We’ve “traveled” to Italy (virtually) many times before on this website, sharing enticing glimpses of the plethora of amenities that Italy has to offer which has drawn visitors there for generations, but we have never specifically highlighted the eye-catching Dolomites, a mountain range region located in the northeast corner of Italy near the Austrian border. That oversight ends this month with our Travel Video share featuring mesmerizing timelapse video footage compiled by Canadian filmmaker, Christopher Dormoy, whose final creation provides a dramatic visual sneak peek to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in all of Europe, headlined by the Dolomites’ striking 18 peaks which rise to more than 1,000 feet serving as the breathtaking backdrop. Those dramatic peaks towering above pristine green valleys and picturesque lakes that freeze in the winter are formed of Dolomitic limestone, or Dolomite, a mineral first described by 18th-century French geologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu (hence, the modern name). The old name, Monti Pallidi — quite literally, “Pale Mountains” — was precisely related to the composition of the Dolomite rocks, which appear pale, shiny and able to reflect the surrounding light. Pale by day, the Dolomites turn reddish at sunrise and sunset, the Enrosadira, or the “Alpenglow effect.”

The Dolomitic Alps region is a favorite ski destination among Italians during the holidays and winter months, and it has become an increasingly popular summer vacation spot for hikers and nature lovers. In the off-season months from late-March to late May, and from October to mid-December, many of the resorts and hotels shut down.

So, if you’re a skier, a hiker, a connoisseur of fine cuisine, an aficionado of outstanding hospitality, or simply someone with an active and adventurous spirit, the Dolomites has something for you. Or, if you’ve ever dreamed of standing on top of one of the world’s most magnificent mountains and soaking in the natural beauty and diversity of the vista below, think Dolomites. We’re sure you will find Mr. Dormoy’s video, with its hypnotic and surreal timelapse effects, the stuff dreams are made of!  Enjoy!

The Avant Team