Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Skiing the Dolomites
Cortina's reputation as Italy's leading ski resort is not to be scoffed at;
slopes and facilities are top-notch, and fine ski routes are easily accessi-
ble thanks to the system of funiculars. Cortina has 8 ski areas and there
are another 10 within easy reach, all of which fall under the scheme cov-
ered by the
Dolomiti Superski pass,
which allows unlimited skiing and
ski-related travel (on shuttle buses, funiculars, and chairlifts) for a pre-
determined period; you'll have access to 1,220km (756 miles) of ski runs
and 450 chairlifts. Prices vary according to the number of days you choose,
starting with a 1-day pass at
€
38 during high season (children and sen-
iors pay a discounted rate); by comparison, a 7-day pass costs
€
206 for the
same period. High season generally runs from around December 24 to
January 7 and February 5 through March 11; there are slight savings during
the lower season (mid-Jan and mid-Mar). To get your pass, or for more infor-
mation, go to
Dolomiti Superski
(Via di Castello, 33;
%
0436-862171;
www.dolomitisuperski.com),
where you can also explore a number of savings
schemes.
For those who prefer independent adventures, the terrain around Cortina draws
hard-core cyclists keen to develop their mountain-biking stamina. There are some
easier routes out of town, or you can stick to the roads (although you should be
wary of heavy traffic during certain periods); you can
rent bikes
from
2ue & 2ue
(Via Roma, 70;
%
0436-4121; www.dueduecortina.com),
which offers special deals
on family rentals, and which can give you advice on where to peddle.
Activities
On those days when the weather doesn't cooperate, you can cruise through the
center of town, exploring picturesque Corso Italia or browsing boutiques aimed
at high-end spenders. There are a couple of churches, expensive art galleries, and
even a
Museum of Modern Art
(Via del Parco, 1;
%
0436-2206; www.musei.
regole.it; adults
€
5, seniors and students and children 6-14
€
3, free for children
under 6; Jan-Easter daily 4pm-7:30pm, June and Sept Tues-Sun 10am-12:30pm
and 4-7:30pm, July-Aug and Christmas holidays daily 10am-12:30pm and 4-8pm,
call for appointment when museum is closed).
Architecture is a blend of stone
structures (such as the Santi Filippo e Giacomo church in the center) and Alpine
buildings constructed over the years since the town became a popular stopover
venue in the mid-1800s.
Besides the many outdoor pursuits offered in the area, you can also visit the
Olympic ice-skating arena,
Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio
(Via del Stadio;
%
0436-4380; skate rental and admission
€
8.50),
which has two ice-skating
rinks open to the public.
