Italy has no shortage of mountains. I should know, if I venture to the top of the Milan’s Duomo on a really clear day and gaze around, I feel as though the city is virtually surrounded by them. Alas though, the Dolomite mountains are not all that visible from Milan.
Paragliding
Of all Italy’s mountain scenery, the Dolomites provide some of the most spectacular panoramas, but strangely enough to me, the mountains do not look as though they are in Italy, but in the USA perhaps. The skiing in the area is good too, or so I’ve been told by some English friends of mine who’ve been there.
However, do not discount this area once most of the snow has melted. And if you are feeling adventurous then go there and go paragliding.
While I’ve never been paragliding in the Dolomites, I have done it a couple of times over the alps, once in France, and another time in Italy. The view from the sky is spectacular and well worth that feeling of slight panic when you look down between your feet for the first time and all the houses below appear to resemble tiny little matchboxes.
Here is a little Youtube video I’ve found which gives a great impression of what it must be like to paraglide in the Dolomites.
Paragliding in the Dolomites, Italy
The next time you find yourself in Italy, have a go at paragliding – it will provide you with a whole new perspective on the mountain panoramas here, and will help tempt you to return. If, of course, paragliding, or the thought of it, does not scare you witless! It scared me a little, but I survived, and I would do it again.
Paragliding in Val Gardena, the Dolomites, Italy
Valgardena Groeden.com
Have a look around the attractive English version of the Valgardena Groeden.com site to discover more about the Dolomites area of Italy. Though the English used is a little strained at times, it’s OK. The site does boast plenty of interesting and useful information, and lots of glorious images too! And a little information on paragliding.
Boy, do I love Italy’s mountains – in summer and winter!
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Thanks for the great post. I’m going skiing in the Val Gardena in a couple of weeks and can’t wait. It’s my favorite skiing area of anywhere – US or Europe. The paragliding looks amazing, but I’m too much of a scaredy cat to try that. Plus I’d like to be around to see grandkids someday.
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the comment! Interesting to hear that you are a great Val Gardena fan! And that you think its the best skiing anywhere! That’s quite an accolade.
As for the paragliding – I didn’t think it was everyone’s cup of tea – but it’s worth trying – just once. Actually, I paraglided the first time off a ski slope on skis – quite an experience. Both times though, I went paragliding in tandem – with a professional instructor. The view and the tranquillity once you are up in the sky is marvellous! Gliding in in the Alps would be great too!
All the best – and have a great holiday!
Alex