Finding a genuinely thrilling, adrenaline-pumping activity that comes completely free of charge while on holiday is a rare occurrence indeed. Often, so-called complimentary experiences turn out to be rather tokenistic, like a brief zip line on a cruise ship. However, arriving at a remote mountain cabin high in the Italian Dolomites, it becomes immediately apparent that I have stumbled upon the freebie jackpot.
An Icy Welcome to Cortina's Olympic Buzz
The scene is a pristine, wintry white, and my high-octane vehicle for the day awaits: a powerful snowmobile. I am in the famed ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, which, alongside Milan, is co-hosting the upcoming Winter Olympics, set to commence on February 6th. The atmosphere is already electric with pre-Games anticipation.
Uber's Innovative Olympic Offering
The official ride-hailing sponsor for the Cortina Games is Uber. Beyond simply enhancing its standard service across the region, the company is offering visitors an exceptional complimentary experience: a limited-edition, one-hour guided 'Uber Snowmobile' safari. This unique adventure is entirely free, bookable directly through the Uber app, with each snowmobile accommodating two passengers. Prospective drivers should remember to bring valid identification.
Was I eager to give it a try? Absolutely!
The Thrill of the Ride Through Snowy Peaks
Straddling the front seat while my companion rode pillion, we donned helmets, squeezed the accelerator, and embarked. Our group formed a whooping, hollering convoy of eight snowmobiles, winding spectacularly through snow-laden, forested mountain paths.
It must be said that piloting a motorised ski bike through deep, fresh powder is not without its challenges. The vehicle can skid and slide, and navigating sharp bends requires a somewhat disconcerting lean, prompting the occasional nervous squeal! However, grab bars provide stability, and the sheer exhilaration of climbing at speed between thick, white-coated fir trees at an altitude of 7,654 feet (2,333 metres) is undeniable.
An added luxury in the sub-zero temperatures, which dipped to -6 degrees Celsius during my visit, were the wonderfully heated seats—a very welcome bonus.
Cortina's Chic Ambiance and Epic Scenery
The centre of Cortina d'Ampezzo is undeniably chic and luxurious. Its streets are lined with designer boutiques, including Dior and Fendi, while the slopes feature chairlifts by Prada. The mountainous backdrop is nothing short of epic. The UNESCO-listed Dolomites pierce the sky with their pointed, sheer faces, jagged red-rock shelves peeking dramatically through the blanket of snow.
Boutique Stays and Celebrity Encounters
My accommodation was the boutique Hotel Eight Cortina. Its restaurant, terrace, and my own rustic-chic room—complete with wooden floors, walls, and a private balcony—all shared that breathtaking Dolomite panorama. The pre-Olympic buzz even facilitated a memorable evening encounter with a local celebrity: eleven-time World Champion Italian skier, Giorgio Rocco. We shared a glass and enjoyed a meal of grissini and slow-braised beef cheek with polenta.
In a delightful moment, he even allowed me to try on his official 2026 Armani Olympic jacket, a truly gorgeous piece of kit. I jokingly inquired if I could keep it, met with a twinkle in his eye that left the answer charmingly ambiguous.
Exploring the Olympic Venues and Slopes
The next day, immersed in the growing excitement, I sought out the iconic Olympic rings and explored the venues Cortina will host, including Women's Alpine Skiing, Bobsleigh, Skeleton, Luge, and the Curling Stadium. Setting off on skis, I criss-crossed the interconnected domains on cruisy slopes. The Valoria side, overlooked by the famous 'Cinque Torri'—a series of five dramatic rock towers—was particularly stunning.
A Grand Finale in the Mountains
As the Olympic flame made its symbolic journey towards Cortina (with Giorgio Rocco having run a leg from his hometown of Livigno), I enjoyed one final treat: a night of gourmet food and drink at the exclusive Moritzino Club, perched high in the Dolomites. Our transport to this remote venue? A skidoo, naturally—another memorable ride. Yet, the crown jewel of the trip remained the Uber Snowmobile safari, arguably the finest mountain freebie one could ever hope to experience. If you find yourself in Cortina for the Olympics, this is an adventure not to be missed.
Essential Travel Information
Getting There: British Airways offers return flights from London to Venice from approximately £115 per person.
Accommodation: Hotel Eight Cortina offers double rooms from around £450 on a bed and breakfast basis.
The Experience: The complimentary Uber Snowmobile one-hour guided experiences are available on Saturdays and Sundays throughout February. Bookings can be made in advance via the Uber app on a first-come, first-served basis starting from February 4th. Transfers to and from the mountain departure point within Cortina are included.
