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Just because you’re not competing for Olympic Gold at the 2026 Milan/Cortina Olympics doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fine Italian powder. The last time that the Winter Olympics took place in the Italian ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo was 1956, back when the summer and winter games still happened in the same year (the gymnasts, sprinters, and swimmers headed off to Melbourne that November for Australian summer).
Now, 70 years later, the Olympic Torch is coming back to northern Italy, from February 6 to February 22, 2026. This marks the first time that the Winter Games will take place in dual locations, Cortina and Milan. Over in the fashion capital, skaters and hockey players will compete for eternal glory, while the skiing, snowboarding, and the always exciting curling events will take place in Cortina. But if you’re attending, you probably know all of that; if you’re not, you can still get in on the action by visiting later on, rushing down the same slopes as the olympians.
As beautiful as Cortina is, it’s also not the only place to enjoy the sunshine and powder that makes skiing in Italy magical. Below, find our five favorites—plus the best hotels to book in each.
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For Brixen / Plose (South Tyrol), Stay at the Forestis Dolomites
Photo credit: Courtesy Forestis
There’s plenty of sunshine and scenery on the slopes of South Tyrol, particularly along the famed Trametsch run. Though the Black Diamond piste isn’t for first-timers, the whole area has a quiet vibe that’s great for families.
The Hotel: Sequestered in the Dolomites, Forestis is charming in the summer and winter alike. Designed by Armin Sader, the structure was a sanatorium built by the Austrian Royal Family until World War I. Now, it looks quite different, with a large glass box, modern alpine style, and a state-of-the-art spa.
For San Cassiano, Stay at the Aman Rosa Alpina
Photo credit: Courtesy of Aman
San Cassiano has top-notch dining (including the Michelin-starred St. Hubertus), and skiing for a range of levels (it’s known for its well-marked tracks), particularly those of elevated taste. The cinematic views aren’t bad either.
The Hotel: Set against a 250-million-year-old mountain range, the Aman Rosa Alpina is a recent addition to the skyline. It opened over the summer, though it evolved out of an older hotel, the Rosa Alpina, which was first built in 1939 and run by the Pizzinini family, who remain involved in the new property. While the exterior honors the hotel’s historic style, the interiors are minimal, modern, but retain necessary aprés-ski cozyness. Frequent Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects reimagined the hotel, with the spa being a particular standout of the upgrade thanks to a Finnish sauna, cold plunge, and 65-foot-long infinity pool.
For Champoluc, Stay at the Au Charmant Petit Lac Hotel
Photo credit: REDA – Getty Images
In Champoluc, you can see the Matterhorn on a clear day. The sights extend to the centuries-old town (migrations started in the 12th or 13th century). The skiing isn’t bad either; it’s calm and subdued, taking up the largest of the three valleys in the 114-mile Monterosa skiing region.
The Hotel: Close to the Monterosa Ski area, the Au Charmant is built on the edge of a man-made pond. The design is ecologically focused, with thermal systems that reduce energy use and sustainably-sourced wood. The food is a highlight here, with local cuisine available at Lo Restò Tatà and Lo Bistrot (think cheese-focused pastas and locally-sourced produce, with lots of vegetarian options). End the day rushing down the slopes with a cocktail from La Maison de l’Aperò.
For Cortina d’Ampezzo, Stay at the Ancora Cortina
Photo credit: Courtesy of Ancora Cortina
Come here for glamor. The wealthy, the beautiful, and the best skiers in the world have for a century or so. It also has luxury shopping and an array of excellent dining options. Plus, the area offers a special treat for cross-country skiers, in addition to downhill, with striking views and long, manageable areas for all levels.
The Hotel: Elegant shades of browns, reds, and greens differentiate the bright interiors of the Ancora from other, more minimal, luxury hotels in the region. Originally built in 1826, the property reopened at the end of the summer with an interior redesign by Renzo Rosso (chairman of the OTB group, the owner of Jil Sander, Marni, and Maison Marigela).
For Kronplatz / San Corones, Stay at the Mirabell Dolomites
Photo credit: REDA – Getty Images
Some might even call Kronplatz high-tech, with its speedy lifts, snowmaking, and well-organized and safe spaces for beginners. The peak offers panoramic views and direct links into the Dolomiti Superski system.
The Hotel: High up in the mountains, the Mirabell is as charming in the summer as it is in the winter. With a golf course, hikes that look like they’re on other planets, and bike trails, it’s truly an outdoorsman’s paradise. Inside, enjoy the sauna and a massage in the spa.
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