The term ‘malga’ refers to the building in which, traditionally, shepherds and cattlemen of the Alps used to live during the summer period, when they took cows, sheep and other animals out to graze.
There are many Ampezzo alpine huts that still fulfil their traditional role, surrounded by grazing animals and at the same time have become refreshment points for hikers and other guests.
They are the perfect place to experience first-hand the close link between tradition, territory and gastronomy, from whose union the typical Ampezzo cuisine is born. Here you can enjoy traditional recipes prepared using local and home-grown ingredients.
The alpine hut is an ideal refreshment point during an excursion, to recharge your batteries with a well-deserved snack or perhaps a flavoured grappa on a sunny terrace surrounded by breathtaking views. It is also a suitable place for a trip, especially with children, to play in nature and get to know the animals.
Autumn is not only a spectacular season, it is also the time when Cortina returns to a more traditional daily life. Cows, donkeys, horses and sheep return to the valley after a summer spent grazing in the alpine pastures.
Desmonteà is a traditional public holiday: in the past, it was considered an important time of year, marking the end of the hot season and the arrival of herds, shepherds and cattle in town.
In Cortina, transhumance is still celebrated around mid-October: on Desmonteà day, the centre of Cortina is populated with cows, donkeys, sheep and other animals, which parade dressed up together with their shepherds to the admiration of young and old alike.
Local farmers display their products at various stands, children can snack on local foods, and everyone is invited to taste the tradition.
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Cortina Marketing is the Official Tourism Board for promotion, communication and territorial marketing of the Queen of the Dolomites. It is part of the Società Servizi Ampezzo Unipersonale Srl, a subsidiary of the Municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
