Wednesday, October 29 marks 100 days until the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina (February 6). The Olympic torch relay begins in December, starting in Rome and passing through all of Italy’s provinces before the Olympic flame is to be carried into Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, which is to host the opening ceremony.
How advanced are preparations for the Olympic Games?
The Winter Games will be expensive, that much is certain – the total investment for the Olympics is expected to be around €3.5 billion ($4.7 billion). This covers a total of 98 projects, 47 of which are directly related to the Winter Games. However, according to data from the infrastructure company Simico, one in four of the planned projects will not be completed on time for the Games.
The construction of the new ice hockey arena in Milan-Cortina, for example, is not expected to be completed until shortly before the opening ceremony on February 6. An event planned to test the facility prior to the start of the Games has had to be postponed.
The main Olympic Village at Scalo Romano is to be converted into affordable housing after the GamesImage: Daniel Dal Zennaro/ANSA/picture alliance
“It will be very close to the start of the Games, the schedule is very tight, but we were aware of that,” said Andrea Varnier, managing director of the Milan-Cortina local organizing committee.
Despite various problems, the actual competition venues are expected to be ready in time for the start of the Games – with some cosmetic flaws. The ski jumping stadium in Cortina, which hosted the 1956 Winter Games, will be ready for competition, but its renovation won’t be completed until next summer.
What about security measures?
The Italian government has declared security for the Olympic Games a top priority, however figuring out just how much is being spent is difficult. In April, organizers announced a revised overall operating budget of “about €1.7 billion” ($1.9 billion), a €100 million-increase from the previously stated amount.
In 2019, when Milan and Cortina were still only bidders, the Italian government committed to €415 million in security costs.
Italy’s controversial Olympic bobsled track
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“Security is an essential pillar for the success of the Games,” Andrea Francisi, chief Games operations officer told the International Security Briefing hosted by Milan in late September.
“Italy – thanks to the excellence of its law enforcement bodies and the strength of its inter-institutional cooperation – is ready to rise to this challenge with professionalism, vision and a strong team spirit.”
Italy’s defense ministry will be responsible for air security, with the air force on 24/7 standby. A total of nearly 11,000 police and military personnel are expected to be mobilized for the Games.
How sustainable are the Winter Games?
In their bid for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the organizers promised to prioritize economic and environmental sustainability. But it wouldn’t be the first time that sustainability has been promised but not delivered.
The fragile ecosystem of the Alps will be under enormous pressure: new ski lifts, reservoirs for artificial snow production, slopes, and roads. Especially in times of increasing snow shortages, slopes at medium and low altitudes will need to be covered with artificial snow—the use of snow cannons and the increase in tourist traffic are already putting a strain on the region and endangering local ecosystems.
Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted Italy’s first Winter Games in 1956Image: Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/dpa/picture alliance
At the center of the criticism is the construction of the new bobsleigh track in Cortina. Trees between 500 and 600 years old had to be cut down to make room for the track. In addition, the future operating and maintenance costs will place a heavy burden on public coffers.
What is the Olympic mood like in the host nation?
The fact that many of the venues are set to remain construction sites during the Winter Games may temper the air of anticipation among athletes and visitors. A particular cause for concern are delays in the completion of some roads, with many fearing that this could lead to major traffic problems.
However, a survey commissioned by Olympic sponsor Coca Cola and conducted by Italian pollster SWG in early January showed that 62% of Italians are proud to host the Winter Games and 59% percent see the event as a means of strengthening national unity.
According to the same study, around 70% of those surveyed say they plan to follow the Games with “passion and curiosity,” among those under 30, this figure is around 65%.
How many athletes will take part in the Winter Games?
According to the Milano Cortina 2026 official website, more than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries will compete for 195 medals in 16 Olympic disciplines and six Paralympic sports.
This article was originally published in German. Chuck Penfold contributed to this article.
Edited by: Jonathan Harding
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