Cortina d'Ampezzo -or simply Cortina- is Italy's best known mountain resort. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomites, Cortina in winter is a destination for skiers and snow lovers alike. It was one of the first Alpine destinations to come to the fore and became a top spot for snow sports with the 1956 Winter Olympics. The tradition of major events continues, with the 2021 World Alpine Ski Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics both being hosted in Cortina, the latter jointly with Milan.

Skiers can enjoy 120km of slopes of different levels, from beginner runs to the slopes of the Women's World Cup. One cannot leave Cortina without trying the three ski areas, each with their unique characteristics: Faloria-Cristallo, Tofane and Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri-Giau. A slope an expert skier cannot miss is the Forcella Rossa, coupling steepness with unmatched panoramas.

Skiing in Cortina is an all-encompassing experience: skiing on perfectly groomed slopes is even better when you know you will stop for lunch and try a local dish at one of the many delicious mountain huts. And while you ski, remember to stop from time to time to enjoy the uncomparable views on the Dolomites and beautiful valley.

After a day out, everyone heads to the town centre to stroll around pedestrian Corso Italia. This legendary street offers one of the best shopping scenes in the Alps, but if you'd rather meet up with your friends, head to one of the many wine bars for aperitivo. And the day is not complete without dinner out: let yourself be spoilt for choice between a fancy restaurant and a traditional agriturismo.

Any good Alpine destination has some famous or very nice pistes. Cortina is no exception, with the Olympia delle Tofane being the venue of the 1956 Winter Olympics, the first to be broadcast on TV, and hosting Ladies’ Alpine Ski World Cup competitions.

Considering the Olympia as just a good slope in a good ski resort would be a great understatement. Cortina’s slopes are extremely diverse, from long and difficult runs to easier ones for kids; from pistes among the rocks to others overviewing the beautiful valley. All of them are highly panoramic, and it is not by chance that many consider that some of the most scenic skiing in the World takes place here. 

If you ask a regular guest what makes Cortina unique, you would probably receive two answers: the Dolomites and the town centre.

Cortina is a small town, yet its centre is very lively and has a diversified offer. Shops, hotels, bars and restaurants line up in the pedestrian Corso Italia and on Via Cesare Battisti. Whether you are looking for the latest of your favourite big fashion brand or for some unique detail to be found in a corner of a boutique shop, Cortina is the place for you. 

The array of sports activities one can try in the Dolomites is vast, ranging from the more traditional skiing and ice skating to alternatives such as ice climbing or ski touring. Among them, something everyone should try at least once is fat biking. Fat bikes are bicycles with larger wheels that make them ideal to be used on snow, as well as easy to ride and control.

Imagine biking down a snowy slope in the Dolomites: definitely a different way to experience winter and the great beauty that Cortina has to offer.

The Ampezzo Valley, where Cortina is located, is among the widest of the Dolomites. This means there isn’t just one famous panorama or peak, but a 360° view on the magnificent Dolomites from virtually any corner of Cortina. Nonetheless, there are some special places that offer an unparalleled peek on Cortina’s beauty.

Nestled on the Tofane, Ra Valles is Cortina’s highest ski area. From here, one can enjoy a breathtaking view of all the peaks surrounding Cortina and of the town centre from 1,300m above it. The slopes of the area are a haven of peace, as even in the most crowded periods, not many skiers come all the way to the top.