Cortina and the Birth of Dolomiti Superski
After opening our third office in Cortina, we immersed ourselves in the remarkable reality of this area, uncovering the stories, history, and traditions of a place like no other. One of the most fascinating narratives is the birth of Dolomiti Superski, a project that revolutionized mountain life, transforming the Dolomites into a world-renowned skiing paradise. If you are passionate about tales of determination, perseverance, and vision, we are sure you will appreciate this story.
The Origin of a Revolution
Nestled in the heart of Europe, between the sharp peaks of the Alps, the Dolomites have always captivated visitors. However, it was the visionary intervention of Erich Kostner that changed the destiny of these mountains after World War II. Returning to Corvara in 1945, having narrowly escaped death on the battlefields of France, Kostner found a land scarred by conflict, with declining communities and an uncertain future.
Instead of succumbing to depopulation, he saw an opportunity: to transform the Dolomites into a tourist attraction. With limited resources but great ingenuity, he used war debris to build Italy’s first chairlift. It was the beginning of something extraordinary, a first step towards creating an unprecedented ski area.
The Partnership that Changed the Game
Kostner’s vision found a partner in Gianni Marzola, a Milanese who had fallen in love with the Dolomites during his military service. Leaving urban life behind, Marzola purchased a mountain lodge and soon crossed paths with Kostner. Together, they realized that their shared passion could be the key to an even more ambitious project.
Their dream was bold: to create a single ski pass for all the lifts in the valleys surrounding the Sella Group. This would not only facilitate access to winter sports but also help forge a united mountain community, preserving local traditions and promoting sustainable tourism.
The Birth of Dolomiti Superski
In 1974, this dream became a reality. In a notary’s office in Brunico, representatives from six valleys signed an agreement that gave birth to Dolomiti Superski. This pioneering project offered access to 740 kilometers of slopes and 450 lifts with a single ski pass, uniting various regions under a shared tourism and sports vision.
Beyond Snow: A Sustainable Future
Today, Dolomiti Superski is not just a symbol of Italian excellence but also an example of how tourism can drive sustainable development. As environmental challenges and visitor preferences evolve, the ski area continues to innovate, replacing old lifts with more advanced solutions and promoting practices that respect the mountain environment.
Erich Kostner often said that no matter how steep the climb, there is always a way. Dolomiti Superski stands as living proof that determination and vision can not only conquer mountains but also create new horizons of possibility.
An Invitation to Discover
The Dolomites are a place where every descent and every trail tells a story. At Corcoran, we are here to ensure that every story is valued, every home finds its narrator, and every visitor feels a special sense of belonging.