Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti: the name itself is enough to evoke the charm of a classic regularity race for vintage cars that winds for 303.800 km between mountain views, alpine passes and typical villages so rare that they have been declared a World Heritage Site - UNESCO. Unique and exclusive places in the world like the fashionable Cortina D’Ampezzo, where the start of the 72nd edition of this historic competition is expected next July 18th.
Famous for the ski slopes and winter sports in general, the Dolomites during summer reveal a plurality of enchanting views: majestic and essential scenery at high altitude, where the spiers of the legendary “Pale Mountains” come to touch the clouds, and sinuous lines downstream, with the flowery Val Rendena, the waterfalls of the Valle del Mis, the intense green of the numerous Natural Parks. Translated into the petrolhead language: pure driving fun on hairpin bends, daring slopes, alpine trails and legendary passes like the Gardena, Sella and Pordoi.
As you probably understood, the Dolomites are particularly dear to us, we often choose them for an escape from the city. So, like we did with the lifestyle tips for Lake Como and Villa d'Este, we want to share with you what to see and experience in the area.
Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti 2019
As we said just a few paragraphs ago, if you are passionate about classic cars and the refinement of times gone by, from July 18 to 21 you should be in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Get ready for a rare show, this year further enriched by the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti Legend, for cars produced from 1972 to 1990, and by the Concours d’Elegance, which will feature the famous collector Corrado Lopresto as President of the jury.
STYLE TIP: a pair of The Heritage gloves, with a crochet back that recalls the authentic style of Gentlemen Drivers, celebrates this competition's 72-year prestige with class.
Those who are passionate about stars and have always dreamed of touching the sky with a finger should treat themselves to a night at the Starligh Room Dolomites 360°, a futuristic mobile room in fir wood and glass walls, which rotates completely on itself to follow the movement of the stars.
STYLE TIP: a Trolley, capacious but compact, is ideal for taking all the necessary things for an overnight stay, without cluttering up this small intimate paradise.
EXPERT TIP: enjoy the dinner for two with top quality local products. You don't even need candlelight, the magic of the sunset will suffice…
The Messner Mountain Museum Corones
On the Dolomites you can find the Messner Mountain Museum, built by the great mountaineer Reinhold Messner to celebrate his beloved mountains. Among the closest to Cortina d'Ampezzo we mention MMM Corones, an unmistakable building designed by Zaha Hadid and located on the Plan de Corones (2275 m), and MMM Dolomites, on Monte Rite (2181 m), “The museum in the clouds” which exhibits works representing the Dolomites, from Romanticism to contemporary art.
STYLE TIP: essential in form but practical in its functionality, a Document Case è is the ideal companion during your visit to the museum.
EXPERT TIP: treat yourself to a visit to the museum at dawn or dusk, when the famous phenomenon of enrosadira paints the Dolomites with incredible shades from red to purple.
Peacefulness, spirituality and modern design are the key elements of a stay at the Abbazia di Novacella, one of the most prestigious abbeys in northern Italy and the Alpine Arch. Rich in works of art, beautiful salons and an incredible historic garden, a few days in the abbey is able to involve and inspire anyone with the charm of almost nine centuries of history.
STYLE TIP: a silk pocket square that celebrates iconic cars like muses on a painting is a touch of discreet class appropriate to a place that appears in the manuals of art history.
EXPERT TIP: the renowned Abbey winery, located in a former mill, produces excellent white wines. Don't miss the chance to taste them paired with Südtirol specialties.
The Lago di Braies is one of the most famous alpine water mirrors, whose emerald green color is so special that it has inspired fascinating legends. Reaching it on foot or by car is in itself a regenerating experience that can be continued by staying at the Hotel Lago di Braies, so historic to be under protection of the Fine Arts, with the unmistakable family-run hospitality.
STYLE TIP: a scarf in cashmere and silk with an exclusive design is ideal for enjoying this "fresh breath" from urban lifestyle without risking a sore throat.
EXPERT TIP: in summer months, you can enjoy a rowing boat ride or a horseback ride along the shores of the lake.
Characterized by an art nouveau architecture, this luxury resort born in 1901 is a renowned meeting place of the cosmopolitan jet set for over a century, thanks to a charming service that equates the rare value of the surrounding environment. The luxurious rooms offer precious peace, privacy and breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
STYLE TIP: active during the day, elegant in the evening. A Weekender Garment Bag is what it takes to contain all the outfits required by this exclusive location.
EXPERT TIP: take a few hours to relax at the Cristallo Ultimate Spa and enjoy a gourmet dinner at the Gazebo restaurant, with a privileged view of the Valle d'Ampezzo.
Photo credits: Federico Bajetti for The Outlierman © 2019
