In 2009 the Dolomites were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, widely regarded as being among the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. They are roughly equally shared between the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino. They span over some 141,903 ha with 18 peaks which rise to above 3000 metres.
The Dolomites are located in Northeastern Italy extending from the Adige River in the west to the Piave Valley (Pieve di Cadore) in the east. At the northern point is The Puster Valley and in the southern Sugana Valley (Valsugana).
"On the mountain we feel the joy of living, the emotion of feeling good and the relief of forgetting earthly miseries. All this because we are closer to heaven." _____________________ Emilio Comici ('The Angel of the Dolomites')
Major Passes
Tre Cime di Lavaredo 2,340m Pordoi Pass 2,239m Giau Pass 2,236m Sella Pass 2,218m Valparola Pass 2,192m Gardena Pass 2,133m
Tre Cime di Lavaredo 2,340m Pordoi Pass 2,239m Giau Pass 2,236m Sella Pass 2,218m Valparola Pass 2,192m Gardena Pass 2,133m
Tre Cime di Lavaredo 2,340m Pordoi Pass 2,239m Giau Pass 2,236m Sella Pass 2,218m Valparola Pass 2,192m Gardena Pass 2,133m
Riding
Steady long and extremely picturesque climbs, not steep like the Alps. Be sure to have you camera ready as every turn presents a different angle. The best time of the year is: Late May, June, July, September and October with consistent weather throughout the summer period. Be sure to always have a wind/rain proof jacket with you, sometimes the afternoon storms can catch you out on a long day!
Famous Events
Giro d' Italia Maratona dles Dolomites Sellaronda Day Marcialonga Haute Route TransAlp La Vecia Ferovia MTB Sellaronda Hero MTB Dolomiti Superbike MTB
History
1789, the year in which the French adventurer Dèodat de Dolomieu discovered a calcareous rock which, unlike limestone, did not effervesce with weak hydrochloric acid - hence the name Dolomite. As you conquer pass by pass, recall that high above you lay trenches from the Italian Front, a series of battles at the border between Austria-Hungary and Italy, fought between 1915 and 1918 in World War I.
Languages
German, Italian and Ladin (an ancient Rhaeto-Roman or Romance language still spoken in the 5 Ladin valleys: Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Fodom and Val di Fassa. As you ride around, do take note of the Ladin name for places and passes. Sella Pass is Jëuf de Sela, Pordoi Pass is Jù de Pordù, the town of Canazei is Cianacèi, Ortisei is Urtijëi
Perfect Riding Conditions
Delicious Local Cuisine
This is Heidi Land
"We had the most amazing time revisiting and conquering climbs from previous trips and discovering more amazing rides, scenery and food!! Even though it was our third time in the Dolomites we still love the natural beauty of the area, everywhere we stayed was lovely" _____________________ Andrea B. (Singapore)
