Airbnb, a global partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee, has unveiled a new series of athlete-led experiences for Milan Cortina 2026. These exclusive activities will allow fans to interact directly with sports legends through unique activities in the Italian Alps.
Announced on May 28 in Milan, the 26 experiences will be hosted by athletes from around the world, including Arianna Fontana, Italy’s most decorated athlete at the Winter Olympics. Activities include cycling in the Alps and training sessions with Olympic medalists. According to Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, these experiences seek to connect fans with their sports heroes in an intimate and unique way.
The experiences will be available between June 2025 and March 2026, allowing participants to enjoy these activities before, during and after the Games. All bookings can be made through airbnb.com/mico2026, with more experiences expected to be announced throughout the year.
Connecting with champions in the heart of the Alps.
Highlights include a cycling experience with Arianna Fontana in her home region of Valtellina. Scheduled for September 6, this session will guide a small group of participants through the scenic trails of Polaggia, followed by a lunch featuring local produce. During the activity, Fontana will share details about his training and preparation to compete in speed skating at the 2026 Games.
Other experiences include an alpine training hike with Olympic snowboard cross medalist Omar Visintin, an introductory Paralympic ice hockey session with Italian defenseman Andrea Macrì and a training run with two-time Olympic medalist cross-country skier Federico Pellegrino. In addition, fans will be able to attend live events during the Games alongside Olympic athletes.
Sustainable tourism and heritage preservation
Airbnb is also reinforcing its commitment to responsible tourism in the host regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. As part of its sustainability initiatives, the platform collaborates with local and international organizations to preserve the region’s cultural and natural landmarks.
Among these initiatives is the “Storyteller of Beauty” project, a World Heritage Volunteers initiative that seeks to empower young people to protect and promote UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Veneto region, such as the iconic Dolomite Alps, a key venue for the Games.
