GOLD & Grandezza: Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo

Only the "Pearl of the Dolomites" shines even brighter than the coveted precious metal this winter. Sophisticated Cortina d'Ampezzo has spruced itself up for the 2026 Olympic Games. While the skiing and bobsleigh elite compete for medals there, the Corso in the luxurious mountain resort is celebrating "La Dolce Vita".

"Taking part is everything" is an old Olympic saying. It actually refers to the athletes. However, the motto could just as easily apply to vacation guests in Cortina d'Ampezzo: Every winter, the most elegant resort in the Dolomites is transformed into a catwalk for Italy's high society - especially during the Olympic Games in February 2026.

GLAMOUR IN THE SNOW Cortina is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Alps.

Nowhere else in the north of the country is dolce vita celebrated with so much charm and grandeur. Just like at Ancora Cortina www.ancoracortina.com, the time-honored hotel on Corso Italia, which welcomes guests with the flair of an opulent private residence. The hotel celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2026. Just in time for the anniversary, the iconic hotel is experiencing its very own renaissance: under the management of the new owner Renzo Rosso, founder of the "Diesel" jeans empire, extensive renovation work was recently carried out and completed in summer 2025.
Rosso commissioned the renowned designer Vicky Charles to redesign the suites and interiors. She masterfully succeeded in creating an elegant retreat with contemporary comfort without losing sight of the historic soul of the hotel. The hotel terrace in classic Viennese style is still a popular meeting place. In the fresh mountain air, you can watch the vibrant life in the pedestrian zone, a cool drink in your hand and the majestic panorama of the Tofane mountains before your eyes.

ANCORA HOTEL with a new look for its 200th birthday




Since last winter, other 5* addresses include the new Hotel Tofana Cortina www.hoteltofana-cortina.itin a ski-in/ski-out location on the edge of the village and the renovated Hotel Eight Cortina www.cortina.eighthotels.itin the center, formerly known as Hotel Europa. A "grande dame" of the Alps is also preparing to reopen. The Hotel Cristallo was built at the beginning of the 20th century in elegant Art Nouveau style. Following extensive renovation work by Basel-based star architects Herzog & de Meuron, the traditional hotel is set to reopen as the Mandarin Oriental Cristallo - it will be the first Alpine resort of the Hong Kong-based hotel group. And the renowned Roman 5* boutique hotel chain The First www.pavilionshotels.comis also celebrating its premiere in Cortina. The opening of The First Hotel Cortina is planned for fall 2026. However, you can already get a delicious foretaste from December 22, 2025, when the first hotel outlet of the luxury Japanese Zuma www.zumarestaurant.comopens. The Grand Hotel Ampezzo www.grandhotelampezzo.itis also under construction.

THE FIRST HOTEL CORTINA Boutique charm and 5* luxury from Rome

Summit meeting for gourmets

If you still can't find what you're looking for during or after the games, you can alternatively take a look at San Cassiano, not far away. There, the Aman Group is celebrating its debut in the Italian Alps with the Aman Rosa Alpina www.aman.com, the former mountain hotel of the Pizzini family. Those responsible entrusted their vision of an Alpine retreat to architect Jean-Michel Gathy. The result is a sensitive combination of Aman's typical minimalist design and traditional hospitality, rounded off with a new wellness area and exquisite cuisine.
Speaking of culinary delights: a trip to Cortina is always a culinary summit. Connoisseurs are particularly drawn to the Tivoli restaurant www.ristorantetivolicortina.it, which was the first in the village to be awarded a Michelin star. In his modern cuisine, Graziano Prest combines Italian-Alpine cuisine with Asian influences in an inimitable way. For his creations, the chef selects exquisite ingredients from the region or the Adriatic.

RISTORANTE TIVOLI the realm of star chef Graziano Prest




The delivery routes are even shorter at SanBrite www.sanbrite.it. Riccardo Gaspari and Ludovica Rubbini inspire with their "Agricucina" concept in the restaurant, which has also been awarded a Michelin star. They prove that sophisticated gourmet cuisine and produce from their own farm are an unbeatable combination.

SANBRITE Culinary delights

If you want to enjoy top-class sport alongside excellent dishes, you should visit the Masi Wine Bar al Druscié www.masi.it.On its large terrace, the hut offers a fantastic view of the Olympic downhill slope as well as exquisite wines.

SPORTS From the Masi Wine Bar al Druscié you have a fantastic view of the Olympic downhill slope.



A little further up, at 2,416 meters, the gourmet hut Averau www.rifugioaverau.itis one of the best mountain restaurants in the Alps.

PAMORAMA VIEW from the terrace of the Averau gourmet hut



As soon as the competitions are over and the lifts are closed, the action shifts to the valley. The Chalet Tofane www.chalet-tofane.itattracts visitors with an exuberant après-ski atmosphere with champagne and DJ sets. The bar at the Hotel de la Poste www.delaposte.it, known for its creative cocktails, and the Zelda Champagne & Cocktail Club www.hotelambracortina.itare also among the hottest addresses for night owls and partygoers.

THESE FURTHER EXHIBITORS

of the Winter Olympics from February 6 to 22, 2026

MAILAND
Europe's fashion mecca becomes the venue for the Olympic kick-off. The grand opening ceremony takes place in the San Siro stadium. Away from the soccer temple, shopping fans can stroll through the high-end boutiques in the Quadrilatero della Moda, while those interested in culture can marvel at Milan's Scala or the cathedral.

LIVIGNO
The Olympic spotlight with the freestyle and snowboard competitions comes at just the right time for the up-and-coming mountain resort in Valtellina. The "Livigno NEXT" initiative is advancing the tourist offer - carefully and sustainably. Parking lots have been built, cable cars and stations modernized and accommodation upgraded. The new Mo.he Boutique Hotel is also an enrichment for the village.

BORMIO
The town is famous for its thermal springs, whose healing properties were already known to the ancient Romans. Bormio's historical flair is best captured on a tour of the town. Not far away, in Tirano, the Bernina Express of the Rhaetian Railway stops, allowing you to travel comfortably from Switzerland. The men's downhill races in Bormio are sure to be faster.

VAL DI FIEMME
The valley in Trentino will host the ski jumpers and cross-country skiers in its picturesque villages during the Olympics. The largest village is Predazzo. Its narrow streets are lined with small cafés and traditional osterias. Tesero, whose inhabitants are proud of their long and artistic tradition of craftsmanship, is a little more rustic.

ANTHOLZ
Lake Antholz in Val Pusteria is the third largest mountain lake in South Tyrol and the epitome of a winter idyll. Around its frozen surface, the scenery with dramatic mountain peaks and snow-covered trees invites you to take dreamy walks in the crystal-clear air. The Olympic biathlon medals are awarded in Antholz.

VERONA
The Shakespeare play "Romeo and Juliet" once had a tragic ending in Verona - the Winter Olympics, on the other hand, will end with an atmospheric closing ceremony in the city in Veneto. The historic arena serves as the backdrop.
www.cortinadampezzo.it