Cortina

Cortina
 

Spectacular! No lens but that of human eye can catch and truly comprehend the grandeur of the Dolomites of Cortina d'Ampezzo in its starkness, and even that fine instrument can sometimes be overwhelmed by the majesty of Cortina's compelling surroundings.

Italy's best-known mountain resort was put on the international map when it hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and since then has often been associated with affluence and style. But this wasn’t the first time that the region attracted holidaymakers. Long before the Olympics European Alpine enthusiasts have been coming here to stay in the town's first hotels as early as the 1860s. Skiing was and still is the most important attraction in Cortina. The first ski competition was held here as early as 1902. After the completion of the Strada di Dolomiti in 1909 more and more skiers have found their way here each year. Today there is a 145km long ski run and around fifty cable cars and chairlifts to help you get to them.
If you aren’t a skier then worry not, you can still have a magnificent holiday at Cortina. The surrounding Dolomite peaks are spectacular with 18 of them being more than 3,000m in height. The view during sunrise and sunset are breathtaking as the mountains take on a rosy glow.

Cortina can be expensive especially in Aug and the high-ski-season months of Jan-Mar as many wealthy Italians have homes here. The strict laws of the region have prevented development band, as a result, the town is lined with white wooden houses.