Cortina d'Ampezzo

About Cortina d'Ampezzo

If a lively party scene, both during après-ski and late into the night, a fashionable base village and million-dollar views from one of the largest interconnected trail systems in the world are high on your travel checklist, then a Cortina d’Ampezzo ski vacation is sure to impress. Cortina, unlike other Italian ski resorts, is exclusively in Italy. You won’t find Germanic influences or speakers here, making it an authentic Italian experience. So, if you want to blend in with the Italians, there’s only one way to explore the Dolomiti Superski, a massive interconnected 450-lift system, comprising 15 resorts and over 740 miles of trails.

Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort is a world-famous winter destination and rivals all others in the Alps. The village sits in a sunny amphitheater, ringed by spectacular Dolomite peaks which rise over 10,000 feet from the base area. You don’t want to miss a sunset here and the best places for viewing are on one of the terraces nestled in the Dolomites. Off-mountain, the village still bustles with life on Cortina’s main boulevard, Corso, a car-free, shop-lined street where the late afternoon passeggiata, the Italian tradition for a leisurely stroll, proceeds without fail.

Cortina has a complete range of winter sports facilities since hosting the Olympic Games in 1956 and annually hosts World Cup events in late January. The resort also hosts bobsled races and on-snow horse shows. At après and into the night, enjoy one of Cortina's exclusive nightclubs and discos, but beware of the grappa bars that serve the spirit traditional to Italy. It's stronger than tequila and uniquely made from grapes, but you want to make sure you’re still able to get up and hit the slopes the next day after a night on the town.

How to get to Cortina d'Ampezzo

To get to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the nearest major airport is Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), located about 98 miles away for a two to two-and-a-half hour’s drive. Cortina can also be reached by car via the Venice-Belluno (A27) or Bressanone-Innsbruck (A22) motorways, and bus services and private transfers are available from both Venice and Treviso Airport (TSF) airports, as well as from the Venezia/Mestre train station. Cortina is also accessible from Innsbruck Airport (INN), about 106 miles away.

Getting around town and hitting the slopes in Cortina d'Ampezzo is pretty straightforward thanks to the local 'urban' bus system. With 9 routes covering all key spots in the town and nearby ski areas, you’re always connected. A small ticket fee applies per journey, but if you're planning to explore more, grab a multi-day or multi-journey ticket book from the bus station for a discounted price—perfect for maximizing your adventure.

Skiing in Cortina d'Ampezzo

With so much of the Dolomiti Superski terrain to explore, you can bet that every level skier can find something to suit them. If you opt to stick to the Cortina area, you’ll also find plenty to keep every ability and preference occupied within the 70+ miles of terrain. Experts will find their fill of pistes in Cortina to suit their preferences, with 16% of their terrain geared towards advanced skiers, including a run down Scoiattolo, a little over half a mile long with a max slope grade of 55%, which earns bragging rights.

Other quintessential expert Cortina skiing runs include Bigontina and Ciastel. Intermediates will find great snow conditions on the cruisers at the top of Tofana. The options during the Skitour Olympia make it possible for skiers of all ability levels to attend and look back into Cortina’s history of Alpine ski racing.

Beginner Skiing in Cortina d'Ampezzo
The Cortina beginner skiing is among Europe’s best. There are many accessible “learn to ski” zones, but Socrepes ski area offers the best. Plus, they’re all located higher on the mountain, ensuring great snow conditions. First-time and beginner skiers are best served at Cortina with a wide variety of gentle terrain on the main thoroughfares. A great option is to take the Skitour Olympia, which includes multiple routes directing you to all the 1956 Olympic courses. Once beginners are ready to try more challenging trails there are many green and blue runs scattered, and easily accessed. The Misurna ski area, accessed via the tram to Falloria, offers beginners an uber-long and fun green run, and the Col Gallins area also offers a great green run, perfect for cruising.

Family vacations in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Families looking to save a little will be especially pleased on a Cortina family ski vacation. Children ski at discounted rates in Cortina, plus there’s some ideal “learn to ski” terrain at the base area. Cortina’s Socrepes is one of Europe’s best and biggest “nursery slopes.” Families will also appreciate Cortina’s many high green slopes, and even more blue runs. Aspiring jibbers and freestylers in your family will be pleased to know that Cortina has a 1,600-plus-foot long terrain park with jumps, rails and boxes catered to beginners and intermediates.

While the skiing is picture-perfect for families, the lodging options sway toward swanky. But there are always exceptions. If your family is looking for a no-frills, quaint and conveniently located hotel Ski.com recommends three-star Hotel Menardi. Located less than 500 yards from the chairlifts, Hotel Menardi proximity to everything takes a lot of the confusion of getting around out of a family ski vacation. The hotel offers an indoor hot tub, full-service spa, and complimentary breakfast and ski storage. You can even bring the family dog if you choose, since pets are welcome at Hotel Menardi.