Cortina d'Ampezzo: Queen of the Dolomites

In the beating heart of the Veneto Dolomites, where rose-colored peaks mirror themselves in crystalline lakes and the air carries the scent of fir trees and tradition, rises the majestic Cortina d'Ampezzo, long recognized as the Queen of the Dolomites. This Alpine pearl, nestled in the Ampezzo basin at 1,224 meters altitude, represents much more than a simple tourist destination: it's an icon of mountain elegance that has perfectly combined tradition and modernity.

Surrounded by some of the most spectacular peaks of the Eastern Alps - from the Tofane to Pomagagnon, from Cristallo to the Cinque Torri - Cortina offers a natural scenery of incomparable beauty, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Ampezzo town was the stage for memorable Winter Olympics in 1956 and is preparing to welcome the Games again in 2026, confirming its status as the world capital of winter sports.

History and Traditions of Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina's history has roots in antiquity, when these lands were inhabited by Rhaetian populations. The name itself derives from the Latin "Curtina," meaning "small courtyard," referring to the characteristic natural basin that embraces the settlement. For centuries belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Cortina has maintained a unique cultural identity where Italian, Austrian, and Ladin influences blend together.

The Ampezzo community still speaks Ladin today, the ancient language of the Dolomites that resonates in daily conversations and traditional evening "filò" gatherings. Local traditions are alive and authentic: from traditional costumes worn during patron saint festivals to Ladin cuisine dishes served in welcoming mountain refuges.

The Olympic Legacy

The 1956 Winter Olympics transformed Cortina into a destination of worldwide fame. The Ice Stadium, the Italia ski jump, and the Eugenio Monti bobsled track are still testimonies today of that memorable event that brought Cortina under the international spotlight.

Winter Sports: The Kingdom of Snow

When winter cloaks the Dolomites in white, Cortina transforms into Italy's winter sports capital. The Ampezzo ski area offers over 120 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes, suitable for skiers of every level, from gentle descents for beginners to challenging black runs that test even the most expert skiers.

Legendary Slopes

• Olympia Piste: The women's downhill from the 1956 Olympics
• Tofana Schuss: One of Italy's steepest slopes
• Cristallo-Mietres: Breathtaking views over the Ampezzo basin
• Faloria: Skiing at the foot of Dolomite walls

The Dolomiti Superski, of which Cortina is part, allows skiing on over 1,200 kilometers of slopes with a single ski pass, making it possible to explore the entire Dolomite universe on skis.

Summer in the Dolomites: Hiking and Nature

Summer reveals a different but equally fascinating face of Cortina. Meadows bloom with alpine flowers, trails open toward infinite panoramas, and the fresh mountain air invites hiking. The network of trails and refuges in the Ampezzo Dolomites is among the most developed and well-marked in the Alps.

Must-Do Excursions

• Cinque Torri: An open-air museum of the Great War
• Rifugio Nuvolau: 360° views of the Dolomites
• Lake Misurina: The pearl of the Dolomites
• Croda da Lago: Medium-difficulty panoramic hike
• Monte Cristallo: For expert mountaineers, glacier views

Alpine refuges are not just support points for excursions, but true temples of mountain gastronomy, where you can taste typical dishes prepared with local ingredients while admiring some of the world's most beautiful panoramas.

Art, Culture and High Society

Cortina is not just nature and sports: the town center pulses with cultural and social life. The famous Corso Italia, beating heart of Ampezzo social life, hosts high-fashion boutiques, historic cafes, and gourmet restaurants. During winter season, Cortina becomes an international salon where personalities from entertainment, fashion, and sports meet.

Museums and Cultural Heritage

The Ethnographic Museum of the Ampezzo Rules preserves the historical memory of the Ampezzo community, while the Casa de ra Regoles tells the story of the ancient Rules institution, a community self-government system unique in Europe. The Ciasa de ra Usanza Library preserves precious documents on Ladin culture.

Ladin Gastronomy and Mountain Flavors

Ampezzo cuisine is a delightful interweaving of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin flavors. Traditional dishes tell the story of a border territory where different culinary cultures have met.

"Ampezzo cuisine knows how to transform simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes, just as these mountains know how to transform snow and rock into dreamlike landscapes."

Specialties Not to Miss

• Casunziei: Red beetroot ravioli filled with ricotta
• Goulash with polenta: Heritage of Austro-Hungarian tradition
• Speck and local cheeses: Produced in Ampezzo alpine huts
• Apple strudel: The symbolic dessert of the Eastern Alps
• Bombardino: The perfect hot drink after a day on the slopes

Cortina Today: Towards the 2026 Olympics

Cortina's appointment as host of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has given new momentum to the Queen of the Dolomites. Important investments in infrastructure and facilities are further modernizing the destination while maintaining intact the charm and authenticity that make Cortina unique in the world.

Cortina's future is based on a sustainable tourism model that respects the Dolomite environment and enhances local traditions. Sustainable mobility projects, landscape protection, and promotion of Ladin culture are at the center of the destination's development strategy.

Whether you're skiing or hiking enthusiasts, culture lovers, or simply seeking authentic beauty, Cortina d'Ampezzo will conquer you with its timeless magic. Come discover why for over a century it has been considered the Queen of the Dolomites: an unforgettable experience awaits you in the heart of the world's most beautiful mountains.