With a 1000-year-old history and a long tradition as a popular tourist destination, Cortina d’Ampezzo, in Italy's Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, definitely merits its regal nickname of Queen of the Dolomites.
With its picturesque old town and wonderful views, Cortina is the perfect destination for those looking for a cultural holiday as well as outdoor lovers. Chic shops and galleries selling expensive art, designer clothes, jewellery and furs have pride of place here, especially along the famous pedestrianised main street, the Corso Italia. Beautiful old buildings, refined dining experiences and a classy, subdued approach to après ski all contribute to Cortina's elegant ambiance.
It's also been selected as the host resort of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, 70 years after first hosting the event in 1956, so this winter is the perfect time to see what awaits when the Olympic flame comes to town.
Where is Cortina d'Ampezzo?
Cortina is in the north-east Veneto region of Italy, two hours north of Venice, which is also the nearest airport and well-served by flights from the UK. Verona is another option, with a three-hour transfer. Neighbouring resorts include Alta Badia, where you can access the Sella Ronda circuit.
Where traditions live
The name Cortina d’Ampezzo was given after the First World War. The residential centre built in the middle of the Ampezzo Valley was named Cortina, which means closed or fenced locality. It also means cemetery in the local language of Ladin, which is very much a living language and is widely spoken in this part of Italy. Ampezzo is one of the five Ladin valleys in the Dolomites, along with Val Badia, Val di Fassa, Val Gardena and Fodom.
The town of Cortina is divided into 6 districts, called Sestieri d'Ampezzo. These represent the local communities and keep local cultural and sporting traditions alive through year-round folklore events and competitions, as well as in the arts and crafts that flourish here.
Is Cortina d'Ampezzo family-friendly?
Cortina is a brilliant resort for families and beginners, whether your priority is a large network of nursery slopes, great ski schools or a wide selection of post-skiing activities, ranging from ice skating to sleigh rides. Kids can learn to ice-skate, play curling with their family and enjoy the various celebrations and festivals that pop up here – like the visit of the Krampus in December, scary-masked devils helping Saint Nick sort out the naughty from the nice!
The most colourful time of the year, with numerous celebrations and festivals in the main streets is during the February carnival season. There are many activities for children, with entertainers, make-up artists, dedicated shows, the Masks Parade and many typical products to taste, such as the typical nighele made by the Sestiere of Azon.
And this being Italy you’ll find more than enough restaurants extending a warm welcome to families with small children.
Find skiing for all in Cortina d'Ampezzo
It may be a well-heeled resort attracting affluent visitors from Milan and Venice, but Cortina d'Ampezzo isn't just about luxury - there's serious skiing here too. It's a regular stop on the Ski World Cup circuit, and offers access to some decent backcountry terrain. Alpine skiing and snowboarding are part of Cortina d’Ampezzo’s DNA thanks to the long history of these sports in the resort. Ski at speed or just enjoy the view!
Part of the 1,200km Dolomiti Superski domain, Cortina’s 120km of local slopes are split into several ski areas. The highest and arguably most spectacular is Tofane (Ista Ski Area and Tofana - Freccia nel Cielo), home of the iconic Women’s World Cup run, while the most technical is Faloria - Cristallo, reachable from the centre, and the most panoramic is 5 Torri - Averau - Giau, Col Gallina and Lagazuoi.
Meanwhile, the outpost of Cinque Torri (the five towers), which until recently could only be reached by road, now has a two-way cable link to the main Cortina ski area via the Cortina Skyline cable car, opening up access to the Lagazuoi ski area, the Super 8 circuit and the beautiful ‘Hidden Valley’ – one of the prettiest red runs in the Dolomites. Topped off with a fun horse tow at the end, it's a must for intermediates.
Military history buffs will be drawn to ski the Great War Ski Tour – a full-day circuit that's even more challenging than the Sella Ronda. An early start is a must for this one. If you don't fancy the full circuit, Cinque Torri-Lagazuoi, in particular, has preserved evidence of the extraordinary conflict that took place here between Italy and Austria during the First World War.
For experts there are the 13 black runs along some of the toughest slopes in the Dolomites surrounded by magnificent views. The slopes are distributed in the different areas of the resort and surroundings: Tofane, Faloria-Cristallo, Misurina, San Vito and Auronzo. In particular, try the Forcella Rossa, the steepest black slope in Cortina (62%), or the Schuss, the one with the highest average gradient (56%). Cortina also has some of the best freeriding trails in the Dolomites, such as Cristallo, Tofane, Faloria, Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi, with famous freeride routes like Sci Club 18, Val Orita and Bus de Tofana. Perfect for powder lovers.
Non-ski activities in Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo also looks after non-skiers or those who just fancy a change. Here you can enjoy many other winter activities such as snowshoeing – even night hikes – cross-country skiing, ice climbing, indoor climbing, curling, ice skating, snow kiting and dog-sled rides.
Ice skating gives the whole family the opportunity to skate in the historic Olympic Ice Stadium that hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and which is also famous for being chosen as one of the evocative locations in the 1981 Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
The perfectly groomed cross-country slopes are part of the Dolomiti Nordic Ski circuit, the largest in Europe, and wind through snow-covered forests and valleys, ensuring breathtaking scenery and tranquillity.
Snowshoeing offers a gentler way to explore the landscapes, with 11 guided routes including a gourmet snowshoe hike and a trek to Cinque Torri.
Dogsledding is also popular with families: you can take part in a one-to-one experience with sled dogs trained by the ASD International Mushing Sleddog School. The activity includes an initial theoretical lesson including driving, sledging preparation and dog behaviour with subsequent snow trip for beginners lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The Olympics are back in Cortina
Cortina is preparing to welcome the world back to the Dolomites as one of the main locations of the Olympic Winter Games, which will be held from 6 to 22 February 2026. Various disciplines will take place here, including alpine skiing events, curling, bobsleighing, skeleton and sledding, uniting athletes and spectators in an event that promises to combine sport, culture and nature in an unforgettable experience.
The Paralympic Winter Games will also take place in Cortina, from 6 to 15 March 2026, with the disciplines of Paralympic alpine skiing, wheelchair curling and Paralympic snowboarding.
By numbers
120km of ski area
26 lifts
1,224m resort height
3,224m highest point
95% snowmaking
Key events this winter
14 December - Snowboard World Cup
18-19 January Women's Alpine Skiing World Cup - Downhill and Super G specialities.
1-2 February Granfondo Dobbiaco - One of the premier cross-country ski events.
For more information about skiing in Cortina d'Ampezzo, go to cortina.dolomiti.org
