Cortina d’Ampezzo returns to the Olympic stage after 70 years. In 1956 it was the first Italian city to host the Winter Games; now the Queen of the Dolomites confirms itself as one of the most spectacular settings for alpine skiing and ice disciplines.
Cortina’s Olympic Tradition
The Olympic history of Cortina begins in 1956, when the VII Winter Olympic Games brought television to the Olympics for the first time. Since then, Cortina has remained at the heart of international skiing, regularly hosting World Cup races and World Championships (2021).
The Disciplines at Cortina 2026
Alpine Skiing at the Tofane
The Tofane runs, already famous for women’s World Cup races, host several Olympic disciplines:
- Giant slalom men’s and women’s
- Women’s slalom
- Women’s Super-G
- Team event final
The Olympia delle Tofane piste is known for its spectacular final section, where athletes face a near-vertical wall before finishing in the heart of Cortina.
What makes the Tofane unique:
- Altitude base 1,224 m, summit 2,930 m
- North-facing exposure guarantees compact, fast snow
- The run drops 920 vertical metres over 3.4 km
- Start house visible from the village centre
Bobsled, Skeleton and Luge at the Cortina Sliding Centre
The rebuilt Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre is the centrepiece of the biggest controversy in the run-up to Milan-Cortina 2026. The original 1956 track was demolished in 2008 and the new sliding centre was built at enormous cost specifically for these Games.
The Eugenio Monti track:
- 1,435 metres long
- 19 curves
- Maximum speed: around 130 km/h
- Start at 1,670 m, finish at 1,185 m
The sliding centre hosts bobsled (2-man, 4-man, monobob), skeleton and luge competitions.
Curling at the Cortina Olympic Stadium
The ice rink inside the historic Olympic Stadium has been refurbished for curling competitions. The intimate venue holds around 2,000 spectators and creates an excellent atmosphere for this increasingly popular sport.
The Tofane: A Skiing Legacy
The Tofane ski area is one of the most varied in the Dolomites, with runs for all levels. After the Games, it returns to its role as a premier ski resort. Key features:
- 115 km of marked runs
- 37 lifts
- Ski area connected to Dolomiti Superski circuit
- Famous for the Lagazuoi run and the 5 Torri area
Watching the Olympic Events at Cortina
Tickets for alpine skiing at the Tofane are sold out, but free spectator zones at the finish area accommodate large crowds. For bob and skeleton, a limited number of spectator passes are available for the grandstands. Check the official Milan-Cortina 2026 website for remaining ticket availability.
Getting to Cortina
- By car: A27 motorway to Longarone, then SS51 to Cortina (about 3 hours from Venice)
- By shuttle: official Olympic shuttles from Venezia Santa Lucia station
- No driving during events: traffic restrictions apply on race days; use the park-and-ride facilities
Comprensorio correlato
Questo articolo e collegato a Cortina d'Ampezzo.