Four seasons, endless adventures
Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the perfect place to experience mountain life at its finest. From high-altitude sports to forest hikes and local culinary delights, this Alpine gem offers unforgettable moments all year round — where nature, tradition and breathtaking views come together.
HOTEL DE LEN | Via Cesare Battisti, 66, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo (BL)
GPS: 46.538945555804816, 12.134189719156177
For info: +39 0436 4246 – For reservations: 800 171190
[email protected]
CIR: 025016-ALB-00064
CIN: IT025016A1A57MTGOP
Bando POR FESR 2014 -2020 >
WINTER
Let’s face it: nothing compares to the charm of the mountains in winter. The Dolomite trails turn into perfect routes for snowshoeing and winter hikes through some of Italy’s most breathtaking snowy landscapes, while the countless ski runs nearby cater to even the most thrill-seeking spirits. For those with a softer spot, the streets of Cortina light up with Christmas decorations and lights from early December. And when the cold sets in, whether between ski runs at après-ski or after a traditional mountain dinner, a glass of warming, pine-scented cirmolo grappa hits just the right note.
SPRING
As the first warmth returns, ice and snow slowly melt away from the woods, and all the waterways, from tiny trickles to roaring waterfalls, come back to life. And they’re not the only ones: while it’s rare, spring is the season when you might just spot a marmot emerging from hibernation, ready for the mating season in the mountain meadows. In this moment of transition, nature walks offer a unique mix of wintry and springtime landscapes, often side by side. And to top it all off? A brazorà — a soft, braided sweet bread from the Ampezzo tradition — is the perfect reward.
SUMMER
Summer is when the Dolomites truly show off, bursting with vibrant colours and lush, thriving nature. One of the season’s most magical moments is the Enrosadira: at sunrise and sunset, the peaks glow with warm pink and orange tones — a spectacle explained by science through the rock’s unique composition and celebrated in Ladin legends. With cool mountain air even in the hottest months, hundreds of trails lead to postcard-perfect views — lakes, rivers, waterfalls, peaks and stone ridges. And when the hike is over, nothing hits the spot like a plate of apple fritters with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries. Every mountain hut has its own recipe, but the flavour is always a sure thing.
AUTUMN
Sure, autumn foliage is always a stunning sight. But the Dolomites in autumn have much more to offer. While the peaks begin to catch their first snow, the mild temperatures are still perfect for walking and hiking through the valleys, in dreamlike settings that are a paradise for both amateur and professional photographers. It’s also the season of the Desmonteà, a traditional mountain festival that marks the end of summer and the arrival of autumn. A colourful parade of livestock and their herdsmen moves through the village centre, complete with typical Ampezzo dress and decorations — a true celebration of the bond between local culture and mountain life. And if the rain starts to fall, nothing beats a comforting plate of casunziei, the traditional half-moon pasta stuffed with red and yellow turnips and potatoes.
