Milano Cortina 2026: A New Era for the Winter Olympics

The Strategic Landscape of the XXV Olympic Winter Games: A Comprehensive Analysis of Milano Cortina 2026

​The XXV Olympic Winter Games, officially designated as Milano Cortina 2026, represent a foundational shift in the delivery and conceptualization of the Olympic movement.

Scheduled to occur from February 6 to February 22, 2026, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from March 6 to March 15, these Games are the first to be fully aligned with the International Olympic Committee’s Agenda 2020+5 reforms. The strategic vision for these Games centers on sustainability, regional synergy, and the maximum utilization of existing infrastructure, marking a departure from the traditional single-city hosting model that has historically led to significant financial and environmental burdens. By distributing events across more than 22,000 square kilometers of Northern Italy, the organizers have created a decentralized framework that leverages the distinct cultural and geographical strengths of Milan, the Alpine majesty of Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the rugged terrains of the Valtellina and Val di Fiemme regions.

​The Distributed Hosting Paradigm: Structural and Regional Dynamics

​The decision to co-host the Winter Games across two primary hub cities—Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo—separated by approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles), is an unprecedented logistical undertaking in Olympic history. This dual-city model is supplemented by a cluster-based distribution system that spans the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano. The structural rationale behind this dispersion is rooted in the "New Norm" of the IOC, which encourages host cities to adapt the Games to their existing environment rather than forcing the environment to adapt to the Games.

​Regional Clusters and Venue Allocation

​The logistical orchestration of Milano Cortina 2026 is divided into several primary clusters, each specialized in specific sporting disciplines. This segmentation ensures that competitions are held in world-class facilities while minimizing the need for new permanent construction. Approximately 93 percent of the venues used for the Games are either existing or temporary structures, a record high for the Winter Olympics.

• ​Milan Cluster (Lombardy): Serves as the urban core, focusing on ice sports and major ceremonies. Key venues include the Stadio San Siro for the Opening Ceremony, the new Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena for preliminaries and finals, and the Rho Fiera for speed skating.

• ​Cortina Cluster (Veneto): Returns to the site of the 1956 Games to host women's Alpine skiing at the Olimpia delle Tofane, sliding sports at the Eugenio Monti Centre, and curling at the historic Cortina Olympic Stadium.

• ​Valtellina Cluster (Lombardy): Centers on the mountain resorts of Bormio and Livigno. Bormio will host men's Alpine skiing and the debut of ski mountaineering, while Livigno handles freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

• ​Val di Fiemme Cluster (Trentino): Dedicated to Nordic sports and ski jumping, with major events held at the Predazzo and Lago di Tesero venues.

• ​Anterselva Cluster (South Tyrol): Hosts the biathlon competitions at the specialized Sudtirol Arena.

• ​Verona (Veneto): The historic Verona Arena will provide the backdrop for the Closing Ceremony.

​The Milan cluster features the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, a new 12,000-seat multi-use arena designed by David Chipperfield. The Opening Ceremony will be staged at the Stadio San Siro, a venue with a seating capacity exceeding 75,000. Following the Games, the San Siro is slated for demolition, making the 2026 Opening Ceremony its final major global event.

​Infrastructure and Sustainability: The Now26 Strategy

​The sustainability mandate for Milano Cortina 2026 is codified in the "Now26" program, which seeks to transform environmental and social sustainability into a lasting legacy for the host territories. This strategy is integrated into every phase of the Games' lifecycle, from procurement and construction to energy consumption and waste management.

​Energy Efficiency and Biofuel Integration

​A primary objective of the environmental strategy is to reach carbon neutrality for the event's operations. The Games will be powered primarily by 100 percent certified renewable electricity. For applications where grid power is insufficient, the organizers have partnered with Eni to provide Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) biofuel produced from waste residues such as used cooking oils and animal fats. This HVO diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70 to 80 percent compared to fossil fuels.

​For the first time in Winter Olympic history, "Arctic" HVO biofuel will be deployed, engineered to remain operational at temperatures as low as -28^{\circ}C. This technology will power a fleet of approximately 250 electricity generators across mountain clusters, as well as the buses transporting athletes and spectators. The Olympic and Paralympic torches themselves utilize bio-LPG produced from 100 percent renewable feedstocks.

​Circular Economy and Resource Management

​The circular economy framework adopted by Milano Cortina 2026 prioritizes the reuse of materials and the reduction of waste. This is evident in the approach to the Olympic Villages. Instead of building massive new housing complexes, the organizers have distributed athlete housing across six distinct sites.

• ​In Milan, the Olympic Village in the Porta Romana district is designed to transition into affordable student housing and public green space after the Games.

• ​In Cortina, a temporary village built from recyclable, modular units will be repurposed elsewhere once the competition concludes.

• ​In Bormio, Livigno, and Anterselva, athletes will reside in existing hotels and facilities, supporting the local tourism economy.

​Water management in the Alps is another focus. Snowmaking operations are controlled via automated, high-efficiency systems and GPS monitoring to minimize energy and water waste, reducing electricity consumption by an estimated 30 percent. These systems ensure that snow is produced without chemical additives.

​Logistical Orchestration: Navigating the 22,000 Square Kilometer Field

​The geographically dispersed nature of Milano Cortina 2026 creates unique logistical challenges. The "distributed Games" model requires a sophisticated transportation and mobility plan to ensure seamless movement between the urban hub and the distant mountain clusters.

​Transport and Mobility Systems

​To mitigate the carbon footprint associated with inter-cluster travel, the organizers have established a priority system for rail and collective shuttle transport. A low-carbon transport plan targets a 20 percent reduction in private car usage compared to the Torino 2006 Games.

• ​Milan to Tirano (Valtellina): Fans heading to Bormio and Livigno utilize the Trenord RE8 "Olympic Metro" train, with a travel time of approximately 2.5 hours.

• ​Milan to Venice Mestre: High-speed Frecciarossa trains connect Milan to the gateway of the Dolomites in roughly 2.5 hours.

• ​Venice Mestre to Cortina: An integrated FrecciaLink shuttle service completes the journey to Cortina in approximately 2 hours.
• ​Milan Urban Mobility: The ATM municipal transport operator has increased service on all five metro lines. Last trains will depart at 2:00 AM during the Olympics and 1:00 AM during the Paralympics. A standard 90-minute ticket costs €2.20 within the city.

​The Spectator Experience: Cluster-Based Planning

​Given the 13-hour drive required to visit all venues in a single circuit, spectators are advised to plan their itineraries around specific territories. To facilitate this, the Milano Cortina 2026 app allows users to store digital tickets (accessible offline), reserve Park and Ride spaces, and receive real-time notifications about weather-related schedule changes.

​The Sporting Program: Evolution and Innovation

​The 2026 Winter Olympics feature 116 medal events in 16 disciplines, an increase of seven events and one discipline over the Beijing 2022 program. This evolution reflects a broader trend to modernize the program and achieve greater gender parity.

​New Sport Debut: Ski Mountaineering (Skimo)

​The most significant addition is the debut of ski mountaineering, a sport with deep roots in Italian Alpine culture. Skimo combines elements of cross-country skiing, climbing with adhesive "skins," and downhill racing.

• ​Men's Sprint: A high-speed, short-course knockout format testing explosive power and technical transitions.

• ​Women's Sprint: Focuses on transition speed and cardiovascular endurance.

• ​Mixed Relay: A paired team event featuring one man and one woman.

​Gender Balance and Program Changes

​The Milano Cortina Games are set to be the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics in history, with women making up 47 percent of the competing athletes.

• ​Luge: Separate men's and women's doubles competitions replace the former open doubles event.

• ​Ski Jumping: Addition of a women's individual large hill event.

• ​Alpine Skiing: Introduction of the team combined event, where a downhill specialist and a slalom specialist from the same nation pair up.
• ​Freestyle Skiing: Dual moguls make their Olympic debut, featuring 30 skiers in a head-to-head knockout bracket.

• ​Cross-Country Skiing: For the first time, men and women will race the same distances across all events.

​Competitive Landscapes: Key Athletes and Narratives

​The 2026 Games will be a confluence of legendary veterans and emerging Gen Z stars.

• ​Mikaela Shiffrin (USA, Alpine Skiing): With over 100 World Cup wins, she remains the dominant force in technical disciplines and a major medal threat in speed events.

• ​Lindsey Vonn (USA, Alpine Skiing): Returning to competition at age 41, Vonn seeks to compete on her favorite slope in Cortina, the Olimpia delle Tofane.

• ​Marco Odermatt (SUI, Alpine Skiing): The standout star of Swiss skiing, aiming for downhill gold to complement his previous giant slalom success.

• ​Ilia Malinin (USA, Figure Skating): Known as the "Quad God," he is the only skater to land a quadruple Axel in competition.

• ​Sidney Crosby (CAN, Ice Hockey): Returning to the Olympics with the NHL players, seeking his third gold medal.

• ​Chloe Kim (USA, Snowboarding): A dominant two-time gold medalist in the halfpipe.

• ​Arianna Fontana (ITA, Short Track): Italy's most decorated Winter Olympian, poised to compete in her record-breaking sixth Games.

​Cultural Identity and Branding: "IT's Your Vibe"

​The Milano Cortina 2026 Games are branded with a modern identity seeking to engage a global audience. The official motto, "IT's Your Vibe," highlights the energy, passion, and connection between athletes and fans. The choice of "IT" serves as a dual symbol for "Italy" and the Games themselves.

​The Look of the Games and Mascots

​The "Logo Futura" is the first Olympic emblem selected by public vote, consisting of a continuous trace forming the number "26". The official mascots are two stoats named Tina and Milo. Tina, the white-furred Olympic mascot, represents creativity with the motto "Dream Big". Milo, the darker-furred Paralympic mascot, was born without one paw and embodies resilience with the phrase "Obstacles are Trampolines". They are joined by "The Flo," six little snowdrop flowers symbolizing hope and team spirit.

​The Opening Ceremony: "Armonia" (Harmony)

​The Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026, at the San Siro Stadium, is titled "Armonia". For the Paralympics, the Opening Ceremony on March 6 is titled "Life in Motion".

​Musical and Artistic Performances

​The ceremony features headline performances from American pop star Mariah Carey, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and Grammy winner Laura Pausini. The event includes appearances by actress Sabrina Impacciatore and pianist Lang Lang. A groundbreaking feature is the dual lighting of Olympic cauldrons: one at the Arco della Pace in Milan and one in Piazza Dibona in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The official anthem for the Games is "Fino all'alba" (Until the Dawn), performed by Arisa , while the soundtrack "Fantasia Italiana" was composed by Dardust.

​Digital Experience and Global Broadcast Technology

​Broadcasting rights are distributed globally, ensuring every moment is accessible to worldwide viewers.

• ​United States: NBC and Peacock will provide over 700 total linear hours of coverage, with every event streaming live on Peacock.

• ​Europe: Warner Bros. Discovery (streaming on HBO Max / Discovery+) and national broadcasters through the EBU.

• ​Japan: The Japan Consortium, including NHK and commercial networks like Fuji TV and TV Asahi, will provide extensive 4K/8K coverage.

• ​Canada: Multi-platform coverage provided by CBC, Bell, and Rogers.

• ​Australia: Exclusive broadcast and digital rights held by Nine Entertainment.

• ​China: Extensive focus on winter sports through China Media Group (CCTV).
• ​South Korea: Live streaming and VOD focus through JTBC and Naver.

​Off-Venue Engagement: The Cultural Olympiad and Fan Zones

​The "Cultural Olympiad" is a nationwide initiative fostering dialogue between art, culture, and sports. Official Fan Villages will be set up to offer free live coverage, athlete celebrations, and winter sports trials.

• ​Milan: The main Fan Village is at Piazza del Cannone. An "Olympic Boulevard" connects the Central Station to the Arco della Pace, guiding visitors through partner showcases.

• ​Bormio: Fan Village at Piazza Cavour, featuring DJ sets and meet-and-greets with Tina and Milo.

• ​Livigno: Fan Village at Zona Isola, hosting medal celebrations from February 8 to 21.

• ​Other Locations: Villages are also planned for Cortina (Largo delle Poste), Predazzo (Town Square), and Bruneck (Tschurtschenthaler Park).

​Strategic Outlook and Legacy: A Blueprint for the Future

​Milano Cortina 2026 is a test case for future mega-events. By opting for a geographically dispersed model and reusing 93 percent of existing infrastructure, Italy is demonstrating a sustainable path forward for the Olympic movement. Investments have been directed toward public infrastructure—such as electricity distribution and transport networks—that will provide long-term regional connectivity well after the Games conclude.