Milano-Cortina 2026: a new model for the Winter Olympics
Less than a year away from the start of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the event has already marked a historic turning point. These will be the first Winter Games to be simultaneously hosted by multiple cities, spread across three Italian regions: Lombardy, Veneto, and the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano.
This pioneering approach reflects the commitment of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to a more sustainable and economically efficient model, as outlined in the Olympic Agenda 2020. Marie Sallois, IOC Director of Sustainability, clearly articulated this concept: “Milan Cortina 2026 will adapt to the host regions, not the other way around.” The primary goal is to generate lasting socioeconomic benefits, inspiring new generations to engage in winter sports and leaving a concrete and positive legacy in the region.
Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics: Sustainability Focus
Sustainability will be one of the main pillars of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics. With the opening ceremony held at the iconic San Siro Stadium and the closing ceremony set against the captivating backdrop of the Verona Arena, the Games are placing particular emphasis on environmental impact through several innovative measures:
- 100% renewable energy for all competition venues;
- Infrastructure reuse: 11 out of 13 venues will be existing or temporary;
- Circular economy: prioritizing recycled and reusable materials, aiming to recycle 80% of packaging and redistribute excess food;
- Measurement of water footprint, a groundbreaking initiative for the Winter Olympics.
Legacy and Regional Development
Milan Cortina 2026 will not merely be a sporting event, but a driving force for regional development. The Impact 2026 program provides economic opportunities for local SMEs, with over 227 companies already involved in strategic sectors such as hospitality and catering.
Simultaneously, the educational program GEN26 is already active in schools, engaging around one million students and spreading Olympic values like respect, determination, and inclusion. In collaboration with the Italian Paralympic Committee, the Adaptive Winter Sport project promotes accessibility to winter sports for people with disabilities, establishing a model of sporting inclusion that will persist even after the Games conclude.
Gender Equality and Inclusivity
With 47% of participating athletes being women and 50 events dedicated exclusively to women’s competitions, Milan Cortina 2026 aims to become the most balanced edition in the history of the Winter Olympic Games in terms of gender.
Marie Sallois highlighted this aspect as “a reflection of Italy’s ability to balance tradition and innovation,” with sport increasingly becoming a tool for sustainability and social inclusion.
ESG Objectives: A Model for the Future
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives are central to the planning of Milan Cortina 2026:
- Environment: reducing emissions and exclusive use of renewable energy;
- Society: initiatives to promote social inclusion and local community development;
- Governance: transparency in management and engagement of high-profile partners.
Preparations and Infrastructure Investments
With less than a year to the Games, Italy has launched a countdown with a series of events aimed at building excitement for the occasion. The Italian government is investing approximately €3.5 billion in projects related to the Games, aiming to ensure flawless organization and leave a lasting legacy for local communities.
Despite some logistical challenges due to the distribution of venues across a broad area of northern Italy, organizers remain confident in the country’s ability to deliver an extraordinary spectacle to the world. The use of artificial snow is planned to guarantee optimal conditions for ski competitions, addressing growing concerns related to climate change. [Source: Reuters]
A Legacy for Future Generations
Today, the Olympic Games must be evaluated not only in terms of economic returns or structural investments but also for their environmental footprint and the cultural, social, and infrastructural legacy they leave behind. Milan Cortina 2026 promises to be a concrete laboratory for innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, aspiring to become an international benchmark for future major sporting events.
The information contained in this article is updated as of March 2025.
