Traversing the various sites during the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games could be considered a challenging endurance activity in itself. Attendees, athletes, and event planners will need to utilize a complex transportation system connecting the widespread venues, spanning from a vibrant urban center to picturesque mountain towns. The eight Olympic hubs hosting ceremonies and 16 disciplines cover approximately 850 kilometers, including Milan, Livigno, Bormio, Tesero, Antholz-Anterselva, Predazzo, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Verona. These venues extend over an area of around 22,000 square kilometers, with a significant portion situated in the Dolomites, known for its rugged terrain and limited accessibility.
Milan serves as the primary hub for ice sports, while Cortina will feature numerous alpine and sliding events. For freestyle skiing enthusiasts, Livigno in the Alps is the destination, and Antholz-Anterselva, about a 3½-hour drive to the east, is the venue for biathlon competitions. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) faces a logistical challenge with the spread-out nature of these Games, a departure from its previous emphasis on utilizing existing infrastructure and creating sustainable post-event plans.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the increased responsibility on national Olympic committees to allocate resources across multiple venues. The travel between the various locations in northern Italy poses a unique experience, offering the opportunity to witness world-class facilities in stunning locations. Rail transport is the recommended mode of travel between the hubs, as private vehicles are restricted near competition sites. Shuttle buses will operate from major transport hubs to directly ferry spectators to the Olympic venues.
The decentralized nature of these Games aims to distribute the economic benefits and tourism opportunities across different regions in northern Italy. However, it raises concerns about the lack of a centralized emotional focal point, making it challenging for spectators and athletes to navigate and connect with various events and teammates. The opening ceremony will showcase efforts to unite the venues, with simultaneous ceremonies in multiple locations and dual cauldron lighting in Milan and Cortina, a first in Olympic history.
Multiple Olympic villages have been established to accommodate athletes in different locations, including Milan, Cortina, Antholz-Anterselva, Bormio, Livigno, and Val di Fiemme. Sustainability measures include repurposing Milan’s Olympic Village for student housing post-Games and redistributing athlete accommodations in Cortina to tourist destinations in Italy. These initiatives align with the IOC’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting long-term benefits from hosting major sporting events.
