There is a precise place, nestled among the Dolomite rocks, where in a few days the whole world will hold its breath. We are not talking about Cortina in general, but about a specific white strip, feared and loved: the Olympia delle Tofane slope.
In this January 2026, the air is electric. As athletes study their lines and the snow is groomed to perfection, we take you to discover why this is not just a simple descent, but a natural monument connecting the power of the mountains to the timeless elegance of the Veneto region.
History of the Olympia delle Tofane: From 1956 to 2026
To understand the importance of this slope, we must step back in time. The Olympia delle Tofane is not just any slope: it is a sacred temple of skiing. Exactly 70 years ago, the first Italian Olympics were held here, the 1956 Games that consecrated the legend of Toni Sailer. Today, in 2026, the Olympic Rings return to shine on these snows.
Skiing here (or even just observing it from below) means touching history. It is not just sport: it is culture, tradition, and Cortina’s return to the center of the world stage.
The Schuss of the Olympia delle Tofane: The Embrace of the Rocks
Every slope has its key passage, but the Olympia delle Tofane possesses a feature unique in the world: the famous Schuss. Imagine two huge towers of vertical rock squeezing the slope like a narrow, menacing gate. Skiers must launch themselves through there, at over 100 km/h, passing from the dark shadow of the rock to blinding sunlight in a split second.
It is a moment of pure adrenaline. Seen live, the sound of skis carving the ice echoes between the walls like thunder. It is here, in this natural funnel, that the gold medals and destinies of Cortina 2026 will be decided.
The Rumerlo Finish Area: Where the Party Explodes
If at the top there is the silence of concentration, at the bottom there is the roar of the party. The slope ends in the Rumerlo area, which during the races transforms into an open-air living room. This is where you see the “Venetian” soul of Cortina. Amidst ringing cowbells and flags from all over the world, the audience enjoys the show with a glass of Prosecco or a bombardino in hand. It is not just cheering: it is a social event where the elegance of the spectators rivals that of the mountains.
Sunset on the Olympia delle Tofane: The Enrosadira
There is a reason why Venice and the Dolomites are sisters: both play with light masterfully. If in Venice the water reflects the palaces, here the Dolomite rock reflects the sunset right above the Olympia delle Tofane. Around 5:00 PM in January, the phenomenon of Enrosadira happens. The pale walls of the Tofana di Mezzo suddenly turn bright pink, then purple, and finally dark blue.
It is a free spectacle that leaves you speechless. It is the moment when the fierceness of competition gives way to the silence of nature, a mystical silence that recalls that of the Venetian alleys wrapped in winter fog.
The Taste of the Mountains: A Must-Stop
You don’t need to be an Olympic champion to enjoy the Tofana. The historic refuges along the slope, such as Duca d’Aosta or Pomedes, are privileged terraces suspended in the void. Here, while sports history is being written below, the history of taste is celebrated above. Do not leave without tasting Casunziei all’ampezzana (red half-moon ravioli, filled with beetroot and seasoned with melted butter and poppy seeds) or a slice of hot strudel. It is the “third half” of skiing, as essential as the race itself.
Discover the Authenticity of Veneto
Do you want to know the secret addresses for artisanal shopping or find out which pastry shops make the best frittelle? Also, do you want to know which art exhibitions are on this month? Read our articles to start the year with style and organize the perfect trip.
Finally, for your first trip of 2026, choose the comfort and warmth of ATVO buses. We connect Marco Polo and Treviso Canova airports directly to Venice Piazzale Roma and offer fast connections to the Dolomites and Cortina Express. Travel stress-free, with on-board Wi-Fi, and arrive rested, ready to enjoy the spectacle of the Olympics.
