The Dolomites

“Outstanding phenomena, areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic significance” are worthy of being declared World Heritage sites. In 2009, the South Tyrolean Dolomites were awarded World Heritage status on account of their unique natural landscape and special geological and geomorphic significance. Dolomite rock is made special by a famous natural phenomenon called Enrosadira, which shrouds the “pale mountains” in glorious colours at dawn and dusk. 

The nine mountain ranges of the Dolomites which belong to the UNESCO’s World Heritage include the natural parks Puez-Odle and Fanes-Senes-Braies which extend into Alta Badia.

A particularly spectacular phenomenon which can be experienced very well in the Dolomites is the alpenglow or “Enrosadira” in Ladin language. Upon sundown, the Dolomite mountains around Alta Badia are illuminated in magnificent shades of red, from pink to orange and carmine – the Santa Croce is a peak especially renowned for its blaze of colour. The phenomenon is particularly impressive in winter, when snow and ice transform the ridges and burrs into fairy castles.