Top 5 Things to Do in Cortina d'Ampezzo in Winter

Since the 1950s, Cortina d’Ampezzo has been at the forefront of fashion with shopping being a major pastime in the resort. At the heart of Cortina is the pulsating pedestrian street, Corso Italia, where exclusive brands rub shoulders with art galleries, jewellers, antique shops and artisan workshops.

Popular must-visit shops include La Bottega di Amelie for beautiful furnishings, the luxury boutique Batorelli Gioiellerie for precious jewels, Sottosopra for accessories and personalised gifts and the bookshop Sovilla for literature on a range of fascinating subjects including mountaineering and local history.

Embark on a guided snowshoe hike and soak up the beauty of the snow-capped Dolomites. Cortina winter walking trails vary in length and difficulty, but all offer spectacular scenery and a chance to get back to nature. One of the more famous routes is a four-hour hike to Tre Ceme di Lavaredo with views of the Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo and the northern faces of the three Lavaredo peaks.

If you are interested in local history, then a hike to some of the military outposts dating back to the Great War fought on the Dolomites between 1915 and 1918, is a must. For lake views, try the circuit around Croda da Lago; a seven to eight-hour hike which takes you alongside the icy waters of Lake Federa.

Taking place in Fiames, just a few minutes drive from Cortina towards Dobbiaco, mushing is a fantastic experience for dog lovers and those looking to try something a little different. Available to those age six years and upwards, the activity involves instruction on driving, sled preparation and dog behaviour, before you take the reins on a 1 hour 30 minute excursion.

This unique experience can be tried every Saturday and on weekdays from 9:00 - 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00 starting in December.

One of the most popular things to do in Cortina d’Ampezzo is to pay a visit to the 30 x 60 metre Olympic Ice Stadium. Built in 1956 to host the seventh Winter Olympics, the rink is a special place to learn the art of ice skating. Skate by yourself or improve your skills with a qualified teacher.

You could also try your hand at curling. Take part in an introductory class, learning the basics of the game and take on your classmates in competition, The class lasts two hours and a minimum of six participants are required. Besides the ice rink, the stadium has a solarium, playground and a bar for a well-earned refreshment.

For an alternate way to explore the breathtaking mountain landscape, why not try fat biking? With large “fat wheels”, fat bikes give better grip and allow pedalling at an even rhythm. Bikes can be rented at one of the many shops in Cortina and guides are available for beginners and experts alike.

With several tracks to choose from, the area of Col Gallina is particularly popular for fat biking. Experienced fat bikers will enjoy the moguls and parabolic curves whilst those trying the activity for the first time can enjoy flatter terrain and scenic views. For the best experience, fat biking requires good snow cover so due check snow conditions before booking.