Roman city, from which part of the city wall, a section of a paved road, houses decorated with mosaics, and courtyards, handicraft workshops have come down to us.

Photo source: travel.rambler.ru.

In Piedazzo there is the Museum of Geology and Ethnography.

You can learn about the history and culture of one of the indigenous peoples of the Dolomites at the Ladin Museum (San Martino, Alta Badia Valley). The Museum of Customs of the People of Trentino will tell about the life of other local residents.

Photo source: forum.awd.ru.

How have dairy products been produced by the inhabitants of the Alps for centuries? If you are interested, then look into the museum "Malga" ("Diary of the Mountains"). The museum is located in the stables of Palazzo Lodron Bertelli and consists of three halls: the first is dedicated to pastures, the second to milk production, and the third to the life of local residents. Speaking of the Palazzo, it is nearby. The chic interiors of the palace with the main staircase, skillful stucco and wood carvings contrast sharply with the simple decoration of peasant houses, which can be seen in the museum.

Interested in contemporary art? The Italians have foreseen this option as well. Three branches of the Museum of Modern Art are waiting for you, one in Trento (Torre Vanga) and two in Rovereto (the main building of the museum and the House of Futuristic Art).

Fans of mysticism are advised to go to the Castello di Stenico. According to legend, here, in the castle tower of Hunger, the restless souls of former prisoners roam. If you want to see them or at least hear them, choose a full moon night for the tour. If you just love castles, without "spice", then you will enjoy a walk through the territory of Castel Thun and Castel Beseno. And, of course, you can not ignore the famous Andraz Castle. It was built in the 11th century to defend the Venetian lands, and today it is one of the architectural symbols of the Dolomites.

Castel Thun. Photo source: tr3ntino.it.

Palazzo dei Rettori. The building of the 15th-16th centuries, in which the rulers of Belluno used to live, and now the local city authorities sit.
Palazzo Crepadona. The building of the 16th century is now the city library, the property of which is not only rare books, but also frescoes of the 14th-16th centuries, art exhibitions and meetings with interesting people are also held here.
Belluno Auditorium. The bishop's castle was built in the 12th century. As it is not difficult to guess from the name, the building was intended for bishops. For a long time they lived here. Today, music concerts, performances, conferences, and lectures are held within its walls.
Palazzo dei Giuristi. In the Palace of Lawyers (19th century) there are museum collections of archaeological antiquities (from the time of the Roman Empire), frescoes, art paintings and even an exposition of paleontological curiosities.
We advise lovers of sacred architecture to look into the churches Santa Maria dei Batutti(15th century), Santo Stefano(15th century). San Rocco(16th century), San Martino(16th–17th centuries), San Pietro(18 century).
Palazzo Rosso. The Red Palace is an interesting symbiosis of buildings from the 19th and 13th centuries. The palace was built in 1838. It began to be erected not far from the remains of the 13th century town hall, specifically in order to later connect these architectural structures.
Palazzo Piloni. Building of the 16th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, the interior was completely changed here, but in one of the rooms on the first floor, frescoes by cousin Titian were miraculously preserved.

Photo source: stock-clip.com.

Walk to nearby towns

Near the resorts of the Dolomites is Venice. Why not take advantage of this and visit the legendary city on the water?

Not far from the mountains is Verona, the city where the famous Shakespearean lovers, Romeo and Juliet, lived.

Verona. Photo source: guides.tonkosti.ru.

SPA and health

The air of the Dolomites in itself is a wonderful medicine for both the body and the soul. But if you want to enhance its influence, then go to Peio - this is the focus of various SPA centers, local mineral waters contribute to this. You can also improve your health in the thermal springs of the town of Levico Terme. The healing properties of the local arsenic-ferruginous water are recognized by official medicine. In the wellness centers of Bormio you will find relaxation rooms, mud baths, hydromassage baths and Roman baths.

Photo source: busandcoach.com.

Gastronomy

On Mount Santa Crocia (in the village of Pedraches, Alta Badia district) there is an unusual tavern. It is unusual in that it is located in the building of an old church (15th century). Here you can taste local delicacies. In winter, delicious mulled wine will come in handy. A sweet tooth at any time of the year will be pleased with the selection of great sweets.

Photo source: garnicristin.com.

At the Malga Filippon farm, you can not only enjoy delicious and healthy food (at a local restaurant), but also play golf, and visit a small botanical garden.

Cheese lovers should head to the Malga Ciauta farm. Here you can taste and, of course, buy such delicacies as "alpine" varieties of cheese - Zigher and Spersala.

Photo source: ru-italia.livejournal.com.

At the end of the article, according to tradition, I would like to wish you a pleasant stay. But in the case of the Dolomites, this wish would be superfluous. Rest here is simply impossible not to like.