Italian Dolomites

The Italian Dolomites are incredibly spectacular limestone mountain ranges found in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy. The Trentino-Alto Adige region includes two different provinces, Trentino and Alto Adige. The area is also known as South Tyrol and includes the Italian Alps. Not surprisingly the Dolomites, are the areas main tourist attraction.The Italian Dolomites compromise of over 36,000 ha of mountainous terrain and are made up of pale coloured dolomite which forms in marine environments. The rocks of the Dolomites were formed beneath deep ancient seas atop darker volcanic bedding. Dolomite shares the same features as limestone though it is often more dense.There are a number of regions within the Dolomites including Val Gardena, Val Badia and the Ampezzo region. In the Val Badia region over 90% of the population speak Romansch. Hikers have access to the Sciliar, Rosengarten, Sassolungo, Puez, Sella and Tofane ranges.Small cabins are located throughout the terrain for hikers and climbers to seek shelter and rest. The weather can often be unpredictable in the mountains
The Dolomites were chosen as a backdrop for the Sylvester Stalone action movie, Cliffhanger.