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 DOLOMITES in myth and legend

The appearance of these unusual mountains of northeast Italy is constantly changing, offering the visitor new views at every turn. For this reason the Dolomites have always inspired myths and legends.
The unusual shapes of the Dolomites and their ever-changing colors have fired the imagination of those who live here for thousands of years. Is it possible to travel through these mountains without seeing faces in the rocks, caves and caverns, inhabited perhaps by Salvans (cave dwellers) or by Ganes (woodland fairies)? The centuries have given rise to all kinds of legends, which tell of dwarf kings (King Laurino), warriors and princesses, of alliances between humans and marmots, of the decline and return of mysterious mountain kingdoms. Karl Felix Wolff (1879-1966) collected and wrote down these legends in 1913, thus saving them from oblivion.

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.

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.

Dolomites great place for food !

The characteristics and unique features of the landscape, water and climate of Trentino and Dolomites  have contributed, in the course of centuries, to the cultivation and original production of wine and food that can be discovered today in the itineraries and events planned and centred around the “Wine and Flavour Routes”.

“Osteria tipica trentina”

The ancient culinary traditions, either classical, or revisited with a pinch of modernity and proof of a peasant origin, can be found in the places displaying the sign «Osteria Tipica Trentina». There are over sixty restaurants and other eating places belonging to this product club created in collaboration with hoteliers, restaurateurs, producers and the Autonomous Province of Trento to highlight the importance of the local food and wine. The places entitled to display this sign serve dishes prepared with local products, from water to wine, from vegetables to oil, from cheeses and salamis to fruit. The dishes are based on old recipes kept in the Chamber of Commerce in Trento. Not only good food can be found in these restaurants; they are inviting and decorative, the staff helpful and printed matter is available to learn more about Trentino.

Nature in the Snow – Trentino region

Trentino has always been very sensitive to environmental and ecological issues. The management of its forests is considered sustainable because scrupulous and strict criteria are applied in the administration and production of wood in order to prevent any abuse and to avoid waste. The woods in Trentino cover over half the province and about 25% of the territory, consisting of biotopes nature reserves and parks, is subject to conservation.

The three green lungs of Trentino, that is about 17% of the whole of the province, never go into hibernation. In winter the two provincial Nature Parks (Adamello Brenta and Paneveggio Pale di San Martino) and the Trentino section of the Stelvio National Park offer a number of possibilities for outdoor activities in nature.

The Adamello Brenta Nature Park lies in the western part of the province. This is the largest protected area in Trentino with innumerable views of rare beauty and a rich fauna. The winter programme includes the classic nature evenings and outings in the Dolomites to admire the rocks, snow-covered plants and frozen alpine lakes.

The Nature Park has always been engaged in the development of initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and interest in environmental culture. Within this strategy of sustainable development the ‘Quality Park’ project has been created also to involve tourist operators and guests in the philosophy of quality. The organizations that agree to the project promise to maintain the countryside intact, prevent pollution, reduce their environmental impact and make their guests aware of environmental issues.

Winter Sport for Everybody – Trentino Dolomites

A holiday in Trentino regenerates, frees the mind, relaxes. There are over 800 km of pistes for lovers of Alpine skiing, 500 km of trails for cross-country enthusiasts and districts with ten state-of-the-art fun parks for snowboarders. Other open air sports are also possible, like Nordic walking and snowshoeing, the latest in winter fitness, and then ski touring, ice skating, ice climbing and sleddogging.

 

WINTER EXCURSIONS ON SNOWSHOES

Excursions in the mountains are also possible in winter. All you have to do is put on ‘ciaspole’, the local name for snowshoes, and choose one of numerous pathways in Trentino. Snowshoeing is an activity everyone can do, from the youngest to the oldest, and it offers a splendid opportunity for exercise in the open air. You don’t need a lift pass, special equipment, or any experience because physically it’s just like walking. All that is required is a blanket of snow on a forest road in the mountains, or on a path in the woods, to enjoy a wonderful outing in the snow-clad countryside.

Not to be missed the snowshoe treks planned by the Alpine guides and the excursions in the moonlight with dinner in a refuge and return by torchlight, organised in the main resorts. Where? Weekends are proposed on the Altopiano della Paganella, in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, on Monte Bondone in the Viote plain, and also on the Altopiano di Brentonico with nocturnal outings called «Wandering under the stars». Snowshoe excursions also around Pinzolo, in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, some lasting 2 days and sleeping in a mountain hut. Walks in the Paneveggio Nature Park, included in the programme «Not only skiing», in the San Martino di Castrozza district. Easy itineraries are signposted in the Panarotta area, with the lovely Fravort – Gronlait traverse and on the Folgaria, Lavarone and Luserna plateaus along the trails of the First World War. Daily excursions are held in Valle di Fiemme and in Valle di Fassa. Lastly, in the largest mountain chain of eastern Trentino the «Lagorai Nature in Freedom» programme offers a calandar of weekly excursions with overnight stays in mountain huts and minitrekking.

 

NORDIC WALKING, OR WELL-BEING IN THE OPEN AIR

Nordic walking is the new way of keeping fit in the open air in the winter season. This activity is practised in areas where the snow has been beaten (for example by the side of cross-country trails or close to mountain refuges) and many excursions are organised by the Alpine guides. Nordic walking is a new and exciting way of moving around the natural environment using special poles that enable you to exercise 90% of your muscles, reduce physical effort by 30% and consume 46% more calories than in ordinary jogging. Thanks to the instructors of this new speciality in Trentino, it is easy to learn the proper posture to gain the maximum benefit. The ingredients of its convincing recipe are simple: unspoilt nature and enchanting panoramas, the ideal mix for regeneration and feeling fit.

 

 

EXPLORING EXCITING SKI TOURING ITINERARIES

Ski touring is a sport that allows you to reach summits and uncontaminated places on skis and traverse mountain slopes and chains accompanied by the silence. With skins under the skis to prevent you slipping backwards, you can climb to the top of mountains and then take off the skins and ski down.

Ski touring is practised almost anywhere in Trentino. There are some cult trails like the Sellaronda (the tour of the four passes in Val di Fiemme); the ascent to Cima d’Asta in the heart of Lagorai; in the Brenta Dolomites starting from Andalo, Molveno and Madonna di Campiglio; the tour of the Valbona Lakes in the Giudicarie valleys; the Maddelene in Val di Non and the area of the Tre Valli and Passo San Pellegrino.

Skiing and Snowboarding in Dolomites

For many people, ski holidays have been a regular holiday activity and for skiers, there aren’t many places they’d rather be than the Alps.

Italy is now proving that it is a destination that has great value for money and with skiing routes ranging from the French border to the amazing Dolomites in the east; it is no wonder why people are flocking to Southern Europe to test out the slopes. In an era where cheap package holidays in the sun have outsold any other kind of holidays, it would have been easy for the ski operators to reduce the level of customer service but it seems that this competition has just urged them on and the offerings are better than ever.

The great nightlife and culture of Italy offers the perfect ending to day of skiing where you can dine at many of the first-class restaurants that Italy has to offer. Many people look for cheap holidays when deciding where to go but the truth is that skiing holidays are not as expensive as some people think.

There are some great deals out there at the moment and if you have never been skiing before why not have a different holiday experience and book your holiday today. All of the mountains and destinations can be reached within a couple of hours of the nearest airport which gives you more time on the slopes.

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