At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, keep your eyes on the “background” of your TV screen.
Surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo, the venue for the skiing events, lies the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites.
This is Italy’s proud natural wonder, once hailed by architect Le Corbusier as “God’s creation.”
This time, we introduce the “Pink Magic” of the Alps—an absolute must-see for travel and photography enthusiasts—and how to enjoy the “world’s most beautiful downhill course” as you race down sheer cliffs.
Enrosadira: The Magic of Sunset-Dyed Mountains
Under specific conditions, the rock faces of the Dolomites transform from vivid pink to purple, then to fiery orange.
Locals call this phenomenon “Enrosadira” (meaning “dyed pink”).
Why does it turn pink?
The rocks of the Dolomites are composed of dolomite, a mineral rich in calcium carbonate and magnesium. This white rock surface acts as a canvas, reflecting the red wavelengths of the setting sun to create a uniquely fantastical color.
The Legend of the Rose Garden
A legend remains in the area.
Once upon a time, King Laurin lived in the Dolomites, where he possessed a beautiful rose garden.
Following a tragic event, the king cast a spell declaring, “Day and night, no one shall see the beauty of these roses,” transforming the garden into rocky mountains.
However, the king forgot to cast a spell over dusk. Therefore, for just a moment at sunset, the Dolomites glow with the red hue of the former rose garden.
If the competition broadcast happens to coincide with dusk, pay close attention to the background on your screen.
If the rock walls stretching behind the athletes are tinged pink, that’s the view offered by “King Laurin’s forgotten gift”!
Slalom through the rock crevices! The legendary course: “Olimpia delle Tofane”
The stage for women’s alpine skiing (downhill, super-G, etc.) is the Olimpia delle Tofane in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
This is said to be the most beautiful downhill course in the world.
The highlight is the Tofana Schuss
The symbol of this course is the “Tofana Schuss” section, where skiers plunge steeply through narrow gaps between massive rock walls.
It’s a distinctive course flanked on both sides by the rugged, exposed rock faces characteristic of the Dolomites.
Racers descend at speeds exceeding 100 km/h through the rocks, which resemble ancient ruins or a gateway to another world.
“White snow” “Gray rock” “Blue sky”
This contrast is so stunning it creates the illusion of watching National Geographic footage rather than a sports broadcast.
Gaze daily and feel the Dolomites vibe
During the Olympics, the breathtaking views of the Dolomites appear almost every day.
What starts as just a backdrop gradually becomes a familiar landscape as you witness the changing rock faces and colors daily.
By the time the Games end, you’ll feel as if you’ve spent two weeks there yourself. That immersive “as if you were there” feeling is one of the true joys of watching the Olympics.
Why not enjoy a journey to a World Heritage site right from your living room—no passport, no reservations, no travel required?
