THE LOCATION

Where is Cortina d’Ampezzo?

Cortina d’Ampezzo, often abbreviated Cortina and even referred to as “Queen of the Dolomites,” is a summer and winter sport resort in the northeast of Italy. Cortina was the site of the Olympic Winter Games Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956, and together with Milano, will host the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
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Cortina d’Ampezzo Location Facts:

• Elevation: 1,224 meters (4,016 feet)
• Population: ~6,000 residents
• Known for: World-class skiing and hiking, dramatic Dolomite peaks, luxury mountain resort atmosphere
• Distance from Venice: 160 km (100 miles) - approximately 2.5 hours by car
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Proximity to Other Major Cities:

Understanding where Cortina sits in relation to other European destinations helps with trip planning:
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• Venice: 160 km (~100 miles) from Cortina (ideal gateway city)
• Milan: 280 km (~175 miles) from Cortina
• Verona: 180 km (~115 miles) from Cortina
• Innsbruck, Austria: 180 km (~115 miles) from Cortina
• Munich, Germany: 380 km (~240 miles) from Cortina
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Many international travelers will choose to combine their Olympic Winter Games visit with trips to Venice, Verona, other northern Italian destinations, or nearby European nations.

THE LOCATION

Cortina Winter Olympic Venues in the Dolomites

Venues in Cortina

• Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
• ^Events: Curling
• ^Capacity: 3,500 spectators
• ^A renovated historic venue from 1956
• Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre
• ^Events: Downhill skiing, Super-G, Alpine combined
• ^One of the most challenging downhill courses in the world
• ^Spectacular views of the Tofane mountain range
• Cortina Sliding Centre
• ^Events: Bobsleigh, luge, skeleton
• ^Historic track being fully renovated

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Other Nearby Dolomite Venues

• Anterselva Biathlon Arena
• ^Events: Biathlon
• ^65 km (~40 miles) from Cortina
• Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium
• ^Events: Ski Jumping
• ^85 km (~55 miles) from Cortina
• Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium
• ^Events: Cross-Country Skiing
• ^95 km (~60 miles) from Cortina
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Understanding this venue and sporting event distribution is essential to ensuring you plan for the right accommodations and allocate ample travel time between locations.

THE TRANSPORTATION

How to Get to Cortina for the Winter Olympics?

Getting to Cortina requires some planning, but multiple transportation options make it accessible for international travelers. Here's your comprehensive guide to reaching Winter Olympic venues in the Dolomites.
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Flying to Italy for the Olympics

Primary Airport for Cortina:

• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
• ^Best for: Cortina-based stays, mountain venue access
• ^Distance to Cortina: 160 km (~100 miles)
• ^Travel time: 2.5-3 hours
• ^Why choose Venice: Closest major international airport to Cortina, opportunity to explore Venice before/after Winter Olympics
• ^Airlines: Major European carriers, some direct transatlantic flights
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Alternative Airports:

• Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
• ^Global airline carriers, direct transatlantic flights
• ^Optimal if you’ll be attending any Milan sporting events
• ^280 km (~175 miles) from Cortina
• ^Further distance, but can be used as entry and exit
• Treviso Antonio Canova Airport (TSF)
• ^Local and budget airline hub (Ryanair, Wizz Air)
• ^170 km (~110 miles) from Cortina
• ^Smaller but economical option
• ^Similar travel time to Venice
• Innsbruck Airport (INN), Austria
• ^180 km (~115 miles) from Cortina
• ^Good option for those coming from Central Europe
• ^Scenic drive through Austrian/Italian Alps
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Consider arriving in Italy 1-2 days before your events to ensure a smooth travel journey. Expect premium prices on accommodations and airfare at the time of the Winter Olympics.

Transportation from Venice Marco Polo Airport

Express Bus Services:

• Cortina Express: Direct shuttle service
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Frequency: Multiple daily departures (expect increased service during Winter Olympics)
• Cost: €25-35 per person
• Booking: Reserve in advance during competition period
• Benefits: No transfers, luggage-friendly, drop-offs at Cortina bus station
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Private Shuttle/Car Transfer Hire:

• ^Services: Daytrip, Viator
• ^Duration: 2-2.5 hours
• ^Cost: €250-500 per person for private vehicles
• ^Booking: Essential – book as far in advance as possible
• ^Benefits: Door-to-door service, flexible timing, well-trained driver, luggage capacity
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Train + Bus Combination:

• Venice Airport → Venice Mestre Station
• ^Bus: 25 minutes
• ^Taxi: 15 minutes
• Train to Calalzo di Cadore (2 hours)
• Local bus to Cortina (45 minutes)
• Total Duration: 4-4.5 hours
• Cost: €20-30 total
• Considerations: Multiple transfers, luggage handling
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Rental Car:

• Duration: 2.5 hours via A27 and SR51
• Cost: €50-100/day during Winter Olympics (must book early)
• Benefits: Flexibility to explore Dolomites, access to nearby venues
• Considerations: Winter driving in the Alps requires confidence and skill; rental companies will often provide chains but not snow tires; parking around Cortina will be limited during the Winter Olympics to “Park and Shuttle” areas
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In general, expect all transportation to be booked quickly. We highly recommend securing transportation and transfers 2 months before you arrive at least.
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Coming from Other European Cities

Many visitors combine their journeys with broader European travel, or travel throughout Italy.
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From Italy:

• Milan to Venice: 3 hours by train, then transfer to Cortina
• Treviso to Venice: 30 minutes by train, then transfer to Cortina
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From Switzerland:

• Zurich to Venice: 5.5 hours by train, then transfer to Cortina
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From Austria:

• Innsbruck to Cortina: 2.5 hours by car (crossing Brenner Pass)
• Vienna to Venice: 7 hours by train, then transfer to Cortina
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From Germany:

• Munich to Cortina: 5 hours by car
• Munich to Venice: 6 hours by train, then transfer to Cortina

THE ACCOMMODATIONS

Where to Stay in Cortina for the Winter Olympics?

Accommodations in Cortina during the Winter Olympics will be booked fast. Cortina is a small town, and there are expected to be 100,000+ daily visitors. Here’s what you’ll need to know about where to stay and how to secure lodging.
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Types of Lodging for Cortina d’Ampezzo

• Hotels, available in luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly options
• Airbnb.com and other vacation home lodging rentals
• Options in nearby towns with easy access to Cortina
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Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Luxury:

• Hotel Alpen Tesitin (wellness resort)
• Rosapetra Spa Resort (modern mountain elegance)
• Average cost during competition time: €3,000-8,000/night
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Mid-Range:

• Average cost during competition time: €500-1,000/night
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Budget-Friendly:

• Average cost during competition time: €200-500/night
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Airbnb (Short term rentals) in Cortina area

Overview:

• Limited inventory
• Entire apartments: €300-800/night
• Many have minimum stay requirements (5-7 nights)
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Advantages:

• More space for groups/families
• Kitchen facilities (cost savings on meals)
• Often better value than hotels for longer stays
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Disadvantages:

• Less flexibility with cancel
• May require early deposits
• Transportation logistics if outside town center
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Staying in Nearby Towns

Consider alternative cities with easy access to Cortina venues like these:
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San Vito di Cadore (10 km from Cortina)

• 15 minutes by car or bus
• More affordable rates
• Quieter atmosphere, authentic Italian village feel
• Regular bus service to Cortina during competition time
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Dobbiaco/Toblach (30 km from Cortina)

• 30 minutes by car
• Charming South Tyrolean town
• Bilingual (Italian/German)
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Auronzo di Cadore (35 km from Cortina)

• Beautiful lake town
• 35-40 minutes to Cortina
• Lower prices, less crowded
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Official Hospitality Packages: The Stress-Free Solution

Our Official Hospitality packages eliminate accommodation uncertainty:
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1. Guaranteed accommodations in prime Cortina locations
2. Pre-selected hotels meeting quality standards
3. Event tickets included (no separate searching)
4. All-inclusive pricing (no surprise costs)
5. Expert planning from the official Olympic Hospitality provider
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Our packages provide a seamless solution in securing hotels and tickets together during an exceptionally busy time. Learn more about hospitality options at hospitality.milanocortina2026.org.

THE TRANSPORTATION

How to Get Around Cortina for the Winter Olympics?

Once you’ve arrived in Italy and settled in your accommodations, you’ll need to navigate between all the venues, towns, and Winter Olympic events in the Dolomites. Here’s how to get around efficiently during Milano Cortina 2026.
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Public Transportation in Cortina During Competition Time

Official Milano Cortina 2026 Shuttle Services:

• Free shuttle buses connecting Cortina town center to Winter Olympic venues
• Expect increased frequency for popular events
• Priority access for ticket holders
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Local Bus Network:

• Dolomiti Bus operates routes throughout the region
• Route 30/31: Cortina to surrounding towns
• €2-5 per journey
• Download timetables in advance (service increases during competition period)
• Purchase tickets at tabacchi (tobacco shops) or bus station
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Walking in Cortina:

• Town center is compact and walkable (15-minute end-to-end)
• Most hotels within walking distance of restaurants and amenities
• Be prepared for winter conditions (ice, snow)
• Venues themselves may require shuttle or transport
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Renting a Car during the Winter Olympics

Benefits:

• Flexibility to explore Dolomites between events
• Access to nearby towns and accommodations outside Cortina
• Easier transport of ski equipment if you're skiing
• Day trips to Venice, Verona, or other Italian destinations
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‍Considerations:

• Cost: €150-€250/day during competition time (book 6+ months ahead)
• Winter tires mandatory: Required by law between December to April
• Mountain driving: Prior journeys with winter/alpine driving recommended
• Parking: Very limited in Cortina during competition time; expect restricted zones
• ZTL zones: Limited traffic zones in Italian city centers (steep fines if entered without permit)
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Recommendations:

• Book automatic transmission if preferred (manual is default in Europe)
• Consider adding snow chains to rental
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International visitors: Bring International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country license.
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Transportation Between Mountain Venues

Several Winter Olympic venues are spread across the Dolomites and Trentino regions:
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From Cortina to:

• Anterselva/Antholz (Biathlon): 1.5 hours by car
• Val di Fiemme (Cross-country, Nordic): 2 hours by car
• Livigno (Freestyle, Snowboard): 3 hours by car
• Bormio (Men's Alpine): 3.5 hours by car
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Organized transport: Milano Cortina 2026 shuttle services will connect major venues. Details will be announced closer to the start of the competition period.
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Train Times & Commuter Considerations

If staying in nearby towns, plan around train/bus schedules:
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• Morning events: First buses from satellite towns typically 6:30-7:00 AM
• Evening events: Last return buses around 10:30-11:00 PM
• Strategy: Check schedules for specific event dates, plan 60-90 minute buffer before event start times

The CULTURE

Dining Reservations & Food Culture

Restaurant Timing

• Lunch: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
• Dinner: 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Italians typically eat later)
• Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner service
• Sunday/Monday closures common, though tourists might change this (check ahead)
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Reservations

• Essential during competition time at popular restaurants
• Book 2-4 weeks in advance for dinner in Cortina
• Call ahead or use booking apps or websites for ease
• Hotel concierge can help with reservations
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Tipping

• Not obligatory (service often included as "coperto" cover charge)
• Rounding up or 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated
• Leave cash on table (not always possible to add to credit card)
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Menu Tips

• "Primi" = first course (pasta, risotto)
• "Secondi" = second course (meat, fish)
• "Contorni" = side dishes (vegetables)
• Italians often order multiple courses (you don't have to)
• "Acqua" = water (specify naturale or frizzante)
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Local Cortina Specialties

• Casunziei (stuffed pasta with beets or spinach)
• Polenta with mushrooms or game
• Speck (smoked prosciutto from South Tyrol)
• Canederli (bread dumplings)
• Apple strudel (Austrian influence)
• Bombardino (hot eggnog-like drink, perfect après-ski)
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Coffee Culture

• Cappuccino before 11 AM (to keep with local tradition)
• Espresso = "un caffè"
• Drink at the bar standing up (cheaper than sitting)
• To-go cups might not always be available
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Popular Cortina Restaurants (book ahead)

• Ristorante Tivoli (upscale)
• El Camineto (traditional mountain cuisine)
• Baita Fraina (mountain refuge, stunning views)
• Rifugio Averau (accessible by snowshoe/ski, unforgettable)