Where Is Cortina: Locating Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites
Introduction: Why knowing where Cortina is matters
Where is Cortina is a common question for travellers, sports fans and readers following alpine events. Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of Italy’s best-known mountain towns, a centre for winter sport, summer hiking and cultural tourism. Its location influences access, weather, and why it has hosted major international events — most notably the 1956 Winter Olympics and as a co-host for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Main body: Location, geography and key facts
Geographical setting
Cortina d’Ampezzo lies in the heart of the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy. It is in the Veneto region, within the province of Belluno. The town sits at roughly 1,224 metres above sea level, framed by dramatic peaks such as the Tofane group.
Transport and access
The nearest major airport is Venice Marco Polo, with road transfers to Cortina typically taking around two hours depending on traffic and season. There is no direct mainline railway to Cortina; visitors commonly travel by train to nearby towns such as Calalzo di Cadore or Belluno and complete the journey by bus or car. The main road link is the SS51 (Strada Statale 51), which connects Cortina with the wider Veneto transport network.
Sporting and cultural significance
Cortina’s reputation as a winter sports hub dates back to hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics. It remains a top ski destination, offering downhill slopes, cross-country tracks and freeride terrain. The town and surrounding Dolomites were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 for their unique geology and landscape.
Tourism and environment
Beyond skiing, Cortina is a summer base for hiking, climbing (including via ferrata routes) and mountain biking. Local authorities balance visitor demand with conservation efforts aimed at protecting fragile alpine ecosystems and landscape integrity.
Conclusion: What readers should take away
In short, Cortina d’Ampezzo is located in northeastern Italy’s Dolomites, in Veneto’s Belluno province. Its alpine setting explains its role in winter sport and mountain tourism. For prospective visitors, plan travel via Venice or regional rail-and-bus links, check seasonal road conditions, and be aware of ongoing infrastructure and environmental measures tied to major events such as the 2026 Winter Olympics. Knowing where Cortina is helps you prepare for altitude, transport and the best time to visit.
