The Dolomites' Pink Alpenglow: A Geological Phenomenon Called "Enrosadira"
As dusk approaches in the Dolomites, the jagged limestone peaks explode in shades of pink, orange, and scarlet, a phenomenon known as "enrosadira"—the turning rose. This stunning vision arises because these mountains are not normal granite or basalt; they are made of dolomite rock, a calcium magnesium carbonate created by ancient coral reefs 250 million years ago when this region was submerged in a tropical sea.
The characteristic light tint and stunning verticality of the Dolomites are due to their unique composition. Unlike other mountain ranges, which erode into rounded shapes, dolomite's chemical structure allows it to fracture into the sheer walls, spires, and towers that make this UNESCO World Heritage site so unique. During sunrise and sunset, the low-angle light emphasises the rock's natural warm tones, which are accentuated by atmospheric dispersion that filters out cooler wavelengths.
According to Ladin tradition, a prince from the moon married a princess from the Dolomites but was unable to tolerate the harsh mountain sunlight. A wizard woven moonbeams into a curtain of alpenglow to make the peaks more comfortable for the lunar prince. Today, photographers all around the world seek out this magnificent light, particularly around prominent formations such as the Sella Group and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Alpe di Siusi offers panoramic views, while Lake Braies reflects the blazing peaks like a mirror.
Sources
https://www.visittrentino.info/en/articles/unesco-dolomiti/dolomiti/nature-and-science-origins
https://www.ciaocortina.com/en/geological-history-of-the-dolomites.html
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250331-italy-dolomites-the-magic-of-the-legendary-enrosadira
https://www.south-tirol.com/culture-holidays-south-tyrol/history/formation-dolomites
