The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
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Cortina d’Ampezzo is a ski town nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy.
Long a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, Cortina has also built a reputation as a chic winter retreat, attracting fashionable visitors from Milan, Munich, and Vienna who enjoy shopping during their ski breaks.
The town has a luxurious ambiance created from its mix of world-class restaurants, luxury goods boutiques, and sophisticated spas.
WHETHER YOU’RE SEARCHING FOR HIGH-END DESIGNER PIECES, CUTTING-EDGE PERFORMANCE SPORTSWEAR, OR CHARMING LOCAL SOUVENIRS, YOU’LL LIKELY FIND IT AMONG CORTINA’S EXCEPTIONAL SHOPPING OPTIONS.
Shopping in Cortina is as unforgettable as its breathtaking mountain backdrop, and here’s the inside scoop on the best shops and purveyors to visit during your time there.
The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Luxury Shopping in Cortina d'Ampezzo
THE CORSO ITALIA IS AN ELEGANT PROMENADE THAT WINDS THROUGH THE CENTER OF CORTINA D’AMPEZZO.
Along the way, this pedestrian street is dotted with international luxury boutiques and local designer shops.
The Corso Italia in Cortina d’Ampezzo is lines with boutiques and cafés.
French luxury goods houses Louis Vuitton and Dior both have seasonal boutiques in Cortina.
If you’re unfamiliar with seasonal boutiques, they’re more intimate retail locations that enable the kind of big-city shopping that’s hard to find close next to the slopes.
WHILE THE COLLECTIONS IN SEASONAL BOUTIQUES OFTEN INCLUDE ICONIC PIECES FROM THE BRAND, THEY ALSO OFFER SPECIAL ASSORTMENTS FROM CRUISE AND RESORT COLLECTIONS.
This is what makes shopping at a seasonal boutique of a luxury brand so exciting - the chance to find special pieces that are rarely available in other boutiques.
In addition to the special collections available at Louis Vuitton and Dior in Cortina, these boutiques also feature beautifully intricate window designs, adding a cinematic effect that even window shoppers can appreciate.
But don’t just visit these international luxury boutiques — visitors to Cortina shouldn’t miss Franz Kraler, a local luxury boutique offering a curated selection of upscale pieces from a wider array of luxury brands.
Their assortment includes brands like Balenciaga, Chloe, Max Mara, and Miu Miu, and their staff is astute at helping shoppers find the perfect pieces.
Another local boutique that is worth a visit is Le Guerresco.
They specialize in high-end, impeccably tailored pieces that exude Italian craftsmanship, while also serving as the local distributor for contemporary brands like UGG and Jeffrey Campbell.
Performance Sportswear in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Shopping for performance sportswear in Cortina d’Ampezzo is a no-brainer given its natural landscape and popularity with hikers, skiers, and winter sports enthusiasts.
PATAGONIA OFFERS TECHNICAL GEAR DESIGNED FOR HARSH MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS.
Their PowSlayer collection is full of great lightweight, waterproof jackets and bibs, perfect for those who enjoy backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
Patagonia also makes a good collection of moisture-wicking base layers, the Capilene collection, and their Nano Puff or Micro Puff jackets work really well as mid-layers or even as outerwear for mild conditions.
Another popular sportswear brand is The North Face.
Their Freeride collection is full of stylish and functional apparel for skiers who want to look good both on the slopes and during après ski, and their Himalayan Parka has become ubiquitous at many luxury ski resorts.
A view of Cortina d'Ampezzo at dusk, when the mountains seem to glow pink.
BOGNER IS A GERMAN SPORTSWEAR BRAND THAT IS WILDLY POPULAR THROUGHOUT EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS.
They’re known for their high-fashion, one-piece ski suits, often in bold prints and constructed of technical fabrics, as well as stylish yet functional ski accessories like knitted beanies and faux-fur adorned handbags.
My favorite piece from Bogner, though, are these chic soft-shell ski pants that they’ve been making for decades — the Elaine Stirrup Pant.
If you’re worried about overly bulky ski pants that have you feeling like the Michelin man, Bogner’s stirrup ski pants are the perfect solution: well-insulated and waterproof, with a single pleat down the leg for an added bit of style.
THEY LOOK ESPECIALLY GOOD WHEN PAIRED WITH A PUFFY SKI JACKET, AS THE CONTRASTING PROPORTIONS BALANCE THE OVERALL LOOK.
Cortina also has a Colmar boutique, dedicated to Italian skiwear that blends cutting-edge technology with sleek designs.
They’ve been outfitting professional skiers for decades, and their Freestyle line is full of trendy, performance-focused gear aimed at younger skiers and snowboarders.
If you’re looking for a basic ski jacket that can last you multiple seasons, Colmar is a good place to look, in addition to Bogner.
Most stores in Cortina d’Ampezzo are only open until about six or seven in the evening.
French brand Moncler is also available in Cortina, offering premium down jackets and ski essentials with a touch of luxury.
Their Grenoble collection is dedicated to skiwear and includes insulated jackets and pants in of-the-moment designs.
Those looking for bold, avant-garde ski (or even après ski apparel) should check out the Moncler Genius line, too.
AND FINALLY, I HAVE TO MENTION ITALIAN BRAND FALCONERI, WHICH SPECIALIZES IN ULTRA-SOFT CASHMERE AND MERINO WOOL PIECES.
They are a great place to shop for luxurious and lightweight cashmere sweaters, turtlenecks, and base layers.
Their alpine-inspired knitwear, with ski-themed designs and patterns, are perfect pieces for stylish après ski or for just relaxing after a day on the slopes.
Watches & Jewelry in Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cortina’s watch and jewelry boutiques ensure that shopping in the Dolomites is just as dazzling as the surrounding peaks.
Audemars Piguet, an icon of Swiss watchmaking, offers timepieces known for their precision, innovation, and craftsmanship.
MY PERSONAL FAVORITE IS AP’S ROYAL OAK COLLECTION.
Other Swiss timepieces, by the likes of Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Omega, can be found at Bartorelli Gioiellerie.
They also carry fine jewelry by the likes of Pomellato and Chantecler, along with their own high jewelry creations by Maison Bartorelli.
And Jeweler Luca 1959 Alta Gioielleria specializes in bespoke creations and exquisite gemstones, especially unique creations with diamonds and pearls.
Homewares, Gastronomy, & Gift Shopping in Cortina d’Ampezzo
If you’re looking to buy homewares, fine foods, or gifts while in Cortina, your first stop should be the town’s main department store, La Cooperativa di Cortina.
This classic emporium has several departments, from clothing and accessories to homewares, gourmet foods, and souvenirs.
Coffee mugs and other souvenirs are available at La Cooperativa di Cortina.
LA COOPERATIVA IS KNOWN FOR ITS QUALITY AND VALUE FOR MONEY, AND ITS CENTRAL LOCATION ON THE CORSO ITALIA MAKES IT AN EASY SPOT FOR MOST VISITORS.
For fine food products that capture the flavor of the Dolomites, stop by Rezzadore Alimentari for a selection of gourmet products, fine local ingredients, and unique wines.
And if you’re looking for a few crafty homewares, Ampezzan Fiori & Casa is a florist who also sells home accents and bits of decor.
Conclusion
It may seem odd to buy part of your ski outfit at your destination rather than before your trip, but I think it’s a great practice.
Picking up useful, interesting things while on vacation is great — these objects are the perfect reminder of your time in a place, and the more utility they offer, the better impression they leave.
Whether you’re investing in a Swiss timepiece, adding new pieces to your wardrobe, or picking up local delicacies as souvenirs or gifts, there’s no better way to take home a piece of Cortina.
SHOPPING IN CORTINA D’AMPEZZO IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT PERFECTLY COMPLEMENTS THE TOWN’S REPUTATION FOR LUXURY AND CHIC SURROUNDINGS.
Happy Shopping! 🛍️
xx,
Angela
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