Ski holidays in Cortina d'Ampezzo

One of the most popular and certainly the most luxurious Italian resorts is Cortina d'Ampezzo. It is located in the province of Belluno, in the Veneto region, and due to its location in the heart of the Dolomites , it is called the winter capital of Italy. The center is located in a valley surrounded by high peaks, thanks to which tourists visiting it have the opportunity to enjoy delicious views. There are also atmospheric hotels built at the beginning of the last century, numerous restaurants and shops await guests. It is worth knowing that the resort is a car-free center.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is undoubtedly not a place for people who like to save money. There are plenty of designer boutiques in the city, and on the streets and on the slopes, Italians wearing glasses more expensive than most of the skis on sale will pass us many times. The exclusivity of the resort is also emphasized by the success it enjoys among famous wealthy people, movie stars and politicians. The center was visited by such celebrities as the writer Ernest Hemingway (his favorite bar was Enoteca Cortina) and the action movie star Sylvester Stallone.

Queen of the Italian Dolomites

The three most famous ski resorts in the resort are Cristallo, Tofane and Faloria. It is true that they are not connected with each other, so you cannot move between them without taking your skis off, but you can quickly get to the slopes thanks to frequent ski buses. 33% of the blue runs, 62% of the red and 5% of the black runs are waiting for visitors. Several of them go to the very bottom of the valley, including trail from the top of Lagazuoi. In addition, Cortina gives skiers the opportunity to descend from a great height - the Monte Cristallo route stretches from 3000 m above sea level

As you can see, the vast majority of trails are suitable for less advanced skiers. There is a snow park on Faloria with a half-pipe, rails and other obstacles. In good weather conditions, experienced winter sports fans can test their skills on the black Canalone Staunìes route on Cristallo. The Forcella Rossa trail is also black and it can be used to exit Tofane. It is a good idea to continue riding the Pomedes and Rumerlo Olympic route to the Duca d'Aosta refuge, which is the place where there was once a lit Olympic Torch. Those who are not satisfied with Cortina's routes can obtain ski passes for the slopes of neighboring resorts.

In turn, the Socrepes and Mietres runs are intended for beginners and families with children. In addition, there are many ski schools in the resort, and ski rentals are also easy to find. The resort offers tourists over 140 km of scenic ski slopes . The slopes are serviced by 55 modern lifts, the lower stations of which are located at an altitude of 1224 m above sea level, and the upper ones - 3243 m above sea level. Most of the routes are artificially snowed (95%), and the season here lasts from December to Easter. Every year Cortina d'Ampezzo hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup.

Ticket prices in the season 2013/2014

In the upcoming ski season, the ticket prices are as follows: € 38.00 will be paid by an adult for a 1-day pass in the period 30.11-21.12. The children's pass costs € 27.00, and the seniors - € 34.00. In high season, prices go up to € 48.00 for adults, € 34.00 for children and € 43.00 for seniors. A weekly pass costs from € 206.00 to € 257.00 for an adult and from € 144.00 to € 180.00 for a child. Seniors will pay € 185.00 and € 231.00 respectively for 7-day skiing.

Besides skiing, you can also do cross-country skiing in the resort. The resort has the Fiames Sport Centrum Nordic, a cross-country skiing center. The most popular route (on Passo Tre Croci) extends at an altitude of 1800 m and is 10 km long. It is waiting for experienced skiers, as well as for lovers of alpine nature - while hiking you can meet chamois and deer.

What besides skiing?

Tourists planning to visit the resort can stay in Cortina itself or in one of the neighboring resorts. At a distance of 8 km from the resort, there is a small, typical alpine village, San Vito Di Cadore . It is situated in the Del Boite Valley, between several peaks (including Antalao and Tofane). The town can be easily reached by ski bus. The prices here are lower, and the standard of guesthouses and hotels is at a high level. There is also a small ski resort with two chairlifts.

The valley attracts thousands of tourists each year. In winter, they are skiers, snowboarders and other enthusiasts of snow madness, while in summer, it tempts with the possibility of exploring the area, a modern swimming pool and a diverse offer of various types of entertainment. The resort has an ice rink where events such as Disco dance, or ice disco, are held. You can also easily rent skates and just ride. There are many cultural events in the town, including art exhibitions and literary meetings. Art lovers will also enjoy their stay - it houses an ethnographic and palaeontological museum and a gallery of 20th-century Italian art. Certainly no one will experience boredom here.