Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo, often considered the grande dame of Italian skiing, boasts a unique blend of glamour and rich history. Nestled in a broad, sunny valley, it is encircled by the dramatic rock faces of the Dolomites. Having hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and co-hosting the upcoming 2026 Games, Cortina has cemented its reputation as a premier mountain destination. It's a place where you can enjoy an invigorating morning on the slopes, savour an exceptional lunch at a mountain rifugio, and then spend the afternoon exploring the town's charming shops and cafes.

Skiing here extends up to 2,742m across several distinct areas: Tofana, Pomedes, Faloria-Cristallo, and the Cinque Torri sector. These are interconnected by ski buses and a network of lifts. With 120km of pistes, the terrain primarily caters to intermediate and advanced skiers, though sheltered nursery slopes are available for beginners. The scenery at every turn is nothing short of spectacular. While the Dolomiti Superski pass offers access to over 1,200km of pistes across the wider Dolomite region, Cortina's own slopes provide ample variety for a week-long ski holiday.

Skiing and snowboarding in Cortina offer a dramatic experience. The runs traverse varied terrain, constantly changing in character, all set against the backdrop of the pale Dolomite walls that rise like cathedral spires above the pistes. Cortina's ski areas are spread across the valley rather than being linked on-snow; however, efficient ski buses provide connections throughout the day. Each sector possesses its own distinct personality, ranging from the challenging black runs of Tofana to the long, scenic cruisers around Cinque Torri.

The Tofana-Pomedes area, situated directly above the town, stands as the largest sector, offering the most significant vertical drop and the widest variety of terrain. On the opposite side of the valley, Faloria-Cristallo presents a wilder, more natural feel, with excellent north-facing snow. The Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi areas further expand the skiing possibilities and are connected to the famous Armentarola run and the wider Alta Badia ski areas.

Cortina's terrain tends to favour intermediate and advanced skiers, so beginners should plan their days carefully. Nevertheless, the Socrepes area, conveniently located near the town, provides a sheltered and accessible spot for novices to find their feet. This dedicated learning centre features gentle gradients and surface lifts, ideal for initial instruction. From there, the blue runs on the lower Tofana slopes offer a logical progression, with their well-groomed pistes and modern lift access.

Despite its reputation for expert terrain, beginners should not be deterred from skiing in Cortina. With appropriate ski school guidance and a measured approach, the slopes here are perfectly manageable. Once on the right runs, the inspiring scenery is far from intimidating, and the quality of instruction is consistently high.

Cortina is an outstanding destination for intermediate skiers. The red runs across Tofana and Pomedes are expertly groomed, varied, and set amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. The Cinque Torri area adds further diversity with its rolling red runs through open terrain. Intermediates can easily spend days exploring the different sectors, each revealing unique terrain characteristics and mountain aspects.

A particular highlight is the long descent from Tofana into town, offering a sustained, satisfying pitch and panoramic views that invite frequent stops. Another essential experience for intermediates is the Armentarola run from Lagazuoi, a 7km descent through a wide valley framed by the towering pale Dolomites. This run concludes with a charming horse-drawn sleigh ride back to the lifts, an experience as delightful as it sounds.