Italy

Cortina d’Ampezzo                                               

Nestled among the mighty limestone cliffs of the Dolomite mountains, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of our favourite ski destinations. Known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Cortina d’ Ampezzo is one of Italy’s premier ski destinations, the historic town offering stunning scenery, wide gentle open slopes, food and wine that’s appropriately to-die-for. Cortina is a favourite for families, couples, and seasoned skiers. This guide explores everything you need to know for a memorable ski holiday in Cortina.

Plan your Ski Adventure

Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favourite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.

Ski World – They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years.

Skyscanner– it’s our go to for finding the best flights, we usually start here and usually finish here.

Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews.

Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermat, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find “Omio or Trainline” are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.

Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like “Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com’ provide reliable options with winter equipment.

Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We used “Safety Wing” when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.

Ski Equipment – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like “Skis’, ‘Pants and Jackets,’ Gloves, ski -helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from Berg’s Ski and Snowboard (USA) or Snow and Rock (UK).

For specific resort information- we turn to the resort website, which often provides details on lift passes, equipment rentals, ski school bookings. These resources together make planning our ski trips a lot easier.                                                                     

TOWN CENTRE

The town of Cortina is a charming pedestrian friendly area where locals go about their daily business, and tourists promenade the Corso Italia, visiting the wonderful shops or settling into one of the fine bars and restaurants. For a resort that’s quite popular with the jet set it still manages a relaxed vibe.

Cortina is in the Veneto region of Northern Italy, roughly 2 hours north of Venice. Situated at an altitude of 1,224 meters (4,015 feet), it’s surrounded by some of the most breath taking mountain scenery in Europe. The ski area itself extends up to 2,930 meters, offering spectacular views and terrain suitable for all levels if skiers and snowboarders. Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski, one of the worlds largest interconnected ski areas, which spans 12 valleys and offers access to over 1,200 kilometers of ski slopes. The resort has 3 main areas-Tofana, Faloria-Critallo, and Lagazuoi-5 Torri all accessible via a modern lift system. If you start early, you can even link up with the famous Sella-Ronda for a full day of skiing.                                                                               

Handy Tip: Remember your GOPRO or your INSTA360 for all those action shots of family and friends in Cortina.

Cortina d’ Ampezzo Skiing

Cortina’s ski area is known for its wide, immaculately groomed slopes, varied terrain, and stunning views. It is particularly well- suited for intermediate skiers but has options for both beginners and advanced skiers as well.

• Tofana Area (1,224m – 2,828m): The largest and most varied skin area in Cortina, Tofana offers a mix of long, scenic blue and red runs, along with challenging black slopes for advanced skiers. It is home to the famous Olympia delle Tofane, which hosts World cup downhill races.

• Faloria-Cristallo (1,241m -2,930m): Known for its sunny slopes and stunning views of the Ampezzo Valley. Being one of the main ski areas, it offers a mix of gentle and more challenging runs, making it suitable for all levels, for steeper terrain a must-visit for advanced skiers is Forcella-Staunies.
• Lagazuoi-5 Torri (1472m – 2,752m): Famous for its picturesque landscape and historic World War 1 sites, this area features gentle, wide slopes perfect for families and beginners. The Armentarola descent is a highlight – one of the most scenic runs in the Dolomites, with a stunning 8.5-kilometer route that takes you through dramatic rock formation.
• Advanced skiers will need to slide into the relaxed vibe, since challenging on-piste terrain is limited. But if conditions are right, it’s well worth hiring a quide to explore some of the vast off-piste opportunities.                                                           

Wear a SKI HELMET, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks and remember to pack your SKI GOGGLES for Cortina.

Ski Passes

Cortina d’Ampezzo offers a variety of ski pass options, with access to the Dolomiti Superski network.

• Cortina Skipass: This pass provides access to the Cortina ski areas. (Tofana, Faloria-Critallo, and Lagazuoi-5 Torri). It’s perfect for those planning to stay within the local ski area. The pass can be half-day to several days or even a season pass.
• Dolomiti Superski Pass: This is the best option for those looking to explore beyond Cortina. It covers 12 ski areas, including nearby Alta Badia, Val Gardena, and Arabba-Marmolada, giving access to over 1,200 kilometres of linked slopes. It’s perfect for skiers wanting to take on the famous Sella Ronda circuit.
• Family discounts and multi-day packages are also available, offering better value for longer stays. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended for ease and potential savings.

Accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina offers a range of accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels and charming chalets to cozy bed and breakfast and budget-friendly options.

Luxury Hotels

 1. CRISTALLO, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa: This iconic five-star hotels offers stunning views of the Dolomites, luxurious rooms, and a state-of-the-art wellness centre.

2. HOTEL AMBRA: our favourite place to stay to stay in Cortina, located a stone’s throw from the centre. Among all the hotels in Cortina HOTEL AMBRA offers its guests an exclusive experience with a refined charm. (We love this hotel)

3. HOTEL de La POSTE: A historic hotel right in the centre of Cortina, offering elegant rooms with a classic alpine ambience.

          Family-Friendly

 HOTEL ALASKA CORTINA: a centrally located hotel with spacious rooms and a family-friendly atmosphere, offering easy access to the ski-bus.

SPORT HOTEL POCOL: near the Pocol ski area, this hotel is perfect for families seeking a quieter location with easy access to the slopes.

       Chalets and Apartments

CHALET LACEDEL: A beautiful, modern chalet offering stunning views and easy access to Tofana ski area.

      APARTMENT VILLA LACEDEL: These well- equipped apartments offer comfort and    convenience, located close to the Faloria cable car.

        Budget Options

• HOTEL MEUBLE VILLA NEVE: A family-run hotel with a cosy atmosphere, located close to the town centre and offering affordable rates.

I always carry a DAY BACKPACK when skiing, as well as a WATER BOTTLE. It keeps me hydrated all day long on the slopes.

              Where to Eat in Cortina                                  

            Cortina is home to a range of traditional Italian trattorias to Michelin-starred        restaurants, here are our favourites in Cortina.

Fine Dining

1.   Ristorante Tivoli: This Michelin-starred restaurant is specially known for its traditional Italian cuisine. Its an excellent choice for a special occasion. (Wife’s Birthday)
2.  San Brite : A modern mountain restaurant that focus on farm to the table-dining,

The intimate setting and creative menu make it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Traditional Italian Cuisine:

              Cortina offers several trattorias and pizzerias for experiencing local Flavours.

1.  El Camineto: A cosy restaurant with a focus on traditional Veneto dishes, including    homemade pasta and hearty mountain food.
2. II Vizietto di Cortina: Known for its delicious Pizzas and great atmosphere, a great spot for families and groups.

Mountain Huts (Rifugi)                                                           

            No trip to Cortina is complete without enjoying a hearty meal and spectacular   views from a mountain hut.

1. Rifugio Averau: This mountain hut offers delicious regional cuisine and spectacular views. It’s an ideal stop for lunch during a day of skiing.
2. Rifugio Scoiattoli: Situated near the 5 Torri ski area, this heart serves traditional heart dishes and is known for its panoramic terrace.

Casual Eateries

              For a quick and tasty bite, Cortina has several casual dining options.

             La Perla: A popular spot for casual Italian dining, serving a variety of pasta dishes,     sandwiches, and pastries.

   Best Apres-Ski Bars                                                                   

             Cortina has a more refined apres-ski-scene compared to some of the rowdier           resorts in the Alps, but there are still plenty of places to enjoy a drink after a day on the slopes. 

1. Enoteca Cortina: A wine lover’s paradise, this cosy wine bar in the centre of town is known for its extensive selection of local and Italian wines.
2. LP26: It’s a popular place with the locals and tourist, offering a great selection of cocktails, wine and Italian snacks. Making it a great place to mingle.
3. Piano Bar Cristello: Located within the Cristallo hotel, it’s an ideal spot for a more sophisticated apres-ski experience with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Bar Sport: A more casual option, Bar sport is a popular spot for skiers to unwind with a beer after a day on the slopes.

             Getting to Cortina

By Air: The closest major to Cortina is Venice Maco Polo Airport, located about 160 kilometres (100 miles) away. Other nearby airports include Treviso Airport and Innsbruck Airport in Austria. From these airports, you can reach Cortina by RENTAL CAR, bus or PRIVATE TRANSFER. Compare your FLIGHTS HERE and BOOK

By Train: The nearest train station is in Calalzo di Cadore about 35 kilometers from Cortina. From Calazo, regular bus services operate by Dolomiti Bus connect to Cortina. The train journey offers a scenic route through the mountains. BOOK your TRAIN HERE.

By Car:  Driving to Cortina allows flexibility and convenience and a chance to explore the beautiful Dolomites along the way. From Venice, it’s about a 2-hour drive, following the A27 motorway and then the SS51 road. In winter, it’s advisable to have snow chains and winter tires, CAR RENTAL from Venice Marco Polo airport is the easiest way, we have done this several times, without any fuzz.

Ski Lifts

Getting to Italy’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with Ski-Lifts, offering both airport and train station transfers. Private transfers are a popular choice, as your not sharing with others or waiting at the airport, as your driver will be waiting for you on arrival.

By Bus: Cortina is well served by bus services including the “CORTINA EXPRESS” and ATVO, which operate from Venice and Treviso airports directly to Cortina. This is very convenient and cost-effective way to reach Cortina.

Resort Activities                                                           

1. Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
   Discover the Dolomites on scenic winter trails or guided snowshoe hikes, offering breath taking views of the surrounding peaks.
2. Ice Skating
   Glide across the Olympic Ice Stadium, a historic venue perfect for skating enthusiasts and families alike.
3. Shopping in the Village
   Explore Cortina’s chic boutiques and shops for luxury goods, alpine fashion, and artisanal crafts.
4. Tobogganing
   Enjoy thrilling sledding adventures on the snowy slopes, a fun activity for all ages.
5. Relaxation at Spas
   Unwind in Cortina’s luxurious wellness centres, featuring saunas, hot tubs, and rejuvenating treatments with spectacular mountain views.

             Handy Tip:

               Make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before hitting the slopes.

Cortina d’Ampezzo combines the charm of the historic mountain town with breath-taking scenery and world-class skiing. Cortina offers something for everyone with excellent dining, cozy accommodation and a blend of Italian hospitality and alpine adventure. Cortina remains one of our top choices for a ski destination.

                                                   Other favourites in Italy

  Courmayeur                            Val Gardena                                Madonna di Campiligo