Cortina d'Ampezzo

Situated in the province of Belluno, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a famous winter resort which extends across the border between Trentino and the Veneto, just in the heart of Ampezzo Valley. Its old town rises at an altitude of 1224 metres above sea level and is surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Dolomites. The Tofane mountain range, which extends west of Cortina, is dominated by the highest peak of the surrounding area, which is situated at an altitude of  3244 metres above sea level just in the heart of the massif. East are Mount Faloria and the Sorapiss mountain range, the latter overlooking Lake Misurina; south are the massives of Croda del Lago, Becco di Mezzodì and Cinque Torri; north is Pomagagnon, which can be reached through Albino Michielli Strobel route and crowns the charming Ampezzo Valley.

Cortina has been appreciated as a summer and winter holiday destination by middle classes from all over the world since the late seventeenth century. In 1903 the first skiing school in Italy was founded here, and in the following decades Cortina's slopes became the fundamental stages of important Skiing World Championships. Still today, Cortina is regarded to be the traditional holiday destination of elite tourists, although its varied tourist offer is now able to suit even the most demanding requirements of those flocking to its elegant hotels all year round. The city centre is scattered with glamorous clubs, tourist shops, art galleries, antiques exhibitions and local workshops. The famous Corso Italia is one of the most elegant shopping avenues in Italy; like most streets and squares of the city centre, it is flanked by modern buildings designed by acclaimed international architects.

Cortina D'Ampezzo is regarded to be the paradise of skiers from all over the world, since it gathers 78 slopes, 34 ski-lift facilities, excellent connections with the Dolomiti Superski district and 58 kilometres of cross-country trails. Free shuttle buses lead expert skiers to the surrounding ski-lift facilities of the surrounding area. The most famous slopes are the so-called Tofane, which are home to some of the most famous competitions of the Skiing World Championships. The Tofane slopes are the point of departure of the famous Skitour Olympia, a difficult circuit which is to be covered in one day. Not to be missed is the spectacular itinerary which departs from Falzarego Pass and develops across the Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri district, which gathers fascinating slopes surrounded by marvellous landscapes.

In summer, Cortina gives visitors the possibility to play sport, make charming excursions and take part in absorbing activities: walks or cycle excursions across the footpaths which cross the thick woods of the valley,  trekking and climbing along exciting routes with fixed ropes and iron steps. The Toffane mountains and the Natural Park of Ampezzo's Dolomites gather a remarkably wide array of targeted footpaths and facilities. Among the most popular itineraries are Giro del Col Rosà, which crosses the  Fanes gorge and waterfalls, and Grotta di Tofana-Castelletto footpath, an historical itinerary across the caves which were unearthed during World War I.