23 December, 2019
As
locations go, the Dolomites
– a mountain range located in northeastern Italy – are second to
few; a scene nicked straight from the pages of a Grimms’ fairy
tale. Jagged-toothed mountain peaks render a rugged and romantic
landscape.
It’s a place at its most popular in winter, when Europeans flock
to the Italy-Austria border for downhill or cross-country skiing
and snowboarding. From powdery slopes in winter to lavender-lined
mountain paths in summer, the Alpine gorgeousness of it all borders
on overwhelming – and then the rifugi appear.
These traditional, cosy mountain huts are sprinkled across the
valleys, villages and slopes. Serving as a restaurant, inn, pub and
café all in one, they make the perfect stop off for moreish ragu
and a macchiato between ski runs.