Cortina D'Ampezzo Skiing Extravaganza

Why Cortina D'Ampezzo is such a popular ski destination

Gliding Through Winter Bliss on Stunning Slopes!

Cortina is famous for its lengthy winters and boasts the highest summit, Tofana di Mezzo, towering at 3,244 meters (10,643 ft). It’s a hotspot for skiing, drawing in lots of visitors. During ski seasons, the population swells to nearly six times its usual size with folks eager to hit the slopes!

The best time to visit Cortina

In December and January, which are usually the chilliest months, the skiing conditions are prime! Cortina boasts 115 km (71 miles) of fantastic ski slopes and 34 lifts, ensuring you make the most of the snow between December and April. The snow cover averages around 95%, making it a winter wonderland. Plus, there are ski schools available for those eager to learn the ropes of skiing!

How Long to stay in Cortina D'Ampezzo

People often wonder how many days are enough for a ski trip in Cortina. It really depends on your preferences, but if you can swing it, I’d suggest aiming for two weeks. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to explore not just Cortina but also the nearby villages for some extra skiing adventures. However, if you’re a bit tight on time, a week should still give you a good skiing experience in Cortina itself.

There are loads of ski runs to conquer, and on days when the ski conditions aren’t ideal, you’ve got plenty of options for sightseeing and charming restaurants to explore. Plus, Cortina is surrounded by a bunch of other ski resorts, giving you even more choices for your skiing adventures!

What to explore in Cortina D'ampezzo if you can't ski

Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo: Constructed between 1769 and 1775, it replaced earlier churches from the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. This basilica serves as the parish and deanery of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Pocol is Sacrario militare di Pocol, cemetery, and memorial: In the Passo Falzaego area near Pocol, you’ll find the Sacrario Militare di Pocol, also known as Ossario di Pocol, dating back to 1916. This site encompasses a small cemetery, church, and shrine. The stone tower shrine serves as a poignant memorial dedicated to the individuals who sacrificed their lives on the Dolomite front during World War I.
La Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista: The Catholic church, located in the neighboring Dobbiaco, holds significant religious importance in the country. It’s considered the most important religious structure around. This church stands atop the remains (which are no longer visible) of a church that was constructed by the Benedictines during the first half of the 9th century.

Getting to Cortina and transport options

We’ve arranged flights to Venice Marco Polo Airport for our trip.
From Venice Marco Polo Airport, it’s less than a two-hour drive to Cortina. The same travel time applies if you’re flying into Venice Treviso airport.
For those interested, Innsbruck Airport in Austria could be a good stopover before or after your Cortina holiday. It’s about a 2-hour and 45-minute drive from Cortina by road.
If you’re visiting for a ski holiday, I’d suggest either booking a private airport transfer to Cortina or hopping on one of the convenient public buses. Once you’re in Cortina, you won’t need your own transportation. Everything is either a short walk away or accessible via the ski-bus.
The ski-bus offers a free service for skiers on lines 3 and 3A between Cortina and the Tofana-Pocol ski area. Exploring the surrounding ski villages is highly recommended—they’re stunning and add more excitement to your skiing adventure beyond Cortina. Skiing in the Italian Dolomites around Cortina is an absolute delight!

Fun facts about Cortina

The 1944 Winter Olympics were planned for Cortina but got canceled due to World War II.
Cortina successfully hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and is set to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics with Milan, marking its second time as a host.
The town is proud to be home to SG Cortina, a professional ice hockey team in the top league.
Cortina is both the starting and ending point of the annual Dolomites Gold Cup Race.
Several famous movies like “The Pink Panther” (1963), “For Your Eyes Only” (1981), and “Cliffhanger” (1993) were filmed in Cortina, showcasing its picturesque settings.
Ernest Hemingway penned “Out of Season” in Cortina. He first arrived in Cortina in 1918 as a young ambulance driver.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Enchanting Dolomite Mountains around Cortina d’Ampezzo

The Dolomites, including the mountains surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo, have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was granted due to their remarkable natural beauty, unique geology, and significance as a distinct mountain range in the Italian Alps.

Benedetta Caretta in the Italian Dolomites

I was thrilled to find out that Benedetta Caretta shares a love for the Italian Dolomites, just like me!

Benedetta Caretta, an incredibly talented Italian singer and songwriter, delivered a mesmerizing performance of “Once Upon A Time In The West” amidst the majestic Dolomites. Born on July 1, 1996, in Carmignano di Brenta, Italy, Benedetta’s voice is as remarkable as the stunning peaks of the Dolomites. It’s a truly breathtaking combination!

PS: Have you seen the video? If you enjoy Benedetta’s music, you should also check out her beautiful rendition of Hallelujah, also filmed in the Italian Dolomites. Don’t forget to give her a follow!

Accommodation in Cortina D'Ampezzo

We typically prefer having breakfast at our accommodation and exploring different restaurants for lunch and dinner. This way, we get to savor the local cuisine from various chefs’ perspectives.

Choosing Meuble Villa Neve was a fantastic decision for us. The service was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and although the room wasn’t spacious, it was spotlessly clean. However, since we spent most of our days out in the mountains, the room perfectly met our needs.

Travel Tip(s)

Just to clarify, the car parked in front of the establishment belonged to another guest. We found the town’s transport system to be super efficient, so we opted for that instead.

Travel Tip(s)

Scan for seasonal deals before booking your stay.

If you have a bar fridge in your hotel room, check with reception whether the content is on the house, or pay as you use.

Why Cortina D'Ampezzo should be on your ski bucket list!

If you’re considering a ski holiday, Cortina d’Ampezzo is an absolute gem—you won’t regret making those bookings!

The town is simply delightful, and the locals are incredibly warm and friendly. Every restaurant and pub we visited was top-notch in terms of food, service, and ambiance. I must share a funny incident: when we asked for Limoncello, it was almost like an unintentional blunder. In this region, Grappa is the go-to drink! So, if you want to win hearts, ask for Grappa instead.

As for the ski area, it was flawless and impeccably maintained throughout our entire stay. Such a fantastic experience!

Gear Up for Family Ski Fun: Finding the Perfect Snow Ski Gear!

Finding the right snow ski gear for the family is essential for a fantastic time on the slopes. From cozy jackets and waterproof pants to snug boots and reliable goggles, having the correct equipment ensures everyone stays warm, comfortable, and safe while enjoying the snowy adventures. Don’t forget to consider individual preferences and sizes to guarantee everyone has the perfect fit for a memorable skiing experience together!

Meet my essentials for snow skiing

The Ultimate 5-Layer Thermal Gloves! Featuring 3M insulation, premium ultra-wool, and a snug polar fleece lining, these gloves conquer -23°C (-10°F) chill. Tested rigorously, they ensure warmth and comfort, perfect for skiing adventures.