Cortina d'Ampezzo, ski resort in the Italian Alps
Cortina d'Ampezzo is a mountain town in the Italian Alps where historic stone buildings blend with modern shops and cafes along car-free streets. Jagged peaks with steep slopes surround the center and remain visible from most parts of the town.
The town was historically part of the Tyrol region and served as a stop on medieval trade routes connecting north and south. Tourism grew in the early 1900s, and the 1956 Winter Olympics cemented its status as a major winter sports destination.
The Ladin culture remains visible in local dishes, building styles with stone and wood construction, and the way residents connect to mountain life. Visitors experience this heritage when shopping at the Cooperativa di Cortina or dining on regional foods in mountain shelters.
The town is surrounded by high mountains, making travel slower with access mainly by car or bus over mountain passes. Once there, visitors can walk through the car-free center and find numerous mountain shelters and restaurants for breaks and meals throughout the area.
The town will host the Winter Olympics again in 2026, making it the only location in Italy to welcome this event twice. This upcoming global event shapes current local preparations and shows the community's enduring commitment to winter sports.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
