Final preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Winter Olympics set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with just 100 days remaining until the opening ceremony on February 6, 2026. As anticipation builds, it is evident that not all planning efforts will be completed in time for the highly-anticipated event. The Olympic torch relay, which will kick off in December, will journey through Rome and various Italian provinces before the flame arrives at Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza Stadium for the opening ceremony.
The financial implications of the Winter Games are significant, with total investments projected to reach approximately €3.5 billion ($4.7 billion) across 98 projects, of which 47 are specifically tied to the Olympics. However, a report by infrastructure company Simico has revealed that one in four of these projects will not meet the scheduled completion dates. The construction of a new ice hockey arena, for instance, is expected to be finalized just before the Games commence. Additionally, a test event for this facility has already been postponed.
Andrea Varnier, managing director of the local organizing committee, acknowledged the tight schedule. “It will be very close to the start of the Games, but we were aware of that,” he stated. Despite some challenges, venues for the competitions are anticipated to be ready, albeit with minor cosmetic issues. The ski jumping stadium, which holds historical significance from hosting the Winter Games in 1956, will be ready for athletes, although renovations will continue into the summer.
Security remains one of the government’s top priorities, though pinpointing the exact budget for security measures has proven difficult. A revised operational budget has been stated at around €1.7 billion, reflecting an increase from previous estimates. Since their initial bid, the Italian government has committed €415 million towards security expenditures. Andrea Francisi, chief operations officer for the Games, emphasized the importance of security, highlighting Italy’s robust law enforcement and cooperative framework as key assets.
Sustainability is also a critical focus for the Games. During their bid, organizers promised to uphold economic and environmental sustainability; however, there are concerns regarding the ecological impact on the fragile Alpine ecosystem. The construction of new ski lifts, reservoirs for artificial snow, and roads places additional strain on already vulnerable environments. Notably, the construction of a new sliding track in Cortina, designated for bobsled, skeleton, and luge events, has faced criticism due to the need to cut down ancient trees.
Despite apprehensions, the sentiment among the locals remains largely positive. A survey conducted by Coca-Cola and pollster SWG earlier this year revealed that 62% of Italians are proud to be hosting the Winter Games, with 59% viewing the event as an opportunity to bolster national unity. Approximately 70% of respondents reported they would follow the Games with enthusiasm, particularly among the younger demographic.
With around 3,500 athletes expected to represent 93 countries, competing for 195 medals across 16 Olympic disciplines and six Paralympic sports, the Games promise to be a vibrant celebration of winter sports, resilience, and the collective spirit of Italy.