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I have to confess: I booked my trip to Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy without realising that the town was going through major upgrades linked to its Olympic 2026. I arrived on the 23rd of December, and we were lucky—snow started falling the very next day. By the 25th, everything was covered in white, turning the already beautiful Dolomites into a classic winter scene.
I stayed in the nearby village of San Vito di Cadore for very practical reasons. Accommodation there was more affordable, and it’s only a 15-minute drive from Cortina, which made visiting the town easy without paying premium prices.
You might notice the photos aren’t quite what I’d normally use for the blog. I completely forgot to take horizontal shots, which is far from ideal, so most of the images had to be cropped from vertical ones — but sometimes travel moments win over perfect framing.
Cortina isn’t just a ski resort. It hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, and that Olympic heritage still shapes the town’s identity, from its infrastructure to its overall atmosphere. The town is set against some of the most striking Dolomite peaks.
From Cortina itself, you can admire Tofane, Cristallo, and Faloria, which create the iconic backdrop, while Cinque Torri, Becco del Mezzodì, Sorapis, and Croda da Lago are visible from surrounding trails and higher vantage points, rewarding those who explore the mountains with even more dramatic scenery.
With fresh snow on the ground, I found myself stopping constantly, camera in hand, convinced that every view deserved at least one photo.
The ski resort itself is extensive and well integrated into the landscape, with pistes spread across several areas of the Dolomites. Its scale and layout are impressive, even when simply viewed as part of the wider mountain setting, especially when skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
What to see in Cortina?
Walking along Corso Italia, Cortina’s main street, is the best way to understand the town. Alpine charm blends seamlessly with luxury, with boutiques from brands such as Dior, Moncler, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton lining the street. It quickly becomes clear that Cortina is one of Italy’s most exclusive—and expensive—mountain destinations.
Beyond the shopping, places like the Basilica of Saints Philip and James and the Ciasa de Ra Regoles offer glimpses into the town’s history and its Austrian-influenced architecture.
As the day comes to an end, Cortina takes on a relaxed, social rhythm. After hours in the cold, people gather for drinks, conversation, and music, lingering rather than rushing—very much in keeping with the town’s understated confidence.
How to get there
Day Trips I Loved
One of my favourite adventures was driving over Passo Giau to Vallada Agordina, the area that includes Andrich and Piaz, where my great-grandmother and great-grandfather come from. The road winds between snow-dusted peaks and tiny villages, and I kept stopping just to take photos. On the way back, I detoured to Alleghe, where the frozen lake looked like a scene straight out of a movie. Even short drives in this area feel like a winter adventure, with cozy cafés and tiny rifugi inviting you to pause and enjoy the view. I’ll be sharing more about Passo Giau and Vallada Agordina in future posts.
Final thoughts
Cortina d’Ampezzo balances natural beauty, history, and luxury with quiet confidence. Arriving just before Christmas and watching the snow slowly transform the landscape made the experience feel especially well timed. It’s undeniably beautiful—and very aware of its place among Europe’s most iconic alpine destinations.
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