Cortina is not just an Olympic town. The local luxury and the beauty of the Dolomites also made it into the famous Bond movie.
This year's Winter Olympic Games are hosted by the mountainous Italian town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Due to its advantageous location in the Alpine Dolomites, it is a very popular spot for winter sports. But that's far from all that this exceptional area offers. Cortina attracts tourists who enjoy proper luxury as well as backpacking travelers who prefer the beauty of nature. It is a blending of two worlds that miraculously works perfectly. It's no wonder the Winter Games are being held here this year.
The town is often nicknamed the “pearl of the Dolomites,” and rightly so. It is located in the province of Belluno, surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Italian Dolomites. The scattered and very extensive ski resorts are a lure for any true skier. Surrounded by three peaks over three thousand meters, the slopes boast truly beautiful views. Those who enjoy apres ski will also find plenty to enjoy here. The town is full of luxury shops, renowned restaurants, and a wide selection of wellness options in extravagant hotels.
Cortina is not hosting the Winter Games for the first time
This may be somewhat surprising, but it's not the first time that the Winter Games are taking place right here. Back in 1956, the town opened its doors to athletes from all around the world to compete for medals in eight selected winter sports. These were also the first Winter Games to be broadcast on television. Seventy years later, history repeats itself, making this year's edition memorable and exceptional.
The environment remains the same, but the fundamental principles have undergone a long transformation. While courage, intuition, and a bit of luck were needed before, now it's more about perfection, where crucial fractions of a second make the difference. Everything is tweaked and refined to perfection, giving athletes the advantage of focusing solely on themselves. Unlike the first games, there's no longer a need to compete with nature as well.
The perfect place for popular apres ski
Apres ski refers to the time spent after a day on the slopes, or for some, without even stepping onto the slopes. It involves enjoying drinks in bars, taking short walks, visiting restaurants, experiencing unique adventures, or indulging in wellness. Cortina offers all of the above. You can enjoy the traditional Aperol with Bombardino both on and off the slopes.
If you're tired of ordinary activities, you can enjoy an extraordinary sleigh ride pulled by horses. It's a romantic experience with breathtaking views, which you can finish off with dinner or a drink. And if even horses aren't enough of an experience for you, how about a dog sled? Near the town, you can book a ride on a dog-pulled sleigh operated by a local organization.
Pink Panther and James Bond
The town has even appeared in more than one iconic film. For Your Eyes Only is one of the most popular films ever. In it, James Bond visits the Olympic Stadium, and in typical Bond style, we can see him skiing down the local slopes.
In a slightly different vein, the romantic comedy The Pink Panther from 1963 was partially filmed here. A few scenes from romantic Cortina can also be seen in the Italian film A Place for Lovers from 1968. For film enthusiasts, this detail can be a big attraction.
You Won't Be Bored Here
One thing is certain. This alpine town really offers a diverse program. If the masses of people during the Olympic hustle do not appeal to you, you will surely entertain yourself here at other times. Whether in winter or summer. In the summer, it becomes a very popular place for mountaineers or cyclists, and the views will surely captivate you.
Sources: original text, time.com, dolomites.org, olympijskytym.cz
