The announcement not only unveiled the central theme but also introduced the creative team and the first confirmed artist: Roberto Bolle, the renowned ballet dancer who will bring his sensitivity and mastery to the show. Under the direction of Alfredo Accatino, Verona is preparing for a night where history, technology, and human expression will intertwine in a celebration that promises to transcend beyond the closing of the Games.

A celebration of Italian spirit and creativity

The ceremony will be a tribute to beauty in motion and to the connection between the mountains and cities that shape the Italian landscape. Inspired by opera, dance, cinema, and design, “Beauty in Action” seeks to merge tradition and innovation into a sensory experience that captures the country’s essence. “Milano Cortina 2026 has once again chosen to celebrate Italian excellence and promote its cultural heritage,” said Giovanni Malagò, president of the Organizing Committee, while announcing that the ceremony will take place in the Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to Maria Laura Iascone, director of ceremonies, the concept will not only showcase beauty: “it will also be experienced, shared, and felt.” The aim is for every art form —music, dance, architecture— to come together in a choreography that evokes emotion and connects body and soul. In the words of its creators, it will be a living story that the audience will feel as their own.

Artists, set design, and cultural legacy

The show will feature acclaimed Italian artists contributing their talent both on stage and behind the scenes. Alongside Bolle, the creative team led by Accatino includes Adriano Martella (creative direction), Stefania Opipari (show direction), Vittorio Cosma and Michele Braga (music direction), and Claudio Santucci (set design). “It will be a performance that combines technology and emotion,” said Accatino, emphasizing the collaborative effort that will bring the Games’ closing to life.

The stage, inspired by a drop of water, will pay homage to the essential element of winter sports and will transform the Arena into a grand Italian square where athletes, art, and music converge. The celebration will extend beyond the stadium, reaching Piazza Bra and the Verona Philharmonic Theatre, where the Arena’s choir and orchestra will accompany the conclusion of an Olympic edition that will leave a profound cultural mark on the heart of Italy.

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The general director of the Organizing Committee, Andrea Varnier, highlighted that public response has exceeded initial expectations. Many sessions are already sold out, reflecting the emotional connection fans feel with these Games, which beyond sport, symbolize the union of Alpine tradition, sustainability, and passion for winter. “We are very satisfied with the results of our ticket sales campaign,” said Varnier, emphasizing that the final stretch before the event will be decisive in achieving the proposed goals.

A Winter that Sparks Global Enthusiasm

The figure of 850,000 tickets sold represents not only a commercial success but also an indicator of the project’s global reach. As Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo prepare to welcome athletes from around the world, the public responds enthusiastically to the Games’ focus on experience, closeness, and respect for the natural environment. The Organizing Committee has worked to offer an accessible and modern format, with iconic spaces combining technological innovation and cultural heritage.

The pace of sales has exceeded expectations in this initial phase, reinforcing confidence in the impact the event will have both in Italy and internationally. Organizers anticipate the coming months will be decisive, driven by the excitement that usually intensifies in the winter before the Games. With the world’s attention on the Italian Alps, Milan-Cortina 2026 promises to become a celebration that transcends sport and reaffirms the power of Olympism to inspire hope and connection.

Towards Games that Reflect the Olympic Spirit

The organization of Milan-Cortina 2026 is measured not only in numbers but also in the ability to build a legacy. Ticket sales reflect social support and confidence in a model that seeks to balance sports excellence with sustainability and closeness to the public. The team led by Andrea Varnier has placed special emphasis on creating a shared experience, where every spectator feels part of a story being written among mountains, snow, and Italian tradition.

The upcoming challenge is to maintain this momentum. The next hundred days will be crucial to consolidate the connection with fans, promote inclusion, and ensure that every competition venue is a showcase of Italy’s natural beauty and organizational commitment. With excitement running high and winter at the doorstep, Milan-Cortina 2026 is decisively moving toward Games that promise to inspire, unite, and celebrate the purest essence of sport.

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This new phase of the mental health program represents an evolution of the model successfully implemented at Paris 2024. The initiatives, designed based on the experience and needs of athletes, seek to create environments where performance and well-being coexist harmoniously. From relaxation areas in the Olympic Villages to online protection systems, each action reinforces the idea that caring for the mind is just as important as training the body.

A comprehensive support framework for athletes at Milano Cortina 2026

At Milano Cortina 2026, athletes and their entourages will benefit from an unprecedented framework of support that combines prevention, accompaniment, and specialized care. Among the main measures is the Cyber Abuse Protection System, a tool that monitors social media in real time to detect and remove harmful messages before they reach athletes. First implemented at Paris 2024, this system will be further refined to provide a safer and more digital environment.

Likewise, each Olympic Village will feature its own Athlete365 Mind Zone x Powerade, a space designed to help athletes reconnect with calm, practice mindfulness, and access confidential support. These areas, praised during the previous edition, will include private modules for athletes to speak with IOC Safeguarding Officers—professionals trained in emotional support and well-being. Complementing these spaces is the Mentally Fit Helpline, available 24/7 in over 70 languages, offering professional assistance not only in times of crisis but also for the everyday stress of elite sport.

Beyond the Games: a lasting vision of well-being

The IOC’s commitment does not end with the Closing Ceremony. In 2023, the organization launched its Mental Health Action Plan, a roadmap aimed at consolidating well-being policies throughout the Olympic Movement. This plan includes the Mental Health Guidelines for Major Sporting Events, providing organizers with direction on how to safeguard participants’ mental health before, during, and after competition.

In addition, the Athlete365 platform expands this support through the Mentally Fit program, an online course offering tools to strengthen resilience and manage the pressures of high performance. Through its digital hub #MentallyFit, athletes can access resources, advice, and testimonials to help them maintain balance between sporting performance and emotional health. Through these actions, the IOC reaffirms that excellence is measured not only by results but also by the ability to care for those who embody the Olympic spirit.

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The renovation is part of a public investment of 450 million euros aimed at modernizing the region’s sports infrastructure. With a brand new judges’ tower, state-of-the-art cooling technology, an inclined elevator for athletes and visitors, and temporary seating for 20,000 spectators, the venue promises not only a world-class event but also a lasting legacy. Trentino‘s president, Maurizio Fugatti, emphasized that the project represents both a commitment to 2026 and a long-term investment in the development of Nordic sports in the region.

Predazzo, Olympic legacy in motion

The renovated stadium in Predazzo will not only host six Olympic events, including the men’s and women’s individual competitions and mixed team events, but will also serve as a hub for training and sports festivals in the months leading up to the Games. Starting in September, the venue will be the epicenter of the “FIS Nordic Summer Festival” and various international training camps, highlighting its potential as a platform for the development and global visibility of Nordic skiing. After the Games, the stadium is expected to become a permanent facility with seating for 2,000 and year-round tourist access.

The long-term vision of the project is also evident in nearby venues such as the Lago di Tesero Cross-Country Ski Center, where new changing rooms and trail sections were already used during the recent Tour de Ski. Unlike other Italian Olympic infrastructures still facing delays, Trentino moves forward with precision, planning, and ambition. With its sporting history, geological value, and unique natural surroundings, Predazzo is much more than an Olympic venue: it is a symbol of the legacy Italy aims to build from the Alps to the world.

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The arrival of these experts adds to a wave of previous hires in critical areas such as communications, human resources, and legal affairs. However, organizers face challenges such as the withdrawal of Méribel and the potential relocation of key events to Val d’Isère, raising concerns over distances between venues and overall event logistics. In this context, the renewed team will not only handle operational duties, but also aims to redefine the narrative of Games that aspire to be sustainable, decentralized, and socially relevant.

A renewed leadership team to face the challenges of the French Alps 2030

The new additions bring extensive experience and reflect a clear strategy: to have leaders capable of guiding the project’s various fronts. Anne Murac, with over 25 years in event organization and a key role in Paris 2024, will lead the Operations department. Meanwhile, the sports division will be directed by Mathilde Meurisse, whose international career spans from the Athens Olympics to the Gold Coast, and who recently worked with the Paris 2024 team. In public affairs, diplomat Blandine Vinagre-Rocca takes on a strategic role thanks to her connections with regional stakeholders and her local government experience. Lastly, the Legacy and Impact area will be led by Élie Patrigeon, whose cross-disciplinary profile combines politics, journalism, and sports, and who previously led the French Paralympic and Sports Committee.

This leadership core, complemented by appointments made in July, will not only assume technical responsibilities but also play a key role in shaping the Games’ overall vision. Amid controversial decisions—such as the potential relocation of women’s alpine skiing to Val d’Isère—and logistical concerns about venue distances, the executive team faces the task of building trust and cohesion. With eyes set on summer 2025, when the official venue map is expected to be unveiled, Alps 2030 is banking on experience and coordination to steer an ambitious Olympic project, driven by a balance between legacy, sustainability, and innovation.

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The report highlights the progress made by FIS and organizes its sustainability goals into three main pillars: eco-responsible choices, responsible choices, and responsible governance.

1. Eco-responsible choices

The first pillar of the report focuses on environmental sustainability and climate action. FIS has collaborated with global experts such as Planet Mark and Deloitte to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Notable achievements include the launch of a CO₂ calculator, training programs for key industry players, and partnerships with the World Meteorological Organization and the European Space Agency to leverage science and technology in the fight against climate change.

2. Inclusion and human rights

The second pillar, responsible choices, seeks to promote inclusion, human rights, and well-being through sport. An important milestone in this area has been the creation of the framework for the FIS Refugee Team. In December 2023, Atefeh Ahmadi became the first athlete to obtain refugee status from the FIS team, setting a historic precedent in winter sports.

Ahmadi, who sought asylum in Germany after leaving Iran, was one of eight recipients of the Refugee Athlete Scholarship awarded by the Olympic Refuge Foundation. She was also the first Iranian woman to compete in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, an achievement that underscores FIS’s commitment to accessibility and equity in sport.

3. Responsible governance

The third pillar of the report focuses on responsible governance, promoting long-term value creation, innovation, and collaboration within the winter sports ecosystem. FIS has implemented initiatives such as the FIS Code of Ethics, which promotes fundamental principles such as transparency, integrity, solidarity, and fair play.

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Announced on May 28 in Milan, the 26 experiences will be hosted by athletes from around the world, including Arianna Fontana, Italy’s most decorated athlete at the Winter Olympics. Activities include cycling in the Alps and training sessions with Olympic medalists. According to Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, these experiences seek to connect fans with their sports heroes in an intimate and unique way.

The experiences will be available between June 2025 and March 2026, allowing participants to enjoy these activities before, during and after the Games. All bookings can be made through airbnb.com/mico2026, with more experiences expected to be announced throughout the year.

Connecting with champions in the heart of the Alps.

Highlights include a cycling experience with Arianna Fontana in her home region of Valtellina. Scheduled for September 6, this session will guide a small group of participants through the scenic trails of Polaggia, followed by a lunch featuring local produce. During the activity, Fontana will share details about his training and preparation to compete in speed skating at the 2026 Games.

Other experiences include an alpine training hike with Olympic snowboard cross medalist Omar Visintin, an introductory Paralympic ice hockey session with Italian defenseman Andrea Macrì and a training run with two-time Olympic medalist cross-country skier Federico Pellegrino. In addition, fans will be able to attend live events during the Games alongside Olympic athletes.

Sustainable tourism and heritage preservation

Airbnb is also reinforcing its commitment to responsible tourism in the host regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. As part of its sustainability initiatives, the platform collaborates with local and international organizations to preserve the region’s cultural and natural landmarks.

Among these initiatives is the “Storyteller of Beauty” project, a World Heritage Volunteers initiative that seeks to empower young people to protect and promote UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Veneto region, such as the iconic Dolomite Alps, a key venue for the Games.

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The IOC clarified that the recommendation from March 2023, which bars teams with Russian passports from competing, remains valid and was confirmed by the IIHF. While a limited number of Russian athletes have been authorized to compete at Paris 2024 as neutrals, the possibility of Russia participating in team sports at the Winter Games has been practically ruled out.

Hockey without Russia: reshuffling and tensions in the Olympic schedule

Statements from IIHF president Luc Tardif confirmed that the IOC has requested an Olympic hockey schedule without Russia, even though no official statement has been issued yet. The Russian federation (RHF), meanwhile, claimed it has not received any notification of the exclusion, while tournament organizers push for a clear decision as the Olympic date draws near. If this absence is confirmed, Finland would replace Russia in the men’s bracket, and the women’s competition would also be adjusted accordingly.

Russia has not participated in IIHF-sanctioned tournaments since the Beijing 2022 Games, where it competed under the name “Russian Olympic Committee.” The suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee for incorporating occupied Ukrainian regions was key in escalating sanctions. While the IOC allows certain individual athletes to compete under strict neutrality conditions, the exclusion of entire teams reflects a firm stance in defense of the integrity of the Olympic Charter and respect for Ukraine’s national sovereignty.

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The BTP is designed to offer local students full immersion into the broadcasting operations of the Games, allowing them to gain hands-on experience alongside internationally renowned professionals. For Yiannis Exarchos, Chief Executive Officer of OBS, this is a strategic investment in the future of Olympic storytelling—an opportunity not just to train technicians, but also storytellers who will carry on the legacy of the Games.

A bridge between Italian youth and Olympic broadcasting

The 2026 edition of the programme anticipates the participation of around 1,000 students in training workshops between May and July in Milan, of whom approximately 650 will join the broadcast team during the Games. These sessions will be delivered by more than 25 OBS professionals and will cover specialisations such as live production, content creation, video recording, and technical support. In addition, 30 spots will be reserved for Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as successfully done in Paris 2024, providing them with key tools for their professional future.

The impact of the BTP extends beyond the immediate experience. Since its creation in 1984, more than 14,000 students have participated in the initiative, establishing a lasting legacy in every host country. Benefits range from technical training to the expansion of professional networks and international visibility. Stories like that of Yeeun, who took part in PyeongChang 2018 and discovered her passion for journalism through the programme, show how the BTP can be a turning point in the careers of its participants.

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In response, the Council of Ministers of Italy approved an infrastructure decree aimed at accelerating the pending projects. The measure, driven by the Ministry of Transport, grants special powers to the director general of Simico—now appointed as extraordinary commissioner—to coordinate key works in the regions of Veneto and Lombardy. The action aims to ensure not only the logistical success of the event, but also long-term improvements in regional mobility beyond the Games.

Critical works, tight deadlines, and a historic investment

The technical visit to the areas of Tai and Valle left a mixed impression. Although work is progressing at a reasonable pace—with daily advances of five to six meters in the Tai tunnel and three meters in Valle—significant sections still remain unfinished. Local authorities consider these projects vital not only for access to Cortina d’Ampezzo during the Games, but also for the communities that rely on this infrastructure in the long term. However, the Longarone bypass has been identified as the most worrisome point due to stagnation and the lack of an updated schedule. The pressure is now on Simico to provide concrete answers in the coming days.

The new decree includes a total of 94 projects, of which 50 are related to transport and 44 to the sports sector, with an investment of €3.4 billion. Among the new works are a cable car system and a water intake from the Boite River in Cortina, an underground parking facility in Mottolino (Livigno), and a road junction in Castione Andevenno. These initiatives aim to ensure optimal conditions for competition and facilitate access to Olympic venues. Amid growing institutional and public pressure, Italian authorities are doubling down to turn commitments into reality and meet the demanding Milano Cortina 2026 deadlines.

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