A Magic Winter on Ice

Cortina February 22, 2026

Locality: Rifugio Lago d'Ajal, Cortina d'Ampezzo

Throughout the winter, a natural ice skating rink is available for free directly on the frozen surface of Lake Ajal.

Access: open every day (except on snowy days, after which 3 days are needed for restoration);
Equipment: Skates are not provided on-site; you need to bring your own.

Ice skating on the frozen lake is a unique experience in a truly magical place. Under the guidance of the young manager Alberto Alverà, the Lago d'Ajal refuge — recently renovated — combines a passion for the mountains with excellent cuisine:

Gastronomy: traditional dishes prepared with zero km ingredients. Open for lunch and dinner; bar service always available for quick snacks.
Accommodation: for an exclusive experience, there are 2 suites with lake view.

Attention: the day of weekly closure of the refuge during the winter season is wednesday.

Logistics and Transportation
The refuge can be reached with a walk of about 40 minutes (on foot, with snowshoes, crampons, or ski mountaineering). Alternatively, a snowmobile service is active:

The service is active from Thursday to Sunday, excluding public holidays;
Cost: 20 € (round trip);
Evening schedules: departures at 19:00/19:30–20:00; returns by 23:00;
Reservations: it is necessary to book dinner and the snowmobile by contacting the number 376 0474338