Italy · Veneto, the Dolomites
Cortina d'Ampezzo
La dolce vita, at altitude
Cortina is the queen of the Dolomites. A UNESCO-listed amphitheatre of rose-coloured peaks surrounds a chic Italian town of boutiques, aperitivo and long, sunny lunches.
Host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and again in 2026, it pairs dramatic skiing with the warmth and style only Italy can provide.
- Town altitude
- 1,224m
- Top lift
- Tofana, 3,244m
- Ski area
- Around 120km locally; 1,200km Dolomiti Superski
- Nearest airport
- Venice, about two hours
The skiing
Spectacular scenery, sunny slopes and access to the vast Dolomiti Superski, including the Sella Ronda.
Beginners
Gentle slopes at Socrepes and Col Gallina.
Intermediates
The Tofana pistes, the Cinque Torri and the Lagazuoi Hidden Valley run.
Advanced
The Olympia delle Tofane downhill and the steep Forcella Rossa.
Snow parks
Cortina's snow park at Faloria offers lines for most levels.
Where to stay
Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort
The grand hotel of Cortina, restored to its belle époque splendour.
Hotel de la Poste
A historic address on the Corso, much loved by Italians.
Rosapetra Spa Resort
Contemporary design and an excellent spa.
Hotel Ancora
Charming and central, recently renewed.
Where to dine
SanBrite
Michelin-starred farm-to-table cooking.
El Brite de Larieto
A working farm restaurant in the forest.
Rifugio Averau
A mountain hut lunch at the Cinque Torri.
Rifugio Scoiattoli
Sun, polenta and views of the Five Towers.
Bars, après and clubs
LP26
Aperitivo and late drinks on the Corso.
Enoteca Cortina
A tiny wine bar of great character.
VIP Club
Cortina's late-night dance floor.
Landmarks
Cinque Torri
Five stone towers and an open-air museum of the First World War.
Lagazuoi
Wartime tunnels and the Hidden Valley ski run.
Corso Italia
The pedestrian street of fashion and aperitivo.
Olympic ice stadium
Built for the 1956 Winter Games.
Beyond the slopes
- Sella Ronda ski circuit
- Snowshoeing to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Ice climbing
- Bobsleigh at the Olympic track
- Day trip to Venice
A note from Curious Wolf
Cortina suits those who love beauty, food and style as much as skiing. We often combine it with a few days in Venice.
DESIGN MY CORTINA D'AMPEZZO JOURNEY
