Val di Fassa, Madonna di Campiglio, Courmayeur, and Livigno are some of the most iconic luxury mountain destinations in Italy. However, none can compare to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Over 40% of the tourist demand is concentrated in this stunning town in the province of Belluno, which this year has even surpassed the prestigious Courmayeur in popularity.
€16,000 per square meter for a property in Cortina
Prices in Cortina are staggering, but this does not deter the super-wealthy, who are willing to spend even more for their vacations in the Pearl of the Dolomites. The real estate platform LuxuryEstate.com analyzed rental and sale requests in Italy’s most renowned mountain locations—seven in total—and confirmed that Cortina d’Ampezzo dominates the rankings.
What makes Cortina even more exclusive is its role as host city for the XXV edition of the Winter Olympics, set to take place from February 6 to 26, 2026. The joint Milan-Cortina bid made history by defeating rival Stockholm-Åre with a score of 47 votes to 34 from the International Olympic Committee.
In second place is Courmayeur, capturing 26.5% of overall demand. Despite its popularity, property prices in Courmayeur are much more accessible than in Cortina: as of 2024, the average price hovers around €10,000 per square meter, marking a 4% drop compared to the previous year.
Badia secures the third spot, with 11% of the demand. Here, prices reach up to €12,000 per square meter, cementing its position as one of the most luxurious destinations.
In fourth place is Madonna di Campiglio, attracting 10% of the requests, with an average cost of €10,000 per square meter.
Rounding out the top five is Sestriere, the highest town in Italy (2,035 meters above sea level), which accounts for 4% of the demand. It is followed by Cervinia with 3.5% and Bormio, which ranks last with 2% of the total demand. Nonetheless, Bormio remains an exclusive location, with prices standing at approximately €6,000 per square meter.
The most sought-after property types
But what are the most desired features for luxury mountain properties? Paolo Giabardo, CEO of LuxuryEstate.com, explains:
“Properties in mountain locations often serve as second homes for family vacations, especially during the ski season. For this reason, clients look for spacious environments suitable for hosting family and friends, favoring independent solutions that offer greater privacy compared to an apartment.”
It’s no surprise, then, that villas and standalone houses top the list of preferences. This trend is particularly evident in Madonna di Campiglio, where 88% of requests focus on independent properties, followed by Sestriere with 74% and Courmayeur with 67%.
Cortina d’Ampezzo continues to represent the pinnacle of luxury in the mountains, combining breathtaking landscapes, international events, and a growing demand for exclusive properties. With the Winter Olympics on the horizon, the “Pearl of the Dolomites” not only strengthens its status as the top winter destination but also solidifies its role as a global ambassador for Italian luxury.
You may also be interested in:
