Cortina d’Ampezzo – Italian Winter Holiday for the young and old

In the series of exclusive and hip Italian winter vacations Cortina d’Ampezzo in Trentino-Alto Adige holds an important place. In the sixties and seventies Cortina d’Ampezzo was the most exclusive of winter vacations but in recent years Courmayeur and Madonna di Campiglio have grown in popularity. Today, Cortina d’Ampezza has less buzz than Courmayeur or Madonna di Campiglio but has everything else including some great regional foods and wines. The costs for this location are also somewhat lower making this a great destination for the traveler passionate about winter vacations.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is located in Dolomite Mountains of Northeastern Italy about 30 minutes north of Belluno. The best way to travel is by train from Mestre-Venice. It will take a couple of hours but the ride has some incredible views. The village, boasting a thousand-year old remarkable historical background, has nearly 7,000 inhabitants. It attracts visitors from all over the world for its lively international atmosphere, its fashionable shops, and excellent restaurants.


Cortina is also known as the "Regina delle Dolomiti" - Queen of the Dolomites - since it is in the heart of the wonderful Dolomites. The village is surrounded by forests and wide ski slopes. All around the red rock mountains tower over the city. It offers something for everyone, including the topflight professional skiers.


The natural beauty has made Cortina d’Ampezzo the set for a number of worldwide famous movies. Among them:

Ash Wednesday starring Elizabeth Taylor and Henry Fonda
The Pink Panther starring David Niven and Peter Sellers
For Your Eyes Only starring Roger Moore
VonRyan Express starring Frank Sinatra
Cliffhanger starring Sylvester Stallone


Lodging accommodations range from the simple chalet to the five-star hotel with all the amenities including Spa treatments. The top of the top is the Cristallo which specializes in reconditioning the body and the soul. Da Beppe Sello offers a true Alpine Mountain experience along with a great little restaurant. One of my favorites is the Franceschi Park Hotel. It has a great view and all the amenities of more expensive structures.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is also a great place to come with the family. It boasts numerous fun parks and winter activities exclusively for kids. This will allow the parents to venture onto the serious slopes while the kids are doing something both safe and fun. The city also has babysitter services for children who are too young to be out and about. The hotel will be able to coordinate everything you need if you let them know with a little advance notice.

Choosing a winter vacation destination is all about understanding what you are looking for. Cortina d’Ampezzo offers a wide range of opportunities including great food and wine, winter sports, spas and health treatment centers and generally a festive atmosphere hidden away in the Dolomite Mountains.

Tags: Winter Vacations Cortina d'Ampezzo Trentino Skiing Hotels Travel Italy