Preparations on track for Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics

With just three months to go until the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, organizers insist preparations are firmly on track for one of the most ambitious Games ever staged.

For the first time, the event will be hosted across two cities - stretching from the cosmopolitan center of Milan to the snow-covered peaks of Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites, more than 400 kilometers apart.

Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Foundation, acknowledged the challenging timeline but is confident of meeting the deadline. "The plans, even if tight, are according to schedule. As soon as we have the venues ready, it will be totally on us, and we'll feel much more comfortable," he said.

Milan will host indoor disciplines including ice hockey, figure skating and speed skating, while Cortina will take centre stage for alpine skiing, bobsleigh, and other mountain events. Despite the logistical challenge of a dual-city Games, organizers say the split design highlights Italy's diverse landscapes and regional strengths.

Sustainability is a key pillar of the 2026 vision. According to Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano-Cortina Foundation, 92 percent of competition venues already exist, minimising environmental impact and keeping emissions within strict CO2 limits.

Among the few new developments is Milan's $160 million Olympic Village, built on the site of a disused railway yard and set to be converted into student housing after the Games. Meanwhile, in Cortina, the historic sliding track from the 1956 Olympics was fully redeveloped.

Chief Strategy and Legacy Officer Diana Bianchedi said the focus is on long-term benefits: "Legacy is something we must create together, with the government, communities and all stakeholders, so that something meaningful remains after the Games."

The Olympic podiums have also been unveiled, described by Brand Identity Director Raffaella Paniè as "a stage where the true emotions of victory come alive."

The next milestone arrives on December 4, when the Olympic flame lands from Greece. Its 12,000-kilometer relay across Italy will culminate in Milan on February 6 for the Opening Ceremony - a moment organizers hope will not only celebrate sport but also stand as a symbol of peace and unity.

"We know it's complicated, but the hope is that maybe on the 6th of February, we will realize our desire - to respect the Olympic truce," said Malagò.