Cortina d'Ampezzo
Located just two hours North of Venice and perhaps better known for being home to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina d'Ampezzo is the getaway to the Italian Dolomites and one of the best ski resorts in Italy. Sitting just steps away from Lake Sorapis and the Tre Cime National Park, the town is also a high-end destination for winter lovers. The Winter Olympics will return to Cortina in 2026 – so now is the perfect time to visit, before the crowds take over again.
For adventure lovers, the town offers easy access to three skiing areas: Faloria Cristallo Mietres, Tofana, and Lagazuoi 5 Torri. Plus, there are great hiking trails you can use for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, and an Olympic ice stadium to try ice-skating and curling. There's even an international mushing dog sledding school, where visitors can take a short "driving" class, spend time with the dogs, and then enjoy their very own 30-minute ride on a husky-powered sled. The Cortina d'Ampezzo town itself transforms into a winter wonderland in December, with a lively Christmas market, famous for its hot chestnuts and charming wooden huts selling handmade crafts. But the sense of wonder extends all throughout town during December, with many 18th-century buildings and cozy cafés covered in lights and holiday decorations.
- Location: Belluno, Veneto, Italy
- Where to Stay: Hotel Serena; Hotel Aquila; Hotel Corona; Hotel Columbia & Spa
- Things to Do: Skiing; Winter Hiking; Ice-skating; Sledding
