The Cortina Olympic Village has officially opened, welcoming the first athletes of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Set in the heart of the Dolomites, the village places competitors at the centre of one of Italy’s most distinctive alpine landscapes.
The opening marks a key operational milestone for the Games, less than a week before the Opening Ceremony. Cortina d’Ampezzo, already synonymous with winter sport, now hosts an Olympic hub designed to reflect its mountain environment and cultural identity.
Planners developed the village with a strong focus on integration with the surrounding territory. Its architecture and materials draw on local alpine traditions, while the layout prioritises calm, accessibility and human scale. The aim is to give athletes a space that supports recovery and concentration rather than spectacle.
According to village organisers, the setting plays a central role in the athlete experience. From arrival, competitors are immersed in an environment shaped by nature, sport and local heritage, reinforcing Cortina’s long-standing relationship with winter disciplines.
How does the village operate?
The village includes 377 mobile housing units, all produced in Italy, with capacity for more than 1,400 athletes. Each unit features ergonomic furnishings, optimised living spaces and home automation systems. Design choices focus on comfort, functionality and well-being, in line with Olympic accommodation standards.
Operations are supported by 99 volunteers, who are overseeing arrivals, orientation and daily services. International delegations have already begun settling in, with teams from Germany, Switzerland and Austria among the first to arrive. Athletes and officials from the United States, Canada and China have also taken up residence.
Opening day focused on logistics rather than ceremony. Organisers prioritised smooth arrivals, clear guidance and a welcoming atmosphere, allowing teams to recover quickly from travel and begin preparations.
Early reactions from athletes and officials have been positive. Many have highlighted the village’s tranquillity and its alpine character, seen as an advantage during the final stages of training and mental preparation.
With the Cortina Olympic Village now operational, all accommodation for Milano Cortina 2026 is now open. Predazzo, Bormio, Anterselva and Livigno are also receiving delegations, completing the accommodation network for the Games.
