cortina ski resort

Ski Cortina, Italy

Cortina d'Ampezzo, (alt. 1224m) is Italy's best KNOWN ski resort, the area hosted the Olympic's in 1956 and was one of the first true ski destinations in Italy.  Cortina is located in the Belluno Province of the Veneto Region and sits in a bowl surrounded by the some of most spectacular mountain groups of the Italian Dolomites: Cristallo Mountain Group, Tofane Mountain Group, Plemo Mountain Group, the Antelao Mountian Group. As an outdoor destination Cortina is a must visit during your Italy vacation. This is the best resort selection for those you like more than just being on the slopes, great evening atmosphere and alternate activities like snow shoe walking and cross country skiing.

WHAT IS THE SKIING LIKE IN CORTINA

The location of Cortina is spectacular sitting surrounded by parts of the Italian Dolomites, that are part of the UNESCO Monument, but these same mountains prevent the growth of the resort into a modern destination.

REGION Veneto Region
PROVINCE Belluno Province
CITY Cortina d'Ampezzo
MOUNTAINS
NUMBER OF RUNS
  • Blue - 42 - 55 km
  • Red - 19 - 45 km
  • Black - 8 - 10 km

Total 69 runs - 110 kms

LOWEST ELEVATION 1224 meters a.s.l.
HIGHEST ELEVATION 2939 meters a.s.l.
DISELEVATION SKI 1715 meters
ARTIFICAL SNOW COVERAGE 95% of resort

Cortina Ski Resort is divided into three separate areas

        Faloria, Cristallo, Mietres:
        Tofana:
        Lagazuoi, Cinque Torri:

Cortina D'Ampezzo Ski Area is part of the Dolomiti Superski Area.

HOW TO GET TO THE CORTINA SKI RESORT

The best airport use is Venice's Marco Polo Airport. 

From Venice you can take a train to Calalzo di Cadore and then a bus.  Take a bus directly from Venice to Cortina.  Organize a transfer or rent a car to drive.  Plan at least 3 hours of travel time between Venice and Cortina, and longer if you travel on a Saturday or Sunday.  The road between Longarone and Cortina d'Ampezzo is still a narrow mountain road that gets very congested. 

WHERE TO STAY IN CORTINA

Cortina d'Ampezzo is full of hotels, and there are less expensive options in the smaller communities just outside of Cortina.  If you opt to stay outside of Cortina you will need a car or relie on the bus system.

Suggested hotels within Cortina d'Ampezzo
  • Hotel Cristallo - one of the 'IN' places to stay in Cortina, very elegant and recently renovated. (tel-0436-881111)
  • Hotel De la Poste - historic hotel in the center, Hemingway and others stayed here. (tel-0436-4271)
  • Hotel Cortina - great hotel in the center with a very good kitchen. (tel-0436-4221)
  • Hoel Menardi - good choice for families or those on a budget. (tel-0436-2400)
  • Villa Gaia - more of a B&B style or old boarding house.

WHERE TO EAT IN CORTINA

  • El Toulà - located in an old hay barn they prepare local dishes
  • El Camineto - known for the great view from the terrace and good food
  • Tivoli - a Michelin Star restaurant
  • Al Pontejel - local cuisine
  • Staulin - a Mountain Hut or Malga that offers some good dishes, no reservations

MY SKI TIPS OF CORTINA

Faloria and Cristallo Area
The Faloria ski area is reached from the Faloria cable car located in the centre of town. This area offers both medium and difficult skiing options as well as a snowboard park. The Rifugio Faloria is located at the top of the cable car with great views of the Cortina basin. You cannot ski down to the lower cable car station, you will need to plan your day to ride the car down or grab a ski bus.
Cristallo is reached by ski bus or car from Cortina to the village of Rio Gere. It is also linked to the Faloria ski area. Rifugio Son Forca,is well known because it catches the sun for most of the day and is located on the Son Forca run.
Tofana Area
Tofana can be reached via the Tofana cable car located near the ice stadium The skiing here is mostly easy. There are two difficult runs for advanced skiers and the old Olympic run, is still considered one of the best in the Dolomites .
Cinque Torre / Col Galena / Lagazoui Area

Don’t miss these two ski areas. They both offer fantastic runs and spectacular views from the mountain restaurants. These areas can be enjoyed as a day trip s or combined with the over night trip to Lagazoui. Dress well because as it can be a bit chilly, but the pristine piste and the small number of skiers will make it worthwhile. Take a few extra breaks for a coffee or gluhwein to warm up! The bus service for these ski areas leaves from the bus station near the Faloria cable car station in Cortina. Grab a bus time table and enjoy.

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