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There’s a lot of misinformation and confusion about the Dolomites, starting with the simple matter of exactly what and where are they are! Is "Dolomites" just another name for the Italian Alps? Are the Dolomites and "South Tyrol" synonomous? What sets the Dolomites apart from the rest of the Alps? |
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Unlike other parts of the Alps, the Dolomites are not a solid range of impenetrable mountains, but instead, are composed of groups of peaks separated from one another by valleys (you can see this for yourself here). To get from one valley to another, you ride over a pass. The roads are excellent and signs indicating the way to passes and towns abound, so it is extremely easy to find your way around, and consequently, to plan your own tour. By staying in or near a town like Alleghe, Caprile, Colle Santa Lucia, Selva di Cadore, Pieve di Livinallongo, or Arabba, you can ride loops that will take you over most of the famous, spectacular passes. Hotels, apartments, B&B's, and agriturismos abound, offering accomodations for any taste and budget. Another option is Ride the Dolomites, inexpensive, self-guided tours from a fixed base, organized by Dolomiti Stars, the local consortium that recently sponsored stages of the Giro d'Italia. They'll reserve your room, pick you up at the airport, rent you a bike, and provide a number of other services. You can also consult the Province of Belluno Province cycling site, http://www.dolomiti-inbici.com. The guidebook shown at left, Passi e Valli in Bicicletta--Dolomiti Bellunesi , by Anastasia, Pauletto, and Supino, gives details of 45 passes and climbs (not all climbs are passes): length, average and maximum gradient, difficulty rating, suggestions for loops, and more. (available in Italian only). Ediciclo Editore s.r.l., ISBN 978-88-85327-69-6 |
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Hiking trails in the Dolomites are easy to find and follow. The best known are the Alta Via routes that criss-cross the range. There's no need to pack a tent, sleeping bag, food, and stove, for wherever you go, you'll find abundant rifugi (refuges) offering comfy bunks and hearty, delicious meals prepared by the 'keeper (this is Italy, after all!). The excellent Tabacco topo maps (1:25,000) can be purchased in bookstores and newspaper/magazine stores. |
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A new project, modeled on the famous Camino di Santiago di Compostela (in Spain) is the multi-stage Cammino delle Dolomiti. It is envisioned as an itinerary immersed in "faith, culture, and nature," intended to be traversed by groups of all ages and backgrounds, immersing them in the beauties of nature, taking them to visit centuries-old churches, sanctuaries, and hospices, fostering a sense of community and spiritual growth, and deepening the knowledge and appreciation of the land, people, and traditions of Belluno province. Stages can be hiked one at a time, or in combination with other stages. |
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My favorite Dolomites site--videos, history, culture, lore, itinereries, and much more |
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•The National Park of the Bellunese Dolomites offers nature trails, thematic trails, educational excursions, artistic and cultural events, support for traditional activities, festivals, and more. • Mazarol, the official park guides' co-op, offers guided hikes and treks, nature walks, historic/environmental programs, and more, both within and outside of the park. You can find a schedule of activities on their site. |
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• Magico Veneto is an incredibly detailed site full of useful information, cycling-hiking-mtb itineraries, fascinating facts, and wonderful photos of the entire Veneto region. • Enjoy wonderful starlit scenes of the mountains on the site of The Astronomical Association of Cortina http://www.cortinastelle.it/magichenotti.htm |
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Dolomites, Journey through an Enchanted Kingdom (Light Hunter Publications, Cortina d'Ampezzo. ISBN 88-86297-02-5) is a wonderful overview of the entire range: geology, geography, flora and fauna, history, culture, customs and traditions, cuisine, attractions, and lots more. Mozart and the Dolomites (available on Amazon) is described as "a stunning and original time-accelerated film that reveals the beauty of the breathtaking Italian mountain range as time passes and seasons change: clouds perform intricate dances with the mighty peaks, night falls and stars appear to create their own ballet performed to Mozart's Requiem." Click here to enjoy a clip: Kyrie-La Corsa delle Nuvole. The Dolomites, UNESCO World Heritage Site -- the official presentation video. |
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©2001-2010 The BiciVeneto lion logo and all text and photos on this site are, unless otherwise noted, the sole property of April Pedersen Santinon. Duplication, reproduction, or use of the text, images, and photos without the author's permission is strictly prohibited. |
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