The 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo promise world-class athletic competition set against one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain backdrops.
But beyond the competition venues and Olympic excitement, the surrounding Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offer extraordinary destinations that can be explored within a single day, without lengthy journeys or complicated logistics.
Whether you’re attending Olympic events or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, these five carefully selected destinations are all less than an hour from Cortina, making them ideal escapes between competitions – or peaceful alternatives when the resort itself feels overwhelmed with crowds.
1. Lake Misurina & Tre Cime di Lavaredo: The Iconic Winter Postcard of the Dolomites
Often poetically described as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” Lake Misurina transforms into a magical winter wonderland during February, when the lake freezes completely and becomes surrounded by snow-mantled peaks that reflect the soft, pastel light of alpine winter – a scene that feels almost otherworldly in its beauty.
Why It’s Perfect During the Olympics
Lake Misurina lies just 20 – 30 minutes from Cortina by car or public transport, making it one of the most accessible natural highlights in the entire region. Its proximity means you can easily visit between morning and afternoon Olympic events, or use it as a peaceful retreat when you need a break from the crowds.
What to Do
Lakeside Winter Walk: Stroll along the frozen shoreline and absorb uninterrupted panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the dramatic silhouette of the Sorapiss massif. The crystalline mountain air and profound silence create a meditative atmosphere far removed from Olympic bustle.
Snowmobile Safari to Tre Cime di Lavaredo: From nearby Lake Antorno, embark on an exhilarating snowmobile safari toward the base of the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks) – perhaps the most iconic mountain formation in all of the Alps. Since winter roads to the Three Peaks are closed to conventional vehicles, snowmobiles offer the only access – and by far the most thrilling way to experience this pristine wilderness.
Photography Opportunities: The combination of frozen lake, surrounding forests, and towering peaks creates some of the most photogenic winter landscapes in Europe. Dawn and late afternoon offer particularly magical light for photography enthusiasts.
2. Passo Falzarego & Mount Lagazuoi: Panoramic Majesty with Dramatic History
Passo Falzarego delivers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire Dolomite range, enhanced by powerful reminders of World War I history embedded in these mountains. This alpine pass represents a fascinating intersection of natural beauty and human history.
Why It’s Perfect During the Olympics
The pass is accessed via a well-maintained panoramic road that remains open throughout winter, and the Lagazuoi cable car operates continuously during the Olympic period, transporting visitors to one of the highest and most spectacular viewpoints in the region – at 2,752 meters above sea level.
What to Do
Summit Cable Car Experience: Ride the modern cable car to the summit of Mount Lagazuoi, where 360-degree panoramas reveal an endless sea of peaks stretching across the Dolomites. On clear days, the views extend for dozens of kilometers in every direction.
Open-Air World War I Museum: Explore the remarkably preserved trenches, tunnels, and fortifications from the fierce mountain warfare that raged here between 1915 and 1917. Many of these historical sites remain accessible even in winter, offering a sobering counterpoint to the modern Olympic celebrations taking place below. Interpretive signage available in multiple languages provides historical context.
Rifugio Lagazuoi Lunch: Enjoy a memorable meal at Rifugio Lagazuoi, renowned not only for its exceptional alpine cuisine and sweeping vistas but also for hosting the highest sauna in the Alps – a unique wellness experience at 2,752 meters that combines relaxation with unparalleled mountain views.
Sunset Viewing: If your Olympic schedule permits, the sunset from Lagazuoi is genuinely spectacular, as the famous “Enrosadira” phenomenon bathes the Dolomite peaks in shades of pink, orange, and crimson.
3. Cinque Torri: Five Ancient Stone Sentinels Rising Above the Olympic Landscape
The Cinque Torri (Five Towers) rank among the most recognizable and photographed rock formations in the Dolomites – distinctive stone pinnacles that have become an enduring symbol of the region’s geological uniqueness.
Why It’s Perfect During the Olympics
Located along the scenic road to Passo Falzarego, the Cinque Torri area typically experiences lighter visitor traffic than Cortina’s Olympic zones, yet offers elevated vantage points with views toward the competition venues and surrounding peaks. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility without sacrificing proximity to the Games.
What to Do
Chairlift to Rifugio Scoiattoli: Take the comfortable chairlift up to Rifugio Scoiattoli, positioned at the base of the towers. The rifugio itself is a welcoming mountain hut serving traditional dishes and hot beverages – perfect for warming up on a chilly February day.
Snowshoeing Adventures: Explore gentle winter trails using snowshoes (known locally as ciaspe) – a popular, beginner-friendly activity that allows you to walk across deep snow while experiencing the serene winter forest. Snowshoes can be rented locally, and guided excursions are available for those who prefer expert accompaniment.
Historical Trenches: Like Lagazuoi, the Cinque Torri area preserves significant World War I fortifications, including an open-air museum of trenches and shelters that tell the story of alpine warfare.
Photography and Peace: The combination of distinctive rock formations, pristine snow, and typically lighter crowds creates an ideal environment for contemplative mountain experiences and stunning photography.
4. San Cassiano & Alta Badia: A Gastronomic Journey into Ladin Culture
For visitors seeking a complete change of atmosphere from the Olympic excitement, the neighboring valley of Alta Badia offers immersion into Ladin culture – an ancient Romance-speaking community whose traditions, language, and exceptional cuisine shape the character of this unique region.
Why It’s Perfect During the Olympics
By crossing Passo Falzarego, you enter Alta Badia in under an hour, transitioning into what many gourmands and food critics consider the gastronomic heart of the Dolomites. This valley boasts an extraordinary concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional eateries serving authentic Ladin specialties.
What to Do
Ladin Culinary Experience: Dine in traditional stua – cozy, wood-paneled dining rooms featuring ceramic tile stoves – where you can savor authentic Ladin dishes such as cajinci (spinach-and-ricotta ravioli), tutres (fried pastries with various fillings), and capriolo (venison) prepared according to centuries-old recipes. Several restaurants in San Cassiano and nearby La Villa hold Michelin stars, offering world-class cuisine in an intimate alpine setting.
Horse-Drawn Ski Tow: Experience the charming and uniquely Ladin tradition of the horse-drawn ski tow, where powerful horses pull skiers and visitors across flat, snowy terrain – a delightful throwback to pre-mechanical mountain transport that remains popular for its nostalgic appeal and gentle pace.
Village Exploration: Wander through the elegant streets of San Cassiano, known for refined alpine hospitality, beautifully preserved traditional architecture, and upscale boutiques featuring local crafts and artisanal products. The village maintains a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere distinct from the Olympic bustle.
Cultural Heritage: Visit local museums and cultural centers that preserve and celebrate Ladin language, music, folklore, and traditional dress – offering insight into one of Europe’s smallest and most distinctive linguistic communities.
5. Cadore Valley & Pieve di Cadore: Art, History, and Authentic Italian Mountain Life
For a complete cultural departure from alpine sports, travel southward into the Cadore Valley – the birthplace of Tiziano Vecellio, better known as Titian, one of the greatest masters of the Italian Renaissance.
Why It’s Perfect During the Olympics
Located at a lower elevation approximately 40 minutes south of Cortina, the Cadore Valley typically enjoys clearer roads and milder winter conditions, making it an easy and relaxed excursion. The valley offers a window into authentic Italian mountain life, far removed from the international Olympic spotlight.
What to Do
Titian’s Birthplace Museum: Visit Casa Natale di Tiziano, the humble stone house where the legendary painter was born in 1488, now transformed into a museum displaying reproductions of his masterworks, historical artifacts, and exhibits explaining his profound influence on Western art. The museum provides fascinating context for understanding how this remote mountain valley produced one of history’s most celebrated artists.
Lake Centro Cadore: Enjoy a leisurely walk around the shores of Lake Centro Cadore (also known as Lake Pieve di Cadore), an artificial reservoir surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. The lakeside paths offer easy, flat walking with spectacular reflections of the surrounding peaks on calm days.
Historic Town Center: Explore the charming streets of Pieve di Cadore itself, with its beautiful main square, elegant parish church, and traditional cafés serving authentic regional pastries and coffee. The town maintains a genuinely local character largely untouched by mass tourism.
Eyewear Museum: For something completely different, visit the Museo dell’Occhiale in Pieve di Cadore, celebrating the region’s significant role in the global eyewear industry. The Cadore Valley is home to many prestigious eyewear manufacturers, and this quirky museum traces the history of spectacles from ancient times to modern designer frames.
Slower Pace, Authentic Flavor: The entire Cadore Valley experience offers a refreshing contrast to Olympic intensity – a chance to slow down, enjoy genuine Italian mountain hospitality, and experience daily life in a beautiful alpine region that has remained largely unchanged for generations.
Practical Information for Olympic Visitors
Transportation During the Games
During the Olympic period (February 6 – 22, 2026), private vehicle access will be significantly restricted in Cortina and surrounding areas to manage the enormous influx of visitors and ensure smooth operations for athletes, officials, and media.
Visitors are strongly encouraged to rely on:
- Official Olympic Shuttle Services: Dedicated buses connecting major Olympic venues, parking areas, and key tourist sites
- Dolomiti Bus Network: The comprehensive local bus system serving all major destinations in the region, with expanded service during the Olympics
- Pre-booked Guided Tours: Many local operators offer organized day trips to these destinations, handling all transportation and often including expert guides
Parking: If you must drive, be prepared for very limited parking availability and higher fees. Park-and-ride facilities will be established on the outskirts, with shuttle connections to central areas.
Advance Reservations Are Essential
February 2026 will experience unprecedented visitor numbers in the Cortina area. To avoid disappointment:
- Book restaurants weeks or even months in advance, especially Michelin-starred establishments and popular mountain refugios;
- Reserve snowmobile tours, guided excursions, and equipment rentals early – availability will be extremely limited closer to the Games;
- Confirm cable car and chairlift operating hours, as some may extend schedules during the Olympics while others might experience capacity limits.
Winter Equipment and Safety
Even for short, seemingly easy excursions, proper preparation is essential:
- Ice Grips (Crampons): Highly recommended for walking on village streets, paths, and around viewpoints, as icy surfaces are common throughout February;
- Layered Clothing: Mountain weather can change rapidly; dress in layers you can add or remove;
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Alpine sun reflecting off snow is intense, even on cloudy days;
- Cash: Some mountain refugios and small establishments may not accept credit cards so it is a good idea to bring some Euro in cash;
- Emergency Numbers: Save local emergency contacts (112 for general emergencies in Italy).
Weather Considerations
February in the Dolomites typically brings cold but often sunny weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from -5°C to +5°C at valley level, and significantly colder at higher elevations. Check forecasts before heading out, as mountain conditions can deteriorate quickly.
A Winter Olympics Experience That Extends Beyond the Stadiums
Cortina d’Ampezzo may serve as the Olympic stage, but the surrounding Dolomites are the true stars of this spectacular region.
These five destinations demonstrate that you don’t need extensive travel time or complex planning to experience breathtaking alpine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable winter moments – all easily accessible within a single day.
Whether you seek the silent beauty of frozen lakes, the exhilaration of snowmobile adventures, the sobering history of mountain warfare, the gastronomic delights of Ladin cuisine, or the authentic charm of Italian mountain villages, the Cortina region offers something extraordinary for every visitor.
The 2026 Winter Olympics provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only to witness world-class athletic achievement but also to discover one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally distinctive mountain regions.
Make the most of your Olympic journey by exploring beyond the competition venues – the Dolomites await with experiences that will remain in your memory long after the medals have been awarded and the crowds have departed.
Plan ahead, travel smart, and discover the magic of the Dolomites during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
