Cortina d’Ampezzo belongs to the province of Delluno in the region called Veneto (North Italy). This ski resort is at the heart of the Dolomite Alps. Cortina d’Ampezzo is also nicknamed “Dolomites’ pearl” because it has hosted the winter Olympics in 1956. Now, it has been chosen to host them again in 2026.

Natural beauty and italian elegance : the Dolomites peaks (around 3000m of altitude) surround almost all the valley of Ampezzo. Here, at only 44km away from the Austrian border, there is a population of 6000 inhabitants : Cortina d’Ampezzo is the seductress “Queen of Dolomites”.

This ski resort is a paradise for those wishing to fully enjoy a day of skiing on wide pistes and with spectacular views of the Dolomites. You can also enjoy the italian way of life with its pre-dinner drinks and its typical gastronomy that you can savour in mountain huts (refugi) or restaurants.

This wonderful skiable domain (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site) also has the Dolomiti Superski ski pass : it enables you to enjoy the biggest skiing area in the world with 12 valleys, 1200km of pistes and 450 ski lifts. For many skiers, the objective is to be able to cross this domain in a single day.

The three connected skiing sectors surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo offer as well a wide variety of pistes with nearly 70 runs (120km). Almost 100% of this area is equipped with snow cannons which guarantee that the “Queen of Dolomites” still has its white coat.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, an Alpine story of tradition, sport and elegance

The history of Cortina d’Ampezzo has its roots in antiquity, with Roman remains and ancient Alpine communities that settled in the wide basin of the Boite Valley. For centuries, the territory developed slowly around the timber trade, a key resource for life in the valley and for its integration into the great Alpine routes. Its strategic position led it to become part of the Republic of Venice and, for more than four hundred years, the Habsburg Empire.

The real turning point came in the mid-19th century with the arrival of the railway, which opened Cortina up to the world. British, German and Russian travellers discovered the charm of this corner of the Dolomites, prompting the construction of the first hotels and sports facilities and laying the foundations for its vocation as an Alpine tourist destination. After the wounds left by the First World War – still visible in trenches, tunnels and high mountain fortifications – integration into the Kingdom of Italy in 1918 marked a period of renewal and modernity.

International recognition came in 1956 with the Winter Olympics, broadcast live globally for the first time. Since then, Cortina has established itself as one of the most prestigious Alpine destinations in the world, combining high-level skiing, major international competitions and a deeply rooted sporting identity. With legendary slopes, historic champions and a 120 km ski area spread over several sectors, each descent continues to write the history of the Queen of the Dolomites, where sport, landscape and elegance coexist with a timeless character.

Cortina and its 120 km spread over three areas are every skier’s dream

The Cortina d’Ampezzo ski area, which also includes San Vito and Auronzo-Misurina, offers 120 km of slopes spread over three areas. There you will find everything from the most adrenaline-fuelled descents to the pleasure of wide turns on sunny slopes.

Among the most iconic descents, the Bus de Tofana, at 2,742 metres, dominates the basin from above; the Armenta-rolaruns for 7.5 km; and the Forcella Rossa challenges with gradients of up to 62%. A wide and structured range of options, immersed in the extraordinary landscape of the Ampezzo Dolomites, which transforms every descent into an unforgettable experience.

FALORIA CRISTALLO

The Faloria and Cristallo ski area is distinguished by its panoramic slopes, exposed to the morning sun, and a technical profile that makes it popular with expert skiers. Don’t miss the historic slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, such as the Vi-telli, which hosted the giant slalom at the 1956 Olympic Games, the Canalone Franchetti, the Stratondi and the Scoiattolo: slopes that combine difficulty, challenge, pace and spectacular scenery.

TOFANE

The Tofane ski area is the beating heart of alpine skiing in Cortina. From the gentle slopes of Pocol, perfect for those new to the sport, to the technical descents of Ra Valles and Pomedes, each slope offers a unique experience. And from the top of the slopes, the views of the village are breathtaking.

LAGAZUOI CINQUE TORRI

Skiing in this area means traversing landscapes of rare beauty, where the majesty of the Dolomites intertwines with the traces of the Great War. Trenches, tunnels and historic sites dot the rocks, turning every descent into a journey that combines sport, landscape and memory. Skiing here means enjoying the beauty of nature, the intensity of the descent and the charm of history, leaving an indelible memory for those who ski these slopes. And if you are looking for advice on unusual experiences in Cortina d’Ampezzo, take note. After the Armentarola descent, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh to the Sarè bridge. A fairytale connection linking Lagazuoi and Val Badia.

Travelling on skis in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Below we recommend some of the best ski routes in Cortina d’Ampezzo. We start with a highlight, the Super 8.

The Super 8 ski route is a figure-eight route that crosses some of the most iconic mountains in the Dolomites: ‘Tofana, Pelmo, Civetta, Marmolada, Fa-nes, Averau, Cinque Torri and Conturines.’

Easy and scenic, it offers constant thrills, with spectacular passes such as Forcella Nuvolau, Croda Negra and Lagazuoi, and little surprises along the way, such as ice falls and cosy mountain huts.

The Giro della Grande Guerra intertwines sport and memory. In a single day, you pass through

places that were the scene of the conflict between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies: Passo Falzarego, Passo Giau, Val Badia, Arabba, Alleghe and Col di Lana. Amidst trenches, tunnels and historic sites, the route offers an intense experience, also suitable for families, accessible with the Dolomiti Superski ski pass.

Finally, the famous Sellaronda, the route of the four passes surrounding the Sella massif, allows you to ski amidst perfectly snow-covered landscapes and traditional huts.

From the Falzarego pass, with the La-gazuoi cable car, to the Gardena, Sella, Por-doi and Campolongo passes, the route is also ideal for intermediate skiers and offers a total immersion in the beauty of the Dolomites.

Types of ski passes in Cortina D’Ampezzo

If you are going skiing in Cortina in 2026, you will find two options that allow you to ski on a multitude of slopes. The first and most affordable is the SkiPass Cortina, which is valid for Cortina d’Ampezzo, San Vito di Cadore, Auronzo and Misurina. With this ski pass, you can ski all the slopes belonging to the Cortina ski area and enjoy its 120 km of skiable terrain to the fullest.

Alternatively, you can purchase the Dolomiti Superski pass, which gives you access to the 12 spectacular valleys of Dolomiti Superski, with more than 1,200 km of slopes (please note that not all of them are connected by cable transport, so you will need to take buses) and 450 ski lifts.

Skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo: the resort’s strengths

Cortina d’Ampezzo, located at an altitude of 1,224 meters in the province of Belluno, is one of Europe’s most prestigious ski destinations. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, but it was the 1956 Winter Olympics that brought it international fame. Today, it regularly hosts Alpine Ski World Cup competitions and will be one of the main venues for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Beyond skiing, Cortina is synonymous with the Alpine lifestyle: elegant boutiques, refined cuisine, historic hotels, and an atmosphere where luxury meets mountain authenticity.

A monumental ski area in the heart of the Dolomites

The Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Area, part of Dolomiti Superski, offers 120 km of slopes spread over three main areas: Tofana: the most famous area, the venue for international competitions. Faloria – Cristallo: panoramic, varied and with excellent snow conditions throughout the season. Lagazuoi – 5 Torri: connected to the historic route of the Great War, it offers spectacular views of the Marmolada and Civetta.

Altitudes range from 1,224 to 2,930 meters, with an impressive vertical drop and slopes of all kinds: from gentle family runs to World Cup descents such as the Olympia delle Tofane.

Dolomiti Superski connection

The Cortina ski pass gives you access to the immense Dolomiti Superski area, with over 1,200 km of connected slopes. In 2024, the physical connection with Alta Badia was consolidated with free transport, and a complete ski lift connection is planned before the 2026 Olympic Games.

Skiing for all levels

Cortina is ideal for both advanced skiers and families looking to get started.

The figures prove it, with 40% easy slopes, 50% intermediate slopes, and 10% black slopes, including the legendary Forcella Rossa. The terrain is technical but elegant, with excellent snow quality and impeccable grooming. Thanks to its orientation and altitude, the snow remains dry and firm until April.

Freeriding, heliskiing, and ski touring

The areas around Monte Cristallo and Lagazuoi are known for their freeriding and ski touring routes, with descents of up to 1,500 meters. Val Orita, Canalone Staunies, and Forcella Col dei Bos are classic routes for off-piste skiing in the Dolomites, always under professional guidance. For the more adventurous, heliskiing is permitted in controlled areas, with views of Pelmo and Marmolada.

Gastronomy and the art of good living

Cortina is also a gastronomic reference point. Its mountain huts and restaurants offer everything from traditional Ladin cuisine to Michelin-starred signature dishes. Typical dishes include casunziei ampezzani, polenta taragna, canederli, and desserts with wild berries. Après-ski is elegant and social: sunny terraces, live music, and cocktails at the foot of Mount Tofana. In the evening, Corso Italia becomes a parade of skiers, locals, and visitors combining fashion, gastronomy, and Italian style.

Nature and sustainability

Cortina’s natural environment is part of the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo, a protected area covering 11,200 hectares. The resort is promoting an ambitious sustainability plan with a view to the 2026 Olympic Games: green energy for ski lifts, electric mobility, and plastic waste reduction. The goal is to consolidate Cortina as a model of low-impact alpine tourism.

Tips from the I Love Ski Community for skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo

1. Start at Tofana

This is the most complete and emblematic area. Ski the Olympia delle Tofane slope in the morning when the snow is firmest.

2. Cross over to Lagazuoi

Take the 5 Torri – Lagazuoi traverse and enjoy the Great War itinerary. It is an unparalleled scenic and historical experience.

3. Lunch with a view

Stop at the Rifugio Scoiattoli or the Rifugio Averau: high-altitude Alpine cuisine and picture-postcard views.

4. Don’t miss the sunset

From the Faloria cable car, the sunset over the Tofane and Cristallo mountains is an unforgettable sight.

5. Après-ski on Corso Italia

An afternoon of shopping, cafés, and chic atmosphere: the social soul of Cortina vibrates among boutiques, terraces, and laughter in front of the fire.

6. Spring skiing

In March and April, Cortina offers some of the most consistent snow in the Dolomites and extraordinary light.