Key Highlights
- The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina are 100 days away.
- Total investment for the games is expected to be around €3.5 billion ($4.7 billion).
- One in four of the planned projects will not be completed on time for the Games.
- About 62% of Italians are proud to host the Winter Games, and 59% see it as a means of strengthening national unity.
Final Preparations Underway for 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina
The countdown is on for the 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22 in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. As we approach the final hundred days, athletes and organizers alike are bracing themselves for what promises to be a challenging yet historic event.
Investment and Project Status
The cost of hosting these games is projected to be substantial, with an estimated investment of around €3.5 billion ($4.7 billion). This sum covers 98 projects, with 47 directly related to the Winter Games. However, a concerning issue has emerged: according to data from the infrastructure company Simico, one in four planned projects will not be completed on time for the games.
For instance, the new ice hockey arena is expected to only just finish construction shortly before the opening ceremony on February 6.
An event aimed at testing this facility had to be postponed due to delays. The main Olympic Village at Scalo Romano is set to convert into affordable housing post-games, adding another layer of complexity to the planning.
Security Measures and Challenges
The Italian government has prioritized security for these Games, with plans in place to mobilize nearly 11,000 police and military personnel. Andrea Francisi, chief Games operations officer, emphasized that Italy is “ready to rise to this challenge with professionalism, vision, and a strong team spirit.” He assured that the defense ministry would handle air security, with the air force on constant standby.
Despite these robust plans, the revised overall operating budget stands at about €1.7 billion, an increase of €100 million from previous estimates. In 2019, when Milan and Cortina were still bidders, the Italian government committed to spending €415 million on security.
Sustainability Concerns in Alpine Regions
The environmental impact of these games is a significant point of contention. The fragile ecosystem of the Alps faces potential strain from new ski lifts, reservoirs for artificial snow production, and other developments. In particular, critics have highlighted the construction of the new sliding track in Cortina, which required cutting down trees that were over 500 years old.
Experts warn that increased tourist traffic and the use of snow cannons could exacerbate existing issues in the region. The long-term operating and maintenance costs associated with these projects may also place a heavy burden on public coffers, raising questions about true sustainability.
Awareness Among Italians
Despite the challenges, there is still substantial support for hosting the games among the Italian populace. A survey conducted by Olympic sponsor Coca Cola and Italian pollster SWG in early January found that 62% of Italians are proud to host these Games, with 59% viewing them as a way to strengthen national unity. Around 70% of those surveyed plan to follow the games “with passion and curiosity,” particularly among younger generations.
The Milan Cortina 2026 official website reports that more than 3,500 athletes from 93 countries will compete for 195 medals in 16 Olympic disciplines and six Paralympic sports. This event marks the second time Cortina d’Ampezzo has hosted the Winter Olympics, with the first occurrence being in 1956.
As we approach the final stretch of preparations, all eyes will be on how well these challenges can be managed to ensure a successful and memorable 2026 Winter Olympics.
