Assault on the Dolomites: a ski project gone out of control
Today, I want to discuss the delicate balance of Dolomites and sustainable tourism, a subject that shapes the future of our mountain communities.
First, allow me to introduce myself. I was born and raised in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where I still live and work. From a young age, I learned to appreciate and fall in love with my hometown and the breathtaking mountains that surround it, the Dolomites. As an alpine guide, I have the privilege of leading countless people through these magical landscapes, sharing the wonder and beauty of these peaks with them. While I fully recognize that tourism is a vital asset for our community, the surge in mass tourism has, in my view, done more harm than good in recent years.
Once a haven of peace, the Dolomites are now growing increasingly crowded and noisy. In the warmer months, the roads swell with sports cars and motorcycles zipping by at high speed, shattering the once-serene atmosphere with thunderous roars.
Come winter, the situation hardly improves. High-volume music blasting in mountain huts and along the ski slopes has transformed what used to be a tranquil sanctuary into an environment that feels less authentic with each passing day. I love music, but I’m not a fan of intrusive noise—there’s a time and place for every sound.
My bond with Cortina and the Dolomites runs deep, and witnessing these changes fills me with sorrow. Even though I understand the economic importance of tourism, I feel it’s time to speak up—despite the possibility that my view might not align with that of many in the industry. The mountains should be experienced with respect and calm, and our collective duty is to protect them.
The peril of the ski connection
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, now face an unprecedented threat. The controversial project to link the Civetta Ski Area with the Cinque Torri Ski Area—championed in the run-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics—is raising serious concerns. With 33.5 million euros earmarked for this venture, the prospect looms of a dramatic transformation in our mountain environment, involving new cable systems and water reservoirs for artificial snow production.
Using public funds to install additional cable cars and construct artificial snow-making facilities seems to mask narrow economic interests at the expense of our already fragile Dolomites ecosystem.
While sustainability is touted as a goal, construction continues unabated in vulnerable areas, disregarding environmental constraints and European regulations for protected zones like Mondeval.
Nestled between the Giau Pass and Croda da Lago, this little slice of paradise must remain untouched. Yet here we are, pushing for new slopes and even what some call a “cable car metro”—all in the name of drawing ever-larger crowds.
Dolomiti e turismo sostenibile, le mosse sbagliate dei politici.
The contradiction of mass tourism
And here lies the big paradox. Everyone talks about sustainable tourism today, yet we continue to flood the mountains with more visitors as if it were a contest to pack the valleys and slopes to the brim.
In the ongoing debate on the Dolomites and sustainable tourism, the relentless surge of mass tourism presents a paradox where economic benefits clash with environmental preservation.
The Dolomites are not an amusement park but a delicate ecosystem that must be respected and protected. Climate change is staring us in the face: temperatures are rising, snowfall is becoming increasingly unreliable, and yet we keep investing in infrastructure that depends on nature’s whim. Does that add up?
Precious water is being diverted to produce artificial snow when it would be far wiser to conserve it for essential needs. If tourism keeps growing unchecked, we risk stripping the mountains of their true essence, reducing them to disposable attractions.
Perhaps it’s time to pause and reflect. Is this truly the right path? Do we really want to turn the Dolomites into a giant theme park, or do we want to safeguard them for future generations?
In an age where environmental awareness is more crucial than ever, we must understand that the relentless growth of tourism in the Dolomites undermines every principle of sustainability needed to preserve these majestic mountains and their delicate natural balance. The beauty and vulnerability of these peaks should be cherished, not compromised by an ever-increasing flow of visitors, vehicles, and infrastructure that threatens the harmony the Dolomites have maintained for centuries.
Reflections on the Dolomites and Sustainable Tourism
The Dolomites don’t need more concrete jungles or ever-expanding networks of cable cars. They need respect, careful management, and a style of tourism that allows us to enjoy the mountain without inflicting irreversible damage.
It’s high time we seriously reconsidered our direction and adopted a more responsible, mindful approach to managing our invaluable natural resources.
If we genuinely want to embrace sustainable tourism, we must start by prioritizing environmental protection above all else. Only then can we hope to preserve the breathtaking beauty of these mountains, ensuring that future generations can experience them just as we have.
Ecco, ho detto tutto, e chiudo qui il mio scritto su Dolomiti e turismo sostenibile.
This is a great article, thank you for this information. Keep up the good work lad.