Thousands swarm stunning mountain escape as selfie tourism backlash erupts online

The pursuit of the perfect selfie is creating headaches for one of the Italian Alps' most recognizable landmarks.

Viral videos shared online in recent weeks show massive crowds stretching through shuttle queues as visitors wait to reach Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most iconic destinations in Italy's Dolomites.

The videos have sparked outrage, with many online commenters arguing that visitors were more interested in taking photos than enjoying the mountains.

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"This video proves that people are no longer able to enjoy the journey," one commenter wrote on Instagram. "In their minds, the only thing that matters is the photo."

"Everyone lined up for a photo just to show people on social media how great their lives are," said another user. "Hours in line for one picture."

Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most famous landmarks in the Dolomites. It draws visitors from around the world with its trio of mountain peaks.

The UNESCO-protected mountains are subject to the Enrosadira phenomenon, in which sunrise and sunset turn the rock walls a vibrant pink and orange, according to The Dolomites — UNESCO World Heritage Centre page. 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo gets over 800,000 visitors per year, per the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike Guide.

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Hikers and climbers gravitate to legendary vertical rock faces in summer, while winter transforms the region into a massive and interconnected ski network, according to Dolomites.com.

In response to the growing crowds, officials are considering requiring reservations for shuttle passengers in addition to the reservation system already in place for drivers.

Drivers must reserve access to the Rifugio Auronzo parking area in advance, according to the reservation website.

Reservations cost €40 (about $45) for cars, €26 (about $30) for motorcycles and €60 (about $68) for camper vans.

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Tre Cime is not the only destination in the Dolomites that's been grappling with issues caused by overtourism.

Landowners near Seceda, another popular mountain destination in the Dolomites, reinstated €5 (around $5.60) turnstiles to help manage growing crowds at one of the region's most photographed viewpoints, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

Carlo Zanella, president of the Alto Adige Alpine Club, previously told Fox News Digital that the turnstiles were installed by a local farmer after visitors repeatedly trampled meadows while flocking to the scenic overlook.

Zanella also criticized the role of social media in reshaping mountain tourism.

"I am against the influencers," he said. "They are only interested in making money [through] advertising."

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Zanella encouraged visitors to explore lesser-known areas of the Dolomites, saying there are "other even more beautiful places to visit."

Ashley DiMella of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.