This chic resort rose to fame as host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and continues to attract crowds of well-heeled skiers each winter.
Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Resort is one of Italy’s most fashionable resorts. Many visitors come to socialize rather than focus on skiing, which means you can expect the resort’s excellent runs to be surprisingly quiet. Glide down smooth slopes, admire views of stunning peaks from the chairlifts and take part in a range of other outdoor activities.
Ride Funivia Faloria, a two-stage cable car on the east side of town, up to the forested Faloria area. The other access lift, called the Freccia nel Cielo, is north of the town center. This lift will take you up to Col Drusciè and Ra Valles, which also connect to the resort’s largest sector, known as Pomedes or Socrepes, at the lift base.
Take on the challenging black runs at the top of Pomedes or tackle the intermediate short runs at Faloria. Novice skiers will find excellent slopes around the lower part of Pomedes, while snowboarders can try the wide beginner slopes at Socrepes or shady Cinque Torri (Five Towers). Don’t miss the resort’s superb cross-country routes, which include more than 43 miles (70 kilometers) of trails, mainly concentrated in the Fiames area.
Even if you’re not a skier, ride the resort’s chairlifts to see and photograph the striking mountain scenery. Go on the Freccia nel Cielo lift to see wonderful glacial vistas at Ra Valles and stop at the lovely outdoor terrace for a snack. The Funivia Faloria is also quite scenic, offering views over Cortina and the towering peaks toward the north.
Although the area is famous primarily as a winter destination, summers here also have great appeal. Enjoy excellent hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking in the warmer months. The paths leading down from the resort’s peaks are known for being quite challenging, attracting cyclists from around the world who come here to train for competitive events.
To reach Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Resort, take the bus from either Venice or Treviso airports. Alternatively, take the train from Venice to Calalzo di Cadore and then continue on to the resort by bus.
