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Introduction
Cortina 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 the options are limited for better skiers, but 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 hassly way of getting to the slopes, especially in ski boots. There again you do also have access to the mighty Dolomiti Superski area.
That said the options are limited for better skiers, but 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 hassly way of getting to the slopes, especially in ski boots. There again you do also have access to the mighty Dolomiti Superski area.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 1,225m (4,020ft).
Top elevation: 2,930m (9,612ft).
Base elevation: 1,225m (4,020ft).
Number of lifts: 51.
Number of runs: 110.
Average annual snowfall: 3.3m (11ft).
Where in the world?
Cortina is situated in the Dolomite Mountains in northeastern Italy, in the Veneto region, and is part of the Dolomiti Superski region which covers 1,220km (758 miles) of pistes and 450 lifts.
Hit the slopes
The season runs from December to April.
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 will find the options limited - the steep black at Tofana is fun, and Staunies from the top of Cristallo is challenging (when open) but there's little else to go at.
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.
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 is no terrain park.
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).
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 will find the options limited - the steep black at Tofana is fun, and Staunies from the top of Cristallo is challenging (when open) but there's little else to go at.
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.
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 is no terrain park.
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
Outdoor options include the Olympic bobsled run at ‘Adrenalin Park', snowshoeing, very good cross-country trails, an annual polo festival in February/March and people-watching. Indoor options range from a swimming pool, fitness centre and ice stadium to an art gallery, cinema and museums.
Family fun
Children are extremely well catered for in Cortina, especially on the Socrapes slopes - the place is crawling with kids at times, all very adequately administered by friendly and enthusiastic instructors.
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.
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
You can buy everything from jewellery and artwork to an ocean-going yacht in the town's shops and boutiques, with furs in particular being a big favourite. See how the other half live at Bulgari or Giulio Veronesi (both on Corsa Italia), or for more realistic retail therapy the Co-operativa di Cortina department store (Corsa Italia) is amazingly well stocked.
Après ski
When the lifts stop, a popular rendezvous is the Clipper Bar (Largo Poste), which tends to get busier as the night draws on. For something more refined try the Hotel de la Poste (Piazza Roma) or Enoteca wine bar (Via del Mercato), with a sensational range of over 700 wines. On the slopes, the Blues Bar Lacedel at the base of Socrapes is popular when the skiing ends.
Eating out
There's a wide range of options - great pizzas at Pizzeria Al Passetto (Via Marconi 8); good ambience in the Grill de la Posta (Piazza Roma 14); and high-end dining at the Michelin-starred Tivoli below the Lacedel ski area.
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.
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
Free ski buses shuttle between the different ski areas regularly throughout the day and into early evening.
Splashing out
Cortina is made for splashing out. Just check out the shops - whether you want expensive new Patagonia or Arcteryx ski gear, a Bulgari watch or a fur coat, Cortina has it all. And if ski conditions are poor, take a day trip to Venice.
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
Nearest airports: Venice (VCE); Treviso (TSF).
Distance to resort: 160km (100 miles); 132km (82 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes; 2 hours.
Distance to resort: 160km (100 miles); 132km (82 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes; 2 hours.
Website
This resort is good for...
Families, Non-skiers, Beginners, Intermediates
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