Italy> Destinations

Dolomites

The Alps in the regions of Belluno, Trentino and South Tyrol of northern Italy are known as the Dolomites, a magnificent terrain and top ski destination. Mineralogist Deodat de Dolomieu, who lived during the second half of the 18th century, gave his name to these mountains. The Frenchman is famous for his groundbreaking studies of the Dolomite rock, which has given the mountains their unique shape. The Dolomites stretch from Cadore in the east to the Adige River in the west. Valsugana and Pustertal Valley mark the south and north borders of the Dolomites respectively.

The Dolomites are divided into an eastern and western part by a trail, consisting of a route through Agordino, Campolongo mountain pass, and the Badia Valley. The highest peak of the Dolomites is Marmolada, rising a full 3344 metres above sea level. It is followed by Antelao with an elevation of 3263 metres. The third highest peak is Tofana di Mezzo at 3241 metres. The best-known footpaths of the Dolomites are Passo d'Ombretta at 2738 metres above sea level, passing from Caprile to Campitello, and Langkofeljoch with elevation of 2683 metres, extending from Campitello to Groden Valley. Other popular mountain passes are the Tschagerjoch and the Grasleiten. The former has an altitude of 2644 metres and stretches from Vajolet Glen to Karersee, and the latter is 2597 metres above sea level, passing from Grasleiten Glen to Vajolet Glen.

The main landmarks of the Dolomites, natural and man-made, are the Valley of Pusteria, the Valley of Isarco, Cortina D'Ampezzo, Bolzano and the fabulous Val Gardena.

The main city in the Valley of Pusteria is Brunico. It separates the ski resort of Plan de Corones, which offers 31 lifts and 90 km of ski tracks, from another popular tourist destination, Alta Pusteria. The latter area includes the towns of Dobbiaco, Sesto, San Candido and Villabassa. The total length of the ski tracks in the entire area is 200 km. This region draws millions of skiers from all over the world each time the winter season comes around.

The Valley of Isarco stretches from the Brenner Pass to Bolzano. You are sure to enjoy a visit to this location, which offers many diverse attractions and points of interest. It has some prime ski areas, such as Velturno, Jochtal, Plose and Gitschberg, and not only that - there are some monumental religious sites here, like the convents of Sabione and Novacella and Bressanone bishopric city. The picturesque towns of Vipiteno and Chiusa are just a few kilometres away from the charming valley.

Cortina D'Ampezzo is a top international destination, popular with the highlife and social elite. Several Hollywood blockbusters were filmed at this location, including several of the James Bond series. The greater area of the Cortina D'Ampezzo covers 120 km of ski tracks and 51 lifts. The Women's Ski World Cup is scheduled to take place here in late January of 2006.

Bolzano is the capital city of Alto Adige. Its old town is definitely worth a visit, especially the Civic Museum with its fascinating art works and exhibits. Many modern amenities are available as well, including some excellent shopping centres. It is also the traditional venue of the Christmas Market.

Val Gardena is by far the top tourist destination of the Dolomites. It has almost 200 km of ski tracks in total, and it hosted the Downhill Ski Competition and the Super-G World Cup in 2005. Its top three resorts are the Selva Gardena, St. Christina and Ortisei, linked by the Seceda, Col Raiser and Ciampinoi ski areas.