A COZY Dolomites Ski Escape
As the Dolomites prepare to welcome the world for the 2026 Winter Olympics, this iconic mountain region is entering a new chapter. Infrastructure is evolving, global attention is growing, yet the soul of the Dolomites remains unchanged. Ski days still unfold slowly, lunches still stretch long, and aperitivo still signals the perfect pause.
We sat down with Aanchal Gandhi to reflect on her recent journey through Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, and Val Gardena. Her experience offers a clear view of why the Dolomites feel distinct, not just as a ski destination, but as a place where mountain life is meant to be enjoyed.
COZY: What immediately sets skiing in the Dolomites apart?
Aanchal: The rhythm. Skiing here is not rushed. The runs are long and scenic, and they naturally guide you into villages and mountain restaurants. Lunch is part of the experience, not a break between laps. You sit down, order pasta, open a bottle of wine, and let the afternoon unfold.
Après ski follows that same logic. Aperitivo replaces the party scene. It’s social, relaxed, and deeply rooted in daily life. Skiing in the Dolomites doesn’t end when you leave the slopes, it simply shifts pace.
From a practical standpoint, the region is part of Dolomiti Superski, offering more than 1,200 kilometers of interconnected terrain across 12 ski areas, all accessible with a single lift pass. Despite its scale, everything feels intuitive. Lifts are efficient, villages are close, and moving between areas is seamless.
COZY: You started the trip in Cortina d’Ampezzo. How would you describe it?
Aanchal: Cortina has an understated elegance. It doesn’t try to impress, it simply is. The town is walkable and refined, with historic hotels, cafés, and boutiques lining the promenade. You see locals and visitors moving slowly through the day, espresso in the morning, skiing midday, aperitivo in the evening.
With the Olympics approaching, there’s a noticeable energy, but it feels additive rather than disruptive. Cortina has hosted major alpine events before, so this moment feels like a continuation of its story, not a reinvention.
COZY: How did wellness and recovery fit into the journey?
Aanchal: Wellness was essential, especially after full ski days. Staying at Aman Rosa Alpina made recovery feel intentional. The spa is designed with alpine conditions in mind, hydrotherapy pools, saunas, and treatments focused on muscle recovery and circulation.
Moving between cold mountain air and warm water resets your body. It complements skiing rather than competing with it, which makes a big difference over multiple days.
COZY: What experiences stood out beyond skiing?
Aanchal: Snowshoe hiking was a highlight. It’s quiet and immersive, and it lets you experience the mountains away from the lifts. Ice climbing is available for travelers looking for something more technical.
Helicopter sightseeing also stood out. Seeing the Dolomites from above puts their scale into perspective. The peaks, valleys, and plateaus make much more sense once you see how they connect.
COZY: After Cortina, you moved to Val Gardena. How did the experience change?
Aanchal: Val Gardena feels like the heart of the Dolomites. The scenery is dramatic, and the villages are deeply connected to the ski network. We stayed at Chalet S, which aligned perfectly with the COZY approach. It’s boutique and warm, with thoughtful service and spaces designed for unwinding after the slopes. Wellness facilities, quiet corners, and mountain views make it easy to slow down at the end of the day.
COZY: Après ski seems central to the Dolomites. Where did that come alive?
Aanchal: Après ski here is seamless. You ski straight into it. One standout was Rifugio Comici, set beneath Sassolungo. It’s social but relaxed. You arrive on skis, order a drink, maybe stay for lunch. The food is refined but honest, and the atmosphere encourages conversation rather than rushing back onto the slopes. These pauses are what make the Dolomites memorable.
COZY: Any details future travelers should pay attention to?
Aanchal: Food is a major part of the experience. Handmade pasta, regional cheeses, and mountain cuisine are treated with care. Tiramisu deserves special attention here. It’s a point of pride, layered properly, and never rushed. Local wines also stand out. Varietals like Lagrein and Pinot Grigio pair beautifully with Alpine dishes. Sitting with a glass of wine, mountains in front of you, that’s a very Dolomites moment.
COZY: Why does this destination align so naturally with COZY?
Aanchal: Because it works across seasons and travel styles. Winter brings skiing and snow-based adventures. Summer opens hiking, biking, and alpine trails. At the same time, the culinary and wellness culture appeals to travelers who enjoy slowing down. It’s a place where activity, rest, and enjoyment coexist naturally. That balance is central to how we think about travel at COZY.
The Dolomites reward travelers who value pacing as much as place. Between wide-open slopes, restorative wellness, and long aperitivo stops, the experience feels thoughtful, grounded, and complete.
Planning a ski escape to the Dolomites?
Our team can help shape the right route, resorts, and rhythm for your trip. Reach out to COZY to start planning.
Ciao and we’ll see you in the mountains.
Stay COZY.
