Sunset in Val Gardena in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy

© Marco Capellari/Getty Image

Carving up the ski slopes

Today we're featuring a picture-postcard view of Val Gardena, a valley nestled in the Dolomites in the South Tyrol region of Italy. At this time of year, the remote area may be a little busier than usual as skiers are drawn to its famous slopes. In summer, it's a popular destination for other outdoor activities, such as rock climbing and hiking.

Since the 17th century, the villagers here have been famed for their woodcarving. Artisans create everything from simple, practical items like wooden bowls to finely detailed figurines. One of their biggest hits was a wooden peg doll that was popular across Europe and the US during the 19th century. The Dolomites are a designated Unesco world heritage site that are also known as the Pale Mountains, due to their sheer white rock faces. Their striking peaks can take on a golden or pinkish hue at dawn and dusk – as in our image today.