Cortina, deep in the d’Ampezzo Valley, has always had a stellar reputation for the company it keeps – the Italian crème de la crème – and deservedly so. It may be surrounded by beeping Italian horns, but in the pedestrian zone’s sanctuary, it’s a haven of peace and quiet until late afternoon when its crowded with a bevy of activity: watching the arm-in-arm fur-clad strollers in the finest modo d’Italia and their fashionista followers

But during the day it’s the skiing – and what skiing there is! The Dolomiti Superski pass covers 12 areas, 460 lifts and 730 miles of marked trails! The best Italy has to offer, maybe anywhere. You can ski all alone in Hidden Valley below WWI mountain installations, cruise under majestic frozen waterfalls or circle the backside of the picturesque Cinque Torri. One day, ski the ‘Sella Ronda’ 25 miles racing to catch the last lift home. With such a vast variety of terrain to pick from, it’s truly best to hire a guide for the week if you’re lucky like we were, maybe the truly terrific Charlie Tessari will be your man!