The Winter Olympic Town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Surrounding Dolomites Are Waiting to Be Explored

The Dolomites…what are they? Rifugios are defined as what?

Those who appreciate nature should make a trip to the Dolomites in Northern Italy. This area, which is sometimes referred to as “the Alps with an Italian twist,” is filled with beautiful scenery at every turn, from towering peaks and lush valleys to snow-capped summits and picturesque villages. The Dolomites are a hiker’s dream, with pathways to suit hikers of all abilities.

Traditional Rifugios, or mountain huts (or mountain refuges), are the actual gem of the Dolomites, providing visitors with a spot to relax, refuel, and take in the region’s breathtaking scenery.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, a picturesque town in the Dolomites that has hosted the Winter Olympics before and was featured in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only,” is located there as well.

This post will cover everything there is to know about the Dolomites, including its geological wonders, hiking trails, traditional Rifugios, the modern twist of taking a chairlift to a Rifugio, the Winter Olympic town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the James Bond filming location, and more, including answers to frequently asked questions and links to related materials. You won’t regret it if you immediately start making preparations to travel to the mountains of Europe.

Hiking in the Dolomites

The Italian Dolomites are sometimes described as “the Alps with an Italian twist” because of their similarity to the Alps but their distinctive geological features and breathtaking scenery set them apart. This region has everything: high mountains, green valleys, snowy peaks, and quaint towns.

Amazing views can be found at every turn, from Son Forca to Flora Alpina. Traditional Rifugios can be found dotted across the area’s gorgeous landscapes, and finding them is a highlight of hiking here. These quaint mountain inns are perfect for weary visitors in need of some R&R, a hot meal, and possibly an overnight stay before continuing on their way. Most offer private rooms, but others are typically dormitory style. Visitors can relax in the comfort of these rustic cabins while feasting on home-cooked meals prepared with regional foods like pasta and polenta and washed down with vino rosso produced in the area’s vineyards. After supper, guests can relax in front of the fire or engage in one of the many surrounding sports, such as kayaking or horseback riding.

In other words, guests at these mountain lodges will have all they need to relax and enjoy their time in this breathtaking area. Rifugios offer a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t be found anywhere else, especially when compared to trekking in many regions of the United States, where your only options for lodging are campgrounds or mediocre eateries serving fast food at best. So, break from your daily routine and go on an exciting journey. You should do it; you won’t be sorry.

In sum, a trip to a Rifugio while trekking in Italy’s Dolomites is an unforgettable adventure that can’t be replicated in the United States. Whether you’re in search of a spot to relax after a hard day on the trails or a hearty lunch prepared with locally sourced food, Rifugios have you covered.

So, why wait? Get ready for your next mountain getaway in Europe right this second. You won’t regret it.

Read more about hiking the Dolomites with a guide in our previous blog post.

Staying in a Rifugio

Hiking in the Dolomites and staying in Rifugios provides a rare opportunity to learn about the region’s rich history and culture. There are still many artifacts and sites in the Dolomites that date back to World War I. Trenches, fortresses, and other battle artifacts can be explored by tourists, illuminating the region’s military history.

In addition, the Dolomites are dotted with picturesque municipalities, each with its own rich heritage and character. The village of San Martino di Castrozza is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, while the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is noted for its upscale stores, restaurants, and nightlife. Ladin people have their own distinct culture that has developed in the Dolomites. Discovering these communities will offer you a taste of the region’s culture and history.

The Dolomites have hiking trails that range from casual strolls through the woods to extreme ascents of the mountain peaks. All serious hikers should complete one of the many “Alta Via” routes, which offer spectacular vistas and the possibility to pass through a variety of valleys and villages. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and even paragliding are just some of the various outdoor pursuits that may be enjoyed in the Dolomites. This spectacular mountain range offers a wide variety of activities and experiences.

In sum, a trip to Italy’s Dolomites and Rifugios is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave you with lasting memories thanks to the extraordinary combination of breathtaking scenery, fascinating local culture, and exciting outdoor pursuits. The Dolomites and their Rifugios are perfect for anybody, from experienced hikers to those in need of a quiet escape. So get your bags ready, for the Dolomites are calling your name.

The easy way up:  Take a Chairlift or Cable Car to the Rifugio rather than walking.

Taking a chairlift up to a Rifugio is a terrific choice for individuals who may not be as interested in trekking or who want to appreciate the spectacular vistas of the Dolomites without the exertion of a long hike. It is possible to reach several Rifugios without exertion thanks to the widespread use of chairlifts.

Chairlift rides to the Rifugio Scoiattoli near Cortina d’Ampezzo are among the most sought-after tourist attractions in the Dolomites. A ride on this chairlift will take you to the Rifugio, where you can have a meal and a comfortable stay while taking in breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys in the area.

One more fantastic choice is to ride a chairlift to the Dolomite refuge at Rifugio Averau. One of the best features of this Rifugio is its panoramic terrace, from which one can take in stunning views of the mountains in the area. You can avoid the strenuous hike by riding a chairlift to the viewing platform.

Many of these chairlifts only run during the summer months, so be sure to double-check the chairlift’s timetable and availability before making your travel plans. If you want to see the Dolomites but don’t feel like hiking, using a chairlift to a Rifugio is the way to go.

Winter Olympic Town of Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo, a magnificent mountain town in the heart of the Dolomites, has played an important part in the annals of both sports and the arts. It hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and is well-known for the stunning natural beauty that surrounds the city.

James Bond in the Dolomites

Cortina d’Ampezzo is well-known not just as the site of the Winter Olympics but also as the setting of the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.” The town and the surrounding Dolomites were stunning settings for the action-packed ski chase sequences.

Also, in 2026, Cortina d’Ampezzo will make history as the first Italian city to host the Winter Olympics twice. The town’s infrastructure and facilities have undergone extensive renovations in preparation for the games, and spectators will be able to soak up the Olympic spirit while taking in the stunning natural scenery of the Dolomites.

Our view the best place to stay is the Hotel Cortina, run by the same family for generations and located in the pedestrian center of town. Fresh-made Northern Italian cuisine in their restaurant is the perfect way to end a day spent in the fresh mountain air. The best place for a drink and a snack back in town is the Hacker Pschorr Beerhouse, where I have shared a beer or two with my buddy Tup.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a wonderful place to visit for anyone, whether they are skiers, James Bond fans, or just in search of a picturesque mountain town. It is easy to see why this place has been a tourist hotspot for so long; it is a haven for those interested in history, culture, and the great outdoors.

Questions & Answers (FAQs)

When is the ideal time of year to enjoy the Dolomites and the Rifugios? The optimum time to visit the Dolomites is conditional upon your intended activities. The greatest time to go hiking is from June to September, whereas the best time to go skiing or snowboarding is from December to March. Rifugios, on the other hand, are open all year, so you can enjoy the stunning scenery and authentic Italian fare whenever you like.

Is it possible to take a trip of the Dolomites and its surrounding Rifugios? The Dolomites and the Rifugios are popular destinations, and you may take advantage of various organized tours. Guided ski, snowboard, and mountain biking tours are also quite popular. If you want to learn more about the history, culture, and natural beauty of the Dolomites and the Rifugios, a guided trip may be the best option.

Those who don’t feel like hiking up to a Rifugio may want to know if they can ride a chairlift. If you don’t want to hike or just want to save your energy for other activities, you may get to several Rifugios by taking a chairlift. Those with young children or physical limitations may benefit greatly from this.

I was wondering if there was any reading material I could get my hands on on the Dolomites and the Rifugios to help me get excited for my upcoming trip. The Dolomites and the Rifugios are the subject of numerous publications and guides. The novel “Soldier of the Great War” by Mark Helprin is set in the Dolomites and WWI, and comes highly recommended. It’s a must-read for anyone curious about the area’s history, as it offers a fresh take on familiar events.

For further information on the best time of year to visit the Dolomites, see the following resources:

• “When to visit the Dolomites” (https://www.dolomiti.org/en/dolomites/when-to-visit/).

·      Dolomite Tours (https://www.dolomitimountain.com/tours/) <<< We suggest mid-June and mid-September as a great time to visit, but even in the height of summer, the number of visitors is manageable.

•       “A Soldier of the Great War,” by Mark Helprin (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111480.A Soldier of the Great War).

·      Tourist office (https://www.dolomiti.org/en/cortina/information-office/)

·      Best hotel in the area, in the pedestrian city center:  Hotel Cortina√

If you have questions about a rifugios in the dolomites, or how to navigate a hiking trail in the area, the Italian Alpine Club is a wonderful resource.