Cortina Information

Apres-ski

The après-ski scene in Cortina rarely gets overly lively, as loud music and sweaty nightclubs don't sit well with the resort's sophisticated and clean-cut, well-heeled image.

When the lifts stop, a popular rendezvous for après-ski in Cortina is Jambo (tel: +39 0436 867 999), which is one of Cortina's lively spots, and tends to get busier as the night draws on.

For something more suave, try the Hotel de la Poste (tel: +39 0436 4271; www.delaposte.it) or the equally sophisticated Enoteca wine bar (tel: +39 0436 862 040; www.enotecacortina.com), which offers a sensational range of wines.

Eating out

Cortina is a foodie's paradise with a huge selection of eateries; old family recipes are often involved and most restaurants select local ingredients where possible.

Being Italy, pizza is definitely the dish of the day, with excellent choices at Pizzeria Al Passetto (tel: +39 0436 2254; www.alpassettoghedina.it) and the Ristorante and Pizzeria Ariston (www.ristorantearistoncortina.it), the latter of which is ideal for those on a budget and also includes a small selection of local specialties.

On-mountain dining options are numerous too. Don't miss the Rifugio Averau (tel: +39 0436 4660) above Cinque Torri for its fantastic views and great pasta and wine, while the nearby Rifugio Scoiattoli (www.rifugioscoiattoli.it) is a must-visit. Its specialty pasta dish that's flavoured with blueberries is excellent, especially when enjoyed in outdoor, wood-fired hot tubs that overlook the slopes.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Cortina is a year round community where snowsports serves as just one of the many draws that attracts people to the bustling town.

Outdoor activities in Cortina include snowshoeing, very good cross-country trails, an annual polo festival in February/March and, of course, the popular Italian pastime of people-watching with a coffee in hand. But for something more unique to Cortina, tour the sites of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games, including the ski jump, bobsleigh run and ice skating rink.

Indoor options range from a swimming pool, fitness centre and ice stadium to art galleries, a cinema and various museums; including one with a focus on modern art. Many of Cortina's hotels have wellness areas that are perfect places to relax after a day's skiing, including the Rosapetra Spa Resort (tel: +39 0436 869 062; www.rosapetracortina.it), which offers a range of spa packages, a relaxing pool and a sauna.

Family fun

Children are extremely well catered for in Cortina, especially on the Socrepes slopes – the place is absolutely full of children at times, all very adequately administered by friendly and enthusiastic instructors working for the local ski schools.

In the village the predestrianised centre is safe for children with numerous child-friendly, good standard restaurants on offer.

There's an indoor playground open daily from 0900 to 1700 for children within the Olympic Ice Stadium. More uniquely, an insight into astronomy is available from the planetarium (tel: +39 0436 862 372; www.cortinastelle.it).

Gulliver Park, close to the slopes in Pocol, runs a babysitting service in addition to inflatable games, slides and other facilities.

Retail therapy

Visitors can buy everything from jewellery and artwork to an ocean-going yacht in the boutiques and shops in Cortina, with furs in particular a big favourite. Keep up-to-date with Italian fashion by browsing the boutiques along Corso Italia; or for less expensive retail therapy, the Co-operativa di Cortina department store on Corso Italia is well stocked with good value items.

Splashing out

Cortina is made for splashing out. Its shops are a great place to flex the plastic to purchase a special item or two – whether it's trendy new Patagonia or Arc'teryx ski gear, or a luxury watch from Bulgari or Giulio Veronesi. If ski conditions are poor, take a day trip to Venice, where plenty more shopping opportunities await (journey time: two hours by car).

Hotels

Italy's most fashionable resort has its fair share of luxury lodgings that boast their own spas and exclusive restaurants; however, there are also many moderately priced apartments, chalets and hotels in Cortina. Many of the cheaper chalets and apartments are situated outside the town centre; a trade off for a better value deal.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap