Cortina Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
It is an attractive old mountain town beneath truly beautiful mountains. Many come here just to be seen, so if you're serious about your skiing you should get in plenty of slope time.
That said some believe Cortina has rested on its laurels through recent decades and that the on-piste options are limited for better skiers. There's no doubt however that for beginners and intermediates it's a wonderful resort - and scenically there are few in the world to compare, especially at sunset when the peaks turn every shade of mauve, pink and purple.
Unfortunately most of Cortina's ski areas are only linked by bus, which can be a slow and frustrating way of getting to the slopes, especially in ski boots. There again you do also have access to the mighty Dolomiti Superski area which covers 1,220km (758 miles) of pistes and 450 lifts.
Mountain facts
Where in the world?
Hit the slopes
Cortina is marvellous for beginners, with the Socrapes area being especially user-friendly, while intermediate skiers who don't mind repeating the same runs will enjoy the Tofana and Faloria areas.
Advanced/expert skiers may find their options limited - the steep black at Tofana is fun, and Staunies from the top of Cristallo is challenging. It is worth hiring a local guide to check out some of the off-piste descents for which the region is famous.
Other than complete beginners, all skiers can enjoy the lovely Hidden Valley run through magnificent mountain scenery and finishing with a horse-drawn lift ride. The fun but busy Sella Ronda circuit is also accessible from here by taking a bus to the Fassa Valley.
Lifts are generally fast and efficient but at peak season queues may be a minor problem. Snow conditions are not that reliable in Cortina, but 90% of the area is covered by snow machines.
There are four ski schools, which have received mixed reports and can at time have a very Italian insouciance about them.
Ski gear is easily hired in the resort, which has a wide range of shops - try Snow Service, Via 29 Maggio and other locations.
Beyond the slopes
Family fun
Dolomiti Paradise, at the Olympic Ice Stadium, is both a solarium and a children's playground. Gulliver Park runs a babysitting service in addition to inflatable games, slides and other facilities. It is close to the slopes in Pocol.
Retail therapy
Après ski
Eating out
But Cortina is all about mountain dining, with few mountain restaurants failing to provide superb fare - don't miss the Rifugio Averau, above Cinque Torri, for its fantastic views and great pasta and wine, or the Rifugio Duca d'Aosta in the Tofana/Socrapes area.
Getting around
Splashing out
Accommodation
Luxury
Hotel de la PosteOld coaching inn in the centre of town.
Piazza Roma 14
Tel: (0436) 4271.
Website: www.delaposte.it
Moderate
Hotel Villa ArgentinaFamily-run hotel in an out-of-town location with good slope access and great views.
Pocol 1540
Tel: (0436) 5641.
Website: www.cortina.dolomiti.org/hargentina
Budget
Hotel MontanaSuperb value accommodation in the heart of Cortina.
Corso Italia 94
Tel: (0436) 860 498.
Website: www.cortina-hotel.com
Getting there
Distance to resort: 160km (100 miles); 132km (82 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes; 2 hours.
Website
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