The Dolomites are a mountain range in the northern Italian Alps with 18 peaks above 3000 metres in elevation. Although a small area, they feature some beautiful landscapes with sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow and deep valleys. The name Dolomites comes from the carbonate rock dolomite, named after the 18th-century French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu, who was the first to describe the mineral
Cortina d'Ampezzo is the most famous resort of the area which is also known for its many chapels. The northern area of the Dolomites is less vertiginous with grassy pastures and valleys.