Page 14 - Dispatches - June 2022
P. 14
Rachel Perry is a
staff writer and O.A.T.
associate since 2019.
Right: Tyrol Castle,
the ancestral seat of Nicknamed the “sunny side of the Alps”, mass of corals and shells under the ocean.
the Counts of Tyrol, South Tyrol is bathed in 300 days of They emerged about 70 million years ago
stands 2,000 feet sunshine each year. You’ll want to savor and now tally more than 2,000 distinct
above the valley its sun-soaked villages slowly as you hear peaks.
floor. the clang of cowbells from nearby pastures Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline
and see medieval castles nestled into
mountainsides. rush or a moment of peace, you’ll find it
amongst these mountains. It’s one of the
It’s known formally as Alto Adige, but largest ski areas in the world with 750 miles
most residents prefer its original German of slopes—which will be on full display
name of Südtirol, or South Tyrol—which during the 2026 winter Olympics in the
complements North Tyrol of Austria. One town of Cortina. Locals and visitors from
of five autonomous provinces in Italy, the around the world also enjoy cross-country
region boasts one of Italy’s highest qualities skiing and snow shoeing during the winter.
of life. From the active lifestyle it offers Hiking, rock climbing, and biking are
to its farm-to-table foods, it’s easy to see popular in the summer.
why. Yet, South Tyrol is not without its own
controversial history. Tucked in between the summits are
wellness resorts fed by curative natural hot
"Whether you’re Adventure abounds springs. These mineral-rich waters, along
looking for an A central feature of South Tyrol are with the pure mountain air, are the perfect
place to unplug. The quaint mountain
adrenaline rush the dominating Dolomite Mountains. villages aren’t so bad either. Here you
or a moment of Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage can discover artisans keeping traditional
Site in 2009, the Dolomites define a whole
peace, you’ll find different type of Alpine beauty. While the handicrafts alive such as wood and leather
it amongst these pinnacles tower nearly two miles above sea working and basket weaving, or browse
markets overflowing with cured meats and
mountains." level, they were born beneath it: 250 million cheeses.
years ago the Dolomites were a sprawling
14 DISPATCHES • WINTER 2022
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