Is there a reason why, as early as the first years of the 19th century, the Dolomites were the staging area for the first skiing experiments in Europe? These pioneers, who came primarily from Anglo-Saxon and Germanic backgrounds, immediately responded to the beauty of these mountains, the suitability of their gentle slopes for skiing and the magical atmosphere surrounding them. Thanks to their vision, the alliance between the Dolomites and winter sports continues to the present day, now that the Dolomites are a UNESCO National World Heritage Site. The experience of discovering one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the world on skis is priceless.
Internationally recognized trails, such as Saslong and Gran Risa, or spectacular panoramic views at the summit of Lagazuoi (2,800 m), Sass Pordoi (2.950 m), Marmolada (3,342 m) and Cristallo/Forcella Staunies (2,930 m), all reachable by cablecar or skilift, offer breathtaking winter views of the snow-covered Dolomites. The same can be said of other, less well-known trails in the 12 ski areas of the Dolomites. Thanks to Dolomiti Superski it is possible to ski from one valley to the next, traveling the trails and enjoying the beautiful Alpine landscape, almost touching the vividly colored rocks – a powerful and unique experience enhanced by your encounter with the stone giants and an idea that seems like a dream: “I am skiing in the heart of a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.”
Wednesday 7 April 2010
THE DOLOMITES the most beautiful mountains in the
Toward the end of the 19th century, the Dolomites saw numerous pioneering activities; the mountains were an excellent area for experimentation of various kinds. Bold British noblemen were the first to conquer the sharp peaks, the jagged summits and the sheer cliffs of the Dolomites. They were followed by Hapsburg climbers who wrote the most important chapters in the history of Dolomite mountain climbing.
Great climbers like the Viennese Paul Grohmann (1838–1908), the first to climb to the top of Tofana de Rozes and Mount Cristallo near Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Sassolungo in Val Gardena and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo in the Sesto Dolomites, loved these mountains and wrote about them in numerous publications. The Austrian Emil Zsigmondy (1861–1885) was also a pioneer in the history of Dolomite mountain climbing. He described them as a “delicious gem in the Alps”. The Lake Garda mountain climber, actor, and movie director Luis Trenker (1892-1990), who was born in Ortisei at the foot of the inimitable Sassolungo, documented his passion for these mountains in numerous books and films, which became known worldwide. Thanks to Trenker, the rocky shapes of the Dolomites became known for the first time on an international level. Finally there is the “king of the eight-thousanders,” Reinhold Messner. Since childhood he has loved the Dolomites. From the window of his house in Val di Funes he could admire the Odle Mountains and may have understood from the start that the mountains would always be with him. Messner has conquered all the highest mountains on the planet, but there has always been a soft spot in his heart for the Dolomites: “They are not the highest, but they are certainly the most beautiful mountains in the world”.
Majestic cliffs, tall sharp peaks, impassible overhangs and jagged summits. The variety of forms and colors and of the valleys that cross the Dolomites, however, have not only charmed the great mountain climbers of history, but great artists as well. Le Corbusier (Switzerland-France 1887–1965), perhaps the greatest contemporary architect, saw in the Dolomites “the most beautiful natural architecture in the world”.
Great climbers like the Viennese Paul Grohmann (1838–1908), the first to climb to the top of Tofana de Rozes and Mount Cristallo near Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Sassolungo in Val Gardena and the Three Peaks of Lavaredo in the Sesto Dolomites, loved these mountains and wrote about them in numerous publications. The Austrian Emil Zsigmondy (1861–1885) was also a pioneer in the history of Dolomite mountain climbing. He described them as a “delicious gem in the Alps”. The Lake Garda mountain climber, actor, and movie director Luis Trenker (1892-1990), who was born in Ortisei at the foot of the inimitable Sassolungo, documented his passion for these mountains in numerous books and films, which became known worldwide. Thanks to Trenker, the rocky shapes of the Dolomites became known for the first time on an international level. Finally there is the “king of the eight-thousanders,” Reinhold Messner. Since childhood he has loved the Dolomites. From the window of his house in Val di Funes he could admire the Odle Mountains and may have understood from the start that the mountains would always be with him. Messner has conquered all the highest mountains on the planet, but there has always been a soft spot in his heart for the Dolomites: “They are not the highest, but they are certainly the most beautiful mountains in the world”.
Majestic cliffs, tall sharp peaks, impassible overhangs and jagged summits. The variety of forms and colors and of the valleys that cross the Dolomites, however, have not only charmed the great mountain climbers of history, but great artists as well. Le Corbusier (Switzerland-France 1887–1965), perhaps the greatest contemporary architect, saw in the Dolomites “the most beautiful natural architecture in the world”.
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