Snow Conditions in the Dolomites? Incredible!
Winter in the Dolomites is a magical time, for many reasons. Whether you venture here to take part in the magnificent outdoor adventures, come for the spectacular scenery, visit for the culture and cuisine, or some combination of the above, one thing is for certain: snow is what makes the Dolomites truly come alive. So how can you be sure that when you visit the fluffy white stuff will be plentiful? Simple: it’s guaranteed. Here’s how.
A Natural Winter Wonderland
Ski enthusiasts can attest that there is nothing better than seeing a snow-covered mountain as you head out for a day on the slopes. The Dolomites, which offer some of the world’s best skiing, offer 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) of slopes, plenty of on- and off-piste opportunities, including options for skiers of all skill levels. And incredible snow! The location of these mountains, combined with their altitude, create the perfect conditions for winter weather – plenty of white flakes followed by sun-soaked outdoor adventures. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Technology Lends a Hand at the Resorts
Of course, Mother Nature can’t always be counted on to provide the perfect conditions, so the innovative folks that call this winter paradise home have enlisted the help of technology when the conditions could use a little boost. Nearly all of the ski slopes – an impressive 97 percent! – at the Dolomiti Superski resort area are equipped with modern snowmaking systems, which help to ensure that a fresh blanket of crisp white snow will always be on the ground. Most importantly, the snow generated by these systems is “real” snow – meaning there are no additives involved – just water and air! –transformed into fine particles of fluffy white snow perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
A Special Snowmaking Process
In order for human-made snow to blend perfectly with the natural stuff that falls from the sky, a special process is used. In the Dolomites, spring water from local, crystal-clear mountain streams is pulled in, chilled through the snow-making machines, and then pumped out at an extremely high level of pressure through snow guns. As the chilled water hits the air, it combines with the sub-freezing conditions of the atmosphere, and is transformed into snowflakes that blend with the natural snow already on the ground. At the end of winter, the natural cycle repeats – the snow melts, returns to the natural rivers and streams, and is slowly collected over the summer in the resorts storage basins, to be made into snow again the following winter.
Snow / Neve / Schnee / Nëi
Whether you speak English (snow), Italian (neve), German (schnee), or Ladin (nëi), you are likely to agree that snow is one of the few things that can make the already magical Dolomite Mountains even more beautiful. And if you enjoy snow, and you love taking part in outdoor adventures, the Dolomites are the place to be. With the marriage of nature and technology, you’ll be guaranteed to see plenty of white stuff while you’re here – just another reason the Dolomites are the destination of choice for outdoor winter activities!
Want to learn more about snow in the Dolomites? Check out the Dolomite Mountains BLOG!