Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Games preparations steady, say organisers

Photo contributed: Wikipedia

With the 2026 Winter Olympics kicking off on 6 February and the Paralympics following on 6 March, Italy’s organising committee, led by CEO Andrea Varnier, has confirmed that preparations are unfolding “steadily and according to the timeline we have set”. The committee continues to leverage a smart cost‑conscious strategy: over 90% of venues are existing or temporary, spread across northern Italy’s Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valtellina, Val di Fiemme, and more. 

The San Siro Stadium in Milan is set for the Olympic Opening Ceremony. The newly constructed PalaItalia arena in Santa Giulia will host ice hockey finals, seating about 16,000 spectators. Existing locations—including figure skating arenas, alpine slopes, and the storied Verona Arena, which will host the Closing Ceremony—offer both historical charm and logistical practicality.

However, the Associated Press reports that not everything is smooth: the rebuild of Cortina’s Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre remains tight. Though about 70% complete, it must pass pre‑certification by March 2025. The organising committee has a “Plan B” ready: should the track miss the deadline, sliding events could move to Lake Placid, New York—an IOC‑approved backup offered at no additional cost.

Varnier asserts confidence, noting the track’s reconstruction is advancing “at lightning speed,” and candidate test events are scheduled through October 2025. Ticket demand is strong, particularly among younger fans, about 70% of purchasers are under 40, while broadcast plans aim to creatively integrate athletes in dispersed clusters into the ceremonies through synchronized performances and parades.

Cost containment is a priority. With an estimated €5.2 billion (around $6 billion) budget, Milan–Cortina aims to be far leaner than recent Games like Sochi or Beijing. Varnier stresses the legacy-first approach: no “white elephants,” only venues with long-term use