The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Village has transformed into a vibrant international hub as athletes from across the globe settle into their temporary home. With gear-laden trolleys and national pride in tow, competitors began personalizing their spaces on Sunday ahead of Monday's official inauguration by International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
Nearly 1,500 athletes and team members will reside in the state-of-the-art complex during the Games. Early arrivals have already stamped their national identities on the village – from Germany's bold black-red-gold displays to Japan's minimalist rising sun motifs. The Chinese delegation drew smiles with panda-themed decorations, while U.S. athletes unfurled towering Star-Spangled Banner banners visible across the compound.
In a fusion of tradition and technology, Alibaba's AI-powered pin trading system has become an instant attraction. Athletes deposit collectible pins into transparent spheres, with robotic arms using machine learning to facilitate randomized swaps – modernizing a beloved Olympic ritual.
The village's dining hall currently serves 8,000 daily meals featuring regional Italian cuisine, with nutritionists tailoring menus for winter sports athletes. Training facilities remain accessible 24/7 as competitors finalize preparations for Friday's opening ceremony.
