The jagged peaks of the Dolomites rise in pink and grey against a sky so blue it almost hurts to look at. Cortina d’Ampezzo sits in a wide valley surrounded by these UNESCO-listed mountains, a resort that has welcomed winter sports enthusiasts since the early twentieth century. The air here is thin and clean, carrying the scent of pine and fresh snow. In winter, skiers carve down perfectly groomed slopes. In summer, hikers explore meadows bursting with alpine flowers. The town itself offers elegant cafes, luxury shops, and a warmth of hospitality that matches the grandeur of the landscape.
In the Southern Alps, located in the northern part of Italy is where you will find the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The town is a well-known skiing spot which has many fine accommodations, restaurants and shops throughout the area. Cortina d’Ampezzo was the original planned location for the Olympics back in 1944, but as a result of the war, the location was changed. However, after the war was over, the town was able to host the Winter Olympics in 1956.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy by Snowdog
The 1963 film The Pink Panther was filmed in the area as was the 1981 James Bond sequel, For Your Eyes Only. Several scenes from the film cliffhanger were also filmed in the slopes surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo.
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A Rich History in the Dolomites
The town itself is situated atop the Valle del Boite with the valleys of Puster, Val d’ Ansiei and Agordo on all sides. To the west of Cortina d’Ampezzo is where you will find the famous Tofane Mountains. The Pomagagnon Mountains are to the north, Sorapis and Faloria Mountains to the East and the Becco di Mezzodi mountains to the south.
Back in 1420, Cortina d’Ampezzo was part of the Republic of Venice and by 1508 it would fall under Austrian control. The city remained in control by Habsburg until 1920. As a result, most of the males in Cortina d’Ampezzo were enlisted into the Austrian military during the First World War. After the end of the First World War, the city would become part of Italy. It was not until after the war that the city received the name Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Many of the world’s finest winter sporting events have been held in the slopes surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo over the years. The Nordic as well as the Alpine World Skiing Championships have been held in the city throughout the 1940s. While the city has made bids for both the 1988 and 1992 winter Olympics, they unfortunately lost the bids to Calgary and Albertville. More recently, Cortina was selected to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Milan, marking a major return to the international sporting stage. The upcoming Games have spurred significant investment in infrastructure, including a new high-speed rail link and upgrades to the ski lifts and slopes, ensuring that Cortina will remain a world-class destination for decades to come.
Winter Sports and Mountain Adventures
Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski network, which offers access to over 1,200 kilometres of slopes across 12 valleys with a single ski pass. The Ski Alto course, which hosted the 1956 Olympic downhill, is still one of the most challenging runs in the Alps, dropping over 800 vertical metres from the top of Tofana di Mezzo. For intermediate skiers, the slopes of Faloria and Cristallo offer wide, well-groomed pistes with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The Faloria cable car whisks visitors to 2,300 metres in just seven minutes, where a panoramic restaurant serves hearty mountain cuisine. In addition to downhill skiing, Cortina offers excellent cross-country trails, snowshoeing routes, and ice skating at the Olympic Ice Stadium. The town’s long sled run, the Pista da Bob, was used for bobsleigh events in 1956 and offers a thrilling ride for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Summer in the Dolomites: Hiking and Culture
When the snow melts, Cortina transforms into a paradise for hikers and climbers. The Cinque Torri hiking circuit takes about three hours and passes through World War I trenches carved into the rock, offering a poignant reminder of the battles fought in these mountains. The trail system around the Lagazuoi and Falzarego Pass includes well-marked paths suitable for all fitness levels, with rifugi serving local specialities such as polenta, speck, and canederli along the way. The Cristallo Mountain offers guided via ferrata routes suitable for beginners with a head for heights, while experienced climbers can tackle the sheer faces of the Tofane. For a more leisurely pace, the Boite River Valley trail offers a gentle walk through wildflower meadows and past traditional hay barns. The town itself comes alive in summer with outdoor concerts, food festivals, and the famous Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti vintage car rally, which attracts auto enthusiasts from across Europe. Cortina’s 200 shops and 100 restaurants ensure that every evening offers new discoveries, from Michelin-starred dining to casual pizzerias serving wood-fired pies.
Year-Round Activities in the Dolomites
Cortina ski area covers 1,200 kilometres of slopes across 12 valleys. The Faloria cable car rises to 2,300 metres in seven minutes. In summer, the Cinque Torri hiking circuit takes three hours and passes through World War I trenches. The Cristallo Mountain offers guided via ferrata routes suitable for beginners with a head for heights. Cortina Olympic Ice Stadium offers public skating. The town has over 200 shops and 100 restaurants.
Would you visit Cortina for winter sports or summer hiking in the Dolomites?
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