Cortina d'ampezzo
Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, is a picturesque alpine town renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and world-class skiing. Often referred to as the "Queen of the Dolomites," this destination offers visitors a blend of outdoor adventure and refined Italian charm. Whether exploring its pristine slopes, hiking scenic trails, or indulging in local cuisine at cozy mountain restaurants, Cortina d'Ampezzo promises an unforgettable experience. Its rich history, luxury accommodations, and vibrant cultural scene make it a must-visit for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Let's explore what this beautiful town has to offer!
winter sports: When it comes to skiing, Cortina d’Ampezzo is pure alpine perfection! In fact, this glittering gem in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area will be co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics. While the ice events will be taking place in Milan, the majority of the other events will be taking place in Cortina. With over 75 miles of impeccably groomed slopes framed by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world, skiers of all levels can find their groove at the five main ski resorts in the area.
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Tofana: One of the most iconic mountain ranges in the Dolomites, offers a variety of challenging slopes for experienced skiers. Has one of the steepest downhill pistes on the World Cup circuit.
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Cristallo: Known for its dramatic rock formations and offers a mix of beginner and intermediate slopes for skiers of all levels.
Faloria: Located close to town and offers a range of slopes with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
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Mietres: A smaller ski area that is perfect for beginners and families looking for gentler slopes.
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Lagazuoi-Falzarego: A lovely, small intermediate ski area featuring a horse lift - only in Cortina!
​Cortina is also considered to have the best ski resorts for cross-country skiers in the Alps. Featuring over 40 miles of trails, it is one of the most beautiful cross-country ski routes in the Dolomites. Skiing not your thing? These are also offer snowboarding, sledging (sledding), snowshoeing and toboggan routes, so there really is something for everyone in this winter wonderland. For a unique winter adventure, consider visiting Malga Federa. Enjoy an easy two hour snow hike up to Malga Federa for a soul warming lunch before sledding down to the parking lot. The gradual descent takes about 30 minutes and weaves through the forest.
Outdoor adventure
hiking: Cortina is a hikers paradise with dramatic landscapes and crystal clear alpine lakes. The area features a vast network of 250 miles of hiking trails that cater to every level, from gentle meadow strolls to high-altitude adventures. The best part of hiking in the Dolomites, other than the spectacular views, are the little mountain huts scattered along the trails. These "rifugios" are small mountain lodges, similar to a hostel, that offer hikers a place to sleep and a hot meal while they are exploring the area. For those wanting to hike for days or even weeks at a time, you can book a bed at different rifugios along your path. If you are looking to do day hikes, you can just stop in and grab a bite to eat to break up your hike. While some are better than others, nothing beats an authentic Italian meal and a cold beer after an exhilarating hike! Here are a few of my favorites hikes and the rifugios along the way...
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Lago di Sorapis: This moderate level hike is just over 7 miles long round trip and boasts one of the most breathtaking views in the Alps. While the hike is moderately challenging, there are several heart stopping drop offs and narrow ledges - but in the end you will be rewarded with stunning views of Lake Sorapis, with it's milky turqoise waters surrounded by towering peaks. Once there, you can walk around the entire lake in only about about 30 minutes, the views are worth stunning! Make sure to stop at Rifugio Vandelli along the way. The sausage and polenta are delicious!
Lago di Braies: Another crystal clear alpine lake trail that you can't miss if visiting the area. This 2 mile hike is as easy as it is beautiful. Make sure to walk all the way around the lake as every view will be more impressive than the last. If visiting in late spring to early fall, you can rent a vintage rowboat and get out on the lake. Pack a picnic for a purely magical day in the Alps!
Lago Ghedina: This beautiful hike can be an all day adventure or an afternoon hike, depending on your starting point. If you begin in town, the 11 mile hike can be quite strenuous, but if you take the gondola up to Col Druscié, the 4 mile hike will be mostly downhill through a pristine forest. Once you reach the emerald shore of Lake Ghedina, you will be more than ready for a fantastic meal at the lakeside restaurant, Ristorante Saliola al Lago Ghedina. Make sure to check the hours before you plan your hike so you can enjoy lunch here - the food is great and the views are even better!
Cinque Torri: One of the most recognizable rock formations in the Dolomites. It is a popular hiking and rock climbing destination, but it is also an open-air war museum, with trenches and bunkers that remain from World War I. While you can hike up to these incredible rock formations, the best way to do this hike is to take the cable car up to Rifugio Scoiattoli and begin the hike there. Continue on to Rifugio Nuvolau for the best views and a fantastic meal. The whole loop is only about 2.5 miles, but you will want to spend plenty of time here exploring!
Not only does Cortina offer spectacular hiking, it's also a wonderland for mountain climbing and biking. The opportunities are endless, and one visit will leave you longing for more!
Where to stay
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This iconic five-star hotel is one of the most luxurious options in Cortina. The beautiful hotel strikes a perfect balance between classic Alpine charm and modern luxury and is a quick 7 minute walk to the city center. The rooms are spacious, the beds are incredibly comfortable and the service is first class. The hotel also features a spa and wellness center. Make sure to fuel up on the breakfast buffet before your day of hiking or skiing - it will be worth every penny!
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This hotel is about an hour outside of Cortina, but If you plan to visit Lago di Braies, I highly recommend spending a night or two on the lake. This elegant hotel is full of rich history (lost Nazi treasure, underground fairies, etc..) and is an awesome way to experience the beauty of this gorgeous alpine lake. Imagine waking up and enjoying a cup of hot coffee while watching the sunrise over the mirror-like emerald lake. Pure magic! While it is crazy busy in the summer, visiting between April and May or mid-September to late October is much more pleasant if you're not a fan of crowds.
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This luxury hotel and spa is located right in town, making it a convenient home base for exploring all that Cortina has to offer. This chic and modern Alpine lodge offers 22 rooms, each with it's own unique character. The hotel is know for its rooftop spa with jaw dropping views. Perfect for relaxing after a long day on the slopes. Enjoy a fantastic dinner in the hotel restaurant, which strikes a perfect blend of Italian and Tyrolean flavors - try the braised roe deer with blueberries and polenta!
Where to eat
It goes without saying, the food in Cortina is fantastic - you are in Italy after all! Not only will you find amazing bakeries, cafes and moderately priced eateries, this region also has a surprisingly large number of Michelin star restaurants as well. Here are a few that are worth checking out.
This Michelin star restaurant features a 7 course tasting menu that is a feast for ALL your senses! Each course has it's own story and each is a work of art - not to mention a treat for your taste buds! Make sure to book a table well in advance, as it's in high demand.
Located right in the heart of town, Dolom'eats needs to be on your agenda. Farm to table authentic Italian food in a quaint Alpine restaurant. The service is great, the location is perfect and the food is delicious. Reservations recommended.
​Great Italian restaurant in the heart of town. The pasta is great and the pizzas are fantastic - you may have to come here a few times during your visit just to try all that they have to offer. Sit out on the patio with a glass of wine and a pizza - it will not disappoint!
Bakeries are a must whenever you are in Europe, and Cortina has many that are excellent. Pasticceria Panificio Alverà has amazing croissants, beautiful pastries and excellent sandwiches you can pack for a hike. Panificio Bettio also has great croissants, but is most known for their focaccia bread. Buy a couple and pack them for a snack on your adventure.
Trip tips
Getting Around: The entire Dolomite region is serviced by a great bus system and it is entirely possible to do and see everything by bus. Another great option is to rent a car. The roads are excellent and well maintained, but during the summer the traffic can be a nightmare. In fact, some of the most visited lakes and hikes require advanced registration if you plan to drive, so make sure to keep that in mind. If you are traveling during the shoulder season - rent the car, otherwise rely on the bus.
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Check out the Corso Italia: No trip to Cortina is complete without meandering down the Corso Italia. This picturesque boulevard features coffee shops, luxury boutiques, home goods, art galleries, gift stores and restaurants. Small festivals are held on nights and weekends.
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Stop by La Cooperativa di Cortina: Part department store, book store and grocery store. You can find anything you are looking for at this great store. Grab a bottle of wine and some snacks to enjoy on your balcony and some pasta to take home as a souvenir. You'll find yourself stopping in here everyday of your trip!
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Tryout a via ferrata tour: The Dolomites feature some crazy hikes that would be dangerous to do on your own. Many of these hikes feature cables called via ferrata. These are some of the most thrilling, yet doable, hikes and are super popular in the alps. During WWI to protect the soldiers from falling off dangerous mountain routes, these iron paths were created. They’ve since been restored and better reinforced for leisure use, and are overall quite safe as long as you are careful. You wear a safety belt and lanyard which is like a bungee that you clip on to the cables along the most precarious portions of the hikes. Via ferrata will vary in difficulty from a walk next to a cliff to actual rock climbing moves that can feel vertical at times. Usually they’ll have ladder-like iron rungs when the rock becomes too vertical. I recommend trying a guided hike like THIS for your first experience.
plan your adventure!
Cortina d'Ampezzo is a destination that offers year-round charm and adventure. With world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and breathtaking hiking and cycling trails during the warmer months, any time is a perfect time to visit. Whether you are seeking stunning alpine scenery, delicious Italian cuisine, and or an opportnity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region, Cortina d'Ampezzo promises amazing experiences in every season. Ready to experience the majesty of the Dolomites? Contact me today to start planning your unforgettable journey!​