T
here are beautiful ski resorts and
then there’s Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The resort is nestled in the
heart of the Dolomites, a chain
of razor-sharp peaks that span the lush
Italian province of Belluno, in the Veneto
Region. These mountains are famed for
their stunning rock formations and deep,
long valleys that twist and rise amid
meadows and turquoise lakes. Here are
just a few reasons to visit, for whether
you’re skiing, hiking or soaking it all up
from a wooden hot tub, the town is blessed
with alpine adventures so plentiful it’s
achieved cult status in Italy.1
ITS 1,0 00 -YEAR HISTORY
Cortina may only have 6,000 residents,
but it has made its mark in the history books.
Inhabited since the sixth century, this small
but hospitable town has welcomed traders,
explorers and scientists crossing the mighty
Dolomites for more than 1,000 years. During
the First World War, battles between the
Italian and Austrian front took place here
and, thanks to local conservation eff orts,
trenches and tunnels from the period can
today be visited year-round. In 1956, Cortina
became a premier ski destination after it
hosted its fi rst Winter Olympic, an honour it
has been granted again in 2026.2
FOR WORLD-CLASS SKIING
Cortina is home to 75 miles of well-
groomed slopes, ranging from hair-raising
black runs to beginner-friendly blues. No
matter your ability, don’t miss cruising down
Armentarola, a fi ve-mile run that winds
through the heart of the Fanes mountains.3
ITALIAN-AUSTRIAN FOOD
Venetian and Austrian infl uences mean
Cortina’s restaurant menus are dominated
by game and barley stews, vegetable-fi lled
dumplings and lots of fresh pasta. Casunziei
all’ampezzana, the town’s signature ravioli,
is best eaten at a malga, a traditional Alpine
farm. Canederli (bread dumplings stuff ed
with cured ham) and spätzle (gnocchi with
speck and mountain cheese) are two must
tries. For dessert, have the apple strudel.4
THE PERFECT APERITIVO
One of Italy’s greatest gifts to the world
is the aperitivo, and Cortina has perfected
this pre-dinner drinking ritual. Apres-
ski wine bars like Enoteca Cortina serve
prosecco and soave alongside wedges of local
sheep’s cheese and prosciutto. Bavarian bar
Birreria Hacker Pschorr, meanwhile, rings
in aperitivo hour with crisp Austrian and
Italian draught beers alongside tasty wurstel
sausages and sauerkraut.THE QUEEN OF THE DOLOMITES
As Cortina d’Ampezzo prepares to host its second Winter Olympics
in 2026, there’s never been a better time to visit. Plus, photographer
Gianluca Lorenzi talks about his love for his home town, its
spectacular surrounding nature and how it inspires his workCortina d’Ampezzo
is calling this winter
ABOVE: The beautiful
town of Cortina
d’Ampezzo, with the
Pomagagnon mountain
rising behind
RIGHT FROM TOP:
Cortina has some 75 miles
of groomed pistes; a male
ibex frolicking in the snow;
Bombardino, a warming
local drink that’s popular
for apres ski| PAID CONTENT FOR CORTINA D’AMPEZZO