Logistical challenges of a multi‑cluster Games
When the Winter Olympics return in 2026, Italy will offer a bold experiment: four clusters of events spread across northern regions rather than a single host city. Milan will host the opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium and indoor competitions like figure skating and ice hockey in existing arenas. Cortina d’Ampezzo, an alpine resort with Olympic history, will stage speed skating, bobsleigh and women’s alpine skiing on slopes and tracks that have been revitalised after decades of neglect. A third cluster in Valtellina will feature freestyle skiing, snowboarding and the Olympic debut of ski mountaineering, while the Val di Fiemme valley will host cross‑country skiing and ski jumping. Organisers argue that reusing existing venues and spreading events across mountains and cities will cut construction costs and lower the Games’ carbon footprint, but they acknowledge that athletes, officials and fans may face long journeys between competitions.

Italy’s plan draws both praise and concern. Supporters say the multi‑cluster concept allows the country to showcase diverse landscapes—from Milan’s urban energy to Cortina’s dramatic peaks—while avoiding white‑elephant projects that often burden host cities for decades. The Italian government plans to coordinate high‑speed trains, shuttle buses and dedicated lanes on mountain roads to move people around an area covering roughly 8 500 square miles. However, some athletes worry that frequent travel could sap energy and hinder performance, especially for those competing in multiple events. Broadcasters and sponsors must adjust to cover events hundreds of kilometres apart, and fans hoping to catch different sports may have to choose carefully because of travel times. The dispersed layout also raises questions about the sense of community that typically builds when athletes stay in one Olympic Village.

Balancing sustainability and spectator experience
Environmental advocates generally applaud the decision to repurpose facilities rather than build new ones, noting that construction is often the largest source of emissions for major sporting events. The sliding track in Cortina was nearly demolished before Olympic organisers committed to refurbishing it, preserving a piece of sports heritage. Yet critics warn that increased travel between clusters could offset emissions savings from avoiding new construction. Organisers say they will purchase renewable energy and carbon offsets to minimise the impact, but they concede that predicting the total footprint is complicated. Local tourism officials hope the spread of events will disperse economic benefits beyond Milan and Cortina to smaller alpine towns, boosting hotel occupancy and restaurants in Valtellina and Val di Fiemme. Residents in some villages welcome the upgrades to rail lines and roads, while others worry about overcrowding and rising prices.

With two years to go, the International Olympic Committee and the Milan‑Cortina 2026 organising committee are racing to finalise logistics. Contractors are renovating venues, installing security systems and coordinating scheduling to avoid conflicts. Ticket sales will begin later this year with special packages allowing fans to attend events in multiple clusters, and organisers are urging visitors to book lodging early. The closing ceremony is planned for Verona’s Roman amphitheatre, linking modern sport with Italy’s ancient heritage. Observers say the 2026 Games could become a model for future Winter Olympics in the era of climate change, showing how reuse and regional cooperation can make the event more sustainable. Success will depend on seamless transportation and clear communication, ensuring that spectators’ excitement outweighs any frustration with distance.