Resort height: 1225m
The mountains
Cortina's 140km of pistes are divided into several separate areas - the two most important of which are Pomedes and Faloria. Getting between them involves riding a shuttle bus, and then jumping onto a cable car. It's a slow process, and anyone who likes the go-go-go style of skiing in France or North America will get very frustrated here. So too snowboarders and off-piste addicts: the Italian Dolomites, in which Cortina is set, have a notoriously dry climate, and rely heavily on snow-cannons. Sometimes, the only snow on the slopes is the man-made stuff.
That said, the less confident kind of intermediates will enjoy the gentle pitch of the slopes, and the lazy, undemanding approach to skiing, which involves lots of stops for coffee in the morning, and drinks in the afternoon. . The mountain restaurants above town are superb too - but be sure to book a table in advance.
Finally, for first time skiers, there's a highly rated area of beginner runs in the Socrepes sector.
Getting there
Trevis airport is about 90 minutes away. Venice airport is a two-hour drive on a good run - but longer at weekends.
Rating: 
7/10
Après-ski
The party scene in Cortina has a very Italian flavour: quieter than the likes of St Anton or Verbier, and much more concerned with looking good than letting your hair down! You might want to change into your glad rags before you sample it. Start by joining the people-parade on the Piazza Venezia, and then migrate to the Enoteca wine bar. The most high-falutin' place for dinner is the Michelin-starred Tivoli restaurant, although rustic Toula, set in an old barn, is almost as good.
Rating: 
8/10
Non-skiers
Non-skiers will be in good company. Many people come to Cortina simply to relax in a beautiful mountain environment rather than to ski. They like to shop too: popping into the fashion boutiques that line the Corso Italia. Anyone in search of more active pursuits will find a bobsleigh track, a curling centre, a large public pool and gym, and - when there's snow - good cross-country skiing too.
Rating: 7/10
Cost of living
It's one of Italy's ritziest resorts, but the international market has ignored Cortina in recent years, and so it hasn't seen the vertiginous hike in prices endured by the likes of Courchevel, Val d'Isere and Verbier. The very best food and wine is much cheaper here as a result - especially if you drink Italian "champagne" rather than the French stuff.
Rating: 
9/10
Attractiveness of the resort
Cortina is a sprawling town, marked by over a hundred years of mountain tourism - so don't expect to find a huddle of simple, rustic chalets. That said, the glittering boutiques, elegant bars and beautiful people make it an attractive spot - and one with a different character from most ski resorts. The mountain scenery is superb and, thanks to a system of roads and cable cars, can be enjoyed by skiers and non-skiers alike.
