The DOLOMITES: once tropical atolls, today majestic mountains

 
Warm, shallow turquoise water, coral reefs, multicolored fish, shellfish, white beaches. This is a perfect description of a Caribbean atoll – but also of the Dolomites, which had their origins in a prehistoric tropical sea.
About 250 million years ago, the present-day arc of the Alps was part of the continent Pangea, which was located far to the south, in the Earth’s tropical zone. Given the presence of mollusks, algae, coral and fish, this area saw massive limestone production. Due to volcanic activity and the consequent outpouring of basaltic magma, these organisms died off on a massive scale and were deposited on the seabed. This is why today the Dolomites are a paradise for fossil researchers. Tectonic activity lifted the seabed, the primordial ocean slowly receded and the first Dolomites began to surface. The movement of the earth’s plates lifted the mountain chain, sandstone hardened thanks to the high calcareous content, and was compressed by enormous pressure from the geological layers above it. Following the Ice Age the surface of the Dolomites began to be formed, and water proved to be a skillful and imaginative sculptor. Landslides and detritus flowed into valleys, as wind, rain and ice continued their inexorable work, so that the Dolomites change on a yearly basis.
One of the marvels to emerge from the unique mineralogical composition of the Dolomites is undoubtedly the phenomenon known as “Enrosadira”. The presence of calcium carbonate and manganese in the dolomite causes the mountains to glow with an intense red color at sunset. The rocky cliffs cover the spectrum of colors from bright yellow to fiery red and then soften to shades of violet until they disappear into the total darkness of night. Enrosadira is unique to the Dolomites and is definitely one of nature’s most spectacular sights.

THE EASTERN DOLOMITES AND THE MAGICAL ENROSADIRA

In summer an irresistible destination for climbing and trekking enthusiasts, in winter stunning surroundings for lovers of winter sports. The Eastern Dolomites are a magnetic attraction, admired not only for their verticality and beauty, but also for the magical enrosadira that turns the mountains pink in the setting sun. One of the most important ski circuits in Europe stretches out over these mountain passes and slopes. The Dolomiti Superski gives devotees the opportunity to tackle a different piste every day and to discover places and peaks of incomparable beauty. In the north of Val di Fassa the Sella group with the Sass Pordoi peak is reached by gondola and offers a fabulous view of the whole group. Towards the east rises the mighty Marmolada, the real queen of this ski world. In the west, instead, soars the Catinaccio with the ski area of the same name below it and Sassolungo.

Dolomiti Superski – the count down has started

A mountain of wonder
There are many pleasurable experiences, but where they combine for an unforgettable dream holiday you are in the world of Dolomiti Superski: the Peaks of Pleasure. Giant mountains as far as the eye can see, 1,200 kilometres of skiing pleasure, almost 100% guaranteed snow, sunshine on 8 out of 10 days and culinary delights from five traditional cuisine cultures: South Tyrolean, Trentinian, Venetian, Ladin and Mediterranean. There is no better way to enjoy the winter. Heights of pleasure that many look forward to even in summertime!
And this year we can present a number of new features – new cablecars and lifts as well as improved slope connections – so that you should have an even more pleasurable experience.

Lets vote for the best resort in Dolomites

We have created a poll for the best ski resort in Dolomites.
Take part and let us know which one is your favourite.

https://skiingitaly.wordpress.com/the-best-resort-in-dolomites/

Go on !!

The magical atmosphere of dinner in a refuge

Special evenings to discover the typical products of Trentino

The unforgettable experience of reaching a refuge on a snowmobile, or with snowshoes, or on foot, in the silence, while the mountains glow with the enrosadira, the special colour the Dolomites assume at sunset, and then the magical atmosphere of an evening seated around the fireplace, enjoying the flavours of Trentino food and afterwards a thrilling torchlight descent on a sledge. This is the magic of the refuges, an original and exciting way to spend a memorable evening.

Dining in the refuges in Trentino is different, an explorative journey among the  flavours of ancient recipes, an occasion for tasting local dishes like polenta with mushrooms, or grilled cheese, strangolapreti (small spinach dumplings) with melted butter, orzotto (barley), venison, sausage meats and local cheeses, without forgetting the delicious sweets and then grappa, the traditional end to a mountain meal.

Tradition in Val Di Fassa – San Nicolò

SAN NICOLO AND THE KRAMPUS

Every year, on December the 6th, the feast of San Nicola, an ancient tradition takes place in all the villages of the valley, which is awaited with anxiety by the local children. Accompanied by two angels, San Nicolò roams the streets of every village to free them of the “krampus”, scary diabolical creatures. Upon entering the homes of the children to hear their prayers and good intentions, he brings little gifts and sweets for them. In the days before San Nicolò’s arrival, especially in the evening, there is a hunt for the “krampus” who like to frighten and chase the people they meet, playing tricks on them and worse!

Dolomites – Hospitality

… join us for your best time of the year

Skiing has a long tradition in the Dolomites. For over 100 years, winter visitors have come to our charming mountain villages. In the early days, farmers earned an extra income by providing accommodation for the first skiers. Today, each location offers plenty of choice, from exclusive luxury hotels and sophisticated spa resorts to cosy huts and guest houses. But what has remained from times gone by is the relaxed, friendly and broad-minded way in which we welcome our guests, aiming to ensure that the time they spend with us really is their best time of the year.

A winter sport with different rythms in Vallunga and Mount Pana.

Val Gardena offers different attractions for lovers of relaxing and romantic sports. The lovers of cross-country skiing find in Vallunga, at the foot of the “Stevia” in the Natural Park Puez-Odle, a network of routes for beginners and experts such as the ring of 12 km that leads to “Pra da ri”. Mount Pana, a sunny plateau has, in addition to the skiing slopes, a centre designed according to the most modern requirements of cross-country skiing. For those who do this sport on an excursion level, there is the “panoramic” route, and for the most demanding or for races there are different routes for a total of 30 km of slopes that follow precise signs and make it possible to change route at any moment. To go back to a holiday with a different pace, there are also different ways to enjoy the beauty that characterizes Val Gardena. To admire the enchanting landscapes that nature has given to this valley with such generosity, one can go to Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva. All different winter hiking places, some on the margin of the woods, others
link towns.

The Italian National Team chooses the Val di Fassa

For the next 2 years the Italian Ski Team will be in Val di Fassa
This winter as well, Val di Fassa is the federal training centre for the Italian alpine ski teams. The winners of the World Cup Denise Karbon and Manfred Moellg, the giant racers Massimiliano Blardone and Davide Simoncelli, the specialist of the speed disciplines Peter Fill, the Fanchini sisters, the Fassa natives Chiara Costazza and Cristian Deville – this year patronized right from their valley – together with the other members of the men’s and women’s teams, will train on the slopes of Val di Fassa, thanks to the agreement that since 2006 links the effort and the commitment of F.I.S.I. (the Italian Winter Sports Association), Dolomiti Superski, Trentino S.p.a. and Val di Fassa Tourist Board.

Dolomites as a Natural World Heritage

In Sevilla, Spain, on June 26, 2009 the UNESCO has, on their annual meeting, declared the Dolomites as a Natural World Heritage !!

 

UNESCO was enchanted by the beauty of the Dolomites, as were the great poet Goethe, the writer Mario Rigoni Stern and the architect Le Corbusier – pointed spires, jagged summits and glorious colors that change throughout the day. At sunset the Dolomites turn a fiery red, then change to violet before disappearing into the night. This is the “Enrosadira” – a phenomenon caused by the unusual chemical composition of dolomite – a natural spectacle that is beyond compare.