Winter landscape in Dolomites at Cortina D'Ampezzo ski resort, Italy

Things to do in  Cortina d'Ampezzo

Italian style in the snow

Nicknamed the "Queen of the Dolomites," Cortina d'Ampezzo is a trendy winter resort town in the heart of the Italian Alps. When the first snow hits, locals and travelers alike strap on their snowshoes, hop on their sleds, and hit the slopes. But there are more things to do in this mountain town than just winter sports: Beautiful lakes, hiking along cable-assisted climbing routes called vie ferrate (iron paths), and shopping on fashionable Corso Italia make it a year-round destination.

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Top 3 attractions in Cortina d'Ampezzo

#1

Cinque Torri

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In northeastern Italy, close to the Austrian border, the Dolomites form a stunning mountain range of jagged peaks, dramatic spires, and picturesque valleys. The Cinque Torri–a group of five tower-like rocks outside the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo—is one of the most famous attractions in the Dolomites and offers an array of outdoor recreation opportunities.More
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#2

Lake Misurina (Lago di Misurina)

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Those looking to escape the crowds in Venice for the day can head to the postcard-perfect landscape of Lake Misurina (Lago di Misurina), set in the stunning Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site north of the Floating City. Unwind on the scenic chalet-lined shore, savor the crisp Alpine air, and enjoy spectacular views of the towering peaks beyond.More
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#3

Marmolada

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The highest range in the UNESCO-listed Dolomite Mountains that straddle the border between Italy and Austria, Marmolada has five peaks topping 9,000 feet. Outdoor and skiing enthusiasts flock to these slopes, famous for their excellent pistes in winter, spectacular trails in summer, and dazzling alpine scenery all year round.More
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Explore Cortina d'Ampezzo by interest

Top activities in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Dolomiti complete starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo

Dolomiti complete starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo

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6
From
$506.81
Heart of the Dolomites starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo

Heart of the Dolomites starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo

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16
From
$370.57
Dolomites Via Ferrata Experience

Dolomites Via Ferrata Experience

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22
From
$151.50
Cortina Dolomites: best Instagram spots in one day tour

Cortina Dolomites: best Instagram spots in one day tour

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$201.63
Daily tours in the Dolomites with departure and arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Daily tours in the Dolomites with departure and arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo

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3
From
$485.01
Via Ferrata with Alpine Guide

Via Ferrata with Alpine Guide

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1
From
$490.46
Hike the Dolomites: one day private excursion from Cortina

Hike the Dolomites: one day private excursion from Cortina

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16
From
$201.63
Snowshoe hike to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo

Snowshoe hike to the Three Peaks of Lavaredo

From
$100.61
Cortina Dolomites: winter hiking & sledding experience

Cortina Dolomites: winter hiking & sledding experience

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5
From
$190.74
Dolomites Trekking Experience

Dolomites Trekking Experience

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1
From
$543.87
per group
Dolomiti Ski Tour: Super 8 Lagazuoi and 5 Torri from Cortina d'Ampezzo

Dolomiti Ski Tour: Super 8 Lagazuoi and 5 Torri from Cortina d'Ampezzo

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6
From
$326.97
Sellaronda Ski and Snowboard Safari

Sellaronda Ski and Snowboard Safari

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1
From
$185.29
Dolomites Rock Climbing Experience

Dolomites Rock Climbing Experience

From
$129.70
Dolomites Ice Climbing Experience

Dolomites Ice Climbing Experience

From
$129.70
Ski & Snowboard Tour + Shuttle

Ski & Snowboard Tour + Shuttle

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1
From
$185.29
Private transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Venice

Private transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Venice

From
$817.44
per group
Shuttle from Cortina to the Tre Cime di lavaredo

Shuttle from Cortina to the Tre Cime di lavaredo

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1
From
$320.44
per group
Dolomites Snowshoes Experience

Dolomites Snowshoes Experience

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1
From
$107.90
Lake of Braies

Lake of Braies

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2
From
$218.57
per group
From Dobbiaco to Bruneck

From Dobbiaco to Bruneck

From
$18.53
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All about Cortina d'Ampezzo

When to visit

The peak months in Cortina d'Ampezzo are August—when all of Italy, it seems, goes on vacation—and December, when winter sports gear up. During these times, fashionable crowds descend on the resort town to see and be seen—and to hike and ski. These periods can be fun, but prepare to pay more for accommodation. January is still peak ski season but can be quieter than December, while July and September are best for hiking in warm weather.

Getting around

Cortina d'Ampezzo is small enough for walking, but if you want to explore further afield, you'll need to make other arrangements. Ski buses connect to the surrounding ski areas, making it easy to hit the slopes without renting a car. Other options include ridesharing, tours with transport, and bike rentals—during summer, the buses have bike racks and trailers. A rental car is most convenient for exploring the surrounding mountain lakes, hiking trails, and ski spots.

Traveler tips

If you visit Cortina d’Ampezzo outside of ski season, consider hiking a via ferrata—a type of protected mountain trail with steel cables, ladders, and railings to make challenging areas easier to traverse. These routes are an exhilarating mix of hiking and rock climbing and often follow paths to significant World War I historical sites such as abandoned tunnels, trenches, and fortifications. They also offer some of the best views of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Ampezzo Valley.

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People Also Ask

Is Cortina d’Ampezzo a good base for the Dolomites?

Yes, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a great base for exploring the Dolomites. The “Queen of the Dolomites" is in the middle of the Ampezzo Valley, surrounded by Dolomite peaks. By car, the town is within easy reach of several mountainous regional and national parks, including Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park.

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What is Cortina d’Ampezzo famous for?

Cortina d'Ampezzo is famous for winter sporting events—the "Queen of the Dolomites" hosted the 1956 Winter Games and is among the most fashionable ski resorts in Italy. The valley town is also home to trendy shops along Corso Italia and is surrounded by top hiking destinations in the Dolomites region.

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Is Cortina d’Ampezzo expensive?

Yes, Cortina d’Ampezzo is relatively expensive. The resort town is a glamorous destination for well-to-do Italians who don't mind shelling out for high-end experiences. This is especially true during the peak ski season, roughly from late December through March when an influx of visitors drives up the price of accommodation.

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How far is Cortina d'Ampezzo from Venice?

Cortina d’Ampezzo is about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Venice—a 2-hour drive and a 3-hour train ride. The resort town is in the Veneto region—Venice is the capital—and not Alto Adige, which is usually associated with the Dolomites. Buses dedicated to the Venice-Cortina route make the trip in about 2.5 hours.

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How long is the train ride from Venice to the Dolomites?

The train ride from Venice to the Dolomites region takes 2-3 hours, depending on the route. The train ride from Venice to Cortina d'Ampezzo—through the Ampezzo Valley, home to top Dolomites destinations—takes 2-3 hours.

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What is the traditional food of Cortina d’Ampezzo?

The cuisine of Cortina d'Ampezzo combines the Italian traditions of Veneto with the Austrian-inspired Tyrolean dishes of the Dolomites region. Some typical traditional dishes include casunziei ravioli with beet filling, canederli or knödel in German (bread dumplings), and brazorà, a sweet focaccia bread.

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What language is spoken in Cortina d’Ampezzo?

Italian is the most common language in Cortina d'Ampezzo, followed by a local variant of Ladin, an ancient Roman language spoken mainly in the Dolomite Mountains region. German is also spoken in the region but more often in South Tyrol, or Alto Adige, where it's more common than Italian.

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