Ampezzo
Welcome to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Hello everyone, today I'll talk about Cortina d'Ampezzo, a wonderful tourist destination in the Belluno province, Veneto. Here you can practice many winter and summer sports, and it has been the scene of international sports events, such as the VII Winter Olympics and the Alpine Ski World Championships 1932, the Alpine Ski World Championships 1941 (later cancelled), and the Alpine Ski World Championships 2021.
Physical Geography
The territory
The municipality of Cortina d'Ampezzo is located in a central position in the Ampezzo Valley, between Cadore and Val Pusteria, Val d'Ansiei, and Agordo. The territory extends over an area of , the third largest municipality in Veneto. The present geological formations are mainly dolomite and limestone, dating back to the Middle Triassic and Upper Cretaceous of the Mesozoic era.
Orography
Cortina d'Ampezzo is surrounded by the Ampezzo Dolomites, which give the valley a unique beauty in the world. Among the most famous mountains are Tofane, Pomagagnon, Monte Cristallo, Faloria, Sorapiss, Becco di Mezzodì, Croda da Lago, and the Nuvolau group. The municipal territory ranges in altitude from a minimum of to a maximum of , with an altitude difference of . The city is located at about above sea level.
Hydrography
There are numerous watercourses in the valley, including the sources of Rufiédo, Felizón, and Boite, which are peculiar to the Ampezzo soil. Boite is the largest in the area in terms of water flow and length of course.
Tourist activities
Winter sports
Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the world, with over of ski slopes and many freeride areas. Here you can practice alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, and much more. During the winter season, numerous sporting events are organized, such as the Cortina Snowboard World Cup and the Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup.
Summer sports
In summer, Cortina d'Ampezzo offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, cycling, and golf. Here you can admire magnificent views of the Dolomites and visit the numerous shelters and mountain huts in the valley. In addition, there are also summer events such as the Mountain Festival and the Dolomiti Sky Race.
Culture
Cortina d'Ampezzo is also famous for its Ladin culture, which can be discovered by visiting the valley's museums, such as the Regole d'Ampezzo Ethnographic Museum and the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art. In addition, here you can admire the traditional architecture of mountain houses and the characteristic bell towers of the area.
Typical cuisine
The Ampezzan cuisine is inspired by Ladin tradition, with dishes based on meat, cheese, and mushrooms. Among the typical dishes are canederli, potato gnocchi, speck, cjarsons, and smoked trout. In addition, artisan beers and local wines are also produced here.
Conclusion
Cortina d'Ampezzo is a unique destination, with extraordinary natural beauty and many activities to do all year round. Here you can practice sports, discover Ampezzan culture and tradition, and taste delicious typical cuisine. Come and discover this wonderful valley!
