Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” lives up to its regal title. It’s a place where dramatic mountain scenery meets refined luxury, making it an exceptionally appealing destination for a winter escape. As Italy gears up to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina is set to shine even brighter, reliving some of the glory from the 1956 games that first put it on the international ski map. The town is part of the vast Dolomiti Superski area, offering an incredible amount of skiable terrain, but its appeal extends far beyond the slopes, drawing visitors with its chic atmosphere, excellent dining, and stunning natural beauty.
Discover Cortina Ambitious Charm
Cortina d’Ampezzo truly feels like a special place. It’s situated in a dramatically beautiful pocket of the Italian Dolomites, offering a sense of exclusivity and heart-stopping views. It’s no wonder it’s frequently cited as one of Europe’s premier ski resorts and a top small town in Italy. The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, alongside Milan, will undoubtedly add another layer of excitement and prestige to this already remarkable destination.
Where to Stay Luxuriously
The accommodations in Cortina range from grand historical hotels to modern spa retreats, all designed to enhance your mountain experience. Many properties offer easy access to both the town’s amenities and the surrounding natural wonders.
Historic Elegance and Modern Comfort
Near the town’s center, the Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, , stands as a beautifully updated landmark. It boasts a spa, spacious suites perfect for families, and a history of hosting distinguished guests. For those seeking a longer stay, the Radisson Residences Savoia Palace nearby offers apartment-style living.
Romantic Mountain Retreat
The Faloria Mountain Spa Resort offers a contemporary, woodsy ambiance that’s particularly favored by couples. Its penthouse suite, in particular, is celebrated for its romantic setting, providing a secluded and luxurious escape amidst the mountains. This resort provides a serene environment, ideal for unwinding.
Tranquil Spa Indulgence
Tucked away among mountains and meadows, just a short distance from the lively town center, the Rosapetra Spa Resort offers an intimate experience with only 33 rooms and seven suites. The design emphasizes natural wood, creating a rustic-minimalist feel. While welcoming to families, it maintains a sophisticated atmosphere, especially in its tranquil spa, perfect for relaxation.
Upcoming Grandeur
A significant addition to Cortina’s luxury offerings will be the rebranded Cristallo Resort & Spa, set to become a Mandarin Oriental property in late 2024. As the brand’s first alpine resort, it’s perfectly timed to welcome guests for the 2026 Olympics, promising exceptional service and amenities.
Adventures on and Off the Slopes
Cortina is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities throughout the year. Whether you’re an avid skier or a summer hiker, there’s something to thrill you.
World-Class Skiing and Summer Trails
The Dolomiti Superski circuit is the world’s largest ski area, providing over 745 miles of interconnected pistes served by 120 modern lifts. You could spend weeks here and not ski the same run twice. In the warmer months, these same mountains transform into a hiker’s and biker’s dream, with trails winding through high mountain meadows and past pristine alpine lakes.
Can you hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
Yes, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, among the Dolomites’ most iconic peaks, are accessible for a very scenic hike. The trail, approximately 6.4 miles long, circles the base of these dramatic formations. It typically takes about 3.5 hours to complete, allowing for stops to capture photos or enjoy a meal at one of the charming mountain huts, or Rifugi.
Via Ferrata Thrills
For an adventurous experience that combines stunning scenery with a bit of a challenge, consider a via ferrata. Hiring a guide is recommended, especially for beginners. A route near the Cascate di Fanes in the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites offers an impressive landscape with waterfalls, making for a pleasant and relatively easy excursion on the rocks.
How high are the Dolomites peaks?
You don’t need to be an expert climber to experience the breathtaking views. Taking the Freccia nel Cielo cable cars from Cortina up to Cima Tofana, the third-highest peak in the Dolomites, brings you to an elevation of 10,640 feet. It’s an incredible spot to enjoy a meal with unparalleled panoramas.
Savory Delights and Local Flavors
Cortina’s culinary scene is as sophisticated as its alpine setting, with options ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy mountain chalets and traditional taverns.
Mountain Chalet Dining
For a truly memorable meal, visit Baita Piè Tofana. This mountain chalet offers a cozy atmosphere, perfect for escaping the elements after a day of adventure. Chef Federico Rovacchi, who trained at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, brings exceptional skill to the hearty mountain fare.
Michelin-Starred Excellence
The restaurant Tivoli has earned a spot on lists recognizing the best ski towns for Michelin-starred dining. The exquisite presentation and delicious flavors of its cuisine are complemented by the stunning surroundings, making it a destination in itself. Reservations are particularly recommended for tables with a view.
Where can you find authentic Tyrolean food?
Pontejel Bierstube Forst is a cheerful spot right in the center of Cortina that offers hearty Tyrolean dishes. Its simple decor and proximity to the Austrian border are reflected in its menu, featuring items like a cold beer, soft pretzels, and local charcuterie platters, providing a taste of the regional cuisine.
Chic Shopping Experiences
Cortina’s shopping scene offers a delightful mix of high-end fashion, local artisanal crafts, and unique gifts, particularly along its main thoroughfare, Corso Italia.
Artisanal Crafts
Explore the centuries-old craft traditions of the region at Artigianato Artistico Ampezzano. Here you can find beautifully crafted furniture, intricate deer antler carvings, and distinctive tarkashi wood objects inlaid with metal. It’s a wonderful place to pick up unique souvenirs, jewelry, or home decor.
A Multilevel Shopping Mecca
La Cooperativa di Cortina is an impressive multilevel store offering a vast array of products and services. You can shop for clothing, gifts, custom furnishings, regional crafts, and artisanal foods. It’s a comprehensive destination for everything from local delicacies to more well-known brands.
Designer Fashion
For luxury fashion and sportswear, Franz Kraler is a go-to destination. This high-end boutique is known for its outstanding service and carries esteemed Italian brands like Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and Versace, alongside premium sportswear from labels such as Moncler. It’s the perfect place to find stylish outfits for both the slopes and après-ski.
After-Hours Ambiance
When the sun sets, Cortina offers a sophisticated yet welcoming nightlife, from cozy wine bars to lively spots that transition into dance floors.
Wine Bar Discoveries
Enoteca Cortina is a beloved wine bar where you can sample from an extensive cellar curated by the founder. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a select glass of wine, often accompanied by small plates of appetizers, in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What dining spots offer entertainment?
Restaurant Col Drusciè 1778, accessible by gondola, offers more than just exceptional food with awe-inspiring views. On select nights, after dinner or drinks, you can visit the adjacent observatory for an unparalleled stargazing experience away from light pollution.
Lively Gatherings
Bar Sport, situated in a prime location on Corso Italia, is a popular spot with a large patio where people gather to watch the world go by. For a more energetic evening, Janbo serves cocktails and comfort food before its tables are pushed back to create a dance floor, making it a fun and dynamic place to be.
Planning Your Visit
Deciding when to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo depends on your priorities, whether it’s prime skiing conditions or a more tranquil experience.
Best Times for Different Experiences
From January to March, you’ll find the best skiing conditions, though this is also the busiest period. For a quieter experience with longer days and pleasant temperatures, consider visiting in June or September. These shoulder months offer a chance to feel like you have the majestic mountains almost to yourself, enjoying impressive sunrises in peace. Planning well in advance is crucial for peak seasons, especially if you aim to attend the 2026 Olympic Games.
How do you get to Cortina?
Cortina is most easily accessed by car from Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is about a two-hour drive away. While there’s no train station directly in Cortina, buses connect from nearby stations like Belluno and Dobbiaco. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the region, but if your focus is on skiing and local activities, you can manage well within the town and its immediate surroundings.
Getting Around Cortina
The town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo is easily navigable on foot. Many resorts offer shuttle services to the town center or nearby ski lifts. For travel between ski areas and other towns, the DolomitiBus service is available. Information on taxis and private transfers can be found on the Cortina Dolomiti website.
A visit to Cortina d’Ampezzo is an invitation to experience the best of the Italian Alps, blending exhilarating outdoor pursuits with refined relaxation. It’s a destination that truly offers a memorable getaway for every traveler.