Dolomites in Italy - Walking & Skiing holidays in the italian Alps

Where and what are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a wonderful mountain group of about 16 km² located in the Italian Eastern Alps, south of the main chain of the Alps. They are extending over the three northernmost regions of Italy: Trentino - Alto Adige, Belluno and Friuli - Venezia Giulia.

The awesome bright colour and the red reflection of the Dolomia rock, admirable mainly during the sunset, are caused by the high content of the mineral dolomite MgCa(CO3)2. This name is due to the French naturalist Déodat de Dolomieu (1750 - 1801) who discovered and studied this unique rock.

What is the highest mountain in the Dolomites in Italy?

The rays of the morning sun shinning on the stunning Dolomites mountains, forcing the wonderful alpine flowers into bloom on the surrounding pastures and in winter shinning on the snow covered peaks and beautiful slopes.
The final sun rays in the evening create a symphony of colour resulting in a rosy alpenglow, typical of a sensational sunset in the northeastern side of the Italian Alps.

The highest mountain of these impressive Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Marmolada (3343 m), also called the Queen of the Dolomites.
Other well-known mounts and peaks are:

the Sassolungo:
Sassolungo (3181 m), Punta Grohmann, detta anche "Sasso Levante", Torre Innerkofler, Dente del Sassolungo, Punta delle Cinque Dita, Cima Dantersass, Sassopiatto, Spallone del Sassolungo

the Sellagroup:
Piz Boè (3152 m), le famose Torri del Sella, Piz Sëlva, Piz Gralba, Piz Miara, Le Mëisules,, Piza Vallon, Piz Rotic, Ciampanii de Murfreit, Torre de Murfreit, Piz Lastiës, Piz Ciavazes, Piz da Lech, Sass dles Diesc, Sass dles Nu, Col Turond, Col Alton, Sass de Pordoi, Piz Beguz, Piz Ciavazes, Pisciadù, Dent de Mesdì, Sas de Mesdì

the Odle near Seceda:
Sas Rigais (3025 m), Pitla Fermeda, Gran Fermeda, Gran Odla, Sas de Mezdi, Furchetta, Sas dal Ega, Sas dla Porta, Col dala Creusc, Odla de Valdusa, Piz Duleda

the Tre Cime di Lavaredo:
Cima Grande (big peak) (2999 m), Cima Ovest (western peak), Cima Piccola (little peak), Punta di Frida

the Catinaccio:
Catinaccio d'Antermoia (3.002 m), Cima Catinaccio, Croda dei Cirmei, Cima di Larsec, Cima Scalieret, Torri del Vajolet, Croda di Re Laurino, Cima Sforcella, Roda di Vaèl, Pizzo di Valbona, Cima delle Poppe, Croda Davoi, Crepe di Lausa, Cima di Mezzo del Principe, Cogolo di Larsec, Punta Emma, Torre Gardeccia

the Sciliar (2563 m)

the Civetta-Moiazza:
Monte Civetta (3220 m), Piccola Civetta, Monte Coldai, Torre Coldai, Torre d'Alleghe, Torre di Valgrande, Punta Civetta, Cime di Mede, Torre Venezia, Cima delle Busazze, Monte Moiazetta)

the Monte Pelmo (3168 m)

the Monte Antelao (3264 m)

What is Dolomites famous for?

Several ski resorts, biking, walking, hike and climbing valleys and parks are connected with each other in this wonderful mountainous paradise, in the hearth of the Alps, offering a breathtaking scenery from many different angles and amazing half-day or one day hiking trails (summer) and slopes (winter). The well marked footpaths and slopes the possibility of skiing (Dolomiti Superski area with its 1,200 km of slopes, 12 valleys, and 450 modern lift facilitiesand), climbing, walking, hiking and also mountain biking will make your stay in this holiday region an unforgettable experience.

Noteworthy tourist destinations are also the lakes such as the Lake Prags (Lago di Braies), Lako of Fiè and near the Dolomites the lake Caldaro, lake Monticolo, lake Anterselva and in about 2 hours driving time Lake Garda.

When should I visit the Dolomites for walking or skiing?

The best time to visit, travel, to explore and enjoy the alpine regions of the Dolomites in Italy for a wintersport vacation, between the snow-capped peaks of the region Trentino - South Tyrol (in italian: Alto Adige) and Belluno, depends on the needs of skiers or hikers. The ski season starts in December with the Super Premiere ski-opening offer (usually until the first weekend before Christmas, detailed information on the Dolomiti Superski website).

The ski season usually lasts until Easter Monday (some resort remain open after this date), if the snow conditions are good. The Christmas and New Year's Eve is ideal for those who love the Christmas atmosphere and want to celebrate New Year's Eve in the snow. January and February (Carnival) for couples, groups and families. February, March and April are very popular by the sun lovers, because of the longer days.

In spring begins the season around late May / early June. Sometimes the peaks of this mountain range in this travel region are still covered by snow. The blooming meadows and the longer days of June attract the hikers, climbers and cyclists. July and August are highly appreciated for a vacation in the beautiful Dolomites (World heritage Site). September and October offer a colorful and peaceful landscape; ideal for trekking, walking and mountain biking in the Dolomites.