THE DOLOMITES, ITALY DESTINATION GUIDE Cherished for decades by high society for its après-ski scene, Cortina lies at the center of the Valle d Ampezzo, high in the Dolomite mountains. This charming village was the site of the 1956 Winter Olympics and has been featured in a number of films, including Cliffhanger and For Your Eyes Only. The 74-room Hotel Cristallo, with an elegant history stretching back to the Belle Epoque, sits in a privileged position above the charming town of Cortina which is today a magnet for a new generation of skiers, alpine sports enthusiasts, golfers and foodies drawn to its sourced-local dining scene. Ideal for: Skiers, families, couples, outdoor sports enthusiasts, golf enthusiasts, foodies, those looking for understated European glamour.
INSPIRATO INSIGHTS SUN AND SNOW The Dolomites are protected from most of the fierce northerly storms and enjoy more than 300 sun-filled days a year. With 750 miles of gently sloped terrain blanketed in dry, powdery snow, the area is perfect for skiers of all experience levels. ZERO KILOMETER FOOD The Zero Kilometer food movement has influenced the local dining scene here, with many local establishments using ingredients foraged within a few kilometers. Foodies will fall in love with regional ragus and high-end delicacies. SUMMER Cortina d Ampezzo is not just for snow lovers! During summer, visitors will enjoy hiking along lavender-lined mountain trails or playing a round of golf at the foot of Mount Cristallo. Rock climbing and other adrenaline-pumping activities are also a big draw of this high-altitude destination.
THINGS TO DO SKI The world s largest network of ski areas, the Dolomiti Superski pass links 12 ski resorts in the area, giving pass holders access to 450 lifts and 1220 kilometers of pistes and trails. From the village of Cortina, one has immediate access to 70 runs and more than 115 kilometers of terrain of all levels. The hotel offers transportation to the base of the various areas in town. Both Tofane and Pomedes are accessed by a series of lifts from town. Faloria is reached by cable car from the town center and links to the Mietres and Cristallo ski areas. Cinque Torri is another area, linking to Col Gallina, Lagazuoi, Hidden Valley and the Sella Ronda Circuit. Intermediate skiers will have plenty of beautiful runs to choose from, while experts will enjoy the black Forcella on Tofane and Staunies on Cristallo or may consider hiring a guide for some backcountry skiing. GOLF The Cortina Golf Course is located at the foot of Mount Cristallo, near the Hotel Miramonti s historic practice range, where players have been teeing off since the 1930s. Currently a nine-hole course, it will soon double in size. Guests staying at the Hotel Cristallo have easy and quick access to the course as well as to the elegant Club House, via a complimentary hotel golf cart. TREAT YOURSELF The award-winning Cristallo Ultimate Spa is the height of luxury. Relax in the splendid semi-circular swimming pool as you gaze out at the Tofane Mountains, enjoy a stress-relieving sauna or Turkish bath and feel refreshed with specially prepared herbal teas. In the Transvital Swiss Beauty Center, experience world-renowned Swiss beauty treatments for face and body and personalized to each guest s needs. STAY FIT A visit to Cortina & the Dolomites encourages days spent in the outdoors in a gorgeous mountain setting from winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing and sledging to summer hikes or climbs. And within the Hotel Cristallo, you ll have easy access to a state-of-the-art fitness center.
FAMILY Families with kids will love burning off some of that excess energy at the Adrenalin Center (Parco Avventura) in Cortina. Tackle routes that take you from tree to tree via pulleys, Tibetan bridges, cables and nets, all in complete safety. At the Cortina Planetarium, learn about the movement of the sun, moon and stars as well as modern space travel. On the slopes, the Mietres chairlift will take you to a sled and snowbob run fun and exhilarating for the whole family. At the Hotel Cristallo, kids enjoy special menus, reserved tables and colorful plates and cutlery as well as a kids club and playroom. ROMANTIC Spend an afternoon ice skating or snuggle up with your sweetheart in a romantic horse-drawn sleigh. When evening comes, enjoy a glass of champagne as you watch the sunset turn the Dolomites pink during the hour of enrosadira. The Hotel Cristallo also offers couples massages, another romantic way to relax after a day on the ski slopes. ADVENTURE For those looking for more high-adrenaline adventure, Cortina offers a range of options, from ice- and rock-climbing to snowmobiling, off-piste skiing, kite-skiing and more. NATURE In winter, alternatives to alpine skiing such as snowshoeing or Nordic/cross-country skiing will bring you off the beaten trail and closer to nature. In summer hiking in the unparalleled natural setting of the Dolomites is an awesome experience. Cycling and off-road biking also bring visitors in close contact to the natural beauty of the region. MUST-DO Hire a guide. Whether your taste is for heart-pounding adventure or for a summer hike along beautiful mountains trails, hiring a local guide can provide that special insider experience that will make your trip particularly memorable. Guide services abound in the village of Cortina. Guided trips can also be arranged through the Hotel Cristallo. LOCAL The Dolomites were the site of brutal battles during World War I. Today those interested in this important period in history can hire a guide for a Grande Guerra Ski Trip, passing along mountains that became infamous during this period. In summer months, hikers can explore the trails, tunnels, trenches and via ferratas around Lagazuoi and on the Cinque Torri. OTHER SUGGESTIONS Horseback Riding Customized Excursions Tennis Designer Shopping Explore the Club Scene Snowmobiling
DINING IN THE DOLOMITES PASTICCERIA LOVAT Atmosphere: Family Corso Italia, 65, 32043 Cortina d Ampezzo BL, Italy Join the stylish patrons at Pasticceria Lovat for Italian and Austrian pastries including delicious, flaky apple strudel and chase it with a decadent hot chocolate or espresso. At the Hotel Cristallo, families will enjoy a traditional fondue cheese or chocolate in the cozy, wood-paneled La Stube 1872. ENOTECA CORTINA Atmosphere: Romantic Via del Mercato, 5, Cortina d Ampezzo BL, Italy Head to Enoteca Cortina, in the town s center, for an early-evening glass of wine they stock labels from each of Italy s 20 regions or a post-dinner espresso splashed with local grappa. The Hotel Cristallo s circular shaped Il Gazebo with 360-degree views is also a romantic setting for dinner for two. TIVOLI Atmosphere: Fine Dining Località Lacedel, 34, 32043 Cortina d Ampezzo BL, Italy Visitors will find no lack of fine dining in upscale Cortina. Tivoli is Cortina s Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its classic take on mountain dishes. At the Hotel Cristallo, connoisseurs of food and wine will enjoy a little corner of paradise at the intimate and exclusive Cantuccio, a private dining room suitable for up to 12 people, where creative tasting menus are paired with a selection of the finest wines.
RISTORANTE DA AURELIO RIFUGIO Atmosphere: Local Passo di Giau, San Vito di Cadore BL, Italy Dotting the slopes of the Dolomites & Cortina are more than 50 rifugi, small shelters built over the last century to shelter shepherds and hikers. Today, these cozy refuges complete with roaring fireplaces have been converted into pubs, restaurants and modest hotels. A can t-miss is Ristorante da Aurelio Rifugio, one of the world s great mountaintop restaurants. This unique eatery has become a year-round pilgrimage site for visiting chefs. FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES January to April Cortina has traditionally been the venue for important snow sport events, including the Tour de Ski Nordic Ski Event, the Women s Alpine Skiing World Cup, Dobbiaco-Cortina Granfondo Nordic Ski Race, ski mountaineering and competitive ice climbing. February Carnival pageants with a parade down Corso Italiano March Cortina Metraggio Film Festival May South Tyrol Gourmet Festival in Bolzano August Dino Ciani Festival and Academy, a competition and festival of young musicians August Montagne de Libria, one of two annual series of important writers and cultural personalities December The old Town Hall Building lights its windows one day at a time during the Advent season. Traditional gifts and local food and drink are sold along Corso Italia. December A Mountain of Books: From December through April important literary names come to Cortina to give talks sponsored by Cortina é Cultura. Year-round The Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art offers a permanent collection as well as a schedule of exhibitions during the winter musical spectrum.
THINGS TO KNOW CLIMATE The Dolomite Mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps perfect for active adventures year-round. July through September have warm temperatures and plenty of sun, with highs of 80 degrees fahrenheit. Winter snows begin to accumulate in December, lasting through March or April. Temperatures in January can reach a low of 20 degrees. Temperatures in the village of Cortina are significantly warmer than high on the peaks, where temperatures can be at least 10 degrees colder. GETTING THERE Flying into Venice is the best option for international arrivals. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is a popular airport for flights from around the world. From there, it s recommended that you rent a car; it is about a 2.5-hour drive to Cortina. Alternatively, catch a train to Pieve di Cadore, about 35 kilometers out from Cortina and then take the Dolomiti Bus the rest of the way. LANGUAGE Italian is the main language spoken in Cortina. The majority of the population also speak fluent Ampezzano, a local variant of Ladin, now recognized as a language rather than a dialect and used on signs for names of streets and villages. DOLOMITES QUICK FACTS SUGGESTED AIRPORT Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) CURRENCY Euro PASSPORT? Yes CONVERTERS Italian outlets are 220V 50Hz. Some appliances, like iphones, accommodate this voltage so all you need is an adapter. For appliances that function on a different voltage, like many hair dryers, you will need a converter.
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