Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy

Have you ever thought about visiting an Olympic host destination after the crowds go home? Cortina d’Ampezzo — the Queen of the Dolomites — has just wrapped the 2026 Winter Games, and honestly, this might be the perfect moment to go.

The Olympics gave Cortina a serious glow-up. Improved road access, new mountain lifts like the Apollonio–Socrepes cable car, and beautifully upgraded sports venues have made getting around easier than ever. But now? The energy has shifted back to relaxed alpine elegance — minus the event frenzy and premium pricing.

What you’ll love most is that you get the best of both worlds: world-class infrastructure with authentic Italian charm. Stroll Corso Italia without road closures, enjoy Michelin-recognized dining at a slower pace, and settle into luxury mountain hotels at far more reasonable rates than during the Games.

And Cortina isn’t just for skiers. Yes, the legendary Olympia and Tofana slopes are open again — but beyond winter, this region transforms into a breathtaking playground of hiking, via ferrata climbs, cycling, and jaw-dropping Dolomite scenery (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Add chic boutiques, panoramic rifugios, wellness spas, and that unmistakable Italian mountain glamour, and you have a destination that feels both active and indulgent.