[PHOTOS] Following the Olympic Flame Through the Italian Dolomites - SnowBrains

"The Olympic torch relay is more than a logistical procession. First introduced at the 1936 Winter Games, it was designed to link the ancient ideals of Olympia with the modern Olympic movement-carrying themes of peace, continuity, and shared humanity across borders. Few places embody that symbolism quite like the Dolomites, where culture, nature, and history are interwoven over countless generations."

"As the Olympic flame makes its long journey from the birthplace of the Games in Olympia, Greece, to its final destination in Milan, Italy, each stage of the relay adds another layer to a tradition that stretches back nearly a century. On Wednesday, January 28, SnowBrains had the chance to follow that flame through one of the most iconic landscapes in the Olympic world: the Italian Dolomites."

"SnowBrains followed the flame on its 52nd stage, tracing its path through the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site, where jagged limestone peaks rise sharply above ancient villages. At Gröden/Val Gardena, the torch traveled up the Ciampinoi Gondola and then down the Ciampinoi run, which was used during the 1970 Alpine World Championships. The flame was passed along from torch bearer to torch bearer as a gaggle of locals and tourists followed the procession down the World Championship run."

The Olympic flame travels from Olympia, Greece, to Milan, Italy, continuing a tradition that stretches nearly a century. Introduced at the 1936 Winter Games, the torch relay links ancient ideals with the modern Olympic movement and conveys themes of peace, continuity, and shared humanity. The Dolomites exemplify those themes through a landscape where culture, nature, and history converge. The Italian journey began in Rome on December 6 and reached the mountains in late January. The 52nd stage circled the Sella Ronda and passed through Cortina d'Ampezzo, Antholz/Anterselva, and Kronplatz, where Reinhold Messner carried the flame. The torch descended Gröden/Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, traveling the Ciampinoi Gondola and historic Ciampinoi run, passed between torch bearers amid falling snow and cheering crowds.

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