Dazzling Dolomites

Location:
Italy

Magnificent Scenery

By Peter Anderson

Mention Italy and most people immediately think of Rome, the Coliseum, Venice, gondolas and the arts. Do the most impressive mountain landscapes of Europe come to mind?

Soak up the sight of jagged mountaintops covered with snow and the lush green pastures below. The pinnacles of the massifs moulded by nature into bizarre shapes stretch out before you. A lake surrounded by snow nestled below a towering prominence. Fir trees that appear to have been sprinkled with icing sugar, fairyland castles, pristine alpine villages – it’s all here in the Dolomites.

This unique mountain range is one of Europe’s most distinctive mountain landscapes. The best way to experience the bizarrely shaped peaks is to take a leisurely day’s drive through the Dolomites.

From Bolzano take the SS241 through the Val d’ Ega, a narrow gorge just wide enough for the river and road. Start in the early spring morning when the sun is not high enough to penetrate the high gorge walls. It will be a cool 10?C as you walk along the side of the road admiring the waterfalls before continuing beginning journey.

After exiting the gorge at Ponte Nova the bright sun lights up the pristine green valley spread before you. Dotted through the valley are typical Tyrolean houses making a scene that appeared to have come out of “The Sound of Music”. The first village is Nova Levante before the road climbs and the first sight of snow-covered landscapes stretch before you.

As you drove towards to the mountain-cradled Lago di Carezza (Lake Carezza) everything except the road will be snow white. Even in mid-Spring, late April, there will be an abundant of snow as you drive to 1000-metres above sea level. Approaching Lago di Carezza is a large car park and stalls off the road. The lake with the towering mountains in the background and the green fir trees in the foreground is an obvious photo-stop. The road crosses Passo di Costaluga skirting thick forests and wild countryside, and constantly unfolding more breathtaking vistas as it twists and turns around hairpin bends towards Pozza di Fazza. From here it is an easy drive along the SS48 to Canazei.

Here, leave La Grande Strada della Dolomiti and take the SS641, a twisting turning road with many hairpins to Lago di Fedaia with the 3342 metre Marmolada massif in the background. As the lake is situated at 2050 metres it was completely frozen over and covered with snow. Nearby skiers were enjoying the last of the ski season.

From the lake drive down towards Rocca Piétore and then through the green valley up to La Grande Strada della Dolomiti andto Arabba. From Arabba it is a steep twisting climb to Passo Pordoi, 2239 metres, 30 hairpin bends to the top. This is a popular stop for tourist buses as tourists take photographs and have coffee at the restaurant. The restaurant walls have old black and white photographs of the pass. Luckily little has changed in the last 70 years in this part of the world and that is one of the attractions that draws so many tourists every season every year. Here is a good stop for coffee and sit outside to enjoy the view.

At the bottom of the pass turn off SS48 and onto SS242 down to another valley before climbing to Passo di Sella where in early Spring it can snow and the temperature drops to -2ºC. Here at 2214 metres, admire the stunning views of Sassolungu and the barren white snow gives way to the dramatic self contained massifs really make one appreciate Mother Nature. Here the exhilaration of being in such a place of beauty, one can contemplate and ponder, why in other areas of the world do developers and governments ruin nature for so-called development. Descending the pass offers spectacular views of Sassolungu and by the time you reach Selva you will be back into the green valleys with the snow-covered mountains away in the distant. This is one of the amazing features of this area, one can be in minus degrees surrounded by snow and within 15 minutes be in a busy village 20 degrees warmer, engulfed by blossom trees and greenery.

Drive along the Val Gardena through the small village of Ortisei along SS242 to Ponte Garden and at the covered bridge spanning the river, stop and reminisce your journey through the Dolomites.

The Dolomites are named after the 18th century French geologist Diendonne Sylvain Guy Tancrède de Gratet Dolomieu. They are so-called because of the dolomite rock, or magnesium limestone, which is their main constituent. These unusual shaped massifs, over 30, are ancient coral reefs that have been compressed, uplifted and weathered. This largely explains the incredible crags and pinnacles that are their hallmark.

Anyone who enjoys the mountains and the activities associated with them will be entranced by the Dolomites. They offer an unbeatable combination – stupendous scenery, walks to suit everyone, from low-level strolls to high altitude treks, and some of the best downhill and cross-country skiing i

Further Information

Other helpful information: For a day trip start early in the morning. Early Spring is the best time as the snow is low and its not too crowded

Must see/do at this place: Its a good idea to take a thermos of hot drink and snacks as there are limited places to eat.