Cortina d'Ampezzo

Often reffered to as the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo, besides being a top celebrity destination, offers some of the most challenging ski slopes in Italy.

Cortina d'Ampezzo Official homepage: link Web-cam: link Venice airport 150 km Treviso airport 140 km Photogallery

Located in the Italian Dolomites, in the region of Veneto, Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the world's most famous ski resorts. Winter Olympics, held here in 1956, occupy a special place in the rich history. Today, Cortina is a fancy destination with celebrities coming if not for skiing and then to show the latest winter fashion collections. Unique beauty of the surrounding mountains attracted movie studios here to film some of the greatest blockbusters. For instance, the world was saved here by the most famous secret agent of Her Royal Majesty - Bond, James Bond.

For your eyes only series of mountain peaks higher than 3,000 m will present themselves upon your arrival, bordering ski slopes that descend to the valley. There are four major ski areas here, connected with a free ski bus. The largest is Tofana/Ra Valles area with 55 km of slopes, below the impressive peak of Tofana. It is accessible right up from Cortina with a gondola. Up on the mountain you will discover some of the best ski runs in the Dolomiti Superski carousel whose Cortina d'Ampezzo is an integral part. Somewhat unusual for Italy, the slopes here seem to be uncategorized: red runs could comfortably carry black marks and blues could be red. Black run Forcella Rossa is especially challenging and recommendable only for advanced skiers. Here is also the famous Olympia course where each January the best female downhillers in the World Cup jump down the narrow passage between the sharp rocks. Generally, beginners could feel intimidated by most of the slopes and will enjoy only the Socrepes area that offers substantial number of mild and wide blue runs.

On the opposite side of the valley is Faloria/Cristallo ski area below the peak of Cristallo. There are 35 km of slopes, mostly very demanding and not overly desirable for beginners. Attention should be paid to Canalone Franchetti, Stratondi and Vitelli black slopes, true paradise for skilled skiers. Slopes wind down to the Passo Tre Croci mountain pass accessible by the car, very convenient for those dreading the journey in gondola that spans an altitude of 900 m. In the vicinity is a separate ski area Mietres/Guargnè with mostly blue runs totaling 5 km.

Ski area Falzarego/Cinque Torri needs to be mentioned also, located on the road to neighboring Alta Badia and with 20 km of slopes. Sixteen kilometers of mountain road is worth tumbling up for enjoying the romantic scenery that surrounds not too demanding slopes. As of the 2008/09 season whole area is connected with a new 2-seater Croda Negra. From here you can easily ski down to Alta Badia but with a valid Dolomiti Superski skipass which covers 1,220 kilometers of ski slopes in 12 neighboring resorts. The entire Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort counts about 140 km of slopes and the number is ''pumped up'' by the separate sites in San Vito and Auronzo di Cadore.

Ski runs are served by diverse range of ski lifts: from big gondolas, modern hooded 6-seaters to ancient monoseaters or rope-lifts. The main directions are covered with modern ski lifts while on the periphery are the older ones. Preparation of the slopes is excellent, as we are used to in Italy. The use of free ski bus is encouraged to avoid afternoon traffic jams on the only road that leads through the valley. Main skipass office can be found at the foot of gondola that leads to Faloria. Offices of the Italian ski school are clearly marked as well as the ski rents and services. There is a ski depot on the top of Faloria, operating on coins. Signposts on the ski slopes are missing on some places, but no need to frighten of being lost since all the slopes and lifts are interconnected.

Besides skiing, one can engage in the whole range of activities in this place with Olympic pedigree: cross-country runs, ice skating rink, curling, bobsled, tobogganing, snowkiting, snow polo... A day can be wisely spent on some of the ski tours like Olympia that winds along the Olympic slopes or Grande Guerra tour that goes around the trenches from World War First. High mountains without vegetation are interesting playground for freeriders, but only accompanied by experienced mountain guides.

Après-ski life is not too strong. Accustomed to noisy Austrian slopeside parties will not feel at home here. Afternoon or evening strolls down the city center are more appropriate, preferably in the impressive outfits. The local clientele is not too much into skiing - the slopes are empty during the day, but the city is alive at night. Many excellent restaurants, pizzerias, bars and spas are a good way to spend the evening, which may continue in some of the disco clubs. Christmas market helps the street atmosphere in December, but series of other entertainment, sports and cultural events are available during the year.

Prices are relatively high. Cortina has about 25,000 beds, mostly in hotels and accommodation is slightly more affordable in the neighboring villages. In accordance with a wealthy clientele, restaurants on the slopes are also keeping up appearance - mainly terraces with set tables and the service and very little self-services. Polenta is the main dish here: with mushrooms, sausages, stew…, and the prices range from 10 to 18 euros. Six-day skipass for Cortina d'Ampezzo costs 178 euros for adults, but it's advisable to pay a little extra for Dolomiti Superski skipass, which is 193 euros.

Cortina lays on SS51 road from Belluno to Dobbiaco. Nearest airports are in Venice (150 km) and Treviso (140 km) where many international and low-cost operators fly. Shuttle service is available to/from both airports.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is a member of the "Best of the Alps" association of top 12 European ski resorts, like St. Moritz, Zermatt, Lech and Zürs, Kitzbühel ... It's a sign of a recognition that the ski resort is on a high organizational level, boasts with a rich tradition and excellent slopes and attracts those looking for something more than just snow and sun. We can only agree.

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