Looking at the Dolomites one is immediately struck by the marvelous colours that change continually according to the variations if the light during the day. The rock of these unique mountains reflects the light creating marvelous and amazing chromatic games; an incredible effect that is not visible in any other place on earth. The huge and majestic rock walls get on fire and they light up endless shning and sparkling shades of red, purple, orange, yellow and pink. At dawn and sunset this show reaches its most extraordinary and scenic effect.
The ladin word (Ladin is the ancient language of the People of the Dolomites) indicating the burning rock walls is Enrosadìra. This "fire" is the consequence of the particular mineralogical composition of the rock of the Dolomites: the calcium and magnesium carbonates of the dolomia when hit by the light of the dawn and of the sunset react sending back an intense red glare. The overhangings reflect the light spreading wonderful colours varying from pale yellow to fiery red before changing to various shades of purple and pink to leave, then, room to the day or to the darkness of the night.
A beautiful ladin legend tells us about how the enrosadira phenomenon originated. The German name for the mountains of Mount Catinaccio Range is Rosengarten, rosesgarden. These mountains were the roses that beautiful Princess Ladina, daughter of king Laurino, was nurturing with love. She was kidnapped by King Latemar right in her rosegarden. Laurino, broken by the loss of his daughter, died of heartbrake, but not before cursing the roses that had revealed the position of his kingdom and caused the kidnapping of the Princess. He ordered that the roses must no longer bloom neither during the day nor at night. But he did not mention the dawn, nor the sunset. Since then the sides of mount Catinaccio get on fire and light up at the break of dawn and at nightfall.
What are the placesi from where it is possible to admire this precious Nature’s gem? The locations that allow to see the dolomitic walls catching fire are really a lot. From Pozza at down you can admire Mount Catinaccio becoming golden under the first sun of the day; from Alpe di Siusi, at sunset, you can see Mount Sciliar and Mount Sassolungo turning red. Sundown is marvelous also from Campitello di Fassa or from Passo Rolle when it sets Mount Sass Pordoi on fire; also Mount Cimon della Pala, again at sundown, offers a priceless spectacular view. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo at sunset become golden and they give a breath taking view to those who watch them from valley Val di Landro. More stupendous views can be obtained from lake Lago di Misurina on Mounts Cadini, from San Martino di Castrozza on Mounts Pale di San Martino, on Mount Pelmo from col Forcella Staulanza and on Mount Civetta from valley Valle di Zoldo all'alba.
The mountain guides of the Fassa Guide mountaineering school organize fantastic experiences to admire the Dolomite "Enrosadira", courses and excursions, both group excursions and with private mountain guide; stupendous activities and itineraries that will accompany you discovering the marvelous treasures of the Dolomites. Fassa Guide is at your disposal to assist you and to follow you in your adventures of freeride skiing, ski mountaineering, climbing and any other kind of excursion.
Get in touch with us for more information on all the activities:
Phone number: +39 349 642 4284
Reservations & info: booking@fassaguide.com
