Cortina and Valle d’Ampezzo combine nature, glamour and alpine sports: one of the most iconic destinations in the Dolomites, also famous for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Cortina is located in Valle d’Ampezzo, surrounded by some of the most famous peaks of the Ampezzo Dolomites, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The mountains that dominate the landscape include the Tofane, Cristallo, Croda da Lago, Cinque Torri and Sorapis, renowned for its turquoise lake nestled among the rocks.
Cortina is located in Valle d’Ampezzo, surrounded by some of the most famous peaks of the Ampezzo Dolomites, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The mountains that dominate the landscape include the Tofane, Cristallo, Croda da Lago, Cinque Torri and Sorapis, renowned for its turquoise lake nestled among the rocks.
The historic center, with Corso Italia, is filled with boutiques, artisan shops, and elegant venues. Among the museums, the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art and the Ethnographic Museum of the Regole d’Ampezzo stand out.
Historic mountain huts like Averau, Lagazuoi, and Nuvolau (the oldest in the Dolomites) combine unique panoramas with high-quality cuisine. Throughout the year, you can join guided hikes, e-bike tours, yoga classes at altitude, and gourmet picnics among the alpine meadows.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is an easily accessible destination by both car and public transport. For those traveling by car, the roads are scenic and well-maintained: it takes about two hours from Venice, one hour and 45 minutes from Treviso, and two hours from Bolzano. The main access routes are the A27 motorway (up to Ponte nelle Alpi) and the SS51 Alemagna state road, which crosses the valley with spectacular views.
Those who prefer public transportation can use the train stations of Calalzo di Cadore, Dobbiaco or Brunico, all connected to Cortina by efficient bus services such as DolomitiBus and Cortina Express. The nearest airports are Venice, Treviso and Bolzano. From there, private transfers can be booked, or seasonal shuttle services are available, which are very convenient during the ski season and major events.
In the surrounding area, the villages of San Vito di Cadore, Dobbiaco, Misurina with its lake and Auronzo di Cadore are also worth a visit. They all offer unique views and are excellent starting points for hikes or day trips.
Cortina d’Ampezzo will be one of the main venues of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled from February 6 to 22. The most anticipated events—women’s alpine skiing, curling, bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge—will take place right here.
The Tofane slopes, already a World Cup venue, will host the downhill events, while curling will take place at the renovated Olympic Ice Stadium. The sliding competitions will be held at the new Cortina Sliding Centre, a modern facility built to replace the historic Eugenio Monti track.
To accommodate athletes and delegations, a temporary Olympic village is being constructed in the Fiames area and transportation upgrades are planned, including shuttles, special trains and dedicated connections from the airports.
Despite some delays in infrastructure projects, such as the variants on the SS51, the Olympics represent an extraordinary opportunity for revitalization. The expected impact on tourism and the local economy is significant, with benefits extending well beyond the event. Alongside the competitions, Cortina will also host cultural events, exhibitions and promotional initiatives that will help showcase the history, tradition and beauty of this unique corner of the Alps.
During the summer months, Cortina is a paradise for hikers, families and sports enthusiasts. Among the most popular destinations are Lake Sorapis, accessible by a moderately challenging hike and the Cinque Torri, where you can visit an open-air World War I museum. From Misurina, you can set out for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the icons of the Dolomites.
Mountaineering enthusiasts can tackle via ferratas such as Punta Anna, Sci Club 18 and Lipella. For families, there are easy and relaxing trails like the Pian de Ra Spines path, an adventure park in Fiames, hikes with alpacas and llamas and mountain huts easily accessible by cable car or jeep, such as Malga Federa.
The summer gastronomic offerings are equally appealing: lunches at mountain huts (Croda da Lago, Averau, Dibona), sunset aperitifs at Rifugio Faloria and tastings in the town center featuring local products such as cheeses, speck and grappa. Summer is also a season of events, with sports competitions like the Cortina Trail and cultural gatherings such as mountain festivals and outdoor evening events.
Autumn gifts Cortina with extraordinary colors, as the larches turn yellow and gold. It is the perfect season for leisurely walks, along Rifugio Mietres, the Gores de Federa or in the Val Travenanzes.
During this period, local traditions are celebrated with the Festa del Desmonteà (the transhumance festival) and fairs dedicated to forest products such as mushrooms, truffles and game, which also feature prominently in the dishes of downtown restaurants. With fewer tourists and a slower pace, autumn is ideal for a romantic getaway or a weekend of photography and contemplation.
Cortina is one of the most popular alpine destinations in Europe for winter sports. The ski slopes are part of the Dolomiti Superski area, one of the largest ski networks in the world. Among the most famous runs are the Olympia delle Tofane, Col Druscié and Faloria.
In addition to alpine skiing, you can enjoy cross-country skiing at the Fiames Nordic Ski Park, snowshoeing (including night excursions often followed by dinner at a mountain hut), sledding for both adults and children and ice skating at the Olympic ice rink.
For those who enjoy different experiences, snowmobile tours, fat bike rides on the snow and relaxing moments in panoramic spas are available. The center of Cortina, with its elegant venues, offers a lively après-ski scene. Among the major events are the Alpine Ski World Cup, Christmas markets and full moon snowshoe hikes.
Spring is a quiet season, perfect for those seeking relaxation and nature. The landscapes awaken after winter, the days get longer and you can enjoy walks at altitude still covered in snow or through blooming forests. Recommended routes include the Val di Fanes, Lago Ghedina and Pian de Ra Spines.
The season is also ideal for birdwatching, nature photography and rediscovering traditional cuisine, with mountain huts and restaurants reopening to offer seasonal menus. It is also a great time to indulge in wellness breaks at spas, with fewer crowds and more tranquility.
