Cortina d'Ampezzo

An exclusive Alpine resort in the Dolomites hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics, famous for hosting the prestigious Cortina World Cup skiing events. The elegant town blends Italian sophistication with Austrian mountain traditions, offering world-class skiing, luxury accommodations, and stunning Dolomite scenery.

Things to do

• Skiing at Cortina d'Ampezzo — Experience world-class alpine skiing across interconnected slopes hosting FIS World Cup events and the 2026 Winter Olympics, with terrain ranging from beginner to expert.
• Ra Gusela Cable Car — Take the cable car to this iconic rocky pinnacle for panoramic views of the Dolomites and access to hiking trails with breathtaking mountain vistas.
• Lago di Sorapis — Hike to this stunning alpine lake with turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic Dolomite peaks, offering some of the region's most photogenic scenery.
• Passo Ghedina Mountain Pass — Drive or cycle the scenic mountain pass connecting Cortina to the Tre Croci pass, featuring hairpin turns and sweeping views of surrounding peaks.
• Cortina Luge Track — Experience the bobsled and luge track used for Olympic training and events, offering spectator areas and winter sports demonstrations.
• Tre Croci Pass — Visit this historic mountain pass offering sweeping Dolomite panoramas and access to the Cinque Torri climbing area and World War I fortifications.

Food to try

• Casunziei — Half-moon shaped pasta parcels typical to the Ampezzo valley, filled with potato and cheese or beets, traditionally served with melted butter and sage.
• Speck d'Ampezzo — Locally cured prosciutto with a distinctive smoky flavor from the Alpine air and traditional Tyrolean smoking methods, served as antipasto.
• Strudel — Viennese-influenced pastry with apple filling and raisins, reflecting the region's Austrian heritage and available fresh in local bakeries.
• Canederli — Hearty bread dumplings served in broth, a traditional mountain dish combining bread, speck, cheese, and herbs typical of Tyrolean cuisine.
• Formaggio di Fassa — Semi-hard cheese produced in the nearby Val di Fassa using Alpine pasture milk, with a rich, slightly nutty flavor best enjoyed with local bread.

Local customs & good to know

• Ladin Language and Culture — The local Ladin-speaking minority maintains distinct Alpine traditions and heritage; visitors will see bilingual signage (Italian, German, Ladin) reflecting this unique cultural identity.
• Mountain Etiquette — Respect marked hiking trails and ski runs, greet fellow hikers with 'Grüss Gott' (Austrian/Tyrolean custom), and follow posted regulations for alpine safety.
• Seasonal Fashion — Locals wear traditional dirndls and lederhosen during festivals and celebrations; smart-casual Alpine wear (quality boots, layering) is appropriate for both town and mountain activities.
• Dining Customs — Lunch is typically the main meal (12–2 PM), dinner is lighter and eaten around 7–8 PM; tipping is not obligatory but 5–10% for good service is appreciated.

Nearby

• Sella Ronda — 28 km
• Brixen — 41 km
• Lienz — 58 km
• Zillertal — 83 km