Ski Resort Guide: Cortina D'Ampezzo

Cortina is almost entirely surrounded by a vast amphitheatre of mountain peaks: Le Tofane, Cristallo, Soraphis, all well over 3000m, Pomagagon, Croda da Lago, Averau and the Cinque Torri. However this results in the ski area being rather spread out, which in turn means having to deliberate each morning about which slopes you wish to visit.

All but the 'serious' skiers and boaders will head for the sunniest lunch spots as early as possible, leaving the slopes free for everyone else. After lunch there is a similar situation, since Cortina's après ski starts early - a considerable portion of Cortina's visitors rarely bother to ski at all.

Après Ski in Cortina

In town, the Pasticceria Lovat on Corso Italia purveys serious Austrian cakes, hot chocolate and coffee variations.

Eating Out On The Mountain

Rifugio Averau at the top of the Cinque Torri ski area at 2,400m (7,874ft) for glorious views and excellent Italian home-cooking. If the weather is good then sit outside and enjoy the spectacular views to Civetta and Marmolada while drinking Prosecco and tucking into their 'three pastas' or venison ravioli.

Eating Out

La Bolte 0436 866 283 - for a Mexican.
El Toula 0036 0436 3339 - for an expensive treat just on the edge of town in an old barn.
Tivoli 0036 0436 866 400 - for those of you with Michelin star taste.

Nightlife

Cortina in high season is a fun place. There are many fine wine bars. Enoteca is a cosy and usually packed venue that stocks over 700 wines.
The Clipper - is a lively bar with a good selection of cheeses and meals
to dance the night away head to the Metro Club or Limbo

If you like Cortina - Try ...

Kitzbuhel or St Moritz

Cortina in Brief

Getting There:
Venice: 160km (100 miles).
Innsbruck: 160km (100 miles).
Rail services from calalzo di Cadore and Dobbiaco: 30km (19 miles).

Height:
1,220 - 3,240m (4,000 - 10,630ft).

No of Lifts: 51; 460 in Dolomiti Superski area.

Types of Pistes:
47% beginner, 43% intermediate, 10% advanced.

Main Advantages:
Stunning scenery, lively atmosphere, suitable for non-skiers, great mountain restaurants. Varied terrain and fantastic beginners area.

Drawbacks:
Spread out additional ski areas. Very crowded during Italian holidays. little to offer experts. Out dated lift system.