Overview
Cortina d'Ampezzo sits in a broad, sunny basin ringed by Dolomite peaks, among them the Tofane, the Cristallo and the Pomagagnon. Nicknamed the Queen of the Dolomites, it hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and was a venue for the 2026 Games, and its smart shops and cafés give it a polished feel.
Cable cars lift walkers and skiers to high points such as Faloria and the Lagazuoi, and nearby are the Cinque Torri, a group of rock towers with a WWI open-air museum, and the Falzarego Pass. In summer, huts and trails serve all levels, and in winter the town is a hub of the Dolomiti Superski area.
Highlights
- The Cinque Torri rock towers and walking paths
- Cable cars to Faloria, Tofana and Lagazuoi
- The Falzarego Pass and First World War sites
- Winter skiing in the Dolomiti Superski area
Best time to visit
June to September is the main walking season, with huts open and high routes mostly clear from July. Late September has bright, cool days. December to March is the ski season, with the busiest weeks in February.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Venice (VCE), about two hours by road or bus, with summer and winter bus services from Venice airport and Mestre. Driving is easy, but parking in the centre is limited. Local buses link Cortina with the passes and the Cinque Torri lift.
What to expect
Easy to challenging. There are gentle paths and cable cars for casual visitors, and demanding routes for experienced walkers. Prices are high in peak seasons, and weekends can be busy.
Practical tips
- Book accommodation early for winter and August.
- Check cable car and hut opening dates in June and September.
- Take layers and rain gear, as thunderstorms are common on summer afternoons.
- Use local buses to avoid parking problems at the passes.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Cortina from Venice?
About 160 km, around two hours by road.
When is the best time to go?
July and August for walking, and December to March for skiing.
What are the Cinque Torri?
A group of rock towers near Cortina, reached by a chairlift, with an open-air museum of First World War trenches.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: kallerna (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
