To celebrate a Galavante New Years, we head to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the gorgeous ski enclave of the gorgeous Italian elite. Cortina is the destination for those looking to go off the beaten path to a true insider’s destination. It will be rare for you to hear any English spoken, as Cortina is a locale where not even the Brits have invaded. In Cortina, you’ll get the true local experience, and what an experience it is.

I remember the first time I first saw the stunning red rocks of the Dolomiti mountains; I never knew anything so naturally beautiful existed. From that first time, I’ve been hooked. Cortina is unique from any European Alp skiing experience, of which I’ve been fortunate to have many. Full-disclosure; I’m not a hard core skiier so it’s important that any place I ski have additional diversions, while really great ski runs for my husband whose first love is truly skiing. For him, the runs in Faloria are exceptional when the snow Gods grace Cortina with plenty of powder.

We both agree though that Cortina is one of the most unique ski experiences we’ve ever had. Cortina is mainly Italian locals whose family tradition is to spend the New Years in the Dolomites, soaking in the spectacular views, eating exceptional food and shopping up a storm. You can do some major damage shopping the Corso Italia for a day. Le Noir and Della Rovere are two of my favorite places to shop, and I’ve been known to gift linens from Antionol and ornate cut glass champagne flutes and my favorite Lemani candles from La Bottega di Amelie. Cortina is a destination that has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking culture, scenery, challenging skiing, shopping or exceptional food.

I’m proud that we can feature such a beautiful place this New Years. I hope that you have a chance to galavante to Cortina one day, as it is really a lifetime experience.

All the best wishes for a very, very, happy New Year.

Christine Drinan
Galavante Editor-in-Chief