Milan-Cortina 2026: where are the construction sites in Italy?

Milan, The most anticipated winter sports event is about six months away, and Italy is hard at work turning the dream into reality. Amid new construction, renovations and sustainable strategies, here's a detailed account of progress so far at major Olympic venues.

Completed or nearly completed works

Olympic Village of Milan - Scalo Romana
Completed about three months ahead of the official July 2025 deadline, the complex built by Skidmore Owings & Merrill is ready to house athletes and staff. After the Games, it will be repurposed into student housing and residential housing in partnership with COIMA.

Milan Ice Park (Fiera Rho)
Adaptation of the facility for ice hockey and speed skating competitions has been completed: the 400-m rink and facilities are ready for use.

Construction underway and at a high pace

PalaItalia - Arena Santa Giulia (Milan)
The new 15,000-seat multipurpose facility is under construction, on schedule, but costs have increased from €180 million to about €260 million for extra material and energy expenses. Expected to be completed by the end of 2025 with pre-Olympic testing.

"Eugenio Monti" bobsled run (Cortina d'Ampezzo)
Reconstruction began in February 2024 and has already reached about 70% completion. The runway successfully passed pre-approval in March 2025, but the unknown of final testing remains. The IOC has approved the progress, but maintains a "Plan B" with Lake Placid as a backup.

Predazzo Jumping Stadium
Demolition is complete, while the 109 m and 143 m diving boards are under construction, with 60% of the work already done. Completion is expected in July 2025, in time for the Summer Cup test.

Tesero cross-country center, lifts in Livigno and Bormio, Anterselva Arena and adaptations in Val di Fiemme
Improvements are underway: slopes, grandstands, snowmaking and logistics are expected to be finalized during 2025.

Projects not yet started or just getting started

Roads and transportation north-Italy
Infrastructure improvements are planned on rail lines (Milan-Bologna, Tirano), trolleybuses in Bagno a Ripoli and Malpensa, and mountain roads. Some projects are still in the permitting stage.

Arena of Verona (closing ceremony)
Temporary installations are planned but there is no detailed timeline yet on setup and security.

The sustainable model and the legacy

The Committee envisioned 93% use of existing facilities, total offsetting of CO₂ emissions, green energy, and removable temporary structures. Each intervention is designed to leave a lasting legacy for local communities.

General Summary

Status	Major works
Complete	Ice Park Rho, village of Milan Porta Romana
Ongoing	PalaItalia Santa Giulia, Cortina bobsled track, Predazzo jumps, alpine villages
Starting or delayed	Roads, transportation, Arena Verona, some local facilities

The international feedback

The IOC expressed satisfaction with the progress, especially regarding the bobsled track, which until a few months ago was considered at risk. Now, while it remains an ambitious and complex project, it is within schedule.

The path to Milan-Cortina 2026 is marked by fast pace, strategic investment and a focus on sustainability. Some facilities are already ready, many others are almost at the finish line. Despite the technical and logistical challenges, the project is moving forward with concreteness and vision: a legacy not only for sports, but also for the whole of Italy socially.