Dolomites

The Dolomites is a mountain group of the Eastern Alps, located in northern Italy. Their name comes from the mineral dolomite which is common in the rocks, Their mysterious jagged landscape can often be seen from Venice, located south of the mountains, where they have provided inspiration for centuries of artists. These craggy peaks are relatively low in height, averaging 9,000 feet, but are attractive and challenging for rock climbers. The Dolomites are characterized by their twisted limestone pinnacles and spires, and by towering rock walls, some are over 4,000 vertical feet. The climbing surfaces, smooth limestone and hole-filled dolomite, make regular routes easy up many of the peaks, although serious technical routes are plentiful. There is little snow or ice in the Dolomites, and that which does occur melts away by May.

Access is easy: The Dolomite region has excellent roads, which are used today as geographical boundaries when dividing the range into smaller groups. Many of the villages in the area, like so many others throughout the Alps, have become well-organized tourist attractions.

The highest peak of the Dolomites is Marmolada (10,965 ft./3,342 m.). Perhaps the most famous is Cima Grande (9,839 ft./2,999 m.), a classic climbing peak with a sheer North Face.