With just 100 days to go until the curtain rises on the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, excitement is building not only across Italy but throughout the global sporting community. On October 29, 2025, a vibrant ceremony at Milan’s Palazzo Lombardia marked this key milestone, bringing together organizers, dignitaries, and fans for a celebration that set the tone for the final sprint toward one of the most anticipated Winter Games in decades.
The event at Palazzo Lombardia was a spectacle in itself, with the official Olympic and Paralympic podiums unveiled for the first time. Designed by Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 in collaboration with Cavaletti + Pagliariccio Studio, these podiums blend modern aesthetics with Italian craftsmanship, using wood and metal to create modular structures that are both accessible and adaptable across disciplines. Organizers emphasized that these podiums are more than just platforms for medal ceremonies—they symbolize the Games’ commitment to inclusion and sustainability. After the competitions conclude, many of these podiums will find new homes at amateur sports clubs across Italy, thanks to the “Campioni Ogni Giorno” initiative, promoting inclusive sporting activities and leaving a tangible legacy for future generations.
During the lively ceremony, the mascots Tina and Milo—adorable stoat siblings, with all-white Tina representing the Olympic Winter Games and brown-coated Milo for the Paralympic Games—made their presence felt, delighting attendees as they mounted the newly revealed podiums. The mascots have become instant icons, featuring prominently in the Games’ branding and merchandise, and, as of this week, in a new wave of Olympic collectibles.
Twelve “digital torchbearers” were introduced at the ceremony, symbolizing the start of the final phase of preparations. These digital ambassadors, including popular Italian creators like Gli Autogol, Sofia Dalle Rive, Tommaso Cassissa, and even Chico the dog—the first canine ambassador in Olympic history—will help share the Olympic spirit both online and offline, connecting communities and fans across Italy and beyond. The Olympic flame itself will be lit in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, 2025, before embarking on a 63-day journey across Italy, with 10,001 torchbearers carrying it to the Opening Ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium on February 6, 2026.
Preparations for the Games are ramping up, though not without their challenges. According to Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan-Cortina organizing committee, “There are some things that we are paying more attention to, monitoring them and then there are others that are absolutely completely ready.” He candidly admitted, “Being completely honest I would say that these 100 days are necessary, we need them but I don’t think that’s any different than any other big event, you always see people working even hours before the start to ensure it meets expectations.”
One of the most closely watched projects is the new Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a 16,000-seat venue on the outskirts of Milan. While some venues are already set, the ice hockey arena remains under construction, with its first test event scheduled for January 9-11, just weeks before the Games begin. Andrea Varnier, CEO of the organizing committee, stressed the importance of these last-minute preparations: “We are convinced that we will have a beautiful facility, and we will be ready to do the test event the first week of January, which will be very important because it has never been used. We need to test the ice, which is temporary not permanent, and also the function of the entire facility, which will be heavily visited.”
On the other hand, the century-old sliding track in Cortina—a source of much debate and negotiation with the International Olympic Committee—has been rebuilt and is now up and running. The IOC recently praised the venue, stating it has “surpassed expectations.” The sliding center secured preliminary certification in March 2025, and test events are underway through November.
Despite the logistical hurdles, ticket sales have soared past expectations. Andrea Varnier revealed that more than 850,000 tickets have already been sold, with many sessions sold out. In total, 1.4 million tickets are up for grabs for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, reflecting the immense interest and enthusiasm surrounding the event.
As the countdown continues, the Games are shaping up to be a showcase not only of athletic prowess but also of Italian innovation and community spirit. The organizing committee has made it clear that Milano-Cortina 2026 is about more than two weeks of competition. “The goal is clear: to ensure that the impact of Milano Cortina 2026 does not end in two months of competitions, but continues over time,” said Giovanni Malagò. The committee’s vision focuses on improving accessibility, promoting movement and gender equality, and fostering inclusion throughout Italian society.
Commercial partners are also joining the celebration. Alibaba kicked off its own 100-day countdown by unveiling a fresh collection of official Olympic merchandise on Tmall, coinciding with the annual 11.11 Global Shopping Festival. The new range includes plush toys, keychains, figurines, and, for the first time, an official Olympic jewellery collection for the Chinese market—all featuring the beloved mascots Tina and Milo. Anne-Sophie Voumard, Managing Director of IOC Television and Marketing Services, said, “With 100 days to go to the Olympic Winter Games, this is the perfect moment to introduce these new items to fans, including the first official Olympic jewellery collection, available exclusively in China.”
Alibaba’s platforms have also been hosting Olympic-themed activations, including a special Taobao Live broadcast and a four-day “Milano Cortina 2026 – Ice and Snow Wonderland” pop-up exhibition in Shanghai, where fans could meet the mascots in person and get a first look at the new merchandise. AliExpress is supporting ticketing promotions, offering benefits to Saver members purchasing tickets for the Games.
Omega, the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, marked the 100-day milestone by unveiling the Speedmaster Milano Cortina 2026 Special Edition watch. This winter-themed timepiece features a 38 mm stainless steel case, a deep blue ceramic bezel, and a white dial inspired by the Games’ emblem. The watch is not only a nod to the event’s style but also a collector’s item, complete with a stamped Milano Cortina 2026 medallion on the caseback and a robust Co-Axial Calibre 3330 movement offering a 52-hour power reserve.
Looking ahead, fans are already buzzing about the cross-country skiing and biathlon events, set to take place at Val di Fiemme and Antholz, respectively. These storied venues will welcome Olympic and World Champions vying for glory, ensuring that the spirit of competition and camaraderie remains at the heart of the Games.
As the world’s attention turns to Milan and Cortina, the final 100 days promise a whirlwind of activity, anticipation, and celebration. With new venues nearing completion, digital ambassadors spreading the Olympic flame, and fans snapping up tickets and memorabilia, the stage is set for an unforgettable Winter Olympics in 2026.
