Where are the dolomite mountains?
The Dolomites are a mountain range in the northeast of Italy
and are part of the larger Southern Alps that stretch over Slovenia,
Italy,
Switzerland, Lichtenstein and
France.
what is so special about the dolomites?
Not only are the Dolomite mountains a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, but they are also named after the rock they are made from, dolomite or
dolomitic rock, which is a type of carbonated sedimentary rock first discovered
by the French Minerologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu.
Aside from that, the Dolomites are known as being one of the
most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe. They are made up of sheer cliff
faces, rocky massifs, deep crevasses, unique formations and soaring structures.
Described like this it sounds like these peaks are stark and uninviting, but
their unique topography makes these mountains unusually attractive. The
Dolomites are simply stunning in winter when they peer out of the bright white
snow and equally picturesque in summer when you can see the glacial lakes and
mountain meadows scattered amongst the rocky outcrops.
mountains in the dolomites
There are around 20 peaks in the Italy Dolomites over 3,000m
and these stunning summits are popular with mountaineers, climbers, mountain
bikers and skiers alike. You’ll also find a range of mountain pass routes here
that are popular treks in both summer and winter.
Marmolada - 3,343m
Also known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Marmolada is the area
with the highest peaks in the Dolomite mountains, and even at 100km from Venice
can be seen from this far away on a clear day. Punta Penia is the name of the
highest point on Marmolada, and it is possible to hike to here from the valley
by crossing the Marmolada glacier. It is worth noting that you can also get a
cable car to 3,265m and enjoy spectacular views and several hiking routes from
the top too. Marmolada is popular with trekkers and adventure enthusiasts as
there is a Marmolada via ferrata you can try, caves to explore and even
preserved WWII bunkers that you can visit. There is snow year-round at the top
of Marmolada but it can be visited in summer or winter, although you can only
ski on Marmolada in the winter.
Antelao - 3,264m
Unlike Marmolada which is part of a massif of mountains,
Monte Antelao is a dramatic pyramid-shaped rocky pinnacle, known as The King of
the Dolomites. It is possible to climb Antelao in good weather and the route
requires lots of scrambling. There is no via ferrata on Antelao like there is
on so many Italian mountains but the climb can be achieved in a day, or two if
you fancy camping out.
Tre Cime de Lavaredo - 2,999m
The Tre Cima di Lavaredo are not the highest peaks in the
Dolomites but they are probably one of the best known due to their unusual
three mountain pinnacles. These distinctive mountains are part of the Tre Cima
Natural Park and there a wide variety of trekking routes both up and around the
summits.
Sassolungo/Langkofel – 3,181m
Notable for its long peak after which it is names,
Sassolungo is a wonderfully shaped rocky ridge that is close to neighbouring
Sassapiatto, which make up the smallest range in the Dolomites. Both require
technical equipment to climb but there is a long trekking route around the
bottom which offers fabulous views of both peaks and the surrounding valley.
trekking routes in the dolomites
The Dolomites offer awesome trekking opportunities for all
abilities. For a short, steep scramble that offers maximum rewards from the top
is the Tofana di Mezzo climb. The views from the top are simply incredible.
Trekking
Cinque Torri and Seceda are also relatively straightforward climbs that
offer fabulous views of the gorgeous Dolomites.
For more challenging trekking there is trail route up Piz
Boè which is one of the easiest mountains over 3,000m to climb. The panoramic
views from the top are stunning.
To take in some of the Dolomite lakes try the Lago di
Sorapis trek which is a super popular trail to this turquoise alpine lake. Turn
the trek into a loop and explore above the lake to avoid the crowds and find
the best views.
Longer touring routes include the previously mentioned trek
around Tre Cima di Lavaredo which can still be done in a day or for those who
want to walk for longer the Alta Via 1 (AV1) and Alta Via 2 (AV2) routes are
multi-day Dolomites hiking options. These two iconic routes are 120km and 160km
respectively and take in the best sights and scenery of the Dolomites across 8
– 14 days depending on how much time you have.
The Dolomites could arguably be called the home of via
ferrata, or iron path as it translates. Via ferrata is a series of walkways,
guide ropes, bridges and ladders that are permanently fixed to the mountains to
help mountaineers across technical or unnavigable sections on foot. Dolomite
via ferrata is a sport in itself and many people travel here to have a go and
experience a side of the mountains not as easily accessible. For beginners a
guide is a good idea. More experienced climbers might fancy having a go
themselves but be sure to take safety precautions.
dolomite skiing
In winter the Dolomites are a fantastic place to ski,
snowboard, cross country ski, hike. The Sellaronda in particular is a famous
skiing route which takes you up lifts and down pistes around the Sella mountain
group. This is a full-on mission
to accomplish and needs a little planning, but can be achieved in a day for
accomplished skiers.
The snow here is pretty much guaranteed from January to
March so Dolomite skiing is a great winter destination for snow sports. We
would suggest researching your resort before you book a winter holiday in the
Dolomites as some resorts are not ideal for snowboarders with long flat pistes
and occasional uphill slogs.
Even in winter there are plenty of hiking trails you can try
with or without your cross-country
skis. The plethora of ski lifts and cable cars make high level treks
possible although we would recommend using winter trekking gear, letting
someone know where you’re going and checking weather conditions before heading
out into the powder.
If you fancy hiking Dolomites yourself, head to our Italy
trip page and check out our multi-day adventures. Italy is just a short hop
from the UK and the trekking opportunities here are some of the best in Europe.
