This Italian Ski Town Is Known as the 'Pearl of the Dolomites'-and It's Taking Center Stage During the Winter Olympics

"Whether you're headed to Cortina for the games-more on that below-or just for a mountain vacation, you'll find few more enticing spots in the Italian Dolomites. Cortina's dramatic position amid the mountain ranges, its close proximity to the slopes, a chic culinary scene, and an exclusive vibe are just some of the resort's many advantages. Long before it was tapped for the 2026 Winter Games, it's been a fan favorite with Travel + Leisure editors and writers, scoring a place on our lists of the best ski resorts in Europe and the best small towns in Italy."

"Known as the "Queen of the Dolomites" (or alternatively, the "Pearl of the Dolomites"), Cortina d'Ampezzo today is a posh resort on the Dolomiti Superski circuit, one of the world's largest ski areas. It attracts adrenaline-seekers year-round for mountain biking, hiking, and climbing, and those looking for calmer pursuits, such as Michelin-recognized dining, high-end shopping, and a glamorous après-ski scene. And whether they're there for the thrills or the chilled Prosecco, Cortina provides visitors with plenty of cushy places to rest their heads, including some of the Dolomites' most revered hotels."

"The Winter Games begin on Feb. 6, 2026, with an opening ceremony in Milan, and end on Feb. 22 with a closing ceremony in Verona. Cortina d'Ampezzo is the site for the Olympic events of curling, several Alpine skiing events, and the "sliding sports" of luge, skeleton, and bobsleigh. If you're coming to Cortina as an Olympics spectator and haven't made your plans yet, it's time to get a move on. Register on the official Milan Cortina 2026 website and select "Cortina" from the ci"

Cortina d'Ampezzo rose to international prominence after hosting the Winter Olympics 70 years ago and will co-host the 2026 Winter Games with Milan. The resort occupies a dramatic position amid the Italian Dolomites with immediate access to slopes and mountain terrain. Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski circuit and attracts both adrenaline-seekers and visitors seeking refined experiences. Activities include skiing, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, Michelin-recognized dining, high-end shopping, and a glamorous après-ski scene. Olympic events in Cortina will include curling, multiple Alpine skiing competitions, and sliding sports such as luge, skeleton, and bobsleigh.

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