CORTINA D’AMPEZZO
WINTER
Located in the breathtaking UNESCO World Natural Heritage Area of the Dolomite Alps,
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a natural spectacle of light, breathtaking scenery, lifestyle and sport.
Cortina kicks off the winter season with a plethora of exciting new experiences, services and
events for a truly memorable holiday on the snow.
NEWS
Cortina World Cup Candidate
Cortina proceeds on the road toward the 2017 Ski World Cup with zeal and enthusiasm. Paolo
Scaroni is honorary president of the organizing committee. With the full backing of the city
council, the province of Belluno and the Veneto region, the next steps involve the formalization of
the candidature by the end of May 2011, and submission of the application to the FIS technical
committee in Zurich in October. The final verdict will be reached in Korea in 2012.
New Experience
Dinner under the stars was the grand finale among last winter’s events. An exclusive dinner for
a small number of guests given the opportunity to dine in the Faloria cable car suspended above
Cortina, with a sophisticated menu by the award-winning chef of the 5* Cristallo Hotel Spa&Golf.
Due to the success of the format among the first 18 guests, the experience will be offered on
request for groups looking for something truly unique and tailor-made. Info: Cristallo Hotel
Spa&Golf, tel. 0436 881111.
Activities
K-track
Bike on the snow with K-track - impossible to resist for those who do not want to give up their
bike in winter. Cortina’s quintessential summer sport has finally been adapted to the winter
season, thanks to the K-track kit which transforms the mountain bike into a snow-bike capable of
tackling snow-covered slopes. Thanks to the success of this new sport, launched last year during
the Cortina Snow kite Competition, the winter bike will return also during the 2011 edition of the
most spectacular sport event of the Cortina winter season.
Fiames Snow Ice Driving Experience
Drive, learn and have fun in complete safety. Learn the techniques of sports driving or improve
your driving skills in wintry conditions on the new ice-track located in Fiames. With professional
driving instructor Franco Murani, the challenge of the icy track takes on a flavour of its own. The
turns and curves of the 2 km long track pose a range of technical challenges for the driver.
Vehicles are available for rent and special group events can be organized on request.
Slow Ski
With the Slow-food and Slow-life movement arrives Slow-ski, the latest trend in skiing. Cortina,
always a forerunner of fashion and trends, is the first ski resort in Italy to offer this new mood on
its slopes. The wide and long Vitelli run, the most scenic slope in the Cortina Cube (FaloriaMietres-Cristallo) area will this winter be equipped with relax areas, benches and pit stops where
skiers can take a break and enjoy the splendid views of Mount Cristallo.
Ski Tour La Dolce Vita
An entire day dedicated to the sport of indulging your senses in the spectacular Dolomite
mountains. Ski the most scenic slopes in the Alps, stop in traditional mountain refuges to enjoy
breathtaking views and gastronomic specialties. The brand new Ski Tour Dolce Vita, offered by
Dolomiti Ski Rock across the areas of 5-Torri, Lagazuoi and Armentarola with a series of planned
breaks, is organized entirely in the Slow-Ski mood. Coffee, aperitifs and gourmet mouthfuls along
the slope allows participants to appreciate not only the spectacular panorama, but also to savour
the culinary specialties of the valley. The tour finishes in style with a table reserved at the
renowned Averau mountain refuge, a top spot for gourmet at altitude, where a mouth-watering
meal awaits. And the icing on the cake: a soak in outdoor hot-tub at an altitude of 2.137 meters by
the Scoiattoli mountain refuge, sipping champagne under the stars. Indulge yourself – slowly.
www.dolomitiskirock.com
The Alta Via of the Ampezzo Valley
Five days and four nights of moving from refuge to refuge, circling the entire valley at altitude. This
is the programme of the Alta Via (high road), a mountain trek with snowshoes, which offers a
truly unique experience in close contact with nature in the silence of the Natural Park of the
Dolomites and its marvellous flora and fauna.
www.dolomitiskirock.com
Winter Vie Ferrate
Thanks to the Alpine Guides, this year it is possible to enjoy Cortina’s vertical dimension also in
winter. Three equipped routes have been made accessible for winter excursionists: Col de Bos in
Passo Falzarego, Cristallino d’Ampezzo, which crosses the famous bridge of the ferrata Di Bona,
and the challenging ferrata Sci Club 18 on Mount Faloria. Because seeing Cortina from up high,
dressed all in white, is truly priceless. www.guidecortina.com
New openings and refurbishments
Open shop 24
Fresh milk at any time of the day or night, as well as drinks, snacks and other necessities. This
winter will see the launch of OPEN SHOP 24, a small vending-machine store, open 24-7, stocking
a range of convenience products. The store will be equipped with two LCD screens, 32” and 47”,
displaying videos and websites for customers to browse.
Rosapetra Spa Resort
The brand new Rosapetra Spa Resort, a prestigious 4 star hotel due to open in June 2011, is
located right by the route of the spectacular former Dolomite Railway. A mountain chalet with
spectacular views of the imposing Tofana mountains, famous for their pink colour at sunset, the
Rosapetra is equipped with a large wellness centre and gym, beauty spa and swimming pool.
Leaving the vagaries of fashion behind, the Rosapetra Resort has devoted its wellness centre
entirely to the health of your body, beauty and wellbeing. It is an exclusive space in which
atmosphere, equipment, therapies, products and staff come together to combine skill, energy and
knowledge – the secret of personal wellbeing and beauty. A visit to the Hotel spa offers a holistic
wellness experience, with the choice of relax therapies and tried and tested individual treatments
scientifically designed to respond to your every need with professional competence. Attention to
detail, wellbeing and comfort – this is the motto of the new hotel in Zuel, the gateway to the
Queen of the Dolomites. Its 35 rooms are designed with meticulous attention to detail
showcasing new architectural solutions to create a contemporary style coupled with tradition.
Energy saving and environmental sustainability were prioritised in its technical design, which
combines the use of wood with modern materials. The hotel restaurant will be a must for food
enthusiasts, with its novel menu, original flavours, and fresh take on traditional local cuisine
(www.rosapetracortina.it).
Park Hotel Franceschi 4 stars
Cortina continues to attract the stars. On the 3rd of September 2010, the Park Hotel Franceschi
was officially recognized as a four-star category property. The hotel, whose history spans nearly
a century, is surrounded by the largest private park in the centre of Cortina, with charming
gardens and an area dedicated to children. Guests are welcomed into spacious common rooms,
tastefully furnished and equipped with tiled stoves engraved according to local tradition. All the
rooms are furnished in typical Ampezzan style and the hotel offers modern services and facilities
dedicated to wellness and relaxation, such as sauna, solarium, Turkish bath and hydro-massage. A
traditional Ampezzan dinner is organized every Tuesday night and a gala evening takes place every
Thursday night. www.franceschiparkhotel.com
Rifugio Averau – Touching the clouds
After major refurbishments, In January this year, the Averau mountain refuge re-opened with a
brand new look. The Sunday Times listed the excellent kitchen of proprietors Sandro Siorpaes
and his wife Paola among the top ten mountain restaurants in the Alps. The hospitality of the
Averau refuge is legendary, and guests will now be able to enjoy brand new romantic double
rooms on the top floor, with spectacular views of the Civetta, the Marmolada and Tofana di
Rozes. The bar and the dining room have also been completely renovated and the panoramic
terrace has been extended to accommodate up to 100 people. In the winter season it is possible
to organize dinners where guests arrive with snowmobile and depart by sled or snowmobile
under a starlit sky. www.lagazuoi5torri.dolomiti.org
Special Projects
Cortina Weddings
For those looking to say “I do” in an exceptional location, there is no better place than the Queen
of the Dolomites.
Whether dreaming of a white winter wedding with horse-drawn sledges, or the intimacy of a
secluded mountain refuge, Cortina offers a unique choice of original venues for those who want
the pale mountains as backdrop on their big day. Imagine a romantic ceremony at sunset in the
middle of a flowery meadow or on the terrace of a high altitude mountain refuge with the splendid
Dolomite enrosadira in the background. Alternatively, chose a wedding dedicated entirely to your
favourite mountain sport, whether it is mountain-biking, skiing or hiking.
The Cortina Wedding concept is created around a network of local craftsmen, service providers
and venues that all come together to make a special day truly memorable. From selecting a venue,
creating invites and putting together menus, to the choice of music and flower arrangements, all
aspects are carried out with the outmost dedication to detail, bringing together the customs and
traditions of Cortina and making them available to couples who chose this mythical location for
their big day. Wedding planners are available to take care of all organizational, logistical and
creative aspects.
Whether sporty, adventurous, romantic or traditional, a wedding in the Ampezzo valley is
guaranteed to be unforgettable! In addition to the elegant Councillor’s Chamber in the Town
Hall, where one can arrive with horse and carriage, many licensed venues offer the possibility of
hosting both the wedding ceremony and the reception. The list of licensed venues is continuously
evolving, with new sites being added in response to requests received.
Baita Fraina
Located at the foot of Mount Faloria with a splendid panorama of the 5 Torri, Baita Fraina is the
perfect wedding venue, for summer as well as winter. The award winning restaurant, listed in the
most prestigious gastronomy guides, is known for its elegance and refined hospitality. The venue is
easily accessible by car.
Rifugio Faloria
A mountain refuge with a large terrace, located at 2,123m, with beautiful views of the Dolomites.
It is the ideal location for a wedding at altitude, and for those looking for a bit of adventure.
Starting point for the Faloria Ski Area.
Rifugio Pomedes
An intimate venue, almost touching the clouds at 2,340m, in the heart of the Tofane mountains,
with a large terrace from which to admire the famous Dolomite enrosadira. Great for sports
enthusiasts and adventure seekers, but also suitable for those looking for a traditional wedding
thanks to its breathtaking view of Cortina and the Dolomites.
Rifugio Scoiattoli
Easily accessible by jeep or chairlift, with a spectacular view of the 5 Torri. An ideal location for
those looking for an exceptional and iconic backdrop, as well as for adventure seekers. The
terrain is ideal for excursions on skis, snowmobile or toboggan, also at night. Alternatively,
imagine a romantic soak in the outdoor hot tub, under a starlit sky.
Franceschi Park Hotel
For a classic and elegant wedding in the centre of Cortina, the Franceschi Hotel offers a stylish
lounge and a large garden with a water feature which in winter transforms into an impressive ice
sculpture.
Top Meeting
For the right mix of work and play, Cortina offers a diverse and original choice of activities for
groups who choose the Ampezzan valley as location for congresses, meetings or team building
events. What could be better than stepping out for a relaxing cross-country ski excursion after a
presentation? Or a fun game of curling after an intense workshop?
The multifunctional Alexander Girardi Hall, which offers conference rooms, concert hall,
theatre and cinema, is the focal point for corporate events and congresses in the Dolomites. The
main hall, an adjustable theatre-auditorium, seats 634. The versatile Audi Palace marquee
structure is an ideal venue for meetings, special events and gala dinners. In the centre of Cortina
the Sala Cultura, which seats 100, is suitable for small meetings, press conferences and team
building events. Cinema Eden can be converted into a conference hall with 280 comfortable
seats.
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Peak of Excellence
Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf
Inaugurated in 1901, the Cristallo Hotel Spa & Golf is a historic 5-star luxury property belonging
to a small elite group of hotels that count some of the most significant personalities of the
twentieth century among its guest. A perfect combination of luxury and comfort has earned the
Cristallo the prestigious international World Travel Awards, declared Best Italian Ski Resort five
times, and in 2007 Best European Ski Resort. The Cristallo’s 74 rooms, which include 22 suites
and two Presidential suites, are characterized by the hotel’s unique style of warmth and refined
charm. Guests can enjoy an indoor swimming pool with fabulous views of the Tofane, as well as a
thermarium and a solarium. Its restaurant La Veranda is completely renovated and Chef Marco
Badalucci offers a menu with an artful blend of tradition and innovation and a strong
Mediterranean influence. In the Transvital Swiss Beauty Centre guests can enjoy a relaxprogramme featuring the finest beauty treatments and massage techniques. The luxury spa
features beauty treatments based on cutting edge Swiss research, carried out by highly qualified
professionals working in synergy with skill and precision. The exclusive Cristallo FitWell Club,
open also to external clients, completes the wellness offer of the Cristallo Hotel. Finally, the
Cristallo has a partnership with Cortina Golf Club, which recently inaugurated its first 9 holes in a
beautiful setting with breathtaking views of the famous Dolomite peaks surrounding Cortina. The
restaurant in the brand new golf Club house is managed by the Cristallo. www.cristallo.it
Tivoli – Michelin Star Restaurant
At the foot of the Tofane mountains, Graziano Prest offers one of the top tables in Cortina. In
addition to dishes of venison and Alpago lamb, guests can enjoy winning seafood recipes with fish
sourced from the markets of nearby Venice and Chioggia. The crustaceans are particularly prized,
with delicacies ranging from lobster tartar with marinated fennel to pumpkin ravioli with scallops
and prawns. Try the classic house specialty of polenta-fried shrimps. And to finish with a flourish,
the chef offers a carousel of five chocolates. Tailor-made catering services available.
Promotions and Services
Short Stays
Short stays to discover the Queen of the Dolomites.
4 nights from Sunday to Thursday with skiing, moonlight hikes and snowshoe excursions, dinners
in mountain refuges and relaxation. A new way to experience the winter season. Weekends
excluded. From €160 per person in B&B accommodation.
Fly to the Top offers a convenient and comfortable transfer service for our short stay guests,
with an extended service for the 2010/11 winter season. Daily transfers to/from the main airports
and train stations in the Veneto region.
Hotel Skipass Service
A new and convenient Hotel Skipass Service will be available this winter season. At no additional
cost guests can purchase their skipass online at www.dolomitisuperski.com/hss, and pick it up at
their hotel on arrival.
SPORT
The 1956 Winter Olympics put Cortina on the map internationally as a winter-sport destination
of excellence. The Queen of the Dolomites continues its special relationship with snow-sports, as
evidenced by the many great events hosted here throughout the winter season. The area offers
perfectly groomed runs for every skill level, scenic cross-country routes, some of the most
beautiful itineraries in the alps, walks and excursions on snow, breathtaking off-piste, as well as
ski-mountaineering, snow-shoeing, and telemark. In short, Cortina d'Ampezzo confirms its
position as a much-loved destination for all types of winter sports.
Cortina is part of Dolomiti Superski, the number one ski carousel in the world. Made up of 12
resorts in the Dolomites - recently declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO – the
Superski area is a true paradise for lovers of winter sports. A single ski pass gives access to 450
lifts and 1220 km of piste. The Cortina ski area comprises Cortina Cube (Cristallo-FaloriaMietres), Tofana, and Lagazuoi-5 Torri, offering 70 runs with a total of 115 km of piste, a vertical
drop of 1715 meters, 95% coverage of snow making facilities, and 37 lift facilities – 5 gondolas, 26
chair-lifts, 6 t-bar lifts – with an hourly capacity of 56,650 persons. Famous runs, such as the
Olympic in Tofana, and spectacular panoramas, like the one from the peak of Lagazuoi (2,800m)
and from Forcella Staunies (2,930m) in the Cristallo range, are easily accessible by lift. Last winter
saw the opening of a scenic new lift facility that connects the 5 Torri-area with that of Col Gallina
and Falzarego. Thanks to the new 420m long 2-seater Croda Negra chairlift, which connects the
Croda Negra to the Fedare run of Passo Giau, the Lagazuoi - 5 Torri-area now finds itself in a
central position to all the ski areas of the Ladin valleys. On the north side of the Forca Negra, one
can now reach the slopes of Col Gallina and the Falzarego Pass via the new ski-run "Averau Troi".
The new route runs around Mount Averau, one of the most scenic spots of the Lagazuoi - 5 Torri
ski area, with views toward the Tofane and Sasso di Stria.
Dolomiti Superski
Cortina d’Ampezzo is part of Dolomiti Superski, the number one ski carousel in the world, and is
a true paradise for all who desire a holiday with first rate skiing, excellent hotels, and a great
choice of culture and entertainment. There are 12 separate resorts on this extraordinary circuit,
immersed in the Dolomites of the Veneto, Trentino, and Alto Adige regions, boasting 1.200km of
perfectly groomed piste, 1,177km of cross-country tracks, and 450 ski lifts, all accessible with a single
ski pass. From early December until April, Dolomiti Superski guarantees perfectly groomed slopes,
90% of which are located at altitudes between 1,500m and 3269m, for snow-sure skiing at high
altitude, in an exceptional alpine environment.
www.dolomitisuperski.com
Cortina Winter Sports
Nordic Skiing
Cortina Cross-Country
The increase in popularity of cross-country, or Nordic skiing, is reflected in the completely new
look with which the sport is presented in Cortina. In the breathtaking scenery of the Dolomiti
d'Ampezzo Natural Park, framed by some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, crosscountry athletes and enthusiasts will find well maintained tracks and services that meet the
demands of all skill-levels, including a snow guarantee programme. The Cross-Country Ski Centre
in Fiames, a well-equipped facility recently enhanced through a range of specialized services, is the
hub of cross-country skiing in the Ampezzo valley. In case of a lack of natural snow, one can still
ski on the tracks of the ski school and on most of the route along the former railway line, popular
with experienced skiers practicing both classical and freestyle technique.
Curling
Mad about the stone
The Queen of the Dolomites has for years enjoyed a special relationship with curling. The sport
was practiced in Cortina already at the beginning of the last century and grew in popularity on the
icy tracks of the prestigious Cristallo and Miramonti hotels, frequented by international celebrities
like Alberto Sordi and Brigitte Bardot. Photos from the fifties portray the French actress struggling
with the rock on the icy runway of the Hotel Miramonti. Cortina-curling is not just about highsociety and glamour, it is also a story about friendship and competitive spirit.
Ski Mountaineering
The new frontier of skiing
The activity for those who wish to get away from the crowds and experience nature pure and unspoilt. The magnificent snow-covered mountains of the Ampezzo Dolomites nature park, with its
forests, fauna and sunny exposure is an ideal setting in which to enjoy ski mountaineering, which
takes skiing back to its roots as a means of travelling on snow. It involves hiking uphill with seal
skins under the skis, followed by spectacular descents through virgin snow – the perfect way to
combine the pleasure of hiking with a passion for skiing. The latter part of winter is the ideal
period to practice this increasingly popular discipline, which offers opportunities for excursions
with overnight stays in high altitude mountain huts.
Snow Bob and Moonlight Sledge
Cortina by night
Travel up the mountain by ski lift after dark, or for the more adventurous, by snowmobile or
snowshoes, to enjoy themed dinners in traditional mountain refuges. Spend the night at altitude or
enjoy a moonlight descent by ski lift, on skis or toboggan.
The Moonlight Sledge is organized by Cortina Adrenalin Centre and is all about enjoying the snow
at night. It is a unique opportunity to admire the fascinating spectacle of Cortina by night while
experiencing the thrill of a sledge ride. When the weather permits, one can stop to watch the
stars at the Astronomical Observatory of Col Drusciè, which until the end of January 2010 offers
a number of entertaining educational events.
Extreme Skiing
The thrill of the descent
For expert skiers who love the thrill of a steep descent, Cortina offers some of the most
exhilarating and scenic black runs in the Dolomites. The Vertigine Bianca, Labirinti, and Forcella
Staunies are among the most famous. For those who want to ski off-piste along the steep ridges of
the Creste Bianche, Bus Tofana, and Ski 18, an alpine guide is highly recommended.
Snowkite
Chasing the wind
The most recent, and perhaps most fascinating, addition to Cortina’s repertoire of winter sports,
snow-kite is a fun, high-energy adventure which offers fantastic nature experiences. Apart from
hosting the popular Snowkite Contest, Cortina also offers the opportunity to try this
exponentially growing sport with private or group lessons organized by Kite4freedom.
Snowboarding
For enthusiasts and professionals
Even die-hard boarders will find a challenge in Cortina, where snowboarding is well established.
Both novices and expert boarders will find a wealth of opportunities and challenges to hone their
skills. The gentler slopes of Pocol and Socrepes are popular with beginners, whereas 5-Torri and
Faloria are ideal for those looking for jumps and breathtaking descents.
Top Sport Events
European Snowboardcross Cup Officially added to the international event-circuit of
Snowboardcross, which became an Olympic discipline in 2006, Cortina will host the new edition
of the European Snowboardcross Cup on the snows of mount Faloria.
www.snowboardclubcortina.com
Tour de Ski, World Cup Nordic Skiing
The FIS Tour de Ski, now in its 5th edition, will for the second year running do a stage in Cortina
d'Ampezzo, bringing 80 World Cup athletes to the valley. Born with the objective of promoting
cross-country skiing, Tour de Ski was developed by the Swiss delegate Jurg Capol who personally
chose Cortina as location for a leg of the Tour.
www.tour-de-ski.com
Women's Ski World Cup
The spectacular Olympic run in the Tofane mountains has for nineteen consecutive winters
hosted the Women's World Cup races in Cortina d'Ampezzo. True to tradition, it is in the
calendar for the third weekend of January. The competition kicks off with the downhill race on
Saturday the 22nd, while the Super G race takes place on Sunday the 23rd.
www.cortinaclassic.com
Granfondo Dobbiaco Cortina Cross-Country Ski Race
The route of the famous cross-country ski race GranFondo Dobbiaco Cortina closely follows the
track of the disused railway line between Dobbiaco and Cortina. The prestigious race dates back
to 1962 and has been a popular annual fixture ever since. The circuit departs from Dobbiaco and
goes through the valley of Ladro over the Cimabanche mountain pass (1530m), winding its way
through artificially lit tunnels and across wooden bridges suspended over gorges, to finish at the
old station of Cortina. It is considered one of the most picturesque cross-country routes in the
world and every February champions, athletes and fans congregate for this spectacular event in
ever increasing numbers - last year counted 1500 participants.
www.dobbiacocortina.org
Cortina Winter Polo Audi Gold Cup
Nestled between the slopes of Mount Sorapis and the Three Peaks, Lake Misurina is the scenic
stage for one of the most eagerly awaited international fixtures in the calendar of polo on snow,
the AUDI Gold Cup 2011. The frozen lake becomes the playground of the Cortina Winter Polo, a
fascinating and spectacular tournament unlike any other in the world. Speed, action, and fair play
are the characteristics of this high level competition that every year attracts distinguished
spectators, fans and players of international standing to the Dolomites.
www.pologoldcup.org
Cortina Snowkite Contest
Perhaps the most exhilarating sports event on the snows of Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Cortina
Snowkite Contest is an opportunity to see the latest developments in the interplay between snow
and air, while witnessing the leaps and movements of true champions of a discipline which is
rapidly reaping converts.
www.kite4freedom.it
Traditional Events
In the shadow of the Tofane, the advent period takes on its traditional colours thanks to the
Christmas Market, bringing lights, colour and a festive atmosphere to Cortina’s legendary
shopping street. Corso Italia is scattered with traditional wooden huts where artisans and local
producers offer a variety of seasonal merchandise that represent the crafts and traditions of the
area. This is a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit, enjoying mulled wine and roasted
chestnuts, while looking for that special Christmas present for a loved one. To complete the
atmosphere, and to make the browsing and shopping even more enjoyable, there will of course be
music to fit the mood, in the form of all the most cherished Christmas songs.
The 25th and the 28th of December, Christmas Concerts by the Musical Corps of
Cortina, a cultural symbol of Cortina for over 140 years. The traditional parade of the band
dressed in historical costume will take place on Christmas Day, and on the 28th of December there
will be a Christmas Concert in the parish church.
In January everyone’s attention turns to Ice Art, and the International Festival of Snow
Sculpture along Corso Italia, a popular attraction for tourists and villagers alike. Addressing
different themes, the artists patiently and painstakingly carve giant blocks of compressed snow into
works of art. Many foreign teams participate in this unique event born in Cortina d'Ampezzo in the
early eighties, thanks to the personal initiative of Dino Gaspari. Three days of work, teams of three
sculptors, the dimension of each snow cube three by three meters. This is the "rule of three" that
has characterized past events. The work of the sculptors provides plenty of entertainment for the
many pedestrians strolling along the famous shopping street. At sunset, when the Dolomite
mountains are coloured orange-pink, admiring a statue of snow can become a truly dreamlike
experience. In February, it is Carnival time, which means a whole week of masks,
entertainment, sports, music, drama, colour and fun. This is also the time for the traditional winter
sport contest between the six historic areas of Cortina, Ra Corsa de Sestiere.
GASTRONOMY AND LIFESTYLE
278 shops, 21jewelers, 16 art galleries, 14 antique shops and much more. In Cortina one can pick
up next season’s trends just by strolling down Corso Italia, the pulsating pedestrian street at the
heart of the town’s social life and the top spot for those who like to shop. Window displays of the
most prestigious and exclusive brands in the world, side by side with art galleries, famous
jewellers, antique shops and artisans’ workshops, offer a skilful blend of past, present and future,
from works by old masters to the latest designer trends for a shopping experience to suit all
tastes. In addition to the legendary Corso Italia, one of Italy’s most famous shopping streets, a
wealth of shops spanning fashion, home furnishing, sport and artisan boutiques, can also be found
on via XXIX Maggio and via Battisti.
With 33 bars and cafes, pastry shops, wine bars and pubs, and 54 restaurants and pizzerias, not to
mention the numerous mountain refuges and dairy farms at altitude, Cortina is undoubtedly a
paradise for all who enjoy good food and wine. Located close to the Austrian border, the
Ampezzo kitchen is a testimony to the influences from two different geographical areas, namely
the Veneto and the Tyrolian regions. Two great powers, the Republic of Venice and the AustroHungarian Empire, disputed over this strategic area for centuries. The most famous and typical
Ampezzan dish is casunziei, half-moon shaped pasta dumplings stuffed with beetroot, spinach or
edible herbs that grow wild in the meadows in spring. From Tyrol, Cortina inherited the tradition
of canederli; dumplings made from bread cut into cubes and stuffed with bacon, spinach, or cheese,
and served in broth or melted butter with parmesan cheese. Even the spaetzel, or gnocchi, green
dumplings served with cream and bacon has fully entered into the local cuisine. From the Venetian
cuisine, dishes of polenta, served in combination with cheese, mushrooms, sausage or goulash. For
those with a sweet tooth there is of course the apple strudel and Sacher cake. Other local treats
that simply must be tried include wonderful tarts filled with berries, ice-cream with hot
raspberries, and pancakes served with cranberry jam. Visitors to Cortina have a great choice of
hotels offering exclusive hospitality, as well as traditional mountain huts and dairy farms where
one can enjoy a holiday immersed in nature.
In addition to a vast selection of culinary pleasures, Cortina offers numerous venues dedicated to
après ski and nightlife, such as trendy wine bars in which to sip an aperitivo after a day on the
snow. The Veneto region is the land of prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) and the bars and nightclubs
of Cortina artfully blend traditional flavours and the latest trends with great flair and attention to
detail.
WELLNESS
Immersed in the natural beauty farm of Cortina, one is able to forget about the frenetic pace of
everyday life. The Queen of the Dolomites offers a number of spas and centres dedicated to
relaxation and wellness. The Country Club features a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, whirlpool,
infrared treatments, tanning centre, beauty treatments and massages. Many of the three to five
star hotels are equipped with sauna and some also offer wellness centres. The famous Transvital
Swiss Beauty Centre of the Cristallo Hotel Spa&Golf is a favourite among spa enthusiasts.
The most romantic novelty of 2009 however, was without doubt the outdoor hot-tub at the
Scoiattoli mountain refuge. With a capacity of up to 6 people, it offers a relaxing high-altitude
soak in hot water while sipping champagne under the stars.
CORTINA FOR CHILDREN
With two baby pistes at Socrepes and Guargnè dedicated to young learners, and more than 150
ski instructors, Cortina is the perfect place for budding ski champions to start out in a safe and fun
environment. In addition to classic skiing and snowboarding, children aged 7 and up also have the
opportunity to participate in telemark classes organized by the association A.s.d. Fairplay. In
Cortina children can enjoy adventurous tobogganing, hunt for animal tracks while snowshoeing, or
have fun on the ice-rink of the Olympic Stadium, before relaxing with a delicious hot chocolate
in one of the many typical Ampezzan pastry shops. Curious minds will enjoy discovering the
secrets of animal life, observing forest creatures at close range thanks to In the footsteps of the
Salvàns, a project organized by nature guide Monica Dandrea. In the Junior Adrenalin Park,
set in a beautiful larch forest with an entire network of ropes, ladders, bridges, slides and pulleys,
suspended above the ground, even the most daring will find a challenge to suit them. Visit the
Astronomic Observatory at Col Drusciè and the Niccolò Cusano Planetarium for a
unique opportunity to experience “the sky in a room” and see the moon, the sun, the stars and
the planets up close. In her Plant Workshop, a small corner of paradise only a stone throw
from the town centre, Annette Gottman teaches fun courses for children, dedicated to the world
of plants. In classes designed for the winter season, children learn about the flora of the area
through play, creative activities and visits to the garden surrounding the workshop. Do not miss a
visit to the Public Swimming Pool, set in a beautiful location surrounded by snow-covered
fields, with stunning views of Cortina.