It’s a find that is about to get rarer. As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy near, demand for housing from apartments to luxury villas in and around the Dolomites resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo has exploded. This makes landing a fully renovated ski-in, ski-out chalet with 1,200 square meters (nearly 11,000 square feet) of living space an almost impossible task. A villa built in 1939 and updated in 2008 has now, however, come on the market for €20 million or about US $21.7 million. “It was the first in the valley and considered the highest in altitude for a long time, says listing agent Pascal Brülhart of Building Heritage. The distinction is reflected in the name: Villa Altissima. Set in a prime location overlooking the valley, the five-floor dwelling features parquet floors, marble-covered bathrooms, wooden walls and high-end furnishings. The living room opens to a terrace for even better views of the mountain peaks. A look-through designer fireplace separates the dining room from the living room. Stainless-steel appliances, wood cabinetry and black surfaces complement one another in the sleek kitchen. There are five family or guest bedrooms, plus staff accommodations. The converted attic is a beam-topped ensuite loft with a stand-alone soaking tub and bioethanol fireplace for a total of seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms throughout. Other living spaces include a sauna and billiard room. “There are few houses in Cortina that can compare to Villa Altissima in size and location,” Brülhart says. Surrounded by forest, it is a few meters from ski slopes and within walking distance of Lake Ghedina. Stores and high-end restaurants are nearby. “In this area, however, there is nothing comparable.” Also distinguishing the villa in the Cortina market is its move-in ready condition. “There are not an abundance of renovated, high-end properties for sale,” he says. Instead, more are in need of renovation. Villa Altissima has appeal as an investment and can be rented out as a private villa for use year-round. Area titleholders of villas of this caliber, Brülhart says, include entrepreneurs, owners of soccer teams and politicians. While most local homeowners are Italians, Brülhart sees change ahead. “Significant investment in the resort’s roads and infrastructure in the run-up to 2026 is expected to attract more international investors to the resort.”