Cortina boasts 400 km of signposted trails

Around the Cortina Skiworld ski areas – which encompass the ski resorts of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Auronzo-Misurina and San Vito di Cadore – there is a network of scenic and less-travelled trails, offering an authentic and contemplative way to experience the Dolomites, immersed in the magic of the autumn colours, which are attracting ever more people in search of natural phenomena capable of creating unique experiences; for this very reason, it has become a genuine motivation for choosing this trip. Cortina is one of the most popular destinations for trekking enthusiasts. With over 400 km of signposted trails, the Queen of the Dolomites offers endless hiking opportunities to suit everyone: from gentle family walks to more challenging treks for experienced hikers.The trails are well-maintained and clearly signposted, and are often dotted with mountain huts and refuges where you can rest and savour the flavours of the Dolomites. As well as trekking, Cortina is also famous for its via ferrata routes, which offer a more adrenaline-fuelled way to experience the mountains, with secured routes that can be followed in complete safety, even when accompanied by Alpine Guides. It is precisely the weeks from mid-October to early November that offer the most beautiful colours. Autumnal foliage lines many of the routes that wind through the Ampezzo valley. You can stroll amongst the larch trees of Larieto, reach the tranquil waters of Lake Pianozes, or venture towards Ra Stua, through woods, meadows and sweeping mountain views. One of the most iconic autumn scenes is Lake Federa, at the foot of Croda da Lago. On windless days, the peaks and the colours of the woodland are reflected in the water, creating a landscape of almost ethereal beauty. The Giau Pass and the Cinque Torri area also offer spectacular views. Here, the warm hues of the vegetation meet the imposing rock formations, creating ever-changing panoramas. And you don’t necessarily need to go on long hikes to be captivated by autumn. Sometimes, a simple stroll around Cortina is enough to listen to the silence of the woods, breathe in the scent of the earth and watch the light filter through the golden branches. In the Lagazuoi area, the cable car that runs from Passo Falzarego up to the Lagazuoi Mountain Hut at 2,732 metres (open until 18 October) also provides access to trails that are less well-trodden than the classic routes around the First World War tunnels. Among these, one of the most interesting is the CAI 20 trail, which starts from the cable car’s top station and heads towards Forcella Salares, crossing the high-altitude terrain of the Lagazuoi-Fanes massif. After an initial panoramic stretch beneath the faces of Lagazuoi Grande, the route continues along wide traverses through Dolomite scree slopes overlooking the Conturines, the upper Val Badia and the mountains of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. Before planning a hike, it is always advisable to check the lift opening timetable on the Cortina Skiworld website (www.skipasscortina.com).