Building on this momentum, operational preparations are now intensifying. Commission members toured the Milan Olympic Village and the new Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena – two of the very few venues being built for these Games, with 85 per cent of competition venues already existing. This reflects a new model for the Olympic Winter Games, spreading events across regions to capitalise on established infrastructure and local expertise. Alongside these venue preparations, a new wave of test events, training exercises and simulations over the coming months will ensure that every element is fully aligned for Games-time operations.
With Milano Cortina being the first Olympic Winter Games shaped by the Olympic Agenda reforms, the Organising Committee is committed to reducing their environmental impact and creating lasting socio-economic benefits for their hosts.
While 11 out of the 13 competition venues are existing or temporary, all of them will be powered by renewable electricity. A sustainable sourcing strategy prioritises environmental and social criteria, as well as renting over buying, with 20,000 venue items to be re-used from Paris 2024.
Beyond the preparations for delivery, the benefits of the Games are already taking shape for local communities. Sports promotion programmes have encouraged millions of Italians to move more, leading to the highest levels of physical activity in the country’s history. The Games have also created opportunities to regenerate urban areas and boost infrastructure in mountain regions. The Milan Olympic Village will see a former railway yard turned into a vibrant community hub after the Games, with this becoming Italy’s largest student housing complex. In the mountain areas, health and community services are being strengthened, including new electrical infrastructure that enhances resilience across the region. Accessibility upgrades are on track across the Milan metro, Verona Arena and surrounding areas, with modernised facilities in Trento and Bolzano.