Cortina d’Ampezzo is a ski resort town and municipality in the Italian province of Belluno in the region Veneto. Cortina’s claim to fame was hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, an honor it will soon repeat in 2026.
Situated in Ampezzo Valley and encircled by the Tofane, Sorapiss, Cristallo and Croda da Lago mountains, picturesque Cortina d’Ampezzo is an ideal base for sightseeing, hiking, and skiing in the Italian Dolomites.
In summer and autumn, base yourself in Cortina for at least 5 days in order to visit the dreamy lakes of Lago Federa, Lago di Sorapis, Lago d’Antorno, and Lago Misurina, the panoramic plateau of Mondeval, the cinematic mountain pass of Passo Giau, and the historic World War I destinations of Cinque Torri, the Lagazuoi Tunnels, and Monte Piana.
In winter, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a bustling ski resort, located within the Dolomiti Superski network. Stay in Cortina a minimum of 4 nights in order to ski in the three main areas of the resort. Add more time if you want to ski the Hidden Valley trail.
- Location: Belluno, Veneto, Northern Italy
- When to Visit: Summer (Late June – Late September), Fall (Late September – Late October), or Winter (Late December – End of March/early April)
- Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Hotel Meuble Oasi (budget), Baita Fraina (midrange), Hotel Villa Alpina (midrange), Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel (midrange), Camina Suite & Spa (luxury), or HOTEL de LËN (luxury)
- Closest Airport: Marco Polo International Airport, Venice, Italy
- Transit to Cortina: Venice Airport – Cortina d’Ampezzo Shuttle
- Recommended Trail Map: Tabacco 03 Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Travel Itineraries: 5-Day Dolomites Road Trip, 7-Day Dolomites Road Trip, and 10-14 Day Dolomites Road Trip
Cortina d’Ampezzo Map
Where is Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina d’Ampezzo is located in the center of Ampezzo Valley, which is the upper part of Boite Valley (Valle Boite).
The town is situated north of Cadore, south of Puster Valley (Val Pusteria/Pustertal), west of Val d’Ansiei, and east of Agordo.
Cortina d’Ampezzo sits on the crossroads of SS51 (Strada Statale 51 di Alemagna) and SR48 (Strada statale 44 delle Dolomiti / strada regionale 48).
When to Visit
Summer Season: Mid June until Mid September
The summer season kicks off in June and ends in late September. In summer, Cortina visitors can take advantage of a number of summer lifts:
- Lagazuoi cable car (Fanes Group)
- 5 Torri chairlift (Nuvolau Group)
- Cortina – Mandres – Faloria Cable Car (Sorapiss Group)
- Rio Gere – Son Forca chairlift (Cristallo Group)
- Tofana – Freccia nel Cielo cable car (Tofane Group)
Most importantly, mountain huts (Rifugi) are open, starting in mid-late June.
If you’re traveling without a car, it’s best to visit Cortina in high summer (July, August, early September), when there are more bus connections.
Outside of the main season, it’s very difficult to get around Cortina without your own vehicle.
Fall Season: Late September until Late October
Our favorite time to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo is autumn. Hiking trails are relatively quiet, roads aren’t too busy, and parking is readily available.
The downside of visiting in fall (October) is that most mountain huts, alpine pasture huts (Baita, Malga), and restaurants around Cortina d’Ampezzo are closed. You’ll see Chiuso/Chiusa (“closed”) signs posted everywhere.
Luckily, Rifugio Croda da Lago at Lago Federa stays open until late October, or early November, depending on snow conditions. Several mountain huts on the Sennes Plateau like Rifugio Fondara Vedla and Rifugio Sennes also stay open through October.
Additionally, most cableways stop operating by late September. One exception is the Lagazuoi cable car, which runs until late October.
Luckily, many of the best hikes around Cortina d’Ampezzo don’t require the use of a cableway. But, you definitely need a car to get to the many trailheads and mountain passes around Cortina.
Another compelling reason to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo in Autumn is the fall colors. There are many larch forests carpeting the mountains around Cortina. In late October (18th – 31st), these larches ripen to a golden yellow-orange.
Related: Hiking in the Dolomites in October
Winter Season: December – March
In winter, people from all over the world descend to Cortina d’Ampezzo for their ski holiday.
The Cortina ski resort, part of the Dolomiti Superski network, encompasses 120 km of ski slopes across three main areas: Tofana ski area, Faloria-Critallo ski area, and Cinque Torri – Lagazuoi. The ski areas around San Vito di Cadore and Misurina are also part of the Cortina ski resort.
When planning a ski trip to Cortina d’Ampezzo, it’s important to keep in mind that the resort is quite fragmented. Either stay in the town center, walking distance to the Faloria cable car, or in an accommodation with a ski shuttle service like Hotel de Len (town center), Camina Suite & Spa (north of the town center), Hotel Lajadira & Spa (south of the town center), or Faloria Mountain Spa Resort (south of the town center).
For a ski-in ski-out experience, stay in the 5-star Hotel Tofana Cortina, which offers an in-house ski rental service, a shuttle service, a beautiful spa, and an on-site restaurant.
Learn More: Skiing in the Dolomites
Where to Eat
Cortina d’Ampezzo Restaurants | For casual dining, we recommend Ristorante Pizzeria 5 Torri (our favorite pizzeria in Cortina), Restaurant Pizzeria Al Passetto, Ristorante Pizzeria Il Ponte, Ristorante La Tavernetta, and Ristorante Da Beppe Sello. For fine dining, we recommend eating in Ristorante Al Camin, Ristorante Tivoli, and Ristorante Il Vizietto.
Rio Gere Restaurants | El Brite de Larieto
Pocol Restaurants and Huts | Baita Resch, Peziè de Parù, and La Locanda del Cantoniere
Passo Giau Restaurants | Da Aurelio
Cortina d’Ampezzo Accommodations
Read Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo for an overview of all the best areas, including tips on finding more affordable accommodation.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Ringed by the Ampezzo Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts a central and stunning location in Ampezzo Valley in Veneto. You can stay here for a few days or for several weeks and never run out of things to see and do.
Budget-Midrange | Hotel Meuble Oasi is a guesthouse set in the town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo, walking distance to the pedestrian zone and bus station. Book this 2-star hotel for the location, spotless rooms, and on-site parking.
Midrange | Baita Fraina is a charming B&B with six rooms with balconies, 3km from Cortina’s town center (5 minute drive). This guesthouse is also home to a Michelin recommended à la carte restaurant, which serves regional cuisine. Stay here for the mountain views, the affordability, and the food.
Midrange | Hotel Villa Alpina is a centrally-located 3-star-superior hotel housed in a historic villa. Rooms are comfortable and feature parquet floors and alpine furnishings. The room rate includes breakfast and outdoor parking.
Midrange | Ambra Cortina Luxury&Fashion Hotel is a lovely boutique hotel with 24 thematic rooms and a bar in the very center of Cortina. Guests are treated to free on-site parking and an excellent breakfast.
Top Choice – Luxury | Camina Suite & Spa is a 4-star boutique hotel, 1 km north of Cortina’ town center. This intimate hotel offers 12 alpine-style suites with comfy beds and ample closet space. Rooms are equipped with nespresso machines, air-conditioning, and soundproofing. We loved the high-quality breakfast and complimentary spa (3 saunas, relaxation zone, and showers). In winter, guests can take advantage of the ski shuttle service. Read our Camina Suite & Spa hotel review.
Top Choice – Luxury | HOTEL de LËN is a fresh-faced luxury hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo’s town center. Interiors blend natural and sustainable materials with fine furnishings to create a relaxing, yet refined atmosphere. The hotel restaurant showcases local Ampezzo flavors in unique and exciting ways. We loved the charming, enthusiastic staff, the rooftop spa (1 complimentary hour), and communal areas (living room, cocktail bar, and restaurant). Breakfast is included in the room rate. Parking is off-site and an extra charge. Bonus: ski shuttle service in winter. Read our Hotel de Len review.
Luxury | Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d’Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel is a top-rated, 5-star hotel in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Although housed in a historic building, the entire interior has been renovated. Rooms are delightfully modern. Stay here for the superb on-site restaurant, impeccable staff and concierge, top-notch facilities (spa, indoor pool, bar, and lobby area).
More Luxury Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Dolomiti Lodge Alverà, Rosapetra SPA Resort, and Faloria Mountain Spa Resort.
Look for accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Pocol
Pocol is a tiny hamlet above the Ampezzo Valley, west of Cortina d’Ampezzo. It straddles the crossroads of SR48 (the road that connects Cortina with Passo Falzarego) and SP638 (the road that connects Cortina with Passo Giau).
Budget | Hotel Piccolo Pocol is a basic, but very clean bed & breakfast in Pocol. The management is helpful, efficient, and knowledgeable about the region. The breakfast buffet features a number of cakes, croissants, breads, yogurts, sliced cheeses and meats, and of course coffee and juices.
Midrange | Ciasa Vervei is a cozy 3-star hotel with an excellent on-site restaurant.
Luxury | Hotel Tofana Cortina is a 5-star hotel with a decadent spa and on-site restaurant. In winter, guests enjoy ski-in ski out access to the Tofana ski slopes, in-house ski rental, and a shuttle service. Between 8:30 am and 8:30 pm, you can ride the hotel shuttle to Cortina’s town center, which departs every 30 minutes.
Passo Tre Croci
Passo Tre Croci is the mountain pass between the Cristallo Group and the Sorapiss Group. The pass is situated on Strada Regionale 48 delle Dolomiti, about halfway between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Lake Misurina. This is where the hike to Lago di Sorapis begins.
Budget-Midrange | B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina is advantageously located at Passo Tre Croci. The hotel features comfortable rooms and newly renovated interiors. Stay here for the clean, minimal aesthetics and the majestic location. Breakfast is included in the rate.
Hiking Trails
Hikes in the Sorapiss Group
Lago di Sorapis Circuit Trail is a 13.2 km circular trail starting at Passo Tre Croci, east of Cortina d’Ampezzo. The trail leads to the famous milky-turquoise Sorapis Lake along narrow secured ledges and forest paths. Because most travelers hike this trail out-and-back, it can get very congested. I highly recommend hiking the more interesting circular route to Forcella Marcuóira, if you’re confident descending deep and slippery scree slopes.
Hikes in the Tofane Group
Tofana di Roses Circuit Trail is an 11.9 km circular trail around the magnificent Tofana di Rozes mountain in the Ampezzo Dolomites. This is my favorite hike in Cortina d’Ampezzo!!! It begins at Rifugio Dibona, west of Cortina d’Ampezzo, and circuits the massif in a clockwise direction.
Hikes in the Croda da Lago – Pelmo UNESCO World Heritage Site
Croda da Lago Circuit Trail wraps around the Croda da Lago mountain chain, starting at the Ponte de Ru Curto trailhead near Pocol. This varied 13.1 km circular trail lead to Lago Federa and Rifugio Croda da Lago before climbing up to Forcella Ambrizzola, at the edge of the Mondeval plateau. After ascending to Forcella de Formin, the trail drops down a rugged high valley defined by boulder fields and scree.
Passo Giau to Mondeval is a moderate out-and-back hike starting at Passo Giau. This hike leads to the sprawling bowl-shaped Mondeval plateau, located in the UNESCO System Pelmo – Croda da Lago. Highlights of this trail are the views of Lastoni di Formin, Croda da Lago, and Mount Pelmo, the Lago delle Baste photo spot, and the archeological burial site of Mondeval de Sora.
Hikes in the Sexten Dolomites
Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit Trail is a gorgeous, but extremely busy, hiking path that circuits the famous Three Peaks of the Sexten Dolomites. This 9.7 km trail commences at Rifugio Auronzo, accessible by both bus and car, at the top of the Auronzo toll road. New regulations mandate that drivers must pre-book toll road access.
Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint is one of the most impressive vistas in the Alps. This short 3.7 km out-and-back hike starts at Rifugio Auronzo and can be completed before or after hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo circuit trail.
Sentiero Bonacossa North Trail is a secured and exposed path that traverses the Cadini Group of the Sexten Dolomites. Adventurous sure-footed hikers who have no fear of heights will love this route! It’s unforgettable and it’s the best way to take in the famous Cadini di Misurina viewpoint.
Hikes in the Nuvolau-Averau Group
Rifugio Nuvolau and Cinque Torri Hike is a circular route that strings together Lago di Lìmedes, Rifugio Averau, Rifugio Nuvolau, and Cinque Torri, tracing a section of the Alta Via 1. It doesn’t utilize the 5 Torri chairlift. Of all the hikes around Cortina d’Ampezzo, this is my least favorite, because of the ski infrastructure.
Learn More: Cortina d’Ampezzo Hiking Guide
Mountain Huts
One of the highlights of visiting Cortina d’Ampezzo is eating lunch, or staying the night in a Rifugio. These mountain refuges are typically open from late June until late September. Some huts stay open longer.
If you want to learn more about visiting and staying in mountain huts, read Hiking in the Alps.
Here are some of the most iconic Rifugi around Cortina.
Rifugio Croda da Lago/Palmieri
Rifugio Croda da Lago is situated on the shore of Lago Federa beneath Croda da Lago. If the weather permits, this darling Rifugio stays open until late October.
Elevation | 2046 m
Location | Lake Federa in the Ampezzo Dolomites
How to Get Here | You can hike to Rifugio Croda da Lago in 1:30 – 2 hours from the Ponte di Rocurto trailhead, which is located along the SP638 road, halfway between Pocol and Passo Giau.
Recommended Hike | Croda da Lago Circuit Trail
Opening Times | June – end of October. For exact dates, check out the Rifugio Palmieri website.
Rifugio Angelo Dibona
Rifugio Dibona is a privately-run refuge situated south of the Tofane Group. With sweeping views of Croda da Rossa and Cinque Torri and delicious homecooking, it’s worthwhile to just drive up here for the views and something to eat. This refuge is also a popular starting point for hikes and via ferratas in the Tofane mountains.
Elevation | 2037 m
Location | Vallon di Tofana in Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Natural Park
How to Get Here | From Cortina d’Ampezzo, drive SR48 in the direction of Passo Falzarego. About 800 meters after passing La Locanda del Cantoniere, turn right onto Località Dibona and drive 3.8 km up to Rifugio Dibona.
Recommended Hike | Tofana di Rozes Circuit Trail
Opening Times | Rifugio Dibona website
Rifugio Lagazuoi
Elevation | 2752 m
Location | Monte Lagazuoi, Fanes Group, iin Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Natural Park
How to Get Here | Drive the SR48 road to Passo Falzarego, the mountain pass between Ampezzo Valley and Val Badia. At the pass, you can take the Lagazuoi cable car to the hut. Alternatively, you can hike up to the hut via the WWI Lagazuoi Tunnels (helmet and headlamp needed).
Recommended Hike | Lagazuoi Tunnels. Learn more: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites
Summer/Winter Opening Times | Rifugio Lagazuoi website
Rifugio Nuvolau
The rustic Rifugio Nuvolau, run by the CAI, lies on the Alta Via 1 long distance trail. Crowning the summit of Monte Nuvolau in the Nuvolau-Averau Group, the outlook is splendid.
Elevation | 2575 m
Location | Monte Nuvolau summit, Nuvolau Group, Ampezzo Dolomites
How to Get Here | Hike up from the Rifugio Col Gallina parking lot (1 km east of Passo Falzarego), Passo Falzarego, or the 5Torri Chairlift mountain station.
Recommended Hike | Rifugio Nuvolau and Cinque Torri Hike
Opening Times | Mid-June until Mid-September. Rifugio Nuvolau Website
Rifugio Averau
Rifugio Averau is located just below Rifugio Nuvolau at the Forcella Nuvolau saddle.
Elevation | 2413 m
Location | Forcella Nuvolau (the mountain saddle between Averau and Nuvolau), Nuvolau Group, Ampezzo Dolomites
How to Get Here | Hike up from the Rifugio Col Gallina parking lot (1 km east of Passo Falzarego), Passo Falzarego, or the 5Torri Chairlift mountain station.
Recommended Hike | Rifugio Nuvolau and Cinque Torri Hike
Opening Times | Rifugio Averau website
Rifugio Auronzo
Rifugio Auronzo stands to the south of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the famous three peaks of the Sesto Dolomites.
Elevation | 2320 m
Location | Sesto/Sexten Dolomites, Auronzo Belluno
How to Get Here | Drive, or take a bus to Lake Misurina and then up the Rifugio Auronzo Toll Road to the hut.
Recommended Hikes | Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit and the Cadini di Misurina Viewpoint
Opening Times | Rifugio Auronzo website
Rifugio Fodara Vedla
Elevation | 2000 m
Location | Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, South Tyrol
How to Get Here | Drive to the car park at Malga Ra Stua. In July and August, the access road to Ra Stua is closed and you have to take a shuttle from the S. Uberto car park along the SS51 road. From Malga Ra Stua, you can follow trail 6 and later trail 9 to reach the hut.
Recommended Hikes | We hiked to Rifugio Fodara Vedla when we did the Alpe di Sennes circuit trail, which we described in our Cortina d’Ampezzo hiking guide.
Opening Times | Late May – Early November. Fodara Vedla refuge.
Rifugio Mietres
Rifugio Mietres is located beneath the Pomaganon chain. Encircled by forest, this charming refuge is a lovely destination for lunch when hiking in the Larieto larch forest.
Elevation | 1732 m
Location | Cristallo Group
How to Get Here | From the Rio Gere car park, follow trail 211 to El Brite de Larieto and onwards to Rifugio Mietres (45 minutes).
Recommended Hikes | We hiked to Rifugio Mietres along the Crepe de Zumeles circuit trail, which we described in our Cortina d’Ampezzo hiking guide.
Opening Times | Rifugio Mietres website
How to Get to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Venice to Cortina d’Ampezzo
The closest airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Marco Polo International Airport in Venice, 2 hours away.
We recommend renting a car at the airport and driving directly to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Though, you may want to detour first to San Martino di Castrozza.
If you’re traveling without a car, you can take this direct coach from the Venice Airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo (2 hours).
You can also fly into Bolzano Airport, Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona, Innsbruck Airport in Austria, Malpensa Airport in Milan, or Munich International Airport in Germany.
Alta Badia to Cortina d’Ampezzo
Alta Badia is a mountain region and ski resort in the upper part of Val Badia in South Tyrol. The main villages of Alta Badia are Colfosco, Corvara, La Villa, Badia, San Cassiano.
It’s only a 1:30-hour drive from Alta Badia to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
To reach Cortina, drive over the Valparola Pass followed by the Falzarego Pass. From Falzarego Pass, descend to Cortina d’Ampezzo along the SR48 road.
Alta Pusteria to Cortina d’Ampezzo
The Upper Puster Valley (Alta Pusteria in Italian, Hochpustertal in German) refers to the easternmost part of Puster Valley, and encompasses the villages of Villabassa/Niederdorf, Dobbiaco/Toblach, San Candido/Innichen, Braies/Prags, and Sesto/Sexten in South Tyrol.
Alta Pusteria is the gateway to the northern Sesto/Sexten Dolomites and the northern Braies/Prags Dolomites.
It takes only 40 minutes to drive from Alta Pusteria to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The fastest way to get to Cortina is by driving along Strada Statale 51 di Alemagna the whole way. You’ll initially drive through Valle di Landro/Höhlensteintal valley, famous for its roadside lakes Lago di Dobbiaco/Toblacher See and Lago di Landro/Dürrensee.
More Dolomites Travel Guides
Plan your trip to the Dolomites:
- Things to Do in the Dolomites
- Places to Visit in the Dolomites
- How to Get to the Dolomites
- Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
- Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer
Travel Destinations:
Hiking:
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