Skiing & Things to Do
Cortina d'Ampezzo winter season
Cortina d’Ampezzo in Winter is an icon of Alpine glamour.
Cortina d’Ampezzo in winter is one of the Dolomites’ leading destinations for skiing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter experiences. Visitors can explore around 120 km of ski slopes, enjoy mountain huts and après-ski or simply experience Corso Italia, the pedestrian main street lined with designer boutiques and artisanal shops.
Tucked into a sunny valley, Cortina has long lured the international jet set. Hollywood stars and European elites have vacationed here since the 1950.
Yet for all its exclusivity, Cortina retains an authentic Italian soul.
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Winter in Cortina is about much more than snow.
The town sits in a spectacular valley surrounded by some of the most recognizable peaks in the Dolomites, while its historic center offers an atmosphere that combines Alpine tradition with Italian style. After a day in the mountains, visitors return to Corso Italia, Cortina’s pedestrian main street, lined with boutiques, cafés, restaurants and local shops. Mountain experiences, fine food, shopping and warm hospitality are all part of the winter lifestyle.
Cortina is also deeply connected with the history of winter sports. It hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1956 and returned to the international Olympic stage as part of Milano Cortina 2026, strengthening a sporting legacy that remains part of the destination’s identity.
Whether you come for an active ski vacation, a romantic winter escape or a few days in the mountains with family and friends, Cortina offers many different ways to experience winter in the Dolomites.
Free to choose: this is how it feels when you want to practice sports in winter in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Lots of winter disciplines, to be experienced in a spirit of fun, respect and safety.
With over 120 km of perfectly groomed slopes connected to the Dolomiti Superski area, Cortina offers runs for every level – a true guarantee of fun.
The priceless satisfaction of climbing with ski touring gear, following less-traveled routes, and then descending on snow as light as crystal powder.
Walking through snow-covered woods and reaching panoramic mountain huts with snowshoes is one of the most enchanting activities – an absolute must-try!
Kilometers upon kilometers of cross-country ski trails, immersed in silent forests, across snowy plains, with some challenging sections.
Cortina is perfect for families too. Toboggan runs, well-equipped baby parks, and child-friendly mountain huts make the holiday truly special for everyone.
Skiing remains at the heart of winter in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The local ski area offers around 120 km of slopes, while Cortina is also part of Dolomiti Superski, one of the world’s largest ski destinations, with more than 1,200 km of slopes across 12 ski areas accessible with a single ski pass.
The three main ski areas around Cortina offer very different experiences:
Cortina’s Olympic and World Cup heritage adds another dimension to the skiing experience. Some of its most famous slopes have hosted generations of international champions, allowing visitors to ski in a landscape closely connected with the history of Alpine skiing.
You do not need to ski to enjoy Cortina in winter.
Spend the morning walking or snowshoeing through the snow, stop for lunch in a mountain hut, relax at a spa or explore the shops and cafés of Corso Italia. Food and wine experiences, wellness, shopping and easy winter activities make Cortina particularly suitable for couples, families and groups where not everyone wants to spend every day on the slopes.
For a slower day, discover:
A day in Cortina does not end when the ski lifts close.
Après-ski here reflects the character of the destination: relaxed, stylish and closely connected with Italian food and wine. Visitors can stop for an aperitivo after skiing, enjoy a drink on a mountain hut terrace or return to town for dinner.
Cortina offers everything from traditional Alpine and Ladin dishes to contemporary cuisine and fine dining. Mountain huts are also an essential part of the experience, combining panoramic locations with the flavors of the Dolomites.
Cortina in December and Christmas
December brings a special atmosphere to Cortina d’Ampezzo. The beginning of the winter season coincides with festive lights, decorated shop windows and the anticipation of Christmas and New Year in the mountains.
Corso Italia becomes the center of winter life, while snowy landscapes and mountain huts create the classic atmosphere of a Christmas vacation in the Dolomites.
Christmas and New Year are among the liveliest periods of the season, so booking accommodations, restaurants and activities well in advance is recommended.
After the holiday period, January and February offer a different side of Cortina, with winter sports and mountain experiences taking center stage.
Winter in Cortina for Families
Cortina is also a good choice for a family winter vacation. Beginner areas and ski schools make it possible for children to learn to ski, while sledding, snow activities and family-friendly experiences provide alternatives away from the slopes.
Families can combine active days in the mountains with easier activities, local food and time in the town center, creating a winter vacation that works for different ages and interests.
Experience winter in Cortina your way: ski legendary slopes, discover the Dolomites with a local guide, enjoy lunch in a mountain hut or simply slow down and experience the atmosphere of one of Italy’s most famous Alpine destinations.
Our local team can help you organize your stay and choose the experiences that best suit your interests, from skiing and outdoor adventures to food, wellness and family vacations.
Experience winter in Cortina your way: ski legendary slopes, discover the Dolomites with a local guide, enjoy lunch in a mountain hut or simply slow down and experience the atmosphere of one of Italy’s most famous Alpine destinations.
Our local team can help you organize your stay and choose the experiences that best suit your interests, from skiing and outdoor adventures to food, wellness and family vacations.
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