Milan, Italy – As the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics draw near, sporting venues are fully operational, and the entire country is immersed in Olympic excitement. With the Opening Ceremony just days away, the event has now entered its final preparation phase.
Athletes have begun arriving at the Olympic villages, media centers are fully operational, competition venues are active, and both urban and mountain communities are embracing the spirit of the Games. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry stated, “Everything is progressing very well—excitement is everywhere. Athletes have started arriving.”
Across the cities, various activities are underway, and the Olympic torch relay is advancing successfully. Millions of people have come out to witness and participate in the lead-up to the Opening Ceremony, eagerly awaiting these historic moments. These preparations are now showing years of planning and hard work in tangible form.
Approximately 1,600 full-time staff from 62 nationalities are involved in the Milan–Cortina 2026 organization, 71% of whom are under 40 years old. These personnel are supported by around 18,000 volunteers from 98 nationalities, with nearly 48% under the age of 35, reflecting strong youth participation and enthusiasm.
Christine Closter, Chair of the Milan–Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and IOC Coordination Commission, confirmed in an update to the IOC Executive Board that all main sports systems are now fully operational, and services for athletes, media, and stakeholders have begun. Competition venues, Olympic villages, and media facilities are all prepared for action.
The venues not only provide athletes with world-class competition environments but also showcase Italy’s extraordinary natural beauty. From famous mountain regions to urban settings, all training and competition venues are in final readiness. Initial feedback from athlete delegations has been highly positive, and media operations are running smoothly.
The Olympic torch relay has played a key role in uniting communities and building excitement. Traveling through cities, towns, and mountain regions, the torch has increased public participation, activated public spaces, and conveyed a message of peace and harmony during this global event. Organizers noted that the torch relay helps transform the venues into centers of shared celebration.
Final preparations for the Opening Ceremony are intensifying at San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan. Thousands of staff and contractors are working around the clock to ready the venue for February 6, 2026. Tickets are selling rapidly, but spectators still have opportunities to plan unforgettable in-person experiences. From the dramatic mountain landscapes of Livigno and Cortina d’Ampezzo to the heart of Milan, audiences will be able to experience the excitement, atmosphere, and spirit of the Olympics up close.
Preparations for Milan–Cortina 2026 have positioned Italy to welcome the world, and even before the Games officially begin, athletes, media, and the public are already brimming with anticipation and enthusiasm.
