The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will begin in less than 100 days, with a project spanning more than 22,000 square kilometres across northern Italy. The event is built around venues with a long sporting heritage, located in alpine regions and cities with extensive experience in hosting major competitions.
According to the organisers, 85 per cent of the facilities to be used for competition were already in place before the event was awarded. This approach aligns with the guidelines of the International Olympic Committee – IOC – aimed at promoting efficiency, minimising new construction and ensuring planning that is adapted to regional contexts.
Reused infrastructure and Olympic policy
Competitions will take place across Lombardy, Veneto, and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, with more than 100 medal events across 16 disciplines. The selection of venues reflects Italy’s longstanding tradition in winter sports, including sites that have previously hosted World Cups, World Championships and past Winter Olympic editions.
The organisational model also takes into account the social and economic context of alpine regions. Planning includes measures to strengthen economic activity beyond the winter season and to expand employment opportunities and public services in mountain areas, where tourism diversification is seen as increasingly important due to shorter winter periods.
Investment and budgeting for the Games
The operational budget for the event is estimated at around EUR 1.7 billion, complemented by public and private investment programmes dedicated to infrastructure. The economic impact across the host regions has been projected at approximately EUR 4.3 billion, with the potential creation of around 36,000 direct and indirect jobs during preparation and delivery.
At territorial level, connectivity projects have been accelerated in Valtellina and Cortina d’Ampezzo, alongside upgrades to energy networks and medical services in areas such as Livigno. These developments are not limited to the duration of the Games, but are linked to longer-term activity and regional resilience objectives.
Sustainability and challenges in the Italian Alps
Planning also responds to the specific conditions of mountain environments, where land use, access and environmental protection require tailored solutions. The strategy includes optimising existing infrastructure, modernising interregional transport and improving energy distribution efficiency to reduce environmental impact and support year-round use of facilities.
Marie Sallois, Director of Sustainability at the IOC, stated that “by anchoring events in existing venues, the Games reduce the need for new construction, make use of local expertise and help communities deliver projects that respond to real needs”.
Milan will host the Opening Ceremony at the San Siro Stadium, as well as ice sports in permanent multi-purpose venues or temporary structures. Cortina d’Ampezzo will stage sliding sports and women’s alpine skiing. Bormio will host men’s alpine skiing, while Livigno will welcome snowboard and freestyle events. Val di Fiemme will stage cross-country and Nordic combined competitions, Anterselva will host biathlon, and the Closing Ceremony will take place in the Arena di Verona, where around EUR 20 million has been allocated to improve accessibility.
