Peaks over the 'Pearl'

The glassy surface and gentle hues of Lake Misurina are reflective of its fancy nickname: the Pearl of the Dolomites. The multi-peaked mountain ridge called Sorapiss frames this view toward the lake's southwest edge (do an about-face and you'll get a peek at the famed peaks of Tre Cime di Lavaredo). Most of Misurina's lakeshore is lined with lux resorts and restaurants, but the multi-story building in our photo's center is historically a clinic for treating childhood asthma—taking advantage of this microclimate's immaculate Alpine air.