The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, running from February 6 to 22, will break records as the most geographically spread-out Olympic Games in history. Organizers have made strategic use of existing venues, yet this decision results in no central hub for the events.
Extensive Venues Across Northern Italy
Covering over 22,000 square kilometers, the venues will challenge both fans and athletes. The vast distance between competitions means spectators will need to plan their itineraries meticulously. Key locations include:
- Milan: Ice sports
- Bormio: Men’s Alpine skiing
- Livigno: Snowboarding
- Predazzo: Cross-country skiing
- Anterselva: Biathlon
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Women’s Alpine skiing and sliding sports
- Verona: Closing ceremony
The circuit exceeds 850 kilometers, translating to nearly 13 hours of driving for spectators wishing to attend all events.
Challenges for Spectators and Athletes
With events spread so far apart, enjoyment comes with logistical hurdles. Attendees must prioritize which sports to watch, as traveling to multiple venues can be time-consuming. Despite the beauty of northern Italy, the lack of a single emotional center for the Games may diminish the communal Olympic spirit.
These geographical challenges may indeed set a new standard for future Olympic Games, influenced by rising costs and increasing concerns about climate change.
Planning for the Games
Attendees like Mona Patel from Los Angeles have been organizing their schedules for months. They plan on visiting various locations, including:
- Valtellina: Downhill skiing and snowboarding
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Bobsled and luge events
- Milan: Ice skating events
Patel found accommodation through HomeExchange, allowing her to use points from her Californian property. She mentions their primary goal is to attend the Olympic events while hoping to enjoy winter sports in between.
A Family-Oriented Approach
Lars Thorn is another attendee, experiencing his sixth Olympics with his wife and two young children. He opted to focus on ice sports in Milan, avoiding outdoor events due to the cold and family logistics. He aims to introduce his son to long track speed skating and hockey, all accessible via public transportation in Milan.
Two Hub Cities and New Ceremonial Formats
The Milano-Cortina Games will be unique, as they represent the first Winter Olympics with two hub cities, featuring events clustered in four different areas. This necessitates that organizers accommodate housing across various locations, including:
- Anterselva
- Bormio
- Livigno
- Val di Fiemme
Unlike previous Games, medal ceremonies in Milano-Cortina will occur immediately after events, lacking a central celebration space. In contrast, Turin’s Games in 2006 featured lively ceremonies in a central city hub, enhancing the festive atmosphere for spectators.
Looking Forward
As Milano-Cortina 2026 approaches, both excitement and trepidation fill the air. Athletes and fans alike will navigate the complex logistics, but the breathtaking northern Italian scenery promises an unforgettable Winter Olympics experience.
