Explore the charm of the Olympic Ice Stadium

What is the Olympic Ice Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo and why is it so famous?

The Olympic Ice Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the most iconic places in the Dolomites. It is the most important sports facility built for the 1956 Winter Olympics, a historic event that brought Cortina into the international spotlight. Originally outdoors, the stadium has been completely renovated and today is a modern, covered structure accessible year-round.

It was here that the Official Opening Ceremony of the '56 Olympics took place, along with many Olympic events, particularly ice hockey and figure skating competitions. During those days, the Olympic flame shone throughout the duration of the games inside the stadium.

Today, the Olympic Stadium is not only a historic site but also a vibrant sports center frequented by residents and tourists. It hosts training sessions, competitions, recreational activities, and shows, becoming a landmark for those who love ice and winter sports.

What sports activities can be practiced at the Olympic Ice Stadium?

The Olympic Stadium offers a standard rink of 30 x 60 meters, refrigerated and usable year-round. Here you can practice:

Public ice skating, an ideal activity for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Ice hockey, with Serie A championships and local youth sectors.

Figure skating, with dedicated courses and training sessions.

Short track, a speed discipline on ice.

Curling and broomball, sports practiced in organized events and sessions.

Outside, in the area behind the stadium, there is also a space dedicated to skateboarders, very popular during the summer season.

The facility also offers a solarium, a relaxing area much loved on sunny days, and a playground for children, making the complex perfect for families as well.

How much does it cost to skate at the Olympic Ice Stadium?

(Updated rates)

The rates for public skating are simple and suitable for everyone:

Skating with rental skates (per session): €10.00

Skating with reduced rental: €9.00

Skating with own skates (per session): €6.00

Skating with own skates reduced: €5.00

In addition to the entrance fees, the stadium offers various additional services:

Skating instructors, ideal for beginners and children.

Bar service, for a break after the activity.

Solarium terrace, perfect on sunny days.

Birthday parties, with dedicated spaces.

It is recommended to bring a personal bag to store items during the activity, using lockers or changing rooms available on-site.

What is the history of the Olympic Stadium and what important events did it host during the 1956 Olympics?

The history of the Olympic Stadium is linked to one of the most prestigious moments for Cortina. Construction began in 1952, and the official inauguration took place on October 26, 1955. A few months later, the facility became the protagonist of the VII Winter Olympics.

The stadium hosted:

The Official Opening Ceremony of the Games.

The Olympic ice hockey competitions.

The figure skating competitions (men's, women's, and pairs).

The most famous winners of the Olympic events were:

Ice hockey: U.S.S.R.

Women's figure skating: Tenley Albright (USA)

Men's figure skating: Hayes Jenkins (USA)

Pairs figure skating: Schwarz E. – Oppelt K. (AUT)

After the Olympic years, the stadium continued to be a nerve center of Ampezzo sports. Recent renovations have transformed it into a modern, covered facility suitable for sports activities, events, and shows.

How to get to the Olympic Ice Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo?

Reaching the stadium is simple and convenient. The facility is located just a few minutes' walk from the town center.

On foot:

From the end of Corso Italia, heading north.

Take via del Castello and proceed for about 500 meters.

The path is flat and suitable for families.

By bus:

During the winter season, the stadium is served by urban lines that stop nearby.

By car:

Enter in the navigator: Via A. Bonacossa, 1 – Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Parking is available in the surrounding areas.

Thanks to its central location, the stadium is easily accessible even for those staying in hotels along the center or near the bus station.

The stadium is open both in winter and summer and offers a wide range of services designed for athletes, families, schools, and groups.

Visiting the Olympic Ice Stadium means entering a historic place, experiencing sports up close, and discovering one of the most representative symbols of the 1956 Olympics.