With exactly one month remaining until the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, organizers are racing to complete final infrastructure projects as the global sporting event prepares to showcase northern Italy's Alpine regions. A towering digital clock in central Milan now displays the countdown to the February 6 opening ceremony, symbolizing both anticipation and urgency.
Key venues like Milan's Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, scheduled to host its first competition on February 5, are undergoing last-minute preparations. Chief Games Operations Officer Andrea Francisi confirmed to reporters: "Test events will begin this week as planned. While some delays exist, our teams are working around the clock to ensure readiness."
The sliding center in Cortina d'Ampezzo – a signature venue that faced early skepticism about its completion timeline – is now receiving final safety certifications. However, two critical mountain tunnels designed to ease traffic between competition zones remain unfinished, raising concerns about transportation logistics during peak event days.
Milan's existing infrastructure shows stronger readiness, with the MiCo Convention Center media hub already operational and temporary ice hockey facilities hosting preliminary matches. City officials note that 85% of the 33,000 available hotel rooms have been booked through official Olympic channels.
Environmental sustainability remains a focal point, with organizers implementing snow preservation systems and renewable energy solutions across venues. The Games will feature 16 disciplines across 13 competition venues, with nearly 3,000 athletes from 90 National Olympic Committees expected to participate.
