Welcome to Cortina
One of Europe’s most iconic alpine destinations, in the heart of the Dolomites and surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites.
Over the years, Cortina d’Ampezzo has built its international reputation through major sporting events that have shaped mountain history — from the 1956 Winter Olympics to the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Yet Cortina is not only a capital of alpine sports; it is also one of the most exclusive destinations in the Alps.
Strolling along the famous Corso Italia, lined with elegant boutiques, high-end fashion stores, gourmet restaurants, and historic hotels, visitors experience a refined and cosmopolitan atmosphere that has long captivated travelers from around the world. Here, luxury meets authentic alpine tradition, creating a truly unique balance.
What makes Cortina truly extraordinary, however, is its breathtaking natural setting. The UNESCO-listed Dolomites surround the valley with some of the most spectacular mountains in the world. Thanks to its wide, sun-filled valley and unique connection between town and nature, Cortina offers endless opportunities to experience the mountains in every season.
Visiting Cortina d’Ampezzo means discovering a unique destination where nature, sporting heritage, and alpine elegance come together in perfect harmony.
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Lift your gaze and admire the beauty of the surrounding peaks, many rising above 3,000 meters and visible directly from the town center. At sunrise and sunset, they glow with soft pink hues thanks to the Enrosadira — a natural phenomenon that transforms the Dolomites into an unforgettable spectacle. For those who wish to experience these mountains from an even more extraordinary perspective, helicopter and hot air balloon flights offer a truly unforgettable way to take in the landscape.
Endless Experiences Between Sport and Nature
A crown of peaks embraces the Ampezzo Valley, offering breathtaking views from every angle. On foot, for a peaceful walk, along high-altitude via ferratas, or climbing dramatic rock faces. Running along scenic trails, gliding on alpine skis , cross-country tracks, or ski touring routes.
On two wheels, riding along the legendary roads of the Giro d’Italia, testing yourself in the Bike Park, or exploring mountain bike trails. And beyond that, horseback riding, dog sledding, and even tennis and golf.
A destination that extends far beyond the valley itself, unfolding across Dolomite passes and quiet alpine valleys waiting to be discovered.
Explore the surrounding destinations near Cortina and continue your journey through nearby villages, each with its own story, traditions, and breathtaking landscapes to experience.
UNESCO DOLOMITES
Because the Dolomites, a World Heritage Site, here soar majestic and yet not looming, wild and yet irresistible, famous and yet full of that mystery that, since the dawn of humanity, has characterized the Mountain.
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
More Highlights of the Queen of the Dolomites
A long tradition, rooted since the era of the great Divas of black-and-white cinema. Here the Dolce Vita is a condition of general wellness, resulting from a set of unwritten rituals, deriving from a single docile unspoken rule, that of the pleasantness of the moment, of what one experiences, does, means, feels, sees, tastes, wears.
A well-being that is reflected in the context in which the Dolce Vita is lived: elegant, aesthetically enjoyable and charming, cultured and light, even casual.
Cortina, in this, has stood out for decades, becoming a privileged destination for this state of soul and body so peculiarly Made in Italy.
Always at a relaxed and enjoyable pace, the aperitivo in Cortina is more than a tradition — it’s a lifestyle. Skilled mixology professionals create and reinterpret cocktails appreciated internationally, combining elegance with a touch of originality, all set against the stunning Dolomite backdrop.
Cortina stands out for its distinctive dual soul — a crossroads of cultures between South Tyrol and Italy. This blend is reflected in the coexistence of Ladin and Italian languages, culinary traditions, traditional clothing, architecture, and craftsmanship in wood, wrought iron, and glass, inspired by alpine influences rather than Mediterranean ones.
The surrounding villages reveal a destination rich in history and local identity. A mosaic of traditions shaped by Ladin culture, village festivals, frescoed churches, and historic wooden and stone houses — each telling a story of authentic mountain life.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is truly a queen at the table. From Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining experiences to traditional mountain huts loved by food enthusiasts, and master pastry chefs creating exceptional desserts — Cortina offers a remarkable culinary journey.
Elegant yet sporty at the same time. Its great cinematic past, which continues to this day, combined with the succession of elegant boutiques and big names in the heart of Corso Italia, has offered and still offers kings, princesses and stars the perfect red carpet that knows no seasons.
a natural stage
The Queen of the Dolomites is far more than an outstanding alpine destination — it is a place where dreams and reality meet.
In Cortina, nature reveals its magnificence in every season, while the Italian Dolce Vita finds one of its finest expressions. Long considered a prestigious cultural hub, the town continues to welcome writers, journalists, Nobel Prize winners, musicians, directors, and actors from around the world, thanks to renowned events such as Una Montagna di Libri.
A discreet yet vibrant stage, where events and cultural encounters take place throughout the year, set against the extraordinary backdrop of the Dolomites — making Cortina a truly unique destination.
This international spirit is also reflected in Cortina’s rich sporting heritage. Over the years, the town has hosted major competitions, including the 2021 Alpine Ski World Championships and the 2010 Men’s Curling World Championship — a discipline that made its Olympic debut here in 1956. Cortina’s history also includes remarkable milestones in Italian sport, such as the country’s first curling club, the oldest active bobsleigh club, and the first Olympic oath ever taken by a female athlete.
Year after year, Cortina d’Ampezzo continues to stand as one of the most captivating destinations in the Dolomites.
Tales from Cortina
Cortina d’Ampezzo is more than breathtaking views and mountain sports, it’s a place of stories, traditions, hidden spots, and unique details known only to those who truly live it.
In our “Stories from Cortina” series, we take you behind the scenes of the Queen of the Dolomites, uncovering curiosities, hidden gems, and insider tips. Let our articles inspire you and see Cortina through a whole new lens.
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