Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its “unique and monumental beauty” and considered by many to be the world’s most beautiful mountain range, the imposing, jagged rose-tinted peaks of the Dolomites offer a dream landscape for Alpine and nature lovers.
Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites, is without doubt the most exclusive of the Italian mountain resorts. Its location in the celebrated Alpine region, along with elegant dining, a rich calendar of cultural events and glamorous après-ski scene, combined with a high-profile clientele and, not least, amazing skiing, ensure that the famous, fashionable and prestigious Olympic town has managed to retain its position as a symbol of elegance, glamour and La Dolce Vita.
Real estate in Cortina d’Ampezzo is seen as a safe-haven investment with long-term growth prospects. Its rarefied property market has remained relatively stable in the last couple of years. Due to the limited stock and space available to build, and the fact that it is not a speculative market – owners only sell if they must and usually during generational shifts – property prices in Cortina have remained robust.
Dominated by wealthy Italians, Cortina’s real estate market remains a discreet and often off-market business where many of the most expensive chalets and homes are traded quietly amongst established local agents and long-time residents. With exceptional quality of life, natural magnificence and Italian elegance, international lifestyle buyers are increasingly attracted to the Cortina real estate market.
A sophisticated setting of outstanding beauty, Cortina remains Italy’s most archetypically idyllic Alpine ski resort. At an altitude of 1,224 metres, the valley is immersed in a landscape of unparallelled natural beauty, surrounded by some of the most magnificent mountains in the world, including Tofane, Cristallo and Pomagagnon. Its immense natural splendour is a powerful draw amongst international buyers of Cortina d’Ampezzo homes.
A true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, the picturesque town enjoys a formidable reputation as a ski resort. The 1956 Winter Olympics put Cortina on the map internationally as a winter sport destination of choice.
The Queen of the Dolomites maintains a privileged status with winter sports enthusiasts, as evidenced by the many great sporting events hosted here throughout the winter season. As well as hosting international events such as the Alpine World Ski Championships, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts famous runs that have made international ski history, such as the Olympia delle Tofane. Another must-see event is the spectacular Cortina Winter Polo, a thrilling match played on the ice of the frozen Lake Misurina.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is part of Dolomiti Superski, one of the world’s largest ski circuits with 1,200 kilometres of slopes across 12 ski regions, accessible with a single ski pass.
Whilst snow sports are an obvious attraction in winter, Cortina is equally attractive in summer. The climate is exceptional, with an average 300 days of sun-shine due to its sheltered position south of the Alps. Here, one may see palm trees and mountains at the same time.
Summer in Cortina is a never-ending stream of exciting activities. Mountain biking, hiking and mountaineering abound amidst the rich terrain found in the Cortina Valley.
Overall, Cortina d’Ampezzo, with its cosmopolitan vibe, elegant 19th-century mansions and chalets, splendid landscapes and culinary dining scene, remains the embodiment of Italian sophistication and one of the most flamboyant ski resorts in Europe to buy property.
