With the 2026 Winter Olympics scheduled to start on February 6, 2026, organizers of the Milano-Cortina Games say they are on track to achieve their goals of accessibility, inclusion and sustainability. 

Across northern Italy, venues new and old have been adapted or rebuilt under the Games' guiding principle of 'Design for All,' aiming to ensure spectators, athletes and staff of all abilities can fully participate in the Olympic experience.

One example is the Rho Ice Rink at Fiera Milano, where a former exhibition pavilion has been transformed into a temporary, world-class competition venue. 

Accessibility and sustainability

Andrea Francisi, Chief Games Operations Officer at the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, told CGTN that accessibility has been a priority from the outset. 

"Accessibility is one of the most important elements of our project," said Francisi.

Event organizers say that approach extends to every aspect of venue design. 

Speaking to CGTN, Alessio Miceli, Event General Manager of the Milan Ice Park, said all facilities had been constructed with inclusive access in mind. 

"All the pavilions are accessible, all of our stands are accessible, so we try to make it the best event for everyone," he said.

Sustainability has been another major challenge, particularly in energy-intensive sports such as ice hockey and skating. Miceli said organizsers had focused on reducing environmental impact while maintaining elite performance standards. 

"We are very aware of all the aspects that need to be taken into consideration, like water treatment for the ice and all the waste," he said.

'Everything will be ready'

Organizers say 92 percent of competition venues were pre-existing, helping limit new construction. 

One of the few major new builds in Milan is the Santa Giulia ice hockey arena, which has faced delays and criticism but is now nearing completion. Francisi said organizers remained confident. 

"We need to be calm, but 100 percent, everything will be ready for the Games," he said.

Legacy planning has also shaped new developments. The Milan Olympic Village has been designed to become student housing after the Games, while in the mountain resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, the athletes' village is a temporary installation.

In Cortina, the 2026 Games have provided an opportunity to modernize historic venues dating back to Italy's first Winter Olympics in 1956. 

'Legacy is important'

The largest investment in Cortina has been the Sliding Center, redesigned to improve energy efficiency and safety. 

Luigi Alvera, CONI's Regional Delegate for Cortina, told CGTN it is "a jewel at an international level."

He added that the Olympic Ice Stadium had also been renovated to improve access for people with reduced mobility.

With a controversial new cable car to the Tofane Alpine Skiing venue nearing completion, Alvera said the focus was on long-term benefits. 

"Above all, legacy is important for Cortina," he said, adding that the years of disruption caused by construction would ultimately improve the experience for athletes, visitors and future generations.