Cortina D Ampezzo Advanced Skiing

Not Cortina's strongest suit, but there are a number of good blacks, some hidden off-piste as well as wonderful - and luxurious! - ski touring.

Not Cortina’s strongest suit, there is nevertheless terrain to get the juices flowing. Being Italy, the grooming and snow-making tends to be excellent and the lack of overcrowding allows many of the rolling, twisting red runs to be taken at exhilarating speed. There are also several black runs of note: the Canalone Staunies, the steepest piste in the Dolomites, between tight, imposing rock walls; a couple above Faloria; and three more on Tofana, including the classic Forcella Rossa.

Cortina off-piste
Off piste there are opportunities too, though they’re not obvious, with little of interest between the piste and some of the best stuff hidden in steep couloirs. Local guides will take you down the Creste Bianche, Bus Tofana, Canalino del Prete and Sci 18. www.dolomiti.org has excellent pages detailing some of the many possibilities, with pictures and maps.

Ski touring
Maybe the highlight, if you’re willing to sweat a bit, is to ski tour, based at the refuge at Fanes. More like a four star hotel than a mountain hut, there are en suite rooms available as well as dorms, beautiful facilities and wonderful dining with oodles of atmosphere, history and natural beauty.