Set high in northern Italy, Cortina d’Ampezzo has long been synonymous with alpine glamour, dramatic scenery, and elite winter sport. Often called the Pearl of the Dolomites, the town first entered the global spotlight when it hosted the Winter Olympics more than 70 years ago.
In 2026, Cortina is ready for a second act, returning as a key host venue for the Winter Games and reaffirming its place among Europe’s most iconic mountain destinations. Surrounded by the jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, Cortina balances sporting heritage with a lifestyle that feels as polished as it is outdoorsy.
The town’s appeal goes well beyond ski racing. Cortina combines direct access to the slopes with a lively town center, a refined dining scene, and a sense of old-world exclusivity that has attracted artists, aristocrats, and international jet-setters for decades.
Its role in the upcoming Olympics builds on that reputation, positioning Cortina not just as a competition venue, but as a cultural and social hub during the Games.
Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Olympic Experience
During the Winter Games, Cortina will host several headline events, including Alpine skiing, curling, and the sliding sports of bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton. While the Opening Ceremony will take place in Milan and the Closing Ceremony in Verona, Cortina will be one of the most visible mountain stages of the Games. Olympic infrastructure has been designed to integrate into the existing landscape, preserving the town’s character while supporting a global event.
Even visitors without event tickets will feel the Olympic presence. Central areas such as Corso Italia and Piazza Angelo Dibona are expected to be focal points for public gatherings, cultural programming, and athlete appearances. The compact, largely pedestrian town center allows visitors to move easily between hotels, restaurants, and viewing areas, while public transport links connect the center with competition venues on the surrounding slopes.
Mountain Life Beyond the Competition
Cortina’s identity is rooted in its landscape. As part of the vast Dolomiti Superski network, the resort offers access to hundreds of miles of ski runs in winter, while summer transforms the same terrain into a playground for hiking, cycling, and climbing. Iconic excursions include panoramic cable car rides to high-altitude viewpoints and classic hikes beneath towering limestone peaks that feel dramatic yet surprisingly accessible.
The town also offers a slower, more indulgent rhythm for those less focused on sport. Wellness resorts and spas draw inspiration from alpine traditions, while boutique shopping and artisanal craftsmanship reflect Cortina’s blend of Italian and Tyrolean heritage. Dining ranges from rustic mountain huts serving local specialties to refined restaurants that have helped put the town on the European culinary map.
When to Visit and How to Experience Cortina
Winter remains the most famous season, particularly from January to March, when snow conditions are at their best and the social scene is at its liveliest. The Olympic period in February 2026 will be especially busy, with accommodation in high demand and prices reflecting the global spotlight. Travelers seeking a quieter experience often favor early summer or early autumn, when long daylight hours and crisp mountain air create ideal conditions for outdoor exploration without peak-season crowds.
Cortina is typically reached by road from nearby airports, with travel times making it accessible yet still feeling pleasantly removed from major cities. Once in town, its walkable center and local transport options make it easy to explore without a car.
As Cortina d’Ampezzo prepares to host the world once again, it does so with confidence shaped by history. The Olympics may be the headline, but it is the enduring blend of landscape, lifestyle, and culture that ensures Cortina’s place long after the final medals are awarded.
