Queen of the Dolomites

In Cortina d’Ampezzo, first-class hotels and luxury spas attract winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking a summer vacation with spectacular hiking. 186 miles of pathways and via ferrata permit climbs to breathtaking mountain peaks. This enchanting alpine town captivates travelers with its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled outdoor adventures.

To reach the town from Rome, a nine-hour overnight trip on the Espresso Cadore train offers a relaxed alternative to a traffic-snarled eight-hour drive. In town, a wide array of cultural activities complement outdoor escapades.

The Alps

One of the world’s best-known mountain resorts, Cortina d’Ampezzo is surrounded by Dolomite peaks that rise to more than 10,000 feet. Its reputation as a first-class winter destination is reinforced by its 90 miles of ski slopes and 50 cable cars and chair lifts.

The town’s co-hosting of the 2026 Winter Olympics with Milan promises to reinvigorate its fame and attract new investments. It also houses SG Cortina, a top-league professional ice hockey team, and is home to several FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup races and other winter sports events.

Visitors to Cortina d’Ampezzo can enjoy mountain walks, awe-inspiring vistas, and the gastronomic delights of its restaurants. They can also participate in themed tours that highlight the region’s rich historical and cultural legacy, such as the Skitour Olympia, where you can see where Olympic competitions were held in 1956, or the Great War Tour, which explores trails whose courses pass by trenches and posts from World War I.

The town’s enduring tradition as a literary destination has attracted writers like Ernest Hemingway and Saul Bellow, and it hosts Una Montagna di Libri (“A Mountain of Books”), a literary festival. Today, aspiring authors come to Cortina d’Ampezzo to learn from established writers and to participate in writing workshops and presentations.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina is a posh ski town, but balanced with a European charm that keeps it from feeling like a resort town for the rich and famous. It’s a great base for hiking, skiing, and whatever your heart desires in the mountains and the nearby Dolomites.

Local restaurants here serve enogastronomic cuisine, combining authenticity and innovation with the highest culinary quality. For example, the modern menu at Da Aurelio, a chalet overlooking the Giau Pass, is complemented by the cosy interior and traditional stove décor.

Cortina’s main tourist season is winter, when hotels and other accommodations fill up with skiers from all over the world and the streets are bustling with activity. But the mountains are equally impressive in summer, when hikers and climbers descend on the area to enjoy its majestic views and larch forests, which turn a golden yellow-orange color during autumn.

The village of Cortina has many different host structures, including mountain huts and farmhouses where you can sleep under the stars, as well as luxury hotels where you can treat yourself to an indulgent spa experience. You’ll also find lots of shops and boutiques, with artisanal goods such as handmade blankets, pillows, and other bedding on offer. There are also shops selling haute-couture brands and other luxury items. In addition, you can visit museums such as the Mario Rimoldi Modern Art Museum and the Ethnographic Museum of Regole.

Best Italian Vacations

Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the best places for Italian vacations. The resort is an ideal base for experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites in summer or early fall, when you can explore dreamy lakes like Lago Federa, Lago di Sorapiss and Lago d’Antorno, stunning mountain huts like Rifugio Lagazuoi and Mondeval, and unforgettable hiking trails. It is also a great destination to experience historic World War I destinations including the ruins of Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi Tunnels and Monte Piana.

Winter is another excellent time to visit Cortina, especially if you enjoy alpine skiing and snowboarding. The upscale mountain town rose to fame during the 1956 Winter Olympics and still attracts a world-class ski crowd. In addition to a wide range of skiing slopes, visitors can also enjoy themed itineraries like the Skitour Olympia and The Great War Tour, which takes you through the ruins of trenches and posts from World War I.

The best hotels for vacations in Cortina d’Ampezzo are located within easy reach of popular attractions like the Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort, Lake Sorapiss and Falzarego Pass. Many travelers prefer to stay in accommodations that are located in the heart of the action, close to shops and restaurants. Bundle your flight, hotel and day tours into a Cortina d’Ampezzo travel package for added convenience.

Best Ski Experiences

Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of Italy’s best-known ski destinations, and while it’s not necessarily the easiest resort to reach from international airports, its picturesque slopes draw seasoned winter sports enthusiasts throughout the season. The village’s historic heritage is also reflected in its sophisticated culture, with upscale shopping and dining options that rival the best of Europe’s fashion capitals.

Many of the area’s hotels boast wellness areas, including spas, beauty treatments, and professional wellbeing experts, to allow guests to indulge in a holistic experience surrounded by nature. The region’s mountain huts are also open during the summer, and provide the perfect opportunity to commune with nature while hiking the incredible trails of Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Guests can stay in luxury hotels like Hotel de LEN, which is designed to respect the environment and its inhabitants, based on “the Rules of Ampezzo”. In addition, budget-friendly options like the B&B in Pocol offer clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and spotless bathrooms. At mid-range hotels such as the Villa Rosa, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and a full-service spa. Alternatively, the Alps can be accessed by train via companies such as OBB and SNCF, which allow travelers to relax in their couchette and take in some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery en route. This is a more sustainable option, too! In fact, this form of travel has recently been gaining popularity amongst tourists.

Final Thoughts

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, often dubbed the “Queen of the Dolomites,” is a hidden gem nestled within the majestic Italian Alps. This enchanting alpine town captivates travelers with its breathtaking scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled outdoor adventures. As one of the best Italian vacations, Cortina promises an unforgettable journey filled with exploration, relaxation, and discovery amidst the splendor of the Italian Alps.