The term “rifugi” translates to mountain refuge, and the Dolomites offer a vast network of these mountain huts located throughout the region. Ranging from simple and rugged to more comfortable amenities, they all offer suitable and welcome shelter to walkers, mountaineers, skiers and anyone desiring to get up close and personal with the beautiful terrain of the Dolomite Mountains.
The Dolomites are hailed as one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world because of the abundance and variety of rock faces. Stretching nearly 50 miles east of Bolzano, the area is vast and is split into groups connected by a network of roads, allowing climbers to easily cover several areas in one trip.
These routes vary in difficulty and allow access to areas otherwise unreachable, thus providing breathtaking views and an experience not to be forgotten. Of the many available via ferrata paths found in the Dolomites, the following five are relatively easy to tackle and are excellent for first time climbers.
The cozy atmosphere of the Alta Badia mountain huts creates the perfect setting for choral events, against the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Dolomites Mountains which can only be enhanced further by the sound of the angelic voices of the typical mountain choirs of the area.
Orienteering is an age-old sport that originated in the Scandinavian countries. It has since spread and continues to gain popularity amongst sports enthusiasts from around the world. Each year Alta Badia is home to several fantastic orienteering events.
The Sellaronda Bike Day is a relaxing, non-competitive bicycling event that is open to anyone who wishes to participate. During this day, held twice per year, the world famous Sellaronda tour that travels around the Sella Mountain in the beautiful Dolomites is reserved for visitors who prefer to enjoy the area on two wheels.
Modern day Bolzano presents a magical convergence of the area’s rich, ancient past with its modern, vibrant present. One of the best times to visit is from mid-November through most of December, when the area is transformed into a winter wonderland and is bustling with visitors who come to experience the famous Christmas Market of Bolzano.
Visitors who come during the Christmas Market of Vipiteno are treated to a dazzling display of shimmering decorations and holiday spirit as the town is transformed into a real-life winter fairytale.
The Christmas Market of Merano can be enjoyed each year in the Passeggiata Lungo Passirio area of the town. The dates are typically the third week of November through the first week of January with this year’s event scheduled to take place from 30 November 2012 through 6 January 2013 (closed on December 25).
During the market, which is usually held from the end of November through the beginning of January the Brunico is transformed from quaint ski village to a glistening Christmas wonderland. The atmosphere is permeated by an air of romance and peace as the charming little town prepares to celebrate the holidays.
Many traditional carols tout Christmas as the “most wonderful time of the year”, and this is certainly true in Bressanone during the Christmas Market. Colorful décor blankets the surrounding area and visitors are greeted with the inviting scents and sounds of the season.
Each year, at the beginning of November the Saint Leonhard Horse Parade takes place in the lovely mountain village of Alta Badia, complete with live horses and locals adorned with traditional costumes.
Ideally located in the beautiful country of Italy, the Dolomites Mountains are arguably one of the most breathtaking and memorable destinations on earth. Soaring peaks give way to rolling green valleys that are home to a friendly, unique culture of people who have lived in the area for centuries.
Like classic, fancy or unbelievably expensive cars? Enjoy breathtaking mountain views? If the answer is yes, then the Coppa d’Oro Dolomiti is the perfect event for you! Each year since 1947 this amazing car race takes place along the beautiful mountain roads that wind through the Italian Dolomites.
When people think about marathons they typically envision a mass of people running on smooth, flat pavement toward the finish line. They rarely picture participants bundled in warm clothing, trekking up arduous mountain pathways into incredible altitudes while battling formidable elements such as wind, snow and ice. But that’s exactly what the famous Dolomites Sky Race entails.
The rugged, challenging terrain of Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, combined with the incredible, breathtaking views and fantastic mountain atmosphere make it the perfect location for cycling enthusiasts to hit the trails and enjoy some of the most exhilarating riding on earth.
Held each year in February, the elite participants compete with one another in terms of speed, action and fair play. The game of winter polo is considered to be quite technically advanced and as such, attracts a very high caliber of both players and guests from across the globe.
Visitors flock to Sesto for the year-round outdoor fun and to experience a true Dolomite mountain town. One thing’s for certain – you’ll never be bored in this location. Here are five reasons to add a visit to Sesto to your travel itinerary.
As soon as one steps foot in Livinallongo the difference from other area towns is obvious. Homes and farms are established at much higher altitudes, immediately calling to mind the old isolated farmsteads that have perhaps become one of the most defining features of Alpine communities.
There aren’t many places left on earth that offer entire areas that are designated as pedestrian-only, but that’s exactly how Ortisei’s town centre has been designed. The lack of vehicles conjures up images of the way things have been in this little village for centuries, with friendly merchants peddling their goods and locals conversing with one another in their native Ladin language