Latest news with #Dolomites
Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
Soaring heat is driving Italy's tourists to the Alps – and into deadly terrain
Tourists are dying in the Italian Alps in record numbers as soaring heat drives inexperienced hikers into the cool but dangerous highlands. Huge numbers of visitors have flocked to the Alps and the Dolomites this year as Italy baked in temperatures exceeding 40C. However, they are often novices with little knowledge of mountain conditions, and turn up wearing inadequate clothing and footwear. So far this year, more than 80 hikers have died, many of them slipping and falling to their deaths from steep paths. The main summer break, in August, is not even underway. 'I can't remember a summer like this, with so many fatalities,' said Maurizio Dellantonio, the national head of the Italian Alpine Rescue. 'We've had 83 fatalities and five people missing just in the first month of the summer holidays. That is nearly three fatalities a day. We are carrying out 20 per cent more rescues compared to the average.' Mr Dellantonio said that last week, a young Italian chef in his 30s had finished his evening shift at a restaurant, headed straight to the mountains and embarked on a hike to the top of a peak called Cima Palla Bianca, 11,800ft above sea level. He reached an altitude of 10,200ft in the early hours of the morning, by which time he was freezing cold and called the emergency services. When rescuers reached him, they found he was wearing a pair of trainers rather than proper hiking boots. Italian newspapers have been full of images of overcrowding in the mountains, including a photo of hundreds of walkers queuing for a cable car to take them to the top of a peak called Seceda, in the German-speaking South Tyrol province of the Dolomites. 'There are people everywhere; the hiking trails are packed. It all started in June when the schools broke up. Down in the lowlands, you can't breathe because of the heat. In the mountains, the weather is ideal. The weather is changing,' Mr Dellantonio told Corriere della Sera newspaper. Sixty per cent of fatalities were walkers, while the rest are climbers, mountain bikers and paragliders. 'Among the hikers, there are people who are not in good shape, but they go off into the mountains all the same. A lot of people don't know their own limits,' he said. Tourists venturing into the mountains are not only unprepared and foolhardy – they are often ungrateful. 'Half the people we rescue refuse to pay the cost of the operation. Even when we have saved their lives,' he said. The youngest victim so far was a 15-year-old French boy. The teenager, named as Liam Rezac from Brittany, was hiking with his family in the Val d'Aosta region of northern Italy last week. When his parents complained that they were tired, he decided to forge ahead alone. But he got lost and is believed to have slipped and fallen to his death at an altitude of 9,350ft. Social media is also to blame for people's hubris, luring them to locations and altitudes that are beyond their capabilities. 'Someone posts a photo online and writes, 'I made it to the summit'. The next day, other people will have a go, even if they are not properly prepared. I would also say that kids today are not as tough as they once were. The mountains are a marvellous place. But the people who are dying are not paying them enough respect,' said Mr Dellantonio. While there have long been protests against over-tourism in places such as Venice, Rome and Florence, the anger is now spreading to the mountains. Last year, the words 'Tourists Go Home' were scrawled on a rock at the popular Tre Cime di Lavaredo mountain massif in the Dolomites. In February this year, the words 'Too Much' were written with red aerosol paint in snow at the entrance to a cable car in the Alpe di Siusi ski area, also in the Dolomites. 'We need new regulations,' said Michil Costa, an environmentalist and hotelier who lives in the Dolomites. 'During the summer, mountain passes should be closed to traffic. The number of hotel beds needs to be limited. Without brakes (on overtourism), we are dead. The effects of mass tourism are destroying the very places that tourists are coming to see.' Violent storms, attributed to climate change, are producing torrential downpours that damage paths and make them dangerous. Inexperienced hikers fail to check the weather properly or take into account local conditions. Among the recent fatalities was Ugo Fattore, a 59-year-old architect from Venice, who died after a fall in a valley called Val Pramper in the Dolomites. In the Piedmont region, at the western end of the Italian Alps, a 21-year-old hiker named Gioele Fortina died after slipping and falling from a path. A keen walker, he worked on a lavender farm. A German woman died last week after plunging 300ft onto rocks at an altitude of 7,200ft near the village of Gressoney-Saint-Jean in Val d'Aosta. Earlier this month, an officer in the Carabinieri police, who was a keen Alpinist, died after falling 160ft while climbing in Piedmont. Enrico Bolla, 55, was reported to have had years of climbing experience. The list of fatalities includes an Australian BASE jumper, James Nowland, 42, who died after leaping from a mountain peak in the Dolomites during a BASE jumping competition. Tributes were paid to Mr Nowland, who was from Perth in Western Australia. His wife, Candice, said: 'James was a greatly respected member of the BASE jumping community, having done the sport for over 10 years. His family meant everything to him.'
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The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
First look: Luxury hotel brand Aman opens doors to Italian mountain retreat
Hotel group Aman has opened the doors to a luxury mountain retreat in the heart of Italy 's snowcapped Dolomites. Aman Rosa Alpina, in the village of San Cassiano, will welcome guests for the first time today (Thursday 24 July). The property has been run by the Pizzinini family since 1939 under the name Rosa Alpina. Hugo and Ursula Pizzinini will remain at the helm of the establishment, stating that the partnership with Aman will allow them to 'celebrate their family legacy and three generations of hospitality.' Aman Rosa Alpina has 51 rooms and suites, with the Aman Suite being the largest. It comprises two king bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms with steam showers, a dining area and a large terrace. For families or large groups, some interconnecting suites are available. The hotel 's design includes expansive balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, providing unrivalled views of the Dolomites. Inside the rooms, guests will find glass-enclosed fireplaces and large walk-in wardrobes. The interiors incorporate local craftsmanship and natural materials while maintaining the brand's signature minimalist design principles. The reopened retreat also includes new dining experiences. The Grill offers wood-fired meats, fish and pizza, while Japanese restaurant Akiri will bring Shabu Shabu hot pots to Italy. Guests can also make reservations in the wine library for private dinners or expert-led tastings, while the Cigar Lounge will allow guests to enjoy premium cigars and aged spirits in an intimate setting. Aman has installed a new, two-level spa, complete with treatment suites, hydrotherapy pools, a sauna and a 20-metre outdoor infinity pool. Here, guests will also be able to find the fitness centre and yoga studio, plus a hair and nail salon. For families staying at the hotel, the Kids and Teens Room will keep younger visitors occupied, as will the three private cinema rooms. Visitors can use Aman Alpine Rosa as a base for hikes or tours in the summer and autumn. In the winter, the Dolomiti Superski is open, complete with 745 miles of slopes and 450 ski lifts. The hotel has a dedicated ski butler to ensure guests have the correct equipment. On returning from the slopes, guests can utilise the heated boot racks and storage facilities in the ski lounge. Aman Rosa Alpina is now open, welcoming guests until 12 October 2025, and again for the 2025-26 winter season (beginning 4 December 2025).
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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The Newest Aman Resort Opens Today in the Italian Dolomites With a 65-foot Outdoor Infinity Pool and Panoramic Mountain Views
Aman Rosa Alpina opens on July 24 in the village of San Cassiano in northern Italy's Dolomites. The hotel has 51 guest rooms and suites with expansive balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and fireplaces. Dining options include: The Grill, serving wood-fired seafood, meats, and pizzas; a cigar lounge; and a cocktail bar with live music and mountain views. The hotel also boasts a two-level spa with multiple indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy facilities, a gym, and a yoga studio. Aman Rosa Alpina opens today in the mountain village of San Cassiano in northern Italy's Dolomites. Long run by the Pizzinini family, who first welcomed guests here in 1939, the hotel joins Aman's portfolio in time for the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, slated to take place in February 2026. The reimagined Rosa Alpina (which is now the Aman Rosa Alpina) offers unparalleled access to Italy's premier winter playground, while remaining firmly rooted in its quiet, mountain-town heritage. 'For our family, Rosa Alpina has always been our home as we are living onsite and hence, it is a place with deep meaning—shaped by the mountains, by tradition, and by the people who return year after year,' Hugo Pizzinini, the hotel's managing director and co-owner, tells Travel + Leisure . 'This new chapter with Aman is something we approach with great pride, as it brings together our history with a shared vision for the future. Aman's focus on quiet elegance, respect for nature, and highly personal service makes it the right partner to carry Rosa Alpina forward, while keeping its soul and character very much alive.' The redesign was led by renowned hospitality designer Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, who has previously worked on several Aman hotels. The 51 guest rooms and suites—some outfitted with glass-enclosed fireplaces and walk-in closets—frame cinematic views of the Dolomites through floor-to-ceiling windows. The Aman Suite, the hotel's largest accommodation, features two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a separate soaking tub, and a dining area. As with every Aman hotel, wellness plays a central role. The spa features a 65-foot heated outdoor infinity pool, indoor pools for families and lap swimming, hydrotherapy facilities, including a Finnish sauna and cold plunge, as well as a slate of signature treatments. Il Salotto bar and lounge. The culinary program celebrates both the natural surroundings and local cuisine. Il Salotto, inspired by the hotel's original piano bar, offers daytime coffee and evening cocktails alongside live music and panoramic mountain views. The Grill turns out wood-fired seafood, pizzas, and a standout bistecca alla Fiorentina , best enjoyed on the open-air terrace in the summer. Come winter, Akari, a new Japanese-inspired concept, will debut with hot pot and sake service. Guests can also book private tastings in the wine library, Di Vino Room, or linger in the Cigar Lounge. Outside, the mountains beckon year-round. In warmer months, guests can hike, bike, or golf nearby, and in winter, ice climbing, snowshoeing, skating, and skiing await, with a ski butler on hand to assist with equipment and transfers to the slopes of Dolomiti Superski. A grand piano sits in Il Salotto. 'Rosa Alpina had long stood as a quiet icon in the Italian Alps, defined by its natural beauty, discreet charm, and enduring appeal,' Vlad Doronin, owner, chairman, and CEO of Aman Group, tells T+L. 'We recognized the potential to build on that foundation and bring it into the Aman constellation, guided by our principles of world-class design, privacy, and unparalleled service. With Aman now overseeing the day-to-day experience, Aman Rosa Alpina is the evolution of a storied retreat into a sanctuary that speaks to our guests' desire for peace and timeless elegance.' Nightly rates at Aman Rosa Alpina start from $1,800, and you can book your stay at
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Italy's Dolomites are compared to 'Disneyland' after 'influencer invasion' as videos show huge queues inching along mountain trails
Italy's Dolomites have been compared to Disneyland as the beauty spot became overloaded by swarms of selfie-snapping tourists and so-called influencers this week. Images and videos shared on social media shared by furious locals showed crowds of holidaymakers clogging up a cable car station in the Seceda area of the Alpine mountain range, which has become increasingly popular thanks to social media. One particular video shows a lengthy queue of visitors at the station over-spilling onto a nearby cafe, while some tourists are seen blocking a staircase as they wait in line. Another clip showed how a hiking trail came to a standstill as it became overwhelmed by tourists trying to reach the cable car. The video, which was shared on an Instagram page, was captioned: 'Something incredible even just to be told. 'Hours in line waiting for your turn to go up the Seceda to admire the meadows, ridges, the most beautiful mountains of the Alto Adige, being careful not to step on each other's feet, not to clash, to take the selfie as 'freely' possible in the presence of other tourists.' Such is the surge in visitors that the operator of the cable car that takes hikers up to the summit of the Seceda mountain has put in a request to triple the capacity of the chairlift, Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera reports. But recent scenes of overcrowding at the UNESCO World Heritage Site has sparked anger among locals and environmentalists who say large crowds could put wildlife at risk. Images and videos shared on social media shared by furious locals showed crowds of holidaymakers clogging up a cable car station in the Seceda area of the Dolomites One particular video shows a lengthy queue of visitors at the station over-spilling onto a nearby cafe Viral videos on social media platform TikTok have pointed out the realities of visiting the Dolomites region This is not the first time that images of overcrowding at the tourist hotspot have caused controversy online. Viral videos on social media platform TikTok have pointed out the realities of visiting the Dolomites region, depicting how visits to its beautiful landscapes are usually interrupted by large crowds of tourists and so-called influencers. One video shared earlier this month taken by a hiker at the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint showed a shot of the stunning Italian peaks with the words 'Expectation' written over clip. But the video then pans out to show a massive line of tourists stuck on a hiking trail as the words 'Reality' appear on the screen. The account that shared the video to the social platform wrote in the caption: 'Waited 1.5 hours for a rushed shot so we didn't hold up the line'. Another video taken at the same viewpoint showed a similar scene, with tourists seen waiting in line to take pictures of the backdrop. A separate clip shows the extent of the popularity of the Dolomites as dozens of tourists stand on the bank of a lake, tripods and cameras in hand, as they scramble to take snaps of the breathtaking scenery. The recent social media outcry over mass tourism in the Dolomites comes after a local farmer proposed an initiative to charge visitors a fee of five euros to enter the trails of the Puez Odle Nature Park. A TikTok video showed a huge queue of tourists lining up at a viewpoint to take snaps of the breathtaking landscapes A separate clip shows dozens of tourists standing on the bank of a lake, tripods and cameras in hand, as they scramble to take snaps of the breathtaking scenery Recent scenes of overcrowding at the UNESCO World Heritage Site has sparked anger among locals and environmentalists Recent condemnation of overtourism at the Italian mountain range comes after anti-tourist protesters targeted ski resorts over the winter While the measure has not been introduced, several locals have backed the proposal as they see it as a way stop visitors from littering and disrupting the environment. Commenting on the proposal, president of the Alto Adige Alpine Club Carlo Alberto Zanella said in a social media post: 'One of the most photographed trails in the Dolomites, invaded by influencers, YouTubers, and Instagrammers. 'A tacky tourism that has led to people lying down with towels on the grass that never grows back and ruining nature for a selfie sponsored by influencers who give random advice without knowing the true beauty of our mountains', he added. Recent condemnation of overtourism at the Italian mountain range comes after anti-tourist protesters targeted ski resorts over the winter, with Italian locals branded the words 'too much' in bright red letters atop a snowy mountain. The red slogan, which was deliberately placed under a ski lift, appeared at Alpe Di Siusi ski resort in the Dolomites back in February. The graffiti was a move made by angry locals who had been growing increasingly impatient over the masses of tourists hitting the slopes during the peak winter season. Brigitte Foppa, councillor of the European Greens party, said tourism in the area was 'a continuous growth' that has been 'underestimated for years'. 'They told us that we were we are paying the price, the wound in society has opened', she warned. The impacts of mass-tourism have been largely documented in recent years File photo: Santa Magdalena village, idyllic Dolomites landscape in South Tyrol, Italian Alps But it was not the firms time residents protested against the growing number of visitors in the area. Last summer, locals painted a preferential lane with the word 'priority' in the asphalt, after commuters had raised concerns that the masses of tourists had clogged up access to cable cars, causing them delays. The impacts of mass-tourism have been largely documented in recent years. Last summer, an anti-tourist movement ravaged through Europe, with angry locals protesting the economic and social disruptions caused by foreign visitors. Spain saw a particularly large number of demonstrations across the mainland as well as its Canary and Balearic islands. Actions included marches on the street with protesters chanting 'tourists go home', as well as demonstrations on beaches which saw locals boo and jeer at sun-soaked tourists. Anti-tourist protests have continued into this summer.
The Sun
20-07-2025
- The Sun
Stunning mountain village in hols hotspot offers families £90,000 to move in… but no one is taking up the offer
A PICTURESQUE mountain village in a holiday hotspot has promised to give families nearly £100,000 to live there - but no one is taking up the generous offer. The idyllic town, renowned for its breathtaking mountain ranges, is trying to combat its declining population and crumbling infrastructure. 5 5 Located in the northern region of Italy, Trentino has made the enticing offer in an attempt to revamp the village. Local authorities launched a new housing initiative which hopes to give some 33 towns a much-needed population boost and makeover. The desperate scheme offered buyers a grant of £90,000 - nearly £70,000 given for renovation, while the remaining cash was provided to purchase a derelict property. Those who took the cash would have to commit to living at the home or renting it out for at least 10 years. Not doing so would result in the grant having to be repaid in full. Applications were be accepted in rounds lasting three to four months each, with the first opening in May. When the initiative closed in late June - its had received just 291 applications. But one town, Sagron Mis, failed to attract even one applicant. Nestled at the foot of the Dolomites, Sagron Mis is a sleepy commune made up of two villages, Sagron and Mis. It is known for jaw-dropping views - and boasts many cracking hikes and lookout spots. Inside Britain's most notorious naked village: with nude vicars, bush wars and strict sex rule The town does, however, come with some challenges, despite its many appeals. For starters, it has just one shop to serve its population of 170 residents. Access to other essential services is limited. Its mayor, Marco Depaoli, said: "We have the post office, the cooperative. "But we are lacking in the presence of a general practitioner." The mayor remains optimistic, and said: "It's not a drama. It takes patience. There is no deadline, it is not a rejection of the town." He also said that there was strong interest in his town, even though there were no applications made to live there for cash. "Fifteen people have contacted our municipal offices to ask what the rule is, how it works, how to proceed to obtain funding," he explained. Trentino authorities have allocated over an eyewatering £8.6million to the initiative since it launched last year. The scheme covers municipalities in areas like Val di Non, Val di Sole, Primiero, Valsugana, and others. Both Italian nationals and foreign residents can apply. 5
