Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHY YOU'RE HERE: THE TOP SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
The best sights in and around town are natural ones; come here any time of year
and you'll view spectacular mountain scenery. Stony peaks rise from valleys that
are carpeted by lush forest and meadows, and that are dotted with quirky Alpine
houses.
For all sorts of skiing and hiking information, you can start by dropping in at
the
tourist office
(Piazzetta San Francesco, 8;
%
0436-3231; www.infodolomiti.
it; daily 9am-12:30pm and 4-7pm).
Another excellent source of information is
Cortina Turismo
(Via Marconi, 15/B;
%
0436-866252; www.dolomiti.org),
which
supplies an outstanding map of footpaths in the mountains around town.
Of course, you don't have to be a skier or rock-climber to appreciate the high-
altitude Alpine peaks; simply hop on a funicular to enjoy a steady, no-hassle climb
through achingly beautiful mountain scenery. Funiculars generally run from mid-
July to late September and from mid-December until May 1; departures start at
9am and run every 20 or 30 minutes until 4 or 5pm. The aptly named
Freccia
nel Cielo (Arrow in the Sky)
(
%
0436-5052 for information),
provides the
most breathtaking ascent in the region; departures are from the ground station
not far from Stadio Olimpico del Ghiacchio (Olympic Ice-Skating Stadium). You
can travel as far as the second stop—Ra Valles (altitude 2,550m/8,364 ft.)—for
€
55
20 round-trip; once there, you can sit back and take in the ragged Dolomitic
peaks while enjoying a drink on the terrace of the bar. For
€
24 you can head all
the way to the top and back—the final station, Tafano di Mezzo, is a magnificent
3,163m (10,375 ft.) above sea level.
If you want to enjoy at least one cable-car ascent, but can't afford the Arrow in
the Sky, consider the popular
Funivia Faloria,
which operates from a station
southeast of town; the excursion costs only
8 round-trip, and you can spend the
money you've saved at the bar of the Faloria Refuge (2,123m/6,963 ft.), where
you can relax on the terrace enjoying panoramic views of the Dolomites and
Cortina town.
More adventurous visitors should start by contacting
Gruppo Guide Alpine
(Corso Italia, 69/4;
%
0436-868505; www.guidecortina.com),
which offers a
range of activities for beginners and experts. Many of the adventures are snow-
related, and the guides here will lead you on all manner of ski adventures, includ-
ing danger-free snowshoeing and more daring ice-climbing. In the snow-free
seasons, they provide experts in hiking, rock-climbing, and mountain biking.
There are a number of specialized programs for children and also for older adven-
turers. With more than 55 years in the business, and nearly 30 guides aged 27 to
65, the company has a sterling reputation; its outings may well be the highlight
of your visit to Italy.
There's all manner of adventurous fun to be had at the
Cortina Adrenaline
Center
(
%
0436-860808; www.adrenalincenter.it),
based at the Pista Olimpica di
Bob (Olympic bobsled arena). You can take on canyoning, rafting, hydrospeed-
ing, kayaking, mountain biking, and—if you're truly brave—try “Taxi Bob
Wheel,” a thrilling, 110kmph (68 mph) simulation of the bobsledding experi-
ence, only with tires and a brake system! A further activity for those wishing to
test their mettle is the army training course type Adventure Park, where, armed
with climbing gear and pulley attachments, you swing on vines, pull yourself
along ropes, and traverse mountain bridges.
€
