We have been spending a lot of time in Cortina, but what do we know about its history? Let’s learn about the town nicknamed “The Queen of the Dolomites.”
Nestled in the heart of the southern limestone Alps, Cortina d’Ampezzo isn’t just a ski resort; it is a beautiful living history of alpine culture. Cortina’s journey from a remote farming valley to a high-society winter playground is a tale of strategic location, Olympic ambition, and an enduring sense of style.
The Early Pioneers
The Ampezzo Valley started as a collection of isolated tiny mountain towns. In the mid-19th century British and German mountaineers “discovered” the unique peaks surrounding the town just as mountain climbing became a hobby of wealthy adventurers.
By the late 1800s, the arrival of the railway and the construction of the Great Dolomites Road opened the floodgates of visitors from around Europe. Initially a summer destination for the European aristocracy, the popularity of winter sports began to grown in the early 19th century and with it changed the fortunes of Cortina. The first ski club was founded in 1903, and by 1932, Cortina hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, signaling its arrival on the competitive stage.
The 1956 Olympics: A Turning Point
While World War I left deep scars on the region (the mountains themselves were a brutal front line), the post-WWII era brought a golden age. The defining moment in Cortina’s history was the 1956 Winter Olympics. We will be covering the history of those Games throughout 2026. Take a listen to our first story.
These games were a series of “firsts”:
- They were the first Winter Olympics to be televised internationally.
- The Stadio Ghiaccio (Ice Stadium) became an architectural icon.
- The event cemented Cortina’s reputation as a world-class venue, showcasing the dramatic Tofane and Cristallo massifs to a global audience.
The 1950s and 60s also saw the rise of the Dolce Vita era. The love of Italy spread to North America, opening the Ampezzo valley and its surrounding mountains to a new global audience. Cortina became a destination for Hollywood stars and royalty. Sure they wanted to ski but even more importantly, they wanted to be seen strolling down Corso Italia, the town’s famous pedestrian main street.
Cortina Becomes a Movie Star
Cortina’s aesthetic appeal with the mountains peaks turning pink at sunset (the effect is called the enrosadira) made it a favorite for filmmakers. Its status as a cultural icon was solidified by appearances in:
- The Pink Panther (1963)
- For Your Eyes Only (1981), where James Bond famously raced down the ski jump, bobsled run and through the streets.
Even as it catered to the jet set, Cortina remained a staple on the World Cup circuit, particularly for women’s downhill and super-G races. The legendary Olympia delle Tofane slope remains one of the most respected runs on the World Cup circuit.
The 2026 Milestone: A New Olympic Legacy
This time around, Cortina hosted curling in its legendary Olympic Stadium; sliding on a newly built track; and women’s, Paralympic alpine skiing, and para snowboard at Tofane. The new Cortina-Skyline gondola, constructed for these Games, adds to the infrastructure of the slopes, and should add to the town’s reputation as a global winter sport destination.
A Legacy in the Snow
What sets Cortina apart from other high-end resorts like St. Moritz or Courchevel is its authentic Italian soul. It manages to balance high-fashion boutiques and Michelin-starred dining with rugged mountain refuges (called rifugi) that serve traditional, hearty Ladin cuisine. Be sure to try the speck, crafuns, and tultres. That will keep you belly warm on the slopes!
From the first wooden planks strapped to the feet of local guides to the cutting-edge venues of the 2026 Games, Cortina d’Ampezzo remains the undisputed heart of the Dolomites.