Dolomite Mountians

Bike Italy - Dolomite's

The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, just cannot fail to enchant with their majestic beauty, multifarious configuration and authentically charming scenery.

Mountain peaks, such as the Marmolada with its impressive glacier, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Italian for "Three Peaks"), the Pelmo and the Antelao which edge Boite Valley, the amazing Tofane, Cristallo and Sorapis which stand behind the Cortina d'Ampezzo, known as the "Queen of the Dolomites", and the Civetta, (Italian for Owl), which stands halfway between the Agordino and Zoldo Valley, to name just a few, are awaiting admirers.

These geologically unique mountains, sources of priceless natural heritage, stretch out across around 70% of the Belluno area and are protected by the Natural Park of the Belluno Dolomites and the National Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites.

The Dolomites have the capacity to literally overwhelm, with the colours of different seasons, the soft scents of their woods and meadows, the sounds of the surrounding nature, from rushing torrents to the careful movement of the local wildlife.

In both summer and winter, the Dolomites welcome visitors with an array of proposals to meet all needs. There are hundreds of kilometers of ski trails, including downhill and cross-country slopes, connected by the Dolomites Superski. Alternatively snowshoes, sleds, skates, sled-dogs and bob-sleighs are also available. In summer the mountain can be explored along paths of various levels of difficulty; through pastures or at high altitude, trekking, Nordic walking, mountain climbing, horse riding or even mountain biking.

These many opportunities are accompanied by a unique event that occurs mainly in summer, at dawn and dusk: the "Enrosadira", or 'Alpenglow' a unique, captivating natural phenomenon. This enchanting sight is caused by a peculiar mineralogical composition: the sun's rays illuminate the dolomite rocks turning them an intense red which gradually becomes purple, and then disappears into the darkness of the night.