Nestled in the heart of the Veneto region, Cortina d’Ampezzo stands as a premier destination for mountain lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” this stunning locale offers breathtaking views, luxury accommodations, and a myriad of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a taste of high society, Cortina promises an unforgettable experience.

A Glimpse into Cortina’s History and Prestige

Cortina d’Ampezzo is unique among VIP mountain resorts, as it appeals to both outdoor purists and luxury seekers. Framed by spectacular mountains and boasting panoramic vistas, it’s easy to forgive its reputation for exclusivity. Located in the sun-drenched Ampezzo Valley, surrounded by majestic peaks including six that soar over 3000 meters, Cortina captivates all who visit.

This transformation from an obscure village in the early 1900s to a world-renowned resort was accelerated by the 1956 Winter Olympics. This historic event brought international attention and established Cortina as a top-tier holiday destination, famous for its luxurious amenities and varied attractions.

What to See and Do in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Corso Italia

The vibrant heart of Cortina, Corso Italia, is the main street and social hub. Here, visitors can indulge in high-end shopping, from refined jewelry to technical sports gear and designer clothing. The street is not only a shopper’s paradise but also home to cultural landmarks like the Basilica of Saints Philip and James and the elegant 19th-century Ciasa de Ra Regoles.

The Tofane Mountains

The imposing Tofane peaks, including Tofana di Mezzo (3244 meters), Tofana di Dentro (3238 meters), and Tofana di Rozes (3225 meters), offer endless opportunities for hiking, via ferratas, and climbing. Adventurers can reach the highest peak via the “Arrow in the Sky” cable car, which provides stunning views from its three stations: Col Druscié, Ra Valles, and Cima Tofana di Mezzo.

Passo Giau

At 2236 meters, Passo Giau is a legendary alpine pass connecting Cortina with Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore. Known for its challenging stages in the Giro d’Italia, it’s perfect for hiking, cycling, and motorcycle tours, as well as accessing the Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri lift systems. This pass has been the backdrop for many epic sports feats, making it a must-visit for any enthusiast.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Impossible to visit Cortina without wanting to see the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. These three distinct peaks symbolize the Dolomites and represent one of the unmissable attractions of Cortina and its surroundings. The toll panoramic road leading to the Rifugio Auronzo, the starting point of the Tre Cime tour on foot, begins in Misurina, a locality just 14 km from Cortina. Once you arrive at the refuge, you can follow an easy loop hiking itinerary that allows you to admire up close the three most famous rock walls of the Dolomites. A must-see view!

Lago di Misurina

A visit to the glacier-origin Lake Misurina is ideal for relaxation. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, boat, or stroll along the lakeside paths, all while enjoying reflections of the surrounding peaks, including the Tre Cime. This serene spot is perfect for a day of leisure and scenic beauty.

Olympic Ice Stadium

Built for the 1956 Winter Olympics, this historic ice rink has been modernized and now offers year-round skating, solarium, children’s play area, and more. It hosts sporting events and is open to the public for skating lessons. The stadium’s historical significance and modern amenities make it a unique attraction for visitors of all ages.

Cliffhanger Lodge

In just 10 minutes from the center of Cortina, you can reach the Rifugio Faloria by cable car, located at 2120 meters in height (in case of cable car maintenance closure, a substitute jeep service is provided). From here, numerous hiking trails, mtb routes, via ferratas, climbing routes, and an easy themed itinerary known as the Cliffhanger Lodge depart. This is a loop trail starting and returning to the refuge on almost flat terrain. Along the route, which runs along the ridge overlooking Cortina, there are numerous panoramic points with beautiful views. The main attraction of the trail is the old Faloria cable car station, which appears in the film “Cliffhanger – The Last Challenge” starring Sylvester Stallone. This high-altitude walk is of easy level, suitable for everyone. Appropriate high mountain walking clothing is still recommended.

Fanes Waterfalls

For a unique adventure, hike to the Fanes Waterfalls, where you can walk behind the cascading waters. Among the many watercourses flowing in the mountains and valleys of the Dolomites, the Rio Fanes is one of the most famous: fame earned thanks to its copious waters that, squeezed between imposing rock walls, plunge into pools, cataracts, and tumultuous waterfalls (among the highest waterfalls in the Dolomites). The best way to admire them in all their splendor is to follow a trail that includes some sections equipped with metal ropes; although it is essentially a via ferrata, the trail is easy and suitable for children if accompanied by an experienced guide. If you don’t feel up to tackling the mini-via ferrata, you can admire the Rio Fanes gorge from the Alto-Ponte Outo bridge: it is a suspended bridge about 80 meters high, reachable in about an hour of walking via trail no. 10 starting from the Pian de Loa locality.

Lago di Braies

A popular day trip from Cortina, this picturesque lake in Trentino Alto Adige gained fame from the TV series “A Step from Heaven”. The distance is about 50 km, making it an easy and rewarding excursion.

 

Museums

• Rinaldo Zardini Paleontological Museum: Suitable for all ages, the Rinaldo Zardini Paleontological Museum exhibits a collection of Triassic-era fossils found in the valley and surrounding mountains. You can admire shells of marine invertebrates, megalodons, sponges, corals, and other fossils that clearly testify to the true origin of the pearl of the Dolomites: thousands of years ago, the territory of Cortina was, in fact, an immense expanse of seawater!
• Regole d’Ampezzo Ethnographic Museum: A particular museum in Cortina, unmissable for those who want to know more about life in the Dolomites, is the Regole d’Ampezzo Ethnographic Museum, entirely dedicated to the collective ownership of the Ampezzo Valley, a centuries-old tradition that has shaped the image and culture of this territory.
• Mario Rimoldi Modern Art Museum: Housed in the prestigious Ciasa da Regola, the Modern Art Museum of Cortina exhibits a private collection of Mario Rimoldi, an art enthusiast and politician who became famous for being the mayor of the city during the 1956 Olympic Games. The collection includes works by famous artists such as Savinio, Garbari, Depero, Guttuso, De Chirico, De Pisis, and others.

 

 

Activities for Every Season

Winter Sports

Cortina d’Ampezzo is synonymous with skiing. Its legendary slopes, part of the Dolomiti Superski area, offer over 1200 km of pistes. Besides downhill skiing, visitors can enjoy ski mountaineering, Nordic skiing, snowkiting, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fat biking, curling, and sled dog excursions. For an adrenaline rush, try heli-skiing. Many famous lifts can be reached by public skibuses, which are free to use with a skipass. If you have no experience, you are in the right place: taking private ski lessons in Cortina is top-notch.

Summer Adventures

In the warmer months, Cortina transforms into a paradise for hikers and bikers. With over 400 km of trails, there are options for every level, from easy valley walks to challenging high-altitude treks. The Dolomites cycle path and official Bike Resort routes cater to both families and experienced riders. If you want to enjoy the landscape without effort, you can rent an e-bike.

Family-friendly Activities

Cortina is perfect for family vacations. Easy trekking routes, the Cortina Adrenalin Center, the Helmut Ullrich Astronomical Observatory, the Dolomites Train, the Pierosà playground, and the Dinosaur Trail provide endless fun for all ages. Many of Cortina’s scenic beauties can be admired without strenuous sporting feats: you won’t have to give up the most beautiful views of the Dolomites if you’re traveling with your children. For new moms who want to get back in shape quickly, Mamme Fit walks have been designed, developing on beautiful trails easily accessible with a stroller.

• Cortina Adrenalin Center: For a fun family day, you can go to the Cortina Adrenalin Center adventure park in Ronco: it is one of the largest in Italy with 15 increasing difficulty routes suitable for children, teenagers, and adults, totaling 1300 meters and 140 passages. Your children will be eternally grateful for this adrenaline-filled day spent between Tibetan bridges, nets, suspension crossings, and jumps into the void.
• Helmut Ullrich Astronomical Observatory: To curious children – and to romantic parents – the Helmut Ullrich Astronomical Observatory may appeal, the right place to admire the starry sky of the Dolomites. It is located in Col Druscié, at an altitude of 1780 meters above sea level, and can be visited both during the day and at night. In the summer months, astrocene are organized, dinners at the Col Druscié Refuge followed by guided tours of the Observatory.
• Other Family-friendly Attractions: Two other family attractions not to be missed in Cortina are the Dolomites Train, a tourist train that connects the center of Cortina with Campo di Sotto, the Pierosà playground and the ice stadium, and the Dinosaur Trail, an easy walking route that takes you to discover the tracks left by prehistoric reptiles.

 

Nightlife in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo offers a vibrant nightlife that caters to those who love to have fun and stay up late. Here’s what you can expect:

• Winter Activities:
  • Après Ski: After a day on the slopes, everyone gathers in the chic bars in the center to boast about their skiing feats.
  • Atmosphere: Drinks and DJ sets create a lively and elegant atmosphere for light-hearted conversations.
• Summer Activities:
  • Outdoor Seating: The ritual remains the same, with the difference being outdoor seating instead of indoor bars.
  • Socializing: It’s the perfect time to meet new people and enjoy the warm summer evenings.
• Nightclubs:
  • Bilbò Club: Located in the center, it’s one of the most famous nightclubs in Cortina.
  • Belvedere Discotheque: Situated in the Pocol district, it’s another popular venue for dancing the night away.
• VIP Experience:
  • Vip Club: A historic venue that has shaped Cortina’s nightlife. Originally a tavern for Hotel Europa guests, it evolved into a piano bar and then into a cult venue with an American bar and nightclub.
  • DJ Sets: Animated by internationally renowned DJs, the Vip Club’s DJ sets rival the dance events of the most celebrated seaside resorts.
• Planning Tips:
  • Balance: Remember that nightclubs and sporting feats don’t mix well. If you plan to indulge in wild fun, schedule easy trips for the next day.
  • Recovery: Plan to leave your hotel in late morning or after lunch, depending on how much sleep you need to recover your strength.

Cortina d’Ampezzo in Films

Cortina is a true diva: it has served as a film set for over a hundred films. The list of films shot in Cortina includes the masterpiece “Il Conte Max” by Vittorio De Sica and numerous box-office hits that have entered the collective imagination, including “The Pink Panther” and a chapter of the James Bond saga (“For Your Eyes Only,” starring Roger Moore). However, the title everyone associates with Cortina is “Vacanze di Natale” by Carlo Vanzina, the cult film that in the 1980s gave rise to the successful series of holiday comedies, now for many Italians an irreplaceable Christmas tradition on par with the tree and Santa Claus. If you want to take a film-themed tour of Cortina, note these must-see places: Hotel de La Poste, Hotel Miramonti, and the already mentioned Vip Club and Cliffhanger Lodge.

 

Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of Italy’s and Europe’s most touristy mountain resorts, offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. Here’s a breakdown of the options available:

• Luxury Accommodations:
  • 4 and 5-Star Hotels: These exclusive hotels are perfect for those seeking a chic and luxurious stay, offering top-notch amenities and services.
  • Hotel Spas with Mountain Views: Ideal for couples or special occasions, these hotels provide a blend of luxury and breathtaking views.
• Central Hotels:
  • Hotels in the Center: Perfect for those who come for the social life, these hotels are ideally located, possibly overlooking the famous Corso Italia.
• Ski Hotels:
  • Convenient Locations: These hotels are strategically placed near the slopes, focusing on convenience for skiers.
  • Specific Services: They offer amenities such as shuttle services to the lifts, ski equipment repair, and heated storage for skis and boots.
• Budget-Friendly Options:
  • Family-Run Hotels and Guesthouses: Located 3-4 kilometers from the center, these 2 or 3-star accommodations are simple, comfortable, and often surrounded by greenery.
  • Holiday Homes: These are suitable for those looking for a nice vacation without draining their wallet.
• Tips for Budget Travelers:
  • Early Booking: Budget accommodations in Cortina are rare, so it’s advisable to book as early as possible.
  • Apartments and Camping: Consider staying in an apartment or camping to save on meal costs.

With such a wide variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, Cortina d’Ampezzo ensures every traveler can find the perfect place to stay.