Milan And Cortina Prepare For Historic Winter Olympics

The countdown is on for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and excitement is building as Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo in northern Italy prepare to welcome the world’s top winter athletes. With a rich Olympic legacy and a blend of historic and modern venues, this edition of the Games promises to be a unique celebration of sport, heritage, and international camaraderie.

Italy is no stranger to the Olympic spotlight. The country previously hosted the Winter Games in Turin in 2006 and, even further back, in Cortina d'Ampezzo in 1956. Now, nearly 70 years after Cortina’s first turn as host, the alpine town is once again at the heart of Olympic action, sharing duties with the vibrant city of Milan. The dual-city approach, officially dubbed Milano Cortina 2026, highlights both Italy’s tradition and its forward-looking spirit.

One of the most fascinating aspects of these Games is the revival of historic venues. The iconic ice arena in Cortina, built in 1952, is a prime example. This storied arena was the stage for the 1956 opening ceremony and played host to figure skating and hockey events. Fast-forward to 2026, and the same arena is set to host curling, bringing a fresh twist to its legacy. “It’s a very historic venue,” said Giacomo Colli, a Cortina native and deputy events manager for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. “The first Olympics here in Cortina really changed the lives of the people.”

The arena’s transformation over the decades is a testament to thoughtful preservation and innovation. Originally an open-air stadium with no roof, it now boasts a distinctive blue roof and modern seating, yet still retains the authentic 1950s wooden interior. “All the wooden parts are the old ones,” Colli explained. “The blue parts are the seating.” This blend of old and new gives the venue a unique charm that will surely captivate both athletes and fans.

In preparation for the Games, the arena is undergoing major renovations. Organizers are adding new locker rooms and making the facility more accessible for wheelchair users, all while preserving its classic design. “The venue here is very old because it was built for the 1956 Winter Games,” Colli said. “Now for the 2026 Winter Games, they are renovating and improving it.” The original metal floors will remain, expected to amplify the energy of the crowd and create a lively atmosphere for curling enthusiasts.

Location is everything, and this arena is ideally situated near several other Olympic sites, including the women’s alpine skiing venue and the newly constructed bobsled, luge, and skeleton track. It’s not just the sporting history that gives the arena its fame; it also made a memorable appearance in pop culture, serving as the backdrop for a thrilling scene in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only,” starring Roger Moore. The sight of Bond facing off against hockey players on the ice is etched into cinematic history, adding another layer of allure to the venue.

Bringing the Games back to Cortina is more than a nod to nostalgia—it’s a chance to honor the past while forging new memories. “It’s a great opportunity for Cortina to have the Olympics again,” Colli enthused. The restoration of classic venues alongside state-of-the-art facilities reflects the broader theme of Milano Cortina 2026: respecting tradition while embracing the future.

While Italians prepare their venues, athletes from around the globe are getting ready to chase Olympic dreams. Among them is a formidable contingent from Australia, who are swapping their summer heat for snow and ice. Australia will send 53 athletes to the Games, making it the nation’s second-largest Winter Olympic team and the biggest in 12 years. This impressive squad reflects the growing depth and diversity of Australian winter sports.

The Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed that female athletes make up 62.3% of the team—a record high for any Australian Olympic squad, winter or summer. This milestone underscores the country’s commitment to gender equality on the world stage. “I started dreaming about being an Olympian in 2022 after seeing Jakara Anthony win gold in Moguls. It was super inspirational and just gave me a lot of passion and desire to do it as well,” said 15-year-old Indra Brown, one of five teenagers making their Olympic debut for Australia. Indra, along with Ally Hickman, Amelie Haskell, Daisy Thomas, and Abbey Wilson, represents a new generation of talent eager to make their mark.

Australia’s team features a mix of seasoned stars and promising newcomers. Olympic Champion Jakara Anthony returns after her historic 2022 gold in freestyle skiing moguls—the first Australian champion in 12 years. She’s joined by household names like Scotty James (Snowboard Halfpipe), Matt Graham (Moguls), Tess Coady (Snowboard Big Air/Slopestyle), and Jarryd Hughes (Snowboard Cross). With 28 athletes making their Olympic debut, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and fresh energy in the Australian camp.

The 2026 Winter Olympics officially run from February 7 to February 23, but the action kicks off even earlier. Curling, luge, snowboarding, Alpine skiing, and women’s hockey all begin on February 4, ensuring that fans won’t have to wait long for thrilling competition. The opening ceremony, a spectacle in its own right, will be held at Milan’s legendary San Siro Stadium on February 7 at 6am AEDT—a fitting start for a Games steeped in history and innovation.

For Australian viewers, Channel 9 and Stan Sport will provide comprehensive coverage, bringing the excitement of the Games into living rooms across the country. With so many storylines to follow—from the restoration of iconic venues to the rise of new athletic stars—there’s no shortage of drama or inspiration on offer.

As the world turns its gaze to northern Italy, the 2026 Winter Olympics stand poised to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd echoing off Cortina’s vintage metal floors or the sight of young athletes realizing lifelong dreams, these Games are set to blend the best of the past and the promise of the future. With Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo at the helm, and nations like Australia sending their strongest and most diverse teams yet, the stage is set for a winter spectacle that will be remembered for years to come.

With renovations nearly complete and teams finalizing preparations, all eyes are on Italy as it readies itself to welcome the world—once again—to the magic of the Olympic Games.