Now Entering: Italy's Most Enchanting Mountain Range
Visible on clear days all the way from Venice, a striking row of peaks and ridges form an imposing mountain wall along Italy’s northern border. These are the Dolomites, a legendary mountain range that not only provides a dramatic backdrop for daily life at Aviano Air Base, but also contains a treasure trove of resources to discover during down time.
Known as the “Pale Mountains” for being composed of a lightly-hued rock, the Dolomites are so brim- ming with natural beauty that they received a UNESCO designation in 2009 for ‘outstanding universal value’.
In all four seasons of the year, there are dozens of reasons to venture north into these craggy cliffs; below are some of the best.
World-Famous Hikes
There’s no better fix for a long week than a trail underfoot and fresh air in your lungs, so purchase a Tabacchi Map at the local Decathlon and start off on a famous Dolomiti hike.
One such noteworthy trek can be found in the Parco Naturale Tre Cime (“three peaks”), where you can embark on a six-mile excursion that lassos an impressive trio of rocky towers. Along the way, you’ll encounter some extraordinary reminders of World War One like fort foundations and iron ladders; the front line between Austria and Italy passed right through Tre Cime.
Another lovely option is the Alpe di Suisi, Europe’s largest alpine plateau. A cable car will whisk you up to the sweeping meadow, which - according to Italian legend - was once inhabited by witches, dwarfs and elves. There’s no sign of them today, however; now, you’ll simply find a verdant green pasture with clearly-marked trails for hikers of all ages.
More advanced and ambitious climbers can attempt one of Italy’s challenging “Alta Via” routes, of which there are three. Ranging from 100 to 180 kilometers up steep rock faces and down through gen- tle foothills, these treks can take as long as 12 days to complete! As grueling as that sounds, the mag- nificent panoramas and cozy rifugio cuisine will surely help to keep spirits high.
Sparkling Lakes
There are many lakes to love in Northern Italy, but Aviano residents have a soft spot for cooling off at Lake Barcis. Nestled in the mountains 45 minutes from the base, it’s a beautiful place for a hike or picnic, not to mention a multitude of water sports. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle-boards are all available for rent, and there are docks and rocky beaches aplenty for swimming.
Those willing to drive a few hours farther north will be rewarded with a day at Lago di Braies, the largest natural lake in the Dolomites. A photographer’s dream, the lake’s smooth surface creates amaz- ing mirrored images of the peaks that surround it. Rent a row boat and float the day away, or hike the circumference of the lake - it’s only three miles, and you can reward yourself with a brat (and a beer!) afterwards.
Snow Sports Galore
Unlike most Italian destinations, from December to February the Dolomites truly come to life.
Winter hotspots like Cortina d’Ampezzo, about two hours from Aviano, simply sparkle as tourists pack its streets and ski lifts. Cortina is just one of a dozen resort areas that make up the internationally- renowned Dolomiti SuperSki region, the biggest network of slopes in the world.
Then, of course, there’s local favorite Piancavallo. A 30 minute drive up a windy hill will find you in a quaint little town surrounded by downhill and cross-country skiing areas for all skill levels. It’s an espe- cially good spot for families, with a children’s snow park and indoor ice skating rink. Right in Aviano’s backyard, there’s no better place for newbies to try their hand at Italian alpine snow sports.
Beyond simply being close to home, the Dolomites are a stunning natural resource just begging to be explored. Don’t keep them waiting long!