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Cortina offers 101 downhill slopes for alpine skiing, for a total of 140km. They are divided into 33% beginner, 62% intermediate, 5% advanced. The vertical drop is 1,715mt, from 2,939mt of Staunies on Mt Cristallo to 1,224mt at town level.
Skiers may choose from 5 different skiing areas all connected together, either by lifts or by skibus service.
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Faloria
Several lovely slopes of varying difficulties and lengths. As a rule, north exposure ensures excellent snow conditions during the whole day. Even snowboarders are offered a wide range of opportunities, including an area specially made and equipped for them.
Cristallo
Sunny slopes since the early morning. Skiing opportunities range from the average difficulty slopes to Canalone Staunies, one of the steepest and most dramatic slopes in the Dolomites. This piste starts from Forcella Staunies at 2930m of height and descends the steep gorge of the same name with 1000 m of vertical drop. The upper part is open only when the snowcover is well packed and if snow conditions guarantee a safe descent without any risks.
Mietres
One of the best areas for children and for beginners, with easy slopes winding along amusing and varied tracks. Perfect for sun lovers, the area, surrounded by forests, lies at the foot of Pomagagnon, with spectacular views over Cortina.
There is a piste reserved for sleds only and a baby skilift with very low moguls and jumps, slalom tracks, tunnels, and other play facilities.
Col Gallina
Some intermediate slopes are located in this quite limited area, well connected to Cinque Torri and Lagazuoi. These pistes are perfect for slalom competition training with the possibility of self-timing. Generally, skiing is already possible from the end of November.
Lagazuoi
A fast, modern cablecar reaches the summit of Piccolo Lagazuoi at 2750m of height, where expansive panoramic views over the main Dolomite peaks can be admired.
Two spectacular and exciting pistes start from there. One descends to the Falzarego Pass down wide, sunny slopes. The other is the famous "Armentarola"; it descends the opposing slope with a long, charming and highly scenic line, running beneath the Cime di Fanis and spectacular ice cliffs. Transportation back to the Falzarego Pass can be arranged by shuttles for payment, that frequently start from Armentarola. From there, connection to Val Badia lifts and slopes is also possible.
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Cinque Torri
Highly scenic skiing area with wonderful views over the Cinque Torri, Averau, Tofana di Rozes, and even Civetta and Marmolada. The slopes are mainly of average difficulty and the snowcover is always excellent. A Skibus service ensure connections to Lagazuoi and Col Gallina skiing areas or with the area of Civetta. For those coming from Cortina, it is the starting point for the "Great War Ski-Tour".
Tofana
Splendid, red and black demanding slopes, such as the legendary Canalone, the Vertigine Bianca or the Olimpia, where the Women's World Cup downhill race takes place every year.
Afternoon shadows come early except for the upper part, where the sun remains above the horizon till late.
Socrepes – Pocol Lacedel
This area lies at the foot of the Tofane group; its ski-slopes, all easy and particularly suitable to children and beginners, are the perfect site for the very first ski lessons. The area is connected to the other pistes of the Tofane.
Ra Valles
Accessible via Freccia del Cielo Cablecar, the area is equipped with three chairlifts and connected through a black slope, Forcella Rossa, to the Tofane skiing area. The east-facing slopes are of average difficulty and are surrounded by an imposing, spectacular environment with wonderful views over the Cortina valley below and the encircling massifs above and around. Since the altitudes of the slopes range from 2850m to 2200m of height, snow conditions are excellent till late spring (in 2001, for a short period of time, skiing was possible even in July).
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