Cortina d’Ampezzo, known affectionately as the “Queen of the Dolomites”, is a gem in the heart of Italy’s Dolomite mountains. Cortina is the jewel or the pearl of the Dolomite ski region, and our favorite ski village. The scenery is fantastic, the town is very stylish and historic, skiing is a mere pastime.
Sitting at an altitude of 1,224m, this world-class resort forms part of the extensive Dolomiti Superski area, providing access to 1,200km of skiable terrain. Cortina actually comprises three ski resorts, and as a bonus it’s part of the vast Dolomiti Superski collection- the biggest ski network in the world with 1,200 kilometers of skiing in 12 unique regions all on one lift ticket (but not all connected). Since Cortina is not connected by lifts to the rest of the Dolomite ski region, its perhaps more exclusive.
Cortina has a proud sports heritage - host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, following its previous 1956 Olympics. If you hadn’t heard of Cortina before, you’re about to: the upscale ski resort in Italy’s northern Dolomite region is about to become one half of the duo hosting the Winter Olympics 2026 from February 6 - 22.
Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of Italy’s premier ski resorts. The town is positioned between Cadore (to the south) and the Puster Valley (to the north), Val d'Ansiei (to the east) and Agordo (to the west). Originally it consisted of numerous frazioni, isolated villages and hamlets, but from the 1950s it grew rapidly as a result of tourism. Only the most remote villages have remained isolated from the main town.
The central Piazza Angelo Dibona and the Corso Italia are cobbled and are absolutely car-free zones.
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Visiting for the first time? Mostly frequented by Italian ski-seekers, Cortina is about two hours north of Venice, just south of the Italy-Austria border, and around 50 mins via helicopter from fellow host Milan.
Skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo
The ski area in Cortina d’Ampezzo comprises of 115 runs, spread over 140km of pisted terrain. These include 44 blue runs, 37 red runs, and 11 black runs.
Cortina d’Ampezzo’s ski area is spread across three main areas; the Tofane, Faloria - Cristallo - Mietres, and Cinque Torri, each offering a unique skiing experience. Cortina’s’ three ski regions are Monte Faloria and Monte Cristallo on the northern side of town, Tofano to the south, and Cinque Torri - named for the five towering peaks on the sunny south side.
The resort offers 120 km of pistes divided into three separate ski areas. Faloria-Cristallo, Tofana-Socrepes, and Cinque Torri-Lagazuoi each have their own ambient design. Lagazuoi is linked to the Sella Ronda ski area with another 400 km of pistes. These ski areas are linked with buses, lifts, and pistes that must be skied.
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While you don’t necessarily need a ski guide, Cortina is confusing at first pass, with multiple names and regions. Consider hiring an Italian ski guide to explore all this terrain.
Slopes for Every Skill Level
Cortina d’Ampezzo offers a range of beginner-friendly slopes and ski schools to help new skiers find their feet. The Socrepes area on the Tofane side is a great place to start, with a selection of gentle, wide runs and a dedicated beginner area.
Intermediate skiers will find a wealth of opportunities in the Cortina d’Ampezzo ski area. The Tofane area offers a variety of blue and red runs, with the long, sweeping Rumerlo-Fedo run being a particular highlight. The Cinque Torri area, a little further out but well worth the trip, offers a selection of scenic blue and red runs, while the Faloria area is home to some slightly steeper, more challenging reds.
For advanced skiers, Cortina d’Ampezzo offers a selection of challenging black runs and plenty of off-piste opportunities. The Tofane area is home to the famous Canalone and Schuss runs, which offer steep, adrenaline-fuelled descents. The Forcella Staunies run in the Cristallo area is another must-try for advanced skiers.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is renowned for its off-piste skiing, with a wealth of options for experienced skiers seeking a challenge. The Tofane area offers several off-piste routes, including the Bus Tofana and the Vallon de Raola. The Cinque Torri area is another favourite among off-piste enthusiasts, offering a range of exciting descents.
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Freestyle enthusiasts aren’t forgotten in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps on the snow, an intermediate skier looking to explore a range of varied terrain, or an advanced skier seeking challenging descents and off-piste adventures, Cortina d’Ampezzo has something to offer.
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A Stylish Ski Village
Cortina d'Ampezzo is the most beautiful ski region in the Dolomites of Italy, and it is certainly the most stylish and special village. Up until its Olympic involvement, it often slipped below the radar for international visitors (St Moritz isn’t too far, and often stole the limelight).”
What we love about Cortina is the lifestyle of skiing. Italians show up late to the ski slopes, fashionably dressed, take a few runs then head to a fabulous sun deck for lunch, drinks and Far Niente (the art of doing nothing), then ski down to the village for another outfit change, and the après ski passagiata in Cortina’s cobblestone piazza.
Cortina’s ski lifts are begin upgraded, to rival the sophistication of Austria or other Dolomite ski areas like Kronplatz and Val Gardena. Cortina’s clientele and the hotels and restaurants remain classic, its a ski resort of celebs. And you can always go explore the rest of the Dolomiti Super Ski Region (your lift ticket includes 12 areas, 450 lifts and 1200 kilometers of ski terrain).
“The main drag has remained pretty much unchanged despite the big brands setting up camp here,” says Emily Bellini, founder of Italy-centric travel agency, Bellini Travel. “A smattering of actors have winter homes here, but it’s mainly Italian aristocrats who keep it still wonderfully stuck in the 1960s (think Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn).
Luxury Accommodation
We recommend you stay at Hotel Cristallo in Cortina, and ski then all on different days for the ultimate luxury Cortina ski vacation. Among the town’s best is Rosapetra, a distinctly Alpine hotel (think: fir wood paneling, fur throws, and mountain views) with an award-winning spa. Its 33 rooms and suites are cozy and welcoming - and crucially, each has views.
For a dose of well-rehearsed international luxury, consider the Aman Rosa Alpina, which opened in summer 2025.
Dining in Cortina
The town’s proximity to Venice is clear in its dining scene. “I love having lunch at Villa Oretta,” says Fortela creative director and Cortina regular Alessandro Squarzi.
Just a short way out of the main drag of town is SanBrite, an internationally renowned Michelin-starred restaurant by owner-chef Riccardo Gaspari. The tables are sparse and the dining room rustic. Many ingredients are grown on-site - Gaspari is guided by what’s available and intertwines classic local techniques into his menus.
For lunch on the slopes, SanBrite co-owner Ludovica Rubbini suggests Rifugio Pomedes, a mountain hut at the base of Punta Anna putting out traditional Italian alpine dishes. A must in the winter season is Gherardo ‘Barù’ Gaetani Ski Bar - an open-air grill and BBQ on the Faloria slopes.
The parting tip for dining in Cortina?
Après-Ski
Cortina doesn’t do ‘après’ in the same way other European resorts do - the Italians are a deeply chic people - but that isn’t to say there aren’t some wonderful spots for a drink. Bellini backs up Enoteca. “It is the best wine bar in town filled with locals and serves wine by the glass or from 1/2 bottles upwards,” she says.
A Few Tips
Situated just 2 hours' drive north of Venice, Cortina is a popular weekend destination - try to avoid weekends here if at all possible. During the Christmas and New Year holidays it is overrun with the most fabulous of Italian glitterati. When visited in early March however, Cortina was a charming and friendly, if slightly dull, old-school European mountain-village-turned-ski-resort.
The main problem with Cortina is the time spent on the lifts compared to the actual time spent riding. There was a new 6-man, high-speed lift installed for the 2006 season, which carries an extra 1200 riders per hour and speeds things up significantly. The best part of riding here (after the scenery) are the uncluttered slopes - get up to the top early and you can have the slopes to yourselves.