The Veneto Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are among the most beautiful mountains on the planet: spires and walls of dolomitic rock that turn pink at sunset (the famous enrosadira), plateaus, woods and valleys dotted with mountain huts. A paradise for all seasons: in winter for skiing on the great circuits of Dolomiti Superski, in summer for trekking, via ferratas and cycling. In the province of Belluno, these mountains offer destinations for every kind of holiday, from glamorous resorts to the most authentic villages.
Choosing where to stay in the Veneto Dolomites means choosing the right base for your trip: lively Cortina, ski-in/ski-out villages like Arabba, the gateways to the great natural landscapes like Auronzo, or the historic valley-floor towns. In this guide we take you through the main resorts, with practical tips and a selection of properties among the most appreciated by travellers.
An important aspect to consider is the season. In winter the priority is proximity to the ski lifts and the great ski circuits; in summer it’s access to the trails, the huts and the mountain lakes that matter. The kind of holiday also makes a difference: those seeking nightlife and services will find Cortina the ideal destination, while those preferring calm, nature and more affordable prices will be happier in villages like Auronzo or in the valley-floor towns.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: the Queen of the Dolomites
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most famous and glamorous resort in the Dolomites, framed by legendary peaks like the Tofane, the Cristallo and the Cinque Torri. A destination both fashionable and sporty, it combines winter skiing with summer trekking, with an elegant pedestrian centre full of boutiques and restaurants. Only a few months ago Cortina hosted the races of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, which left it with upgraded facilities and a new bobsleigh track; today the Queen of the Dolomites is also focusing on cycling and summer tourism.
It’s the ideal choice for those seeking a mix of sport, nature and elegant life, with high-level services. Don’t miss, beyond the slopes, iconic hikes like the Cinque Torri and Lake Sorapis, and in summer the many outdoor activities among trails, climbing and biking. Cortina remains the most prestigious destination in the Dolomites, able to combine the charm of the mountains with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here are two recommended addresses.
Hotel Tofana Cortina
A 5-star property in the Pocol area of Cortina, with a full spa centre, a restaurant and Dolomite views. The right address for those seeking luxury in the mountains, between skiing, nature and the timeless charm of the Queen of the Dolomites.
Hotel Villa Gaia
A welcoming 3-star in Cortina with free parking, alpine-style rooms and a restaurant. The large crowd of satisfied guests confirms warm and reliable hospitality: a convenient, good-value base for experiencing Cortina in every season.
Arabba: the skiing paradise
Arabba is one of the destinations most loved by skiers, at the foot of the Pordoi Pass and a hub of the Sellaronda, the legendary ski circuit around the Sella massif, and of the Dolomiti Superski area. Its slopes, among the most challenging and scenic in the Dolomites, and its access to the Marmolada, the “Queen of the Dolomites” for height, make it a small paradise for those who experience the mountains on skis. In summer it’s a starting point for unforgettable hikes.
Compared to the larger resorts, Arabba preserves the intimate atmosphere of an authentic Ladin mountain village, with a small, human-scale centre. It’s the ideal choice for the keen skier who wants to maximise time on the slopes and for those who love the genuineness of the Dolomite valleys, with the convenience of the lifts within reach. Here are two recommended addresses.
Residence Aspen
An aparthotel in Arabba with direct access to the slopes, alpine-style apartments with mountain views. The ski-in/ski-out formula with the convenience of a kitchen makes it ideal for families and skiers who want the slopes on their doorstep, in full independence.
Chalet Barbara
An alpine chalet in Arabba, at the foot of the Pordoi Pass, with a wellness centre. The warmth of wood, the spa and the strategic position on the Sellaronda make it a perfect base for a snow holiday or among the trails, in the name of comfort and relaxation.
Auronzo di Cadore: the gateway to the Tre Cime
Auronzo di Cadore is the gateway to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most famous symbol of the Dolomites. Set on the shores of its lake, surrounded by woods, it’s a quiet and family-friendly resort, ideal as a base for summer hiking towards the Auronzo Refuge and the most spectacular trails. Less fashionable than Cortina, it offers an authentic atmosphere and more affordable prices, with the chance to combine mountains, lake and nature.
Lake Auronzo, with its little beach and lakeside walks, is perfect for families, while nearby Misurina — with its famous little lake — and the Comelico valleys complete a territory rich in unspoiled nature. In winter, the Cadore ski area offers quiet slopes, ideal for learners or for those seeking a snow holiday without the crowds. Here is a recommended address.
Albergo Miravalle – Tre Cime Views
A welcoming 3-star in Auronzo with Dolomite views, an in-house restaurant and a shuttle. The quiet position and the mountain panoramas make it an ideal base for lovers of trekking and the Tre Cime, with excellent value for money.
Belluno and Feltre: the towns of the Dolomites
Belluno, the provincial capital, is an elegant historic town of Roman origin, with a lovely Renaissance centre overlooking the Dolomites and the Piave. It’s a convenient and lively base for exploring the valleys, combining art and city life with nature. Not far away, Feltre is a medieval jewel enclosed in its walls, with a splendid frescoed citadel. They are ideal destinations for those seeking a stay that combines culture, good food and mountain trips, with more accessible prices than the ski resorts. Here are three recommended addresses.
Corte Varola B&B Zia Marisa
An outstanding B&B in Belluno with a wellness centre, a gym, mountain views and parking. The impeccable welcome and the many services make it a refined and relaxing base for discovering the town and the Dolomite valleys in full comfort, between relaxation and nature.
Casa 1885
A B&B in Belluno with a mountain-view terrace, free parking and WiFi, at the edge of the old town. Well-kept and welcoming, it combines the convenience of the location with the charm of the Dolomites in the background: a pleasant base for exploring town and valleys.
Corte Garibaldi
A welcoming B&B in Feltre with free private parking, a short walk from the medieval citadel. Well-kept and well located, it’s the ideal base for discovering one of the loveliest villages in the Belluno area, between art, frescoed walls and Dolomite nature.
How to choose and how to get around
Every resort in the Veneto Dolomites has its own vocation. Choose Cortina for skiing, nightlife and high-level services; Arabba for the most demanding skiers and the Sellaronda; Auronzo di Cadore for trekking, the Tre Cime and family-friendly calm; Belluno and Feltre to combine art cities and mountains, with more accessible prices. In winter, proximity to the lifts matters; in summer, convenience for the trails and huts.
The Dolomites are reached mainly by car, also useful for moving between the valleys and passes; alternatively, you arrive by train at Calalzo di Cadore or Belluno and continue by bus, while in winter there are shuttles from Venice and the airports. By car, bear in mind the compulsory winter equipment and the pass conditions in the cold season. To plan your travel, see the guide on how to get to Veneto. Book well ahead for the peak weeks of winter and August.
This guide is part of our journey through the region: discover all the areas and destinations in Where to Stay in Veneto.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we’re asked most often about where to stay in Cortina and the Veneto Dolomites.
Which is the best place to stay in the Veneto Dolomites?
It depends on the kind of holiday. Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most glamorous and complete, ideal for skiing, nightlife and high-level services; Arabba is a skiers’ paradise, on the Sellaronda; Auronzo di Cadore is the gateway to the Tre Cime, quiet and family-friendly; Belluno and Feltre combine art cities and mountains, with more accessible prices. There’s no best destination in absolute terms: the choice depends on what you’re after and the season.
Where to stay in the Dolomites for skiing?
For skiing, the best bases are the resorts directly on the slopes: Cortina d’Ampezzo, with its great circuits, and Arabba, a hub of the Sellaronda and the Dolomiti Superski area. It’s best to choose a property near the lifts or with a ski-in/ski-out formula, to have the slopes on your doorstep. Cortina also offers services and nightlife, while Arabba is more oriented to pure skiing, with challenging and scenic slopes.
Did Cortina host the Olympics?
Yes. In winter 2026 Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted some of the races of the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, including women’s alpine skiing and the ice disciplines on the new bobsleigh track. The event left upgraded facilities and improved infrastructure, which skiers and visitors benefit from today. After the Games, the Queen of the Dolomites is also focusing on summer tourism and cycling.
Where to stay to visit the Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
Auronzo di Cadore is the most convenient gateway to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo: from here the toll road climbs to the Auronzo Refuge, the starting point of the famous Tre Cime loop. It’s a quiet and family-friendly base, with a lovely lake and affordable prices. Alternatively, Cortina and Misurina are also excellent bases for reaching the Tre Cime on a day trip.
Can you visit the Veneto Dolomites in summer too?
Absolutely yes. In summer the Dolomites offer trekking for all levels, via ferratas, mountain huts, cycling and mountain biking, and breathtaking views with cool weather. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the Sellaronda by bike and the trails around Cortina and Arabba are among the most loved destinations. Many resorts, less crowded and cheaper than in winter, are at their best precisely in the summer season, ideal for nature lovers.
