Milan Cortina 2026: the great security challenge. Men, technologies and a dream to protect

Imagine the scene: a clear sky above the Cortina basin, the flags of nations waving in the February wind, thousands of spectators gathered to witness the triumph of sport. It is the heart of the 2026 Winter Olympics. But behind the scenes of that visual harmony and the thrill of medals, beats an invisible but essential heart: the security apparatus.

Because organizing the Olympics is not just about lighting torches and welcoming athletes: it means protect an entire system. And for Milan Cortina, an event spread over two regions and dozens of venues, the stakes are higher than ever. Ensuring that every moment is experienced safely is an army of women, men and advanced technology.

Where innovation meets security: the "smart protection" of the Games

Milan Cortina 2026 will mark a turning point: it will be the first Winter Games to make extensive use of systems based on artificial intelligence, machine learning e predictive surveillance.

Imagine an invisible network enveloping the entire event: from train stations to stadiums, from Olympic villages to alpine slopes. Every movement, every anomaly, every flow of people is monitored in real time by high-tech operation centers, linked to data centers capable of predicting and preventing risks before they even occur.

Smart cameras, environmental sensors, facial detection software and behavioral analysis: this is the cyber security that talks to the real world, built with the support of Italian and European experts. All under the watchful eye of the Ministry of the Interior, which is leading a multi-level security architecture never before pioneered in Italy.

More than 10,000 workers in the field: the human network of protection

Technology, yes. But without forgetting the irreplaceable role of people. Ensuring daily security will be there:

• State Police, responsible for urban areas and nerve centers
• Carabinieri, especially in mountain and rural settings
• Finance Guard, with focus on economic security and airports
• Armed Forces, in support for high-impact operations and deterrence
• Civil Defense and Fire Department, ready to intervene in case of disaster
• Local police, custodians of the territory and first interlocutors for citizens and tourists

Everyone will be involved in specific training courses, advanced simulations and joint training. We talk about more than 10,000 operators active at the same time on the highlight days, a widespread but unobtrusive presence so as not to detract from the magic of the event.

Security that speaks many languages: international cooperation

The eyes of the world will be on Italy. But Italy will also have eyes everywhere in the world.

Under multilateral agreements, the following will be present in the territory Liaison units from France, Germany, the U.S., the U.K. and Japan, as well as observers and operators of Interpol, Europol and Frontex. A true global security network, with real-time information exchanges, blacklist sharing, and coordinated surveillance on potential cross-border threats.

In cyberspace, the spotlight will be even brighter. Italy has already initiated protocols with NATO and the European Network Security Agency (ENISA) to armor digital infrastructure, ticketing systems and official portals from hacker attacks or disinformation campaigns.

The cost of security: a 420 million euro investment

Ensuring this comes at a price. And it is not insignificant. The budget allocated for the security apparatus is around the 420 million, which will cover:

• Installation of state-of-the-art surveillance technology
• Staff training and large-scale simulations
• Cybersecurity and data protection
• Purchase of vehicles, drones, scanners, and mobile systems
• Insurance coverage and contingency plans

Some of the funds come from contributions from the European Union, which recognizes Milan Cortina 2026 as a strategic continental event.

Mountain, ice and logistics: the unique challenges of alpine venues

Cortina, Livigno, Bormio, Val di Fiemme: mountain venues pose unique challenges. Here safety moves on snow and ice, through forests, passes and extreme weather conditions. Making the difference will be:

• Alpine units of the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza
• Mountain Rescue Teams
• Thermal drones for night surveillance
• Mobile health care devices overhead
• Ski patrols on slopes, with personnel trained in immediate response

Logistics will be supported by tracked vehicles, snowmobiles, and mobile command stations. Every slope, every trail, every gondola will be monitored.

Toward a new model: security and humanity

Milan Cortina 2026 will not only be a sporting event, but a integrated security management model, where innovation is combined with empathy. The goal is not only to protect, but Make people feel welcomed, safe, free to experience every emotion without fear.

And in this, Italy is staking its international reputation. A challenge that starts with numbers and strategies, but that will find its full realization in the serene gaze of those who will be able to watch the competitions, experience the Olympic squares, travel between cities and mountains knowing that there is a whole system, silent but attentive, watching over them.