Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo has always been one of the most popular destinations for Italians – and others – to escape the city even for a few days and breathe clean air, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Between après ski extravaganzas and incredible alpine scenery, Cortina leaves room for young people and families, for fun and relaxation, for ski champions and passionate climbers… There is room for everyone in Cortina, even the Olympics!
Milan-Cortina Olympics 2026
The 2026 Winter Olympics will see Cortina d’Ampezzo as the protagonist along with Milan, in an event that marks the return of the Winter Olympics to the city after 70 years. Already the site of the 1956 Winter Games, Cortina will be the scene of alpine sports competitions Feb. 6-22, hosting alpine skiing, curling, bobsledding, luge and skeleton competitions and carrying on its long Olympic tradition.
The town in the middle of the Dolomites is preparing to host athletes and visitors from around the world, thus gaining an opportunity to revitalize the entire Dolomites area. Cortina will be joined in this Olympic adventure by the great city of Milan, where the opening ceremony will be held at the historic San Siro Stadium.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites”
What makes Cortina such a special location?
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, the ski resort of Cortina is one of the most renowned in Italy, perfectly combining history, beauty and sports. Famousfor having lent its views to the world’s most famous 007 – James Bond – in the movie “For Your Eyes Only” and to the best Italian cinepanettoni, Cortina’s landscapes you will hardly forget.
The ideal destination for nature lovers
If you are a nature lover, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the right destination. With a wide range of activities to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Dolomites, it will be hard for you to get bored here. With over 300 kilometers of hiking trails culminating in incredible places like the Three Peaks of Lavaredo or Lake Braies, you can choose from a variety of difficulties and lengths, depending on your experience. For the more daring, there is certainly no shortage of via ferrata routes – 8 to be precise – for a unique adventure experience… Your souvenir photos will be unbeatable!
All the snow activities in Cortina
Cortina is a winter sports paradise. Included in the Dolomiti Superskii, Cortina’s ski resort gives access to more than 12o kilometers of ski slopes of varying levels, to please the most experienced skiers but also novice skiers who want to be surrounded by an impressive panorama during their first descents (and falls!).
For snowboarding and freeskiing enthusiasts, Cortina offers a fantastic snowpark that includes half-pipes, kickers, jumps and many other facilities suitable for both beginners and experts. Plus there are numerous toboggan runs, 60 kilometers to explore for cross-country skiers, and even an amusement park for the little ones.
Candlelight illuminates Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Imagine music resonating as you are surrounded by the towering peaks of the Dolomites. Candlelight concerts in Cortina offer just such an experience, unique and unforgettable, with extraordinary views from Rifugio Faloria making each note an emotion in itself.
The Rifugio Faloria is one of Cortina d’Ampezzo’s most iconic destinations, located at an elevation of about 2,123 meters (7,500 feet). It is accessible via an impressive cable car that offers breathtaking views of the Dolomites. During Candlelight concerts, the cable car cars will be illuminated by LED candles, allowing attendees to feel the atmosphere of the evening already on their way to the venue.
What is the Cortina Foundation?
The Cortina Foundation is an organization established to promote and coordinate international sporting events in the famous Dolomite resort. Created in anticipation of the 2021 World Alpine Ski Championships, the Foundation aims to enhance the sporting and cultural heritage of Cortina d’Ampezzo, strengthening its image as a winter sports and high-altitude destination.
How to reach Cortina starting from Milan?
With its sights set on the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina is preparing to renew its role as an elite sports and cultural destination. Getting there is not complicated, and there are several options. Starting from Milan, you can take the train that takes an average of seven hours otherwise, you can get to Cortina by bus. Flixbus, for example, offers several runs a day and takes an average of six hours to reach your destination, at a very competitive price. Alternatively, the Milan – Cortina section can be traveled by car in about four hours, depending on traffic.
Between snow-capped peaks, stunning alpine landscapes and the Olympic Games, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the winter destination that never bores and never ceases to amaze. Ideal for escaping the hectic city life and getting lost among incredible natural landscapes, for those seeking relaxation or for those in the mood for new winter adventures.