Celebrities of the Dolomites

The Dolomites are not only known for their vast hiking trails and ski resorts, but they are also home to some famous personalities including Luis Trenker, Reinhold Messner, and Giorgio Moroder. All three are vastly different but none the less added copious amounts of history and fame to the Val Gardena region and the Dolomites.

Luis Trenker was born and raised in the Val Gardena valley but little did anyone know, he would soon become one of their most famous citizens. Trenker didn’t start out on the movie-making and director path but instead got his degree in architectural studies. It wasn’t until 1921 that he has his first contact with movies when he was hired as an alpine guide for Berg des Schicksals. Soon after being hired he assumed the lead role, which sparked his passion for writing and directing films. Trenker is famous for his movies The Rebel, The Prodigal Son, and his debut film Kampf ums Matterhorn. Luis loved his homeland and used this passion as the main theme for many of his films. Trenker’s films are still well known all over and he will always be a decorated citizen of the Val Gardena valley.

Reinhold Messner is known as one of the greatest mountaineers of all time. His accomplishments include being the first climber to ascend all fourteen peaks over 26,000ft above sea level, cross Antarctica and Greenland without sleds or snowmobiles and cross the Gobi Desert solo. Messner credits his love for climbing to his father, who took him to his first summit at the age of five. He has since conquered hundreds of summits many of them being in the Dolomites where he first fell in love with the sport. Messner’s achievements are vast and extraordinary, which you can read about in his more than 80 books detailing his experiences. Nowadays you can find Messner devoting most of his time to the Messner Mountain Museum, and the Mountain Wilderness NGO. If you have a passion for climbing like Messner then exploring the Dolomites is for you!

Giorgio Moroder is a famous Italian singer, songwriter and record producer from the Dolomites. His accomplishments range from starting his own record label to producing music for legends like Donna Summer, Three Degrees and Janet Jackson. Moroder is also praised for his contribution and work with electronic music in the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, he released a number of hits of his own including Son of My Father and From Here to Eternity along with producing hits like I Fell Love for Donna Summer. In the late 80s and 90s, he took a hiatus from producing alums and focused on remixes and vial art. Nowadays you can find Moroder composing, producing and collaborating with artists like Daft Punk, Britney Spears, Sia and many more. So, travel to the Dolomites to learn more about its world-known celebrities!