Chic Alpine resort in the Dolomites, known for skiing and 1956 Winter Olympics. Popular with celebrities and royalty for its upscale shops and restaurants.
Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites in northern Italy, is a renowned mountain destination. This alpine town is known for its extensive ski slopes, the iconic Cinque Torri rock formation, and the fashionable Corso Italia. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures or exploring Italian mountain culture, Cortina offers experiences for various interests.
Setting and Location
Cortina d'Ampezzo sits at an elevation of 1,224 meters in the Ampezzo Valley, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Dolomites. The town is part of the Veneto region in northern Italy, about 160 kilometers north of Venice. From Cortina, you can easily access several mountain ranges, including the Tofane, Cristallo, and Sorapis groups.
Winter Sports in Cortina
You can ski over 120 kilometers of slopes across three main areas: Tofane, Faloria-Cristallo, and Cinque Torri-Lagazuoi. The Tofane area hosts women's World Cup races on the Olympia delle Tofane run. For beginners, gentler slopes are available at Socrepes and Mietres. Cross-country skiers have access to over 70 kilometers of trails in the valley and surrounding areas.
Summer in the Dolomites
When the snow melts, Cortina becomes a center for hiking and mountain biking. You can explore hundreds of kilometers of trails, from easy walks to via ferrata routes. The Cinque Torri area is a hub for rock climbing, with routes suitable for various skill levels. Cyclists can tackle mountain passes like Passo Giau and Passo Falzarego.
Local Cuisine
Cortina's culinary scene combines traditional mountain fare with Italian cuisine. Try local specialties like casunziei (beet-filled ravioli) or canederli (bread dumplings) at rustic rifugios (mountain huts). For a high-end dining experience, visit the Michelin-starred Tivoli restaurant, known for its creative use of regional ingredients.
Shopping on Corso Italia
Corso Italia, Cortina's main pedestrian street, is lined with designer boutiques, artisan shops, and cafes. You'll find everything from high-end fashion to local handicrafts and gourmet food products. In the evenings, locals and visitors take part in the passeggiata, the traditional Italian evening stroll along this street.
Getting There and Around
The nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo (160 km) and Innsbruck, Austria (164 km). You can take regular bus services from Cortina to Venice and other nearby cities. Once in town, a free ski bus links the main ski areas during winter. In summer, lifts operate to take hikers and bikers up the mountains.
When to Visit
Cortina welcomes visitors year-round. Winter (December to March) is busy with skiing, while summer (June to September) attracts hikers and mountain bikers. Spring and fall are quieter periods with mild weather for exploring the town and surrounding nature.
Olympic Legacy
Cortina hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, the first to be televised internationally. Many facilities from those games, including the Olympic Ice Stadium, are still in use today. The town will once again host Olympic events as a co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Milan, reinforcing its status as a major winter sports venue.
