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Cortina Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • Spectacular scenery
  • Delicious regional dishes
  • Friendly locals

Great for

  • Intermediates
  • Off-piste
  • Families

Ski Holidays in Cortina

Set in the stunning Dolomites, this elegant town delivers the perfect Italian ski holiday: good food and a relaxed atmosphere. Crowned ‘Best of the Alps’ along with St. Anton, Zermatt and 9 other big name resorts, it’s easy to see why this beautiful area was so passionately defended during the First World War and why it’s now protected as a World Heritage site.

  • Flight Time
  • 2 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Turin, Milan Malpensa
  • Geneva, Innsbruck
  • Time zone
  • GMT + 1 hour
  • Language
  • Italian
  • Currency
  • Euros
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Cortina Stats

Top Altitude
3243m
Bottom Altitude
1224m
Resort Altitude
1224m
Total Piste
140km
Longest Run
9 km (Lagazuoi-Armentarola)
Slope Orientation
NSEW
Vertical Drop
1715m
Skiable Vertical
2024m
Night Skiing
No
Glacier Skiing
No

Nicknamed the 'Queen of the Dolomites', Cortina d'Ampezzo gained its reputation as one of Europe's finest ski resorts after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. Well-heeled Italians and Hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn flocked here in the '60s and '70s, and it remains a stylish resort to this day with elegant boutiques and chic cafes lining the cobbled pedestrian high street.

You may recognise the area from films such as Cliffhanger and the chase scene in Bond film, For Your Eyes Only, where Roger Moore famously flees down the mountain on skis.

The resort still regularly hosts big winter sports events, and this is set to continue with the resort set to host both the 2021 Alpine World Ski Championships and the jewel in the crown of winter sports events, the 2026 Winter Olympics.

It's hardly unexpected then that Cortina is often compared to glamorous St. Mortiz, and the scenery here certainly lives up to the comparison. A beautiful church spire dominates the attractive town, and if you take a wander around the quaint little side streets, you'll come across plenty of traditional buildings. It all feels wonderfully Italian and laid back and to add to the holiday atmosphere the area averages sunshine on 8 out of 10 days.

However, it's the surrounding landscape which will really take your breath away.

The Dolomites have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's obvious why. Just take a look at the Cinque Torri, a stunning outcrop of 5 towers (literally translated), a short bus ride from town. In summer, climbers scale the soaring rock faces while in winter the area becomes a playground for snowsports.

You can explore the whole of the amazing 1200 km Dolomiti Superski area using just one lift pass, or get the local valley lift pass which covers 140km of skiing around Cortina d'Ampezzo, San Vito di Cadore, and Auronzo/Misurina.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Cortina Transfer Times

Innsbruck 164 km, 2h 30
Venice Treviso 137 km, 1h 50

The nearest airport to Cortina is Venice / Venezia at 160 km or about 2 hours by car

What's the ski area like in Cortina?

There are 3 ski areas directly accessible from Cortina d'Ampezzo itself: Cristallo, Tofana and Faloria. Faloria and Cristallo are on the eastern side of town, while Tofana is on the opposite side. You need to take the bus to get between them.

run.

Which other ski resorts are near to Cortina?

The nearest ski resorts to Cortina include Arabba, Corvara, Selva, Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa, La Villa.

Ski Area Facts

LocationItaly, Alps.
Established18th Century
Downhill140km
Lift PassDolomiti Superski - €301 (6 day adult)

Beginner Slopes

33runs50%

Intermediate Skiing

22runs35%

Advance & Expert Terrain

10runs15%

Snowboarding Trails

140km100%

What is Cortina like for Beginner skiers?

The Guargnè/Mietres section is a small area for learners and children towards the north, with a children's ski school and fun amusements like slides and inflatables. Tofana has the Baby Socrepes area for children and is great for adult beginners, with slow, gentle chairlifts and plenty of wide blue runs (one of our favourites is the one from the Girilada chair). With over 150 ski instructors in the area, you're in the right place for quality instruction.

What is Cortina like for Intermediate skiers?

The most interesting runs for more experienced skiers and snowboarders are probably up on the Cristallo range, which you can get to from Faloria.

The long red Rio Gere is not to be missed. You can also catch the bus to the nearby Cinque Torri area, which is incredibly beautiful. From here you can ski the longest run in the area at 9km, winding down from Lagazuoi all the way to Hotel Armentarola, and passing through what is known as the 'hidden valley'. It starts up high with breath-taking 360-degree views over the Dolomites.

What is Cortina like for Advanced skiers?

If you fancy a serious challenge, try the black Canalone Staunìes. Over in Tofana, make like a pro and hit the black Olympia, which as the name suggests, featured in the 1956 Olympics and has seen several Wold Cup races since. There's plenty to challenge even expert skiers in this area alone, but if you start with the local pass, you can always upgrade to the Superski pass if you decide you want to head further afield.

What is Cortina like for snowboarding?

There's a snowpark down from the Socrepes lift at Tofana.

What is Cortina like for off-piste skiing?

If it's powder you seek, try the black off to the right of the Duca d'Aosta chairlift, which is deliberately left unpisted. You can also hire a guide and try more serious routes like the Costabella down from Cristallo.

What is Cortina like for cross country skiing?

The majotiry of the 70km of trail in the surrounds of Cortina are accessible to novice skier or skaters.

Cortina Restaurants

Everything starts up on the mountain where you’ll find some lovely huts for lunch. Rifugio does exceptionally good bombardinos, a local speciality drink. It’s usually made up of a mix of Advocaat and brandy. Have it served hot with whipped cream if you fancy being indulgent.Our favourite shop in town isn’t one of the fancy fur boutiques but actually the Pasticceria (bakery/patisserie) Alvera. You’ll find it on the edge of the square at the top of the pedestrian street. The mini tarts and cakes are to die for. This is a good area to peruse if you’re looking for a nice restaurant - Croda Café next door to Alvera isn’t too pricey and does some excellent local specialities. Try the green spaetzle (fat little spinach pasta, an Austrian influence). For a treat seek out Tivoli restaurant and tuck into their impressive Michelin star menu.

Where to eat in Cortina and on the mountain

Ra Stua Restaurant Visit the oldest restaurant in Cortina – once a popular tavern in the '30s, and now a local success. It’s a local meeting place set in the heart of the “Queen of the Dolomites”. Ra Stua is a blend of tradition and innovation, offering an intimate and exclusive setting. Enjoy the grilled meat selection – a favourite is the T-bone steak. They have kept the old tiled stove and introduced the novelty of a fireplace for proper flame grilling. This restaurant is perfect for a fast and tasty meal during the day, and in the evening it transforms into a rendezvous for gourmets in search of a reserved and elegant venue

Cortina Après Ski

Most of the nightlife is concentrated around Corso Italia, the main pedestrian street. Café Sport is a cosy place which tends to spill out onto the walkway. On the adjoining street, the Largo Delle Poste (just up from North face shop), you’ll find Bilbo’s underground bar and several other very lively bars like Birreria Hacker. Wander a bit further up to the other end of the Largo Delle Poste, and you come to L.P. 26 Prosciutteria, nicknamed ‘ham bar’. This is a fun place to snack on some antipasto cured meat and relax with an aperitif. Spritz is the typical pre-dinner tipple of the region, a wine-based cocktail often made with Campari and recognisable for its orange hue.

Bars Late Night Clubs and Cafes in Cortina

Cortina Activites for Non-skiers

There’s a fairly well-equipped Kanguro supermarket on the main road which has a good selection of groceries and is the best place to buy reasonably priced sun cream. Il Ponte Pizzeria is opposite the Kanguro and is family-friendly. There’s some good shopping to be had in town, including designer brands such as Gucci, Bulgari and Benetton. About 3 km south of town just off the main road, the SS51, is the large Eurospin supermarket and some other larger shops.It’s pleasant to take little ones for a walk in springtime and follow one of the animal trails in the woods. There’s also a cinema, several toboggan trails and you can go skating in the large Olympic ice pavilion.

Gruppo Guide Alpine Cortina This is the official School of Mountain Guides in Cortina. They offer guiding in summer activities such as rock climbing, hiking and trekking through the mountains. In winter you can hire a guide for mountaineering, off-piste and backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. The guides aim to keep clients safe, help them enjoy the beauty of the mountain environment, and teach them what they know. They have a self-professed passion for the mountains and their profession. Contact them for group and individual quotes.

Safari tour in snowmobile Starting from Misurina Lake, directed towards the three Lavaredo summits, the itinerary is 25 km long and lasts about one hour. Every participant will experience the drive of a snowmobile with his own hands and once arrived to the destination you will enjoy a typical wine and food tasting.

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

Looking to purchase a new fur coat, some exclusive luxurious perfume, an item of haute couture or a watch from one of the world's great names, Cortina is the place. Nestled in the mountains, this Queen of the Italian Dolomites, with it is historic charm, provides a sumptuous atmosphere to go with any spending spree.

Albeit that Cortina is famous for some of the most expensive boutiques, with over 250 shops, there is something for everyone. There is also a strong local crafts industry with over 200 artisans producing wood inlaid with silver and mother-of-pearl, stained glass, wooden toys, clocks and furniture. Regional specialities include a large choice of grappa, local liqueurs, breads and the smoked delicatessen, 'speck'. Also of interest is the famous Christmas market, which starts on the 1 Dec, with the opening of the advent calendar, presented on the windows of the town hall. one window being opened each day.

Boarderline Boarderline is your one stop shop for boarding: you can rent ski and snowboards here, as well as organise lessons through the snowboard school, and pick up extra equipment in the shop. Come here for the newest equipment around: carving skis for racing, twin-tip skis for tricks in the park, rocker snowboards, or freestyle skis You will find a wide range of brands and products that have been tested on the snow. Don’t miss the selection of waterproof jackets and trousers made from high-quality breathable materials. The shop also has plenty of accessories from anti-fog goggles with mirror lenses to helmets which are compatible with your music system, back protection, belts, beanies, board bags, travel bags, GoPros and more.

Cortina Package Ski Holidays

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Best Time to Visit Cortina

The best months for snow cover are usually January and February, although season usually begins here in December and lasts through till late April. If you prefer warmer and sunnier weather, the later months of March and April are the best time to visit. The Easter period is popular with families. The resort also has snow cannons on almost all the slopes, meaning snow cover is guaranteed by the local tourist information on 95% of slopes from Dec until late April.

What's Cortina like at Christmas?

Over Christmas in Cortina this year, what could make a better holiday than strolling the local Christmas market – best accompanied by a cup of mulled wine and some homemade biscuits. If you haven’t tried the Italian version of Christmas cake, Panettone, you’re in for a treat!
Christmas Ski Holidays

What's Cortina like in the New Year?

The Italians love to throw a good party, and New Year in Cortina is one of the most exciting times to visit. Pack some heels or your dinner jacket and head out to one of the elegant restaurants for a delicious multi-course menu, then watch the fireworks and join the locals at one of the town’s friendly bars.
New Year Ski Holidays

What's Cortina like in Half-Term?

You’ve got all the boxes ticked for the perfect family ski holiday if you spend February Half Term in Cortina. This is the best time of year historically for fresh snowfall, and there’s plenty that the kids will love including lots of fun activities from tobogganing to skating on the Olympic ice rink.
Half Term Ski Holidays

What's Cortina like at Easter?

This stunning corner of the Dolomites is known for its glorious weather, and Easter in Cortina is one of the best times to enjoy the sunshine. Seek out one of the excellent Refuges up on the mountain, order the Italian speciality, bombadino and relax in the sunshine while you take in the picturesque views.

Cortina Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Cortina snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Cortina snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Cortina snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Sunny skies Today
  • Cloudy skies Saturday
  • Partly cloudy skies Sunday
  • Light snow Monday
  • Cloudy skies Tuesday
  • Heavy snow Wednesday
  • Current snow depth at top
    35 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    14 cm

Ski Accommodation in Cortina

We have 148 ski holidays in Cortina. Search all Cortina ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:

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Italy has always been a fantastic holiday destination for children, and Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of Italy’s top ski resorts for families.

Visit over the Christmas holidays and you can wander the town’s pedestrian streets and market, which are usually lit up with tasteful decorations. There are plenty of excellent family-friendly restaurants - Il Ponte Pizzeria serves typical Italian food such as pizza, pasta and gelato which always goes down a treat with children. Cortina is an ideal place for a February half term holiday as well since the resort doesn’t tend to get overrun the same way that some of the more famous resorts can do at this time of year. The Italians don’t get a half term break, so apart from at the weekend, you shouldn’t find the resort is particularly busy compared to any other time of year. If you find one side of the resort is getting busy, simply hop over to one of the other ski areas – that’s the advantage of having the whole Dolomiti Superski area on your doorstep! The Easter period is also popular with families, and with an average of 8 out of 10 days of sunshine, you might choose to spend some time just relaxing in the sun and doing very little at all... For those who want to keep active, aside from the fantastic skiing there’s also an ice rink, several toboggan runs, and lots of scenic walks.

The ski school here is huge (there are over 150 ski instructors) and provides childcare and lessons for little ones right through to teenagers. There are two areas with nursery slopes: the Guargnè, which catches the sun all day long, and the Baby Socrepes at the bottom of the Tofana ski sector. Both are well equipped with easy drag lifts/magic carpets and fun toys to play with. Tofana has the added advantage that there are slopes to keep adults of all abilities entertained - ski on the harder pistes up on the mountain and then ski down to the Socrepes beginner slopes at the bottom to check up on the youngsters.

Cortina d'Ampezzo attracts groups looking for a laid back mountain town, who enjoy chatting together over leisurely lunches and want to escape to somewhere with more charm than a purpose-built mega-resort. The skiing here is varied, and while it best suits intermediate to advanced skiers, there are plenty of nursery slopes and gentle blues for learners and children.

Aside from skiing the glorious Cristallo and Faloria ranges, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Big and little kids will enjoy a trip to the Olympic ice rink, or you might want to try out some of the local toboggan runs. A day out to complete the Sella Ronda circuit is a must-do for any intermediate/advanced skiers in your party.

If you’d like to go out in the evening, there are plenty of nice bars dotted about the pedestrian area, try Café Sport if you can all fit in there, or maybe somewhere a bit bigger like Bar LP 26 Proscuitteria which does good cocktails. Later on, Hackers is just off ‘Corso Italia’ near the North face shop, of if that’s shut there’s always Bilbo’s underground bar next door, which stays open till the wee hours.

Typically the larger the group the more discount you’ll get, so it’s worth asking around and seeing who’s interested in coming. Organising a group holiday can seem like a daunting prospect when there are lots of people going but we can guide you along every step of the way, and it can actually be quite a simple and fast process. Just give our team a call on the number above and start planning your trip today!

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Cortina
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out of 5
For old school Italian class, look no further than Cortina. It has even been the setting for several films including vintage James Bond. In my opinion, the scenery here in the heart of the Dolomites is unrivalled in Europe and the town itself is just as pretty and refined – postcard churches, cobbled streets, ... + more
Rich, SNO staff
4 out of 5
It’s a very nice, traditional town. Quite up-market. The local ski areas are quite small and not too challenging though. It’s not really very good for advanced skiers. You can’t ski from one area to the next, you have to take the bus. So the downside was the access to the slopes. I did all the blacks, they’... + more
Norman Mcrury, Aberdeen
4 out of 5
Cortina is great, we almost had too much snow when we were here (beginning of February). Six and a half metres of powder at the top of the mountain and 2 and a half in Cortina itself! It’s a fantastic place, a very pretty area for skiing and the mountains have a pretty reddish glow. Best of all we had the pi... + more
Christopher, Oxfordshire
4 out of 5
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Cortina

Maximum and minimum adult Cortina lift pass prices ranged from €198 to €248 for 6 days access to the Cortina ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Cortina holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price €30 - €33 €43 - €48 €38 - €40
6 Day Price €139 - €156 €198 - €248 €179 - €201
Age Range 8 - 16 17 - 69 70+
Cortina Packages + Extras

Getting to Cortina

Most of our ski holidays to Cortina packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Cortina from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Cortina from the UK?

Flights from London take about 2 hours to Turin, Milan Malpensa, Geneva, Innsbruck. This table shows approximate transfer times to Cortina from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Venice / Venezia 160 km 2 hours
Treviso 130 km 1 hour 40 minutes
Packages with Plane Train or Car

How long does it take to drive to Cortina from the UK?

Browse our self-drive ski holidays which include your car channel crossing, or go choose accom-only and book your car ferry or tunnel later.

Self-Drive Ski Holidays
↑ INCL CAR ↑↓ WITHOUT ↓
Accommodation-Only

How long is the transfer from nearest Italy train station to Cortina?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Cortina transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
Dobbiaco - Calalzo 35 km 35 minutes
Ski Train Holidays

Cortina Maps

Cortina piste map
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Regional map
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Town Map
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Going to Cortina under your own steam

For independant travel to Italy, compare accommodation only with Cortina self-drive packages which include Eurotunnel or ferry.

Accomm-Only & Self-Drive

See driving directions to and from Cortina in Italy.

Enter your start location and click "Get Directions" to view the route:

More Cortina Information

Tourist Information Office Cortina d’Ampezzo is a ski resort in northern Italy and is part of the Dolomiti Superski area with many downhill runs. Cortina is a favourite because of the traditions, wonderful ski events, its part in the Unesco Heritage site and a glamorous destination. This chic destination is a must see for all those who are skiing enthusiasts or those who just love culture, heritage and shopping! The tourism office has a large webcam so you can keep an eye on all those peaks from the comfort of your hotel room or chalet! There are 120km of slopes and connected to the larger area of 500km of slopes! The tourism office has maps and brochures for these ski areas - please pop in to ask them any specific information about the villages and ski map. Other Services provided by the tourism office are: - Book and get information on lift passes - Lifts - Shuttle and bus rides - Bars and restaurant guides - Documentation and Information - Book your holiday and ask any questions ! Opening Times: Daily 09:00 - 13:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 Sundays 09:00 - 13:00

Cortina Hospital Open 24/6 Can make appointments through MyGVM app.

Farmacia Internazionale di Cortina d'Ampezzo Farmacia Internazionale di Cortina d'Ampezzo del Dott. Alessandro Pirovano on the iconic Corso Italia is Cortina's oldest pharmacy, and specialises in natural remedies. Opening times: Monday - Saturday: 08h30-13h00 and 15h30-19h30 Sunday: closed except on the 6th Oct, 13 Oct and 11 Nov. as per the above times.

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Cortina Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Cortina ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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