With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching in under 100 days, organizers are working diligently to ensure that all venues in northern Italy are ready for athletes and spectators alike. This event marks the third time Italy will host the winter sports showcase, the first occurrence in western Europe since the Turin Games in 2006.
After a two-decade break from this athletic landmark, previous Winter Olympics have taken place in locations such as Vancouver, Sochi, Pyeongchang, and Beijing. While these venues provided thrilling competitions, some faced criticism for their environmental impacts and often exorbitant costs.
Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister, expressed optimism during a Milan event commemorating the countdown. He highlighted that the estimated cost for the Milan-Cortina Games is around $6.05 billion, a significant reduction compared to previous hosts. This edition is designed to benefit the local areas, aiming to showcase the charm of northern Italy.
Scheduled for February 6-22, the Games will feature events spanning from Milan to the Dolomite Mountains in northeast Italy. Ice sports are set to unfold in Milan, while alpine skiing competition will take place in Bormio and Cortina. Anterselva will host the biathlon, with Nordic skiing scheduled for Val di Fiemme, and Livigno will accommodate snowboarding and freestyle skiing events.
To promote sustainability, organizers have focused on existing venues, with only two of the 13 sites being newly constructed. The Olympic villages in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo were recently completed, while the controversial bobsleigh track in Cortina is preparing for its first international event after extensive debates and planning.
Despite some progress, there are still challenges ahead. The Santa Giulia arena in Milan, designated for ice hockey tournaments, remains under construction. A delay has pushed back its testing, creating concerns as it missed a critical December deadline for the under-20 world championships, which were moved to an alternate venue in Rho.
Giovanni Malago, president of the Milan-Cortina organizing committee, acknowledged the tight timeline and emphasized the necessity of utilizing every minute left. He noted that last-minute adjustments are common for many major events.
SimiCo, the company managing the venue construction and renovations, maintains a positive outlook. CEO Fabio Saldini confirmed that all preparations are on track for an unforgettable Olympic experience.
The unveiling of podium designs was another highlight, with Luciano Buonfiglio of Italy’s Olympic committee expressing hopes for improved performance by Italian athletes. Following 17 medals achieved in Beijing in 2022, Buonfiglio set a target of at least 19 medals for the upcoming Games, aiming for a return to Italy’s pinnacle Winter Olympics achievement of 20 medals, accomplished in Lillehammer in 1994.