Who Goes Skiing in Cortina d’Ampezzo?
There is something for everyone on the pistes of Cortina. From absolute beginner to off-piste expert, somewhere among the slopes of Cortina you’ll find your playground. Of course, being Italy, non-skiers will also find there is much to admire about Cortina, these are the assets that make Cortina d’Ampeezo one of the best ski resorts in the World.
Expert Skiing Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Normally expert skiing is rather limited; decent amounts of natural snow are the key factor. Not only to provide plentiful off-piste (which will offer fresh tracks for days on end) but to ensure adequate snow cover on the few black runs that there are (some of which get a lot of sun).
The excellent Forcella from Tofana to Pomedes: deservedly classified black, it goes through a gap in the rocks, and gives wonderful views of Cortina way down in the valley below.
Cortina’s most serious challenge is the Staunies run at the top of the Cristallo area – a south-facing couloir that is often closed (tougher than it looks from below, warns one report!).
There are also short, but genuinely black runs below Pomedes and Duc d’Aosta.
Skiing for Intermediates in Cortina.
There are some excellent red runs, notably at Pomedes and Faloria. The options are Fragmented and not extensive.
To enjoy Cortina you must like cruising in beautiful scenery, and not mind doing runs repeatedly.
The runs at the top of Tofana are short but normally have the best snow. The highest are at over 2800m and mainly face north. But be warned: the only way back down is by the tricky black run described above or by cable car. The reds in the linked Pomedes area offer good cruising and some challenges.
Faloria has a string of fairly short north-facing runs – we loved the Vitelli red run, round the back away from the lifts. And the Cristallo area has a long, easy red run served by a fast quad.
It is well worth making the trip to Cinque Torri for fast cruising on usually excellent north-facing snow. And do not miss the wonderful ‘hidden valley’ red run from the top of the Passo Falzarego cable car (see the Sella Ronda chapter).
Beginner Options in Cortina.
Wonderful nursery slopes. Whilst there are no special deals for beginners, the Socrepes area has some of the biggest nursery slopes and best progression runs we have seen. Points cards are issued by the day too. You’ll find ideal gentle terrain on the main pistes but some of the blue forest paths can be icy and intimidating.
Cortina d’Ampezzo For Boarders.
Wide slopes and plenty of chairs. Despite its upmarket chic, Cortina is a good resort for learning to board. The Socrepes nursery slopes are wide, gentle and served by a fast chairlift. And progress on to other easy slopes is simple because you can get around in all areas using just chairs and cable cars. Boarderline is a specialist snowboard shop that organizes instruction as well as equipment hire. In a normal snow year there is little off-piste, but there are some nice trees and hits under the top chairlift at Cinque Torri.
Cross-country Skiing around Cortina.
One of the best. Cortina has around 70km of trails suitable for all standards, mainly in the Fiames area, where there’s a cross-country centre and a school. Trails include a 30km itinerary following an old railway from Fiames to Cortina, and there is a beginner area equipped with snow making. Passo Tre Croci offers more challenging trails, covering 10km. A Nordic area pass is available.
Why Choose to Ski Cortina D’Ampezzo’s or not!.
Main Advantages: Stunning scenery, lively atmosphere, suitable for non-skiers, great mountain restaurants. Varied terrain and fantastic beginners area.
Drawbacks: Spread out additional ski areas. Very crowded during Italian holidays. little to offer experts. Out dated lift system.
