Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, is the queen of winter tourism. In fact, it’s a place where tourism never stops, because every season is perfect for a visit to these Veneto mountains in the district of Belluno. The few inhabitants of the town actively participate in a hospitality network that always makes visitors welcome. Whether you arrive looking for the snow or for the heart of the green Alpine summer, Cortina d’Ampezzo will be a destination to remember. The 2026 Winter Olympics will certainly make it the center of the world for a few weeks. But Cortina has always known to be THAT center of the world.
How to get to Cortina
In order to reach Cortina d’Ampezzo, you shall land at the Airport of Venice ( VCE ) or at Verona ( VRN ). Then find your best transportation service, which we suggest could be ours (private chauffeurs ready to take you everywhere), and travel along A27 motorway to Belluno – exit Pian di Vedoia; then follow the directions along road SS51 di Alemagna up to Cortina.
What you need to know about Cortina
Located at 1,224 meters asl amidst towering Dolomite peaks, magnificent forests, and breathtaking views, Cortina became a tourist destination between 1700s and 1800s, when the royals and nobles of the Austrian Empire discovered the health benefits of hiking in this area. And … why not? The fun of skiing and sledding, too!
Like many mountain resorts, which link climate and faith, Cortina’s main monuments are its churches (Saints Philip and James, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Nicholas). There’s no shortage of museums, however: they are three—dedicated to art, paleontology, and ancient traditions—housed in fascinating structures (an old sawmill, an ancient palazzo, and a distinctive modern building). Among Cortina’s beautiful architecture are the Palazzo del Vecchio Comune and the Fort Tre Sassi. Also worth visiting are the ruins of Botestagno Castle and those of De Zanna Castle.
Ampezzo Dolomites National Park
Cortina’s most beautiful natural monuments are in the Ampezzo Dolomites National Park. The park’s territory includes peaks such as Cristallo, Tofane, Fanes, Col Bechei, Croda Rossa, with spectacular views and even glaciers. In the summer you can admire grazing herds on the vast plateaus, while in winter numerous winter will give you a great time, here. Within the park, there are 19 dedicated tourist facilities. The resort also boasts refuges, lodges, and bivouacs scattered throughout the higher elevations, offering breathtaking views.
Skiing in Cortina: how, where, and when
If you’re looking for winter fun, Cortina has slopes for all types of enthusiasts. The most famous ski resorts are Tofane, Faloria-Cristallo and Lagazuoi-5 Torri (which include the blue runs of Tofanina, the red runs of Armentarola and Olympia, and the difficult black runs of Forcella Rossa, Staunies, and Canale). In total, Cortina offers 30 ski lifts!
Inside the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park you can enjoy cross-country skiing on a 7 km circular trail, with lights on at night. You can also enjoy snowkiting, sledding, bobsleighing, ice skating, and ski hiking. Tourist facilities and the municipality offer tourists special “cards” that allow access to various activities and transportation options, allowing them to fully enjoy the entire network of local winter sports.
The best time to ski in Cortina d’Ampezzo is between December and February.
You should come to Cortina because…
You should book your vacation in Cortina d’Ampezzo, because:
- you can ski surrounded by wonderful panoramas
- you can enjoy the typical tradition of the Italians from the Alps while sharing luxury places
- you could do all kinds of winter sports
- you can enjoy Cortina also in the summer
- from Cortina you can easily get to places such as San Vito di Cadore, Auronzo, Ortisei and the Vajont Valley
