Superb scenery, well-groomed slopes, hours of great skiing and sunshine guaranteed. Who wouldn’t want to spend a week or more in fashion conscious Cortina?
Winter tourism first started here in 1909, and since the 1950s cosmopolitan Cortina has attracted the world’s fashionistas, as it’s famed for being ‘right on trend’.
Recently declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO this place boasts ‘mesmerizingly beautiful mountains’ and ‘an international showcase of the Italian way of life’.
Check out lively Corso Italia – at the centre of the resort’s social life – and you’ll see why. It’s a top spot for those who like to shop…and be seen shopping!
Ideal for all abilities, this pretty uber Italian resort is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, which offers 1,220kms of snow-fuelled fun in 12 connected valleys.
There’s also 1,100kms of cross-country to be enjoyed here. The popular ski areas of San Cassiano and Corvara are close to Cortina, with challenging pistes such as the Hidden Valley. You can also get a horse-drawn ski lift from here!
This season also sees the opening of ‘slow ski’ – with Cortina once again setting the trend by setting aside the wide, long and scenic Vitelli run for time out on the slopes with special areas to relax and take in the views.
And if you want get ahead of the hotel crowd check out the new 4- star Rospaetra spa hotel that’s opening this November just in time for the ski season, and promises gastronomic delights!
The transfer from Verona takes three hours and 30 minutes
Luxury appeal
“For more than a century, Cortina d’Ampezzo has been a symbol of style, fashion and La Dolce Vita”
Star attraction
Ernest Hemingway, Frank Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, Bridgitte Bardo, George Clooney…they just keep coming
Technical
Cortina d’Ampezzo has 115kms of pistes – with access to 1,220kms with the Dolomiti Superski area. There are 62 runs in Cortina – one, very easy, 28 easy, 23 intermediate and 10 difficult. The longest run is 9kms Armentarola run. There is one snowboard. The 1,224m resort has 38 lifts and snow making facilities. The ski season runs from mid November until the start of May.
Apres ski
Cortina’s bars and nightclubs mix the flavours of tradition with the latest trends. You can also dine in the Faloria cable car, shop in trend-setting boutiques and visit art galleries, antique shops and artisans workshops.. Sledging, snowkite, ice skating, ice driving, via ferrate, curling and ice bouldering can also be tried here.
Location, location
Cortina d’Ampezzo lies in an alpine valley the heart of the Dolomites. It’s in the Veneto region, 72km from Belluno and 44kms from the Austrian border.
Photography Credit: stefanozardini.com
