Cortina d’Ampezzo is back on the Olympic stage after 70 years. In 1956 it was the first Italian town to host the Winter Games; now the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’ proves once again that it is one of the most spectacular settings for alpine skiing and ice sports.
Cortina’s Olympic tradition
Cortina’s Olympic story began in 1956, when the 7th Winter Olympic Games were the first to be broadcast on television. Since then Cortina d’Ampezzo has stayed at the heart of international skiing, regularly hosting World Cup races and the 2021 World Championships.
The events at Cortina 2026
Alpine skiing on the Tofane
The Tofane slopes, already famous for the women’s World Cup races, host several Olympic events:
- Giant slalom, men and women
- Slalom, women
- Super-G, women
- The team event final
The Olympia delle Tofane run is known for its spectacular final section, where the athletes tackle a very steep pitch before finishing in the heart of Cortina.
What makes the Tofane unique
The Tofane offer a rare combination:
- Base altitude 1,224 m, top 2,930 m: a huge vertical drop
- North-facing slopes that keep the snow firm and fast
- The UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites as a natural backdrop
- Close to the town centre: spectators can walk to the finish area
Bobsleigh, skeleton and luge
The Cortina Sliding Centre, built on the historic site of the 1956 Eugenio Monti track, hosts the sliding events:
- Two-man and four-man bobsleigh
- Skeleton
- Luge, singles and doubles
The new track cost more than €100 million and was designed to the most modern standards:
- 16 curves over a vertical drop of 121 metres
- 1,600 metres long
- Expected top speed: 140 km/h
- Sustainable refrigeration system using natural gases
Curling
The curling competitions take place at the Cortina Olympic Stadium, a versatile venue in the town centre, so you can combine the matches with a stroll along Corso Italia.
Skiing in Cortina during the Olympics
The Cortina ski area does not shut down during the Games. Many slopes stay open to the public:
- Faloria-Cristallo: 40 km of slopes with stunning views of the Tofane and the Ampezzo basin
- Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri: the most scenic area, with the 10 km Armentarola run, one of the most beautiful in the Dolomites
- Ra Valles: freestyle and off-piste for expert skiers
Dolomiti Superski
Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski circuit, with access to more than 1,200 km of slopes. With a Dolomiti Superski pass you can also ski in Alta Badia, Val Gardena and Arabba-Marmolada.
Where to stay in Cortina
Cortina is an upmarket resort, but there are options for every budget:
| Area | What it is like | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Centre (Corso Italia) | Luxury, shopping, restaurants | €€€€ |
| Pocol | Close to the slopes, quieter | €€€ |
| San Vito di Cadore | 10 km away, much cheaper | €€ |
| Auronzo di Cadore | 30 km away, ideal for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo | €€ |
Getting there
- By car: from Venice, A27 motorway then the SS51 Alemagna road (about 2 hours)
- By train: to Calalzo di Cadore, then a SAF bus (45 minutes)
- Nearest airport: Venice Marco Polo (140 km)
For up-to-date weather and webcams in Cortina, see the resort page. For the full race schedule, read our guide to watching the Olympic ski races.