Your journey, beautifully planned.

Facebook Instagram X-twitter Pinterest

10 Must-Do Things in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites

Collage of Cortina d’Ampezzo in winter and summer with mountain views and ski activities.

Once you’re in Cortina, you’ll probably start wondering how to spend your time. The town is small and easy to walk around, but most of what people come here for is outside it. The mountains are close, and getting up there doesn’t take much effort.

What you end up doing depends on when you visit. In winter, it’s all about snow, ski lifts, and mountain huts. In summer, it’s hiking trails, lake stops, and wide-open views. Either way, there’s plenty to keep you busy without overplanning it.
If you’re working out how to spend your time, here are some of the things to do in Cortina that you really shouldn’t miss.
Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.

Top 10 Things to Do in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cable car above snowy peaks in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomites.

1. Ride the Cable Cars for Mountain Views

Cortina is surrounded by high peaks. One of the easiest ways to see them is by taking a cable car. Lifts like Faloria and Tofana bring you above the valley in just a few minutes. From the top, the views stretch wide across the Dolomites. You can’t get that same perspective from the town level.
You don’t need to ski or commit to a long hike. The ride itself is worth doing. At the top, you can walk short marked paths. You can stop at a mountain hut for coffee or lunch. Or you can simply stand there and take photos.
Tickets are sold at the base stations. You can buy a single ride or a day pass. Clear mornings usually give the best visibility, so check the forecast before heading up.
Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Ski slopes in Tofane, Cortina d’Ampezzo during winter with chairlifts and pine trees.

2. Ski the Tofane Slopes

The Tofane area is Cortina’s main ski zone. It’s one of the best-known in the region. Skiing here is a major winter activity. The runs suit different ability levels. The area connects into a wider ski network across the Dolomites.

This is where alpine skiing events for the 2026 Winter Olympics will take place. The lifts and facilities are modern and well-maintained.

If you are visiting during winter, this is where most skiers spend their time. A Dolomiti Superski pass gives access to multiple areas. In peak weeks, lift lines and rentals get busy. Booking lessons and equipment ahead of time makes the day easier.

Visiting during the 2026 Winter Olympics will feel different from a regular ski trip. If you’re planning around the Games, read the full Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics planning guide.

Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Turquoise waters of Lago di Sorapiss surrounded by rocky peaks near Cortina d’Ampezzo.

3. Hike to Lago di Sorapiss

Lago di Sorapiss is known for its bright turquoise water, set against steep rocky peaks. It is one of the most photographed lakes in the area. Hiking to the lake is one of the most popular things to do around Cortina in the warmer months. The walk is part of what makes it memorable.

The round trip usually takes about 4-5 hours. Some sections of the trail are narrow. A few stretches include cables fixed to the rock for support. Proper hiking shoes are important. Parking near Passo Tre Croci fills early in summer. By mid-morning it’s often full, so arrive earlier if you can.

Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Cinque Torri rock towers near Cortina d’Ampezzo with hiking trail and green alpine landscape.

4. Explore Cinque Torri

Cinque Torri is a group of dramatic rock towers near Passo Falzarego. The formations stand out because of their unusual shapes. Most visitors walk the marked loops around the base. Some hike higher for broader views across the surrounding mountains.

The area also includes an open-air World War I museum. Restored trenches and shelters remain between the rock formations. You can explore the trails and the historic remains in the same visit without turning it into a full-day hike. Even in summer, temperatures drop at higher altitude. A light jacket comes in handy.
Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Lake Misurina surrounded by pine forest and Dolomite mountains near Cortina.

5. Visit Lago di Misurina

Lago di Misurina is an accessible lake stop near Cortina. It works well if you want mountain views without a demanding hike. People walk along the shoreline at an easy pace and stop to take photos of the surrounding peaks.

The lake is about a 30-minute drive from town and parking is available close to the water. The walking path is mostly flat and easy to follow. Early mornings feel calmer, and clear skies give better reflections on the surface.

Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Mountain road at Falzarego Pass in the Dolomites with dramatic cliffs and alpine forest below.

6. Stop at Falzarego Pass

Falzarego Pass connects Cortina with Alta Badia and other parts of the Dolomites. The viewpoint draws drivers who pause for the open mountain scenery. You can also take the Lagazuoi cable car from the pass.

At the top, walking trails lead to higher viewpoints. In winter, the area links into ski circuits. Road conditions can change after heavy snowfall, so check updates before driving.
Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Basilica dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo in Cortina d’Ampezzo with Dolomites in the background.

7. Walk Corso Italia

Corso Italia runs through the centre of town and is fully pedestrian. It’s where you end up at some point each day, even if you’ve spent most of your time in the mountains.
You can walk from one end to the other in about 10-15 minutes. Along the way, there are cafés, pastry shops, small boutiques, and a few higher-end stores. People stop for coffee, check shop windows, or settle in for dinner.
Outside peak season, some places close at midday. Late afternoon and early evening usually feel busier once everyone comes back down from the slopes.
Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Cascate di Fanes waterfall near Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites.

8. Visit Cascate di Fanes

Cascate di Fanes is a waterfall hike just outside town. The trail passes through the forest and leads to a series of falls. It’s a good option if you want something active without heading into high-altitude terrain.
The route usually takes around 2-3 hours. Some sections include steady uphill stretches. Wear proper shoes. In spring and early summer, melting snow increases the water flow.
Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Snow-covered trail in the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo with alpine trees and a rocky mountain peak in winter.

9. Try Snowshoeing or Summer Trails

Snowshoeing is a slower way to explore the mountains in winter. It’s ideal if skiing isn’t your focus. Guided tours include equipment. They usually follow less busy mountain trails away from the main ski areas.
In summer, many of these areas open as marked hiking routes. You can choose shorter walks or longer trails. Tourist offices in town provide maps and route information.
Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.
Mountain hut terrace in Cortina d’Ampezzo at sunset with snow and alpine views.

10. Eat at a Mountain Hut

Stopping at a mountain hut for lunch is part of the experience in the Dolomites. You might reach one by ski lift or on foot. Meals are simple and filling.

Menus often include pasta, soups, polenta, and meat dishes. Portions are generous, especially after a few hours outdoors. Not all huts accept cards. Cash is still useful in some places. Lunch between 12:00 and 2:00 gets busy near the main lifts.

Decorative brown floral divider with thin horizontal line and small leaf details on both ends.

You probably won’t get to all ten in one trip. A few well-chosen stops each day are usually enough, especially if you’re balancing mountain time with meals and downtime.

Prioritise what fits your schedule and adjust as needed. Try starting with one or two main plans each day and see how it goes. If you had limited time, which experiences would you focus on first?
Portrait of Manu smiling against a neutral background.

I love exploring new places and sharing the travel tips, food finds, and experiences that help you plan your next adventure.

Meet Manu

Join the
Journey

Sign up for new itineraries, travel notes, and practical guides to help you explore the places I love most.

Portrait of Manu smiling against a neutral background.

I love exploring new places and sharing the travel tips, food finds, and experiences that help you plan your next adventure.

Meet Manu

Join the
Journey

Sign up for new itineraries, travel notes, and practical guides to help you explore the places I love most.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top
Ultimate packing checklist travel guide cover with tropical beach background.