The 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics are fast approaching, but there is uncertainty surrounding the readiness of one of the major Winter Games venues. Construction crews are working diligently on the sliding center in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, but there are concerns about whether it will be completed in time for the Games. This has led organizers to consider backup options in Austria, Switzerland, and even New York.
The decision to rebuild the century-old track in Cortina has been met with opposition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which prefers Igls or St. Moritz as venues. However, the Italian government is reluctant to pay for a foreign venue and has committed to rebuilding the Cortina track at a cost of 81.6 million euros. With less than two years before the Games open, this presents a significant challenge as no modern sliding track has been built in such a short timeframe.
Despite the tight timeline, there is optimism that the sliding center in Cortina will be completed on schedule. Positive feedback from a recent visit by IOC and international federation technicians has boosted confidence in the project. However, test events for sliding and ice hockey have been pushed back to the end of 2025, just months before the Games open on February 6, 2026.
The 2026 Games will be spread across five different venue clusters in northern Italy, presenting logistical challenges for spectators traveling between locations. Organizers are working with the state railway and local authorities to improve public transport between venues and are relying on fans to stick to their favorite sports. The unique setup of the Games, with events spread out over a large area, may create a decentralized atmosphere more akin to independent world championships than a centralized Olympics.
Creating an Olympic atmosphere will be a key challenge for organizers, who are looking to representatives from each area to bring the energy of the Games back to their territories. Despite these challenges, the backdrop of the Dolomites and the Alps provides a picturesque setting for the Games, offering a unique and stunning backdrop for athletes and spectators alike.
In conclusion, the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics present a unique set of challenges and opportunities for organizers. With the sliding center in Cortina still under construction and logistical hurdles to overcome, the Games are shaping up to be a test of resilience and creativity. However, with the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites and the Alps, the 2026 Olympics promise to be a visually spectacular event for all involved.
