Overview of Cortina D'Ampezzo
Cortina is known as ‘The Queen of the Dolomites’. This small mountain town in the Ampezzo valley at 1,220m has a history steeped in tourism, mountaineering and of course, skiing – including being the host of the 1956 winter games. Often associated with glitz and glamour, you might well catch a glimpse of a celebrity or two on the streets or slopes.
But don’t let the allure of people watching distract you from the real reason to visit – the skiing. From the centre of town, hop on the Cortine-Mandres cable car to access the slopes of Faloria – an area of gloriously cruisy blues and reds. Cortina’s largest ski area is Socrepes, which links with the neighbouring village of Tofana and features easy-accessed, equally agreeable blue and red pistes.
Keep reading to learn more about this resort and why to go on a Cortina ski holiday.
3 Things We Love About Cortina d’Ampezzo
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Access to the Dolomiti Superski area, with its 1,200kms of piste
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VIP spotting in the oh-so-vogue bars and restaurants
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The more quintessentially Italian vibe, in contrast to most of the other Tyrollean villages in the ski area
Ski Club of Great Britain Is Here
Take advantage of the Ski Club rep services in this resort. Save up to 10% off a Skiworld holiday with membership and get up to £30 off SCGB memberships in conjunction with Skiworld - featuring Ski+Board Magazine subscription, brand discounts, annual travel insurance & more. Memberships start from £30pp/py.
Skiing and Boarding in Cortina D'Ampezzo
When you ski at a resort where the grooming is guaranteed, you know you’re in for a treat. The pistes are like a zen-garden on snow, and even when the snow isn’t falling the conditions are first class thanks to over 90% of the pistes being served by the army of snow cannons.
Skiing in Cortina itself is limited to 120km but the draw – as with all Dolomite resorts – is the opportunity to explore. San Cassiano, Corvara and the other villages in the Alta Badia valley are a simple bus and ski journey to and from, and from there the Sella Ronda is right on your doorstep.
Cortina’s slopes have pedigree too – The Olympia piste in Tofane has been hosting a women’s FIS World Cup for years and continues to do so every January. In 2021 the resort will host its own week-long world cup skiing event too.
Lift Passes in Cortina d’Ampezzo
A local pass is available to access the 120km of runs in Cortina across the three ski areas - Tofana-Socrepes, Faloria-Cristallo and Cinque Torri-Lagazuoi.
But to enjoy the full extent of the Dolomiti Superski area, a full area pass provides unrestricted access to all 12 villages and ten times the distance of local skiing – and eye watering 1,200km of pistes!
Activities in Cortina D'Ampezzo
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Snowshoe Tour – Explore the spectacular alpine paths at your own pace on a guided tour. The dramatic peaks of the Dolomites are home to a complicated network of nature trails which your experienced guide will navigate you through.
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Ski Tour – Ski through the winter wonderland of four mountain passes and four stunning valleys in the most exhilarating way on a 6-hour guided tour.
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Ice Climbing – Whether you are a beginning wanting to discover the ice falls or an expert looking to improve your skills why not try a day of invigorating ice climbing.
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Dog sledding – With the help of an experienced guide lead your own sled pulled by husky dogs and take in the stunning Dolomites.
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Cross Country Skiing – Discover over 70km of trails for all abilities.
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Snowmobiling – Tour the snow covered mountains and valleys in this adventurous way. A sunrise or sunset tour is a particularly breath-taking experience.
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Snow Polo – Enjoy this dynamic winter sport whilst in Cortina, guaranteed to keep the crowd entertained.
Après Ski in Cortina D'Ampezzo
Apres-ski in Cortina is a full Italian experience, with the emphasis on wonderful wine and late nights. Unsurprisingly, there’s no shortage of excellent restaurants in Cortina, ranging from Michelin-starred to simple pizza.
Mokarabia Coffee Bar
Corso Italia 44, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 863777. Email:
https://x.com/mokarabiausa/status/522890592431636480?mx=2
Dolomiti Bar
Via Roma 50, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 868344. Email:
La Suite Wine Bar & Aperitivi
Piazza Venezia 6, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 860563. Email:
Enoteca Brio di Vino
Largo Poste 17, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 862218
LP 26 Prosciutteria
Largo Poste 26, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 862284. Email:
X Bar
Largo Poste 65, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 2615. Email:
Birreria Hacker Pschorr
Via Stazione 7, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 868121. Email:
Stazione
Via G. Marconi, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel: +39 0436 2529. Email:
Places to eat in Cortina D'Ampezzo
The Tivoli Michelin starred restaurant is the best around. It overlooks Cortina and has an innovative and extensive menu.
Leone e Annac serves traditonal Sardinian specialities.
https://www.ristoranteleoneanna.com/
El Camineto, Baita Fraina and Il Meloncino are expensive but all offer good quality food.
El Toulà, set in a converted barn, is highly recommended.
La Tavernetta is a new restaurant that serves traditional Italian food at reasonable prices. Da Beppe Sello, Ospitale, Pontejei and Ariston are all less formal and less expensive.
For simple pizza try the Croda Café, Cinque Torri and Vienna.
Da Lago Pianozes and Lago Ghedina are both situated out of town near a lake and combine traditional mountain atmosphere and good food.
Family Features Cortina D'Ampezzo
Maybe not as well equipped as other Dolomite resorts, Cortina does have an excellent ski school and a dedicated children’s ski slope with its own double chairlift in the Socrepes base area. There are enough easy slopes to keep them entertained and playgrounds can be found at some of the base stations.
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Tobogganing - The toboggan run from Col Tondo is fun for all the family
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Dolomiti Paradise – Young visitors can use the play area, with climbing routes, wooden bridges, slides and swings. The electric car track is also a favourite where children can choose from ride on racing cars, motorbikes and tractors.
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Horse Riding – Something for all ages to enjoy, why not take a ride on beautiful Icelandic horses and take in the surroundings at your own pace.
Plus see the ‘Activities’ tab for all activities in Cortina d’Ampezzo.