The Giro d’Italia is drawing to a close, and as tradition dictates, the last stages cross our Alps, putting the athletes to the test. Today, the Belluno-Marmolada stage starts less than 70 km from Cortina d’Ampezzo, home together with Milan of the 2026 Winter Olympics and ambassador for Made in Italy in the world.
The Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina has a timeless allure, catalysing international marketing and attracting tourists from all over the world.
The Cortina Scoiattoli (Squirrels)
Cortina owes its fame not only to the extraordinary beauty of the basin where it lies but also to the legendary skill of the Cortina Scoiattoli, who, together with the Ragni di Lecco (Lecco’s Spiders), represent the oldest and most prestigious mountaineering association (1939) on the international scene. The group was founded by ten young climbers who courageously opened all possible routes in the Dolomites and beyond. And it is certainly no coincidence that Cortina’s historic symbol is a red squirrel, the same colour as the jumper worn by the legendary climbers, one for all Lino Lacedelli, ‘the friend of the people’, who conquered K2 in 1954 during the expedition led by Ardito Desio.
Cortina also gave its name to a car
A curiosity: in 1962, Ford produced the FordCortina, a car dedicated to the capital of the Alps, making no less than three series.
Today, Cortina is also a holding company with a continuously growing value brand, estimated at over 33 billion euros.
Congratulations to those who bring the beauty of Italy to the world!
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