Explore the ski slopes and beyond
Cortina has many pseudonyms - ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, ‘The Aspen of Italy’ - and all for good reason. Known today as the playground for the Italian glitterati, Cortina also experienced a heyday where it was popular amongst the likes of Sofia Loren and the Kennedys. Strolling through the streets today you are likely to see elegant older Italian women drenched in fur and beautiful jewellery. These women are known as ’Sciura’ (pronounced Shoe-ra) and are an Italian cultural phenomenon.
Beyond the glamour, Cortina is a serious contender on the ski front, especially by leading on to the greater dolomites which can be accessed all under one skipass. Cortina and the region of Alto Adige has a rich and interesting history spanning several wars and boarder changes as well as having its own unique culture and local language (Ladin). Ski lifts have varying opening times between 8:30am and 9am and close at around 4:30pm. Lunchtime in Italy is generally later, between 1pm and 3pm, however after 3pm you will find it difficult to get a meal at restaurants. Dinner also starts later, with most restaurants opening at 7pm. The main department store in Cortina Centro is called ’La Cooperativa’ and here you can buy toiletries, clothing, food, stationery and gifts. As with many stores in Italy, this store closes between 12:30 and 3pm (although some stores will close at 12pm or 1pm instead of 12:30) so check the trading hours before you head into town.
The Essentials
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: GMT +1
Major Airports: Venice Marco Polo Airport, Innsbruck Airport
Tipping: tipping is not essential at cafes, pizzerias and restaurants in Italy. At restaurants you are already charged a coperto (cover per person), but a tip is still appreciated. At hotels, tipping the porter (€5-10), concierge (€10-20), and cleaner (€10-20) is appropriate. At some public bathrooms in Italy there is an attendance outside the bathroom, in which case it is custom to pay €0.50 or €1.
Public transport: In Cortina you can easily get around by bus. To go from Pocol into Cortina Centro get the 3a bus via the Urban Bus Service. The Urban Bus service can be used for free if you are travelling with skis or tickets can be purchased at the hotel or in a tabaccheria in town (see here for details). A taxi from Pocol into town costs between €15-20. To get to other areas around the Dolomites you can get the Dolomiti Bus. Information on timetabling can be found here.
Things to do in Cortina
SKIING in COrtina
If you’re staying at the Hotel Villa Argentina, take advantage of the ski-in/ski-out location and get your first day ski legs going in Pocol. From there you can ski across to Pomedes and go all the way up to Duca D’Aosta. From this area, you can ski the Olympic Ski run (Red Run— intermediate to advanced skiers only) which is best skied in the mid-morning as it can get icy in the afternoons. After spending at least a day or two exploring this side of the mountain head into town and to the other side of the valley to Cristallo or catch a bus up the road to Lagazuoi or 5 Torri. If you purchase a Dolomiti Ski pass you can access resorts further along such as Selva and Colfosco and are highly worth the visit. Be sure to organize transport beforehand (see Dolomiti Bus timetables, hotel front desk staff can help navigate this) as getting back by taxi if you miss the last bus can be expensive and/or tricky.
The Sella Ronda
The Sella Ronda is a one day Ski Route that traverses around a group of Mountains called the Sella. In a day, you ski over 26km downhill, but cover a much larger area in total We usually enter and leave the Sella Ronda at Armentarola. Over the day you will see many breathtaking views and you don’t ski the same run twice! Completing the Sella Ronda is bucket list activity for many keen skiers. With all of this action packed into one day, it is something reserved for the fit and healthy. Only intermediate skiers or above should attempt this. It is also something not suitable for children (whilst they often have the skills, it is the stamina that is the challenge, particularly at the end of the day when the slopes get icy and the skiers get tired). Because there is a lot of traversing, we do not allow snowboarders to come in the CPE group Sella Ronda tour.
For Non-Skiiers
Ice Skating in the former Olympic Ice Skating Rink (Via Bonacossa, 1 – Cortina d’Ampezzo)
Walk through the Snow: in Snow Shoes Known locally as ‘Ciaspes’, Snow Shoe walks are a great way to see the beautiful scenery. These can be hired from various locations in Cortina.
Get the Cable Car to the top of Tofana for Lunch. From Pocol, head into town (taxi or 3a bus). From there walk to the Tofana/Freccia Nel Cielo Cable Car. At the top of Tofana you can take in the spectacular views and enjoy local food at Ristorante Col Druscie.
Eating in Cortina
Il Ristorante Tivoli: a Michelin-starred restaurant (reservations recommended). Località Lacedel, 34, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL
Dok Dall’Ava: a Prosciutto bar. LP 26 Largo delle Poste, 26, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL
Pizzeria La Perla Piazza: a laid back family pizzeria. S. Francesco, 3, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo
Eating on the Mountain: in Cortina and around the Dolomites, you will find delicious food at many of the smaller restaurants that are pitted along the slopes. In terms of the menu, stick to the local cuisine of pastas, polentas and hearty stews (read: this is not the place for burgers or hot dogs).
