If you hadn’t heard of Cortina before, you’re about to: the upscale ski resort in Italy’s northern Dolomite region is about to become one half of the duo hosting the Winter Olympics 2026 from February 6 – 22. Visiting for the first time? Worry not – we’ve tapped into the experts for our insider guide to Cortina.
Mostly frequented by Italian ski-seekers, Cortina is about two hours north of Venice, just south of the Italy-Austria border, and around 50 mins via helicopter from fellow host Milan. Up until its Olympic involvement, it often slipped below the radar for international visitors (St Moritz isn’t too far, and often stole the limelight). This isn’t to say Cortina doesn’t have its fair share of flash though: high-end labels have gladly set up shop and big-name hotel groups are beginning to settle in.
“The main drag has remained pretty much unchanged despite the big brands setting up camp here,” says Emily Bellini, founder of Italy-centric travel agency, Bellini Travel. “A smattering of actors have winter homes here, but it’s mainly Italian aristocrats who keep it still wonderfully stuck in the 1960s (think Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn). [It’s] the definition of understated, old-fashioned chic.”
Where to stay in Cortina during the Winter Olympics
Cortina has a history of grand old-timer hotels as well as some posher newcomers (the historic Hotel Cristallo is slated to re-open under the Mandarin Oriental umbrella in 2026, but is currently looking like it will miss the Olympics buzz).
Among the town’s best is Rosapetra, a distinctly Alpine hotel (think: fir wood paneling, fur throws, and mountain views) with an award-winning spa. Its 33 rooms and suites are cozy and welcoming – and crucially, each has views. Rosapetra is twinned with Palazzina Grassi hotel in Venice for easy city-ski packages.
For a dose of well-rehearsed international luxury, consider the Aman Rosa Alpina, which opened in summer 2025. It’s around a 50-minute drive away from Cortina, but the minimalesque suites, top-class dining and the huge wellness space will make the commute worthwhile.
The best restaurants in Cortina
For a little town, Cortina punches above its weight on the restaurant scene with a mix of traditional eateries and fine dining destinations (there’s two Michelin-starred restaurants in town) and a scattering more in the surrounding area).
The town’s proximity to Venice is clear in its dining scene. “I love having lunch at Villa Oretta,” says Fortela creative director and Cortina regular Alessandro Squarzi. “It’s one of Cortina’s most iconic restaurants – it has strong Venetian culinary influences and its baccalà mantecato [whipped salt cod spread] is truly outstanding.”
Just a short way out of the main drag of town is SanBrite, an internationally renowned Michelin-starred restaurant by owner-chef Riccardo Gaspari. The tables are sparse and the dining room rustic. Many ingredients are grown on-site – Gaspari is guided by what’s available and intertwines classic local techniques into his menus. Act quick to snag a reservation here.
For lunch on the slopes, SanBrite co-owner Ludovica Rubbini suggests Rifugio Pomedes, a mountain hut at the base of Punta Anna putting out traditional Italian alpine dishes. “Fantastic food with an incredible view,” is Rubbini’s take.
A must in the winter season is Gherardo ‘Barù’ Gaetani Ski Bar – an open-air grill and BBQ on the Faloria slopes. To find him, “ask anyone where Barù is and ‘follow the smoke,’” says Bellini.
The parting tip for dining in Cortina? Book quickly, according to Bellini: “Lest you ever forget it’s more about lunch than skiing in the Dolomites.”
The best bars in Cortina
Cortina doesn’t do ‘après’ in the same way other European resorts do – the Italians are a deeply chic people – but that isn’t to say there aren’t some wonderful spots for a drink. “Enoteca Cortina is perfect for a glass of wine and Hotel de la Poste is a timeless classic – especially the old part of the bar,” says Rubbini.
Bellini backs up Enoteca. “It is the best wine bar in town filled with locals and serves wine by the glass or from 1/2 bottles upwards,” she says. “The interiors are charming and cozy, and with serving platters of delicious local meats and cheeses, you may find you won’t want to leave.”