DOLOMITES
The Dolomites are an amazing creation of nature, some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes worldwide, with their vertical walls, sheer cliffs and narrow, deep and long valleys. Their stunning color, which changes to pink, orange, red shades at sunrise and sunset, make the Dolomites a unique geological formation.
Dolomites, enchanting mountains
On 26 June 2009, the Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their aesthetic and landscape value and their geological and geomorphological importance.
The Dolomites, ancient coral reefs at surface, create an enchanted landscape where majestic peaks and charming valleys alternate. The mountain formations are not a single chain, but they are distributed into a surprising nine-mountain system. Their unexpected, almost architectural profiles, offer an incredible scenery: majestic peaks with dramatic walls and jagged ridges, wild alpine meadows, millenary woods and enchanting alpine lakes.
“Great things are done when men and mountains meet.”
– William Blake
The Dolomites and Cortina d'Ampezzo
Declared a World Heritage Site in 2009, the Dolomites celebrated 10 years of recognition in 2019. In that year, another important event took place: the 2026 Olympics Winter Games were awarded to Cortina and Milan.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Queen of the Dolomites, will host the Olympics for the second time, 70 years after the Winter Games of 1956: the first to be broadcast on television; the first in history to see a female athlete, Giuliana Minuzzo, pronounce the Olympic oath.
Dolomites and Cortina, the journey
The Dolomites and Cortina offer plenty of opportunities both for those who want to enjoy an active holiday in every season – hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, snowshoeing – and for those who prefer other types of holiday.
A hot-air-balloon flight over the Dolomites, for example, is a purely magical experience. Or admiring the majestic Dolomite peaks and savoring a hearty meal in a charming Rifugio reachable by lift. Or immerse yourself in the intense heat of a sauna at 2,000 m, while overlooking enchanting alpine lakes or a sea of clouds.
Even from the pedestrian street Corso Italia, in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can enjoy the profiles of the Dolomites and, at the same time, access to cultural events and shows, museums exhibitions and art galleries. Or go shopping. Cortina is the place par excellence of the “Dolce Vita”, destination of famous artists and writers, politicians, great entrepreneurs and movie stars.
Dolomites and Cortina, nature
An incredible Natural Park, breathtaking views, peaceful pastures and alpine lakes.
Cortina d’Ampezzo offers its visitors an enchanting Natural Park, a large protected area where to immerse in unspoilt nature and admire wild animals: the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites.
Established in 1990, the Park covers an area of 11,200 hectares, north of the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. In the area it’s possible to do many different excursions and stop to admire the stunning nature while enjoying a break in one of the Rifugi.
Dolomites and Cortina, flavours
Alpine cuisine embodies the hearty goodness and local flavors of the Italian Alps.
Maybe it’s for the many outdoor activities or maybe it’s the incredible landscapes, but it even has another flavor in the Dolomites. Indeed the “puccia” – rye flour bread with caraway seeds and fennel – characterizes every meal with its strong scent.
And not to miss are the famous “canederli“, of which there are a thousand types: with speck, cheese, herbs, mushrooms, nettles – and each family prepares them according to their own recipe, which passes from generation to generation. Among the gnocchi don’t miss the “spätzle“, with wheat flour and spinach, and the traditional dish of Cortina, the “casunziei“: half-moon shaped ravioli stuffed with red turnips. Finally, don’t miss the patatoes “all’ampezzana“.
And not to mention the great variety of desserts! Apple and cinnamon strudel, accompanied by fresh cream. Or buckwheat cake with mountain cranberry jam.
Buon appetito!
The Dolomites and Cortina d'Ampezzo
Declared a World Heritage Site in 2009, the Dolomites celebrated 10 years of recognition in 2019. In that year, another important event took place: the 2026 Olympics Winter Games were awarded to Cortina and Milan.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Queen of the Dolomites, will host the Olympics for the second time, 70 years after the Winter Games of 1956:
the first to be broadcast on television; the first in history to see a female athlete, Giuliana Minuzzo, pronounce the Olympic oath.
Dolomites and Cortina, the journey
The Dolomites and Cortina offer plenty of opportunities both for those who want to enjoy an active holiday in every season – hiking, climbing, biking, skiing, snowshoeing – and for those who prefer other types of holiday.
A Hot-air-balloon flight over the Dolomites, for example, is a purely magical experience. Or admiring the majestic Dolomite peaks and savoring a hearty meal in a charming Rifugio reachable by lift. Or immerse yourself in the intense heat of a sauna at 2,000 m, while overlooking enchanting alpine lakes or a sea of clouds.
Even from the pedestrian street Corso Italia, in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can enjoy the profiles of the Dolomites and, at the same time, access to cultural events and shows, museums exhibitions and art galleries. Or go shopping. Cortina is the place par excellence of the “Dolce Vita”, destination of famous artists and writers, politicians, great entrepreneurs and movie stars.
Start dreaming.
Dolomites and Cortina, nature
An incredible Natural Park, breathtaking views, peaceful pastures and alpine lakes.
Cortina d’Ampezzo offers its visitors an enchanting Natural Park, a large protected area where to immerse in unspoilt nature and admire wild animals: the Natural Park of the Ampezzo Dolomites.
Established in 1990, the Park covers an area of 11,200 hectares, north of the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. In the area it’s possible to do many different excursions and stop to admire the stunning nature while enjoying a break in one of the Rifugi.
Dolomites and Cortina, flavours
Alpine cuisine embodies the hearty goodness and local flavors of the Italian Alps.
Maybe it’s for the many outdoor activities or maybe it’s the incredible landscapes, but it even has another flavor in the Dolomites. Indeed the “puccia” – rye flour bread with caraway seeds and fennel – characterizes every meal with its strong scent.
And not to miss are the famous “canederli“, of which there are a thousand types: with speck, cheese, herbs, mushrooms, nettles – and each family prepares them according to their own recipe, which passes from generation to generation. Among the gnocchi don’t miss the “spätzle“, with wheat flour and spinach, and the traditional dish of Cortina, the “casunziei“: half-moon shaped ravioli stuffed with red turnips. Finally, don’t miss the patatoes “all’ampezzana“.
And not to mention the great variety of desserts! Apple and cinnamon strudel, accompanied by fresh cream. Or buckwheat cake with mountain cranberry jam.
Buon appetito!
