Key Facts about Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Location

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a renowned mountain town located in the Dolomites of the Veneto region, northern Italy. Surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks, it lies about 160 km north of Venice and 70 km from Bolzano, within the Ampezzo Valley.

Known for

Cortina d’Ampezzo is known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” famous for its luxury alpine lifestyle, world-class skiing, designer boutiques, and UNESCO-listed mountain landscapes. It has hosted the Winter Olympics (1956 and upcoming 2026) and remains Italy’s most glamorous mountain destination.

Best Time to Visit

• Winter (December–March): Premium skiing season with snow-covered peaks and alpine atmosphere.

• Summer (June–September): Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and panoramic cable car rides.

• Autumn (September–October): Stunning golden larch forests and peaceful scenic trails.

• Spring (April–May): Quiet charm before the summer season, with melting snow and blooming valleys.

Local Language

Italian and Ladin (a local Alpine language). English and German are commonly spoken in tourism and hospitality.

Currency

Euro (€).

Getting There

• By car: Around 2 hours from Venice via the A27 and mountain roads.

• By bus: Direct bus connections from Venice, Treviso, and Bolzano to Cortina’s main station.

• By train: Nearest train stations are Calalzo di Cadore and Dobbiaco, with bus transfers to Cortina.

• By air: Closest international airports are Venice Marco Polo (150 km) and Treviso Airport (140 km).

Top Attractions

• Dolomiti Superski Slopes: One of the most important ski areas in Europe.

• Corso Italia: Elegant pedestrian street lined with boutiques, cafés, and luxury shops.

• Cinque Torri: Iconic rock formations perfect for hiking and climbing.

• Lago di Misurina: A dreamy alpine lake with mirror-like reflections of the Dolomites.

• Faloria and Tofane Cable Cars: Offering spectacular summit views.

• WWI Open-Air Museums: Mountain trenches and tunnels from the Great War.

• Mountain Huts (Rifugi): Atmospheric alpine lodges serving local cuisine with panoramic terraces.

Local Specialties

• Casunziei all’Ampezzana: Half-moon ravioli stuffed with beetroot, butter, and poppy seeds.

• Polenta with wild game (deer, boar, or venison).

• Speck and mountain cheeses from local dairies.

• Apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn, reflecting Austrian alpine influence.

• Grappa and herbal mountain liqueurs.

• Local wines from Veneto: Including Pinot Grigio and sparkling Prosecco.

Notable Events

• Winter Sports World Cup Races: Annual skiing competitions hosted on the Tofane slopes.

• Cortina Fashion Weekend (December): Blending mountain lifestyle with Italian elegance.

• Dolomiti Handmade Market: Showcasing local crafts, wool products, and alpine goods.

• Ferragosto Celebrations (August): Festive mountain gatherings with live music and traditional dishes.

• 2026 Winter Olympics (upcoming): Cortina will co-host, bringing global attention once again.