Located in the Italian Dolomites, in the region of Veneto, Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the world's most famous ski resorts. Winter Olympics, held here in 1956, occupy a special place in the rich history of the resort. Today, Cortina is a fancy destination with celebrities coming, if not for skiing, then to show the latest winter fashion collections. Unique beauty of the surrounding mountains attracted movie studios here to film some of the greatest blockbusters. For instance, the world was saved here by the most famous secret agent of Her Royal Majesty - Bond, James Bond.

For your eyes only, a series of mountain peaks higher than 3000 m will present themselves upon your arrival, bordering ski slopes that descend to the valley. There are four major ski areas here, connected by a free ski bus. The largest is the Tofana/Ra Valles area with 55 km of slopes, below the impressive peak of Tofana. It is accessible by a gondola right up from Cortina. Up on the mountain you will discover some of the best ski runs in the Dolomiti Superski carousel of which Cortina d'Ampezzo is an integral part. Somewhat unusual for Italy, the slopes here seem to be underestimated: red runs could comfortably carry black marks and blues could be red. Black run Forcella Rossa is especially challenging and recommendable only for advanced skiers. Here is also the famous Olympia course where each January the best female downhillers in the World Cup jump down the narrow passage between the sharp rocks. Generally, beginners could feel intimidated by most of the slopes and will enjoy only the Socrepes area that offers substantial number of mild and wide blue runs.

On the opposite side of the valley is Faloria/Cristallo the ski area below the peak of Cristallo. There are 35 km of slopes, mostly very demanding and not overly desirable for beginners. Attention should be paid to Canalone Franchetti, Stratondi and Vitelli black slopes, true paradise for skilled skiers. Slopes span to the Passo Tre Croci mountain pass accessible by car, which is very convenient for those dreading a gondola journey in the gondola that spans an altitude of 900 m. In the vicinity is a separate ski area Mietres/Guargnè with mostly blue runs totaling 5 km.

The Falzarego/Cinque Torri ski area with 20 km of slopes also needs to be mentioned. It is located on the road to neighboring Alta Badia . The 16 km mountain road is worth tumbling up for enjoying the romantic scenery that surrounds not too demanding slopes. As of 2008/09 season, the whole area is connected by a new 2-seater Croda Negra. From here you can easily ski down to Alta Badia but with a valid Dolomiti Superski skipass which covers 1220 kilometers of ski slopes in 12 neighboring resorts. The entire Cortina d'Ampezzo ski resort counts about 140 km of slopes and the number is ''pumped up'' by separate sites in San Vito and Auronzo di Cadore.

Ski runs are served by diverse range of ski lifts: from big gondolas, modern hooded 6-seaters to ancient mono-seaters or rope-lifts. The main directions are covered by modern ski lifts while on the periphery are the older ones. Preparation of the slopes is excellent, as one is already used to in Italy. The use of free ski bus is encouraged to avoid afternoon traffic jams on the only road that leads through the valley. Main skipass office can be found at the foot of the gondola leading to Faloria. Offices of the Italian ski school are clearly marked as well as the ski rents and services. There is a ski depot on the top of Faloria, operating on coins. Signposts on the ski slopes are missing at some places, but there is no need to frighten of being lost since all the slopes and lifts are interconnected.

Besides skiing, one can engage in the whole range of activities in this place with Olympic pedigree: cross-country skiing, ice skating, curling, bobsledding, tobogganing, snowkiting, snow polo... A day can be wisely spent on some of the ski tours such as the Olympia that winds along the Olympic slopes or the Grande Guerra tour that goes around the trenches from the First World War. High mountains without vegetation are interesting playground for freeriders, but be sure to accompany yourself with experienced mountain guides.

Après-ski life is not too rich. Those accustomed to noisy Austrian slopeside parties will not feel at home here. Afternoon or evening strolls down the city center are more appropriate, preferably in impressive outfits. The local clientele is not too much into skiing - the slopes are empty during the day, but the city is alive at night. Many excellent restaurants, pizzerias, bars and spas are a good way to spend the evening, which may continue in some of the disco clubs. Christmas market helps the street atmosphere in December, but series of other entertainment, sports and cultural events are available during the year.

Prices are relatively high. Cortina has about 25000 beds, mostly in hotels, and accommodation is slightly more affordable in the neighboring villages. Preferably for wealthy clientele, restaurants on the slopes are mainly terraces with set tables and the service; there are very little self-services. Polenta is the main dish here: with mushrooms, sausages, stew…, and the prices range from 10 to 18 Euros. Six-day skipass for Cortina d'Ampezzo costs 178 Euros for adults, but it's advisable to pay a little extra for Dolomiti Superski skipass, which is 193 Euros.

Cortina lays on SS51 road from Belluno to Dobbiaco. Nearest airports are in Venice (150 km) and Treviso (140 km) where many international and low-cost operators fly. Shuttle service is available to/from both airports.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is a member of the "Best of the Alps" association of top 12 European ski resorts, like St. Moritz, Zermatt, Lech and Zürs, Kitzbühel ... As a sign of recognition that this ski resort is on a high organizational level, it boasts with a rich tradition and excellent slopes and attracts those looking for something more than just snow and sun. We can only agree.