The First Cortina, by The Pavilions
The First Cortina – Where Winter Is More Than A Season
There is a particular kind of winter that belongs to Cortina d’Ampezzo. It begins with the first light catching the pale limestone peaks of the Dolomites and ends, hours later, with the jagged silhouettes dissolving into the dusk. Between the two, there is skiing, certainly, but there are also centuries of history hidden in the mountains, long lunches at high altitude, snowshoe trails through silent forests and the peculiar pleasure of finding oneself beneath an enormous winter sky. This is Cortina at its most captivating; not simply a ski resort, but an Alpine town with an unusually sophisticated sense of place.
Long celebrated for Italian style and jet-set glamour, Cortina d’Ampezzo is entering a new chapter in its storied history. The return of the Winter Olympics to the Dolomites with Milano Cortina 2026, has brought renewed attention to its sporting heritage and global profile. Yet beyond the slopes, and the familiar rituals of après-ski, a growing appetite for more immersive travel is encouraging visitors to discover another side of the mountains, from boutique shopping and leisurely aperitifs to scenic walks and the magical atmosphere of winter. This subtle yet significant shift, is not only reshaping the way Cortina welcomes the world but also redefining what it means to stay here.
It is within this evolving landscape that The First Cortina by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, will make its debut, opening in early December 2026. Positioned directly on Corso Italia, Cortina’s elegant main thoroughfare, The First Cortina reflects the destination’s distinctive balance of Alpine authenticity and international sophistication, where the surrounding landscape is an integral part of the stay. With a focus on privacy and attentive service designed for guests seeking to experience the Dolomites at its best, the hotel provides a perfect base from which to move between the stylish elegance of Cortina and the raw drama of the mountains.
The hotel's 76 rooms and suites are designed around the spectacular views. Each has a private balcony overlooking the UNESCO-protected peaks, while the Enrosadira Penthouse, named for the fleeting natural phenomenon that turns the mountains rose-pink at sunset, occupies the hotel's uppermost floor. Elsewhere the Wellness Suite Terrace View opens onto a secluded mountain-facing terrace, while the Jacuzzi Suite View Balcony brings the landscape into focus from an in-room Jacuzzi positioned for a front-row seat to the Dolomites. Family Suites cater to guests travelling together, without compromising on space or comfort.
On the ground floor, Velo, the hotel’s signature restaurant, celebrates local cuisine, complemented by a selection of typical Italian dishes. Sweeping mountain views set the scene for breakfast, while artisanal pastries and chocolates crafted in-house introduce a more indulgent note throughout the day. Afternoon tea provides a natural pause between the adventures of the mountains and the social life of the resort. Light-filled and relaxed, Velo is designed as a place to linger rather than simply dine, offering a welcoming counterpoint to Cortina’s vibrant energy.
For a different mood, Zuma brings its internationally acclaimed interpretation of contemporary Japanese cuisine to the Dolomites. The experience evolves as the evening progresses, moving from aperitifs and dinner to live music and DJ sets around its centrepiece bar table. Together the two venues define contemporary Cortina; rooted in Italian culture, yet comfortably at home on the international stage.
Wellbeing unfolds across two floors at REVĪVŌ Spa, where a panoramic pool extends towards the outdoors through sliding glass doors. Treatment rooms, a sauna and a traditional Hamman offer a place to switch off and unwind after a day in the mountain air. For days spent skiing and exploring the mountains, a dedicated Ski Room provides equipment storage and access to specialist services. Guests can arrange certified ski and alpine guides, professional instructors, and equipment rentals for activities ranging from winter skiing and snowboarding to summer hiking and trekking.
With an enviable position on Corso Italia, where historic buildings, high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries and lively cafés evoke the elegance of a classic European passeggiata rather than a conventional ski village, The First Cortina is set to become a dynamic new social landmark in the Dolomites. A place where Alpine authenticity seamlessly merges with understated glamour, and the après-ski culture is defined by fine cashmere, leather boots, evening aperitivi, and the timeless art of being seen.
Cortina's enduring appeal lies in its contrasts. It is at once a place of international glamour and deep local traditions, of exhilarating mountain days and unhurried evenings. Its greatest pleasure is the freedom to move between these worlds without having to choose between them.
In an era when travel can feel increasingly hurried, the Dolomites offer something more enduring; the space to slow down and rediscover the pleasures of being somewhere extraordinary. The particular magic of winter in Cortina is that it is not simply a place to ski, but a place to inhabit, explore and remember, and with the arrival of The First Cortina, a new way to experience it.