With just over a year remaining until the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy faces an uphill struggle to meet its commitments. Originally presented as a cost-efficient, infrastructure-ready bid, the Games have seen budgets soar and deadlines missed. Organisers now face intense scrutiny as they race against time to deliver a successful event.
Rising Costs: A Persistent Challenge
When Italy won the bid in 2019, the projected budget for the Winter Olympics stood at €1.3 billion. However, as of late 2024, the figure has quadrupled to €5.7 billion, primarily driven by delays, increased construction costs, and unforeseen logistical challenges. This mirrors trends observed in recent Olympic Games, including Paris 2024, where final expenditures significantly exceeded initial estimates despite attempts to cut costs by reusing existing facilities.
In 2024, a study by Oxford University highlighted the substantial financial burden of hosting the Olympics, estimating average costs at $12 billion for the Summer Games and $3.1 billion for the Winter Games, with cost overruns typically reaching 213% and 142%, respectively. Italy’s escalating expenses for the 2026 Winter Olympics align with this trend, driven by both sports-related spending and extensive infrastructure projects across northern Italy.
Key Infrastructure Hurdles
Sliding Centre in Cortina
One of the most contentious projects is the sliding centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo, set to host bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events. Once touted as a strength of Italy’s bid, the facility was found to be in disrepair, having been unused for decades. Plans to renovate the 1,445-metre track have been mired in delays, with costs soaring from €50 million to €120 million.
The project also faced backlash from environmental groups, who criticised the ecological impact of the reconstruction. In 2023, organisers considered relocating the events to Austria or Switzerland. However, national pride and concerns about Italy’s international reputation led to a decision to press ahead. Construction began in early 2024, with the IOC demanding that the venue be ready for certification by March 2025.
Protests in Cortina and Milan, coupled with frequent snowfall, have further complicated the process. Organisers have introduced measures such as protective netting to ensure uninterrupted winter construction. Despite assurances from officials, the IOC has named Lake Placid in the United States as a backup venue, underscoring the precariousness of the timeline.
Santa Giulia Arena in Milan
The Santa Giulia Arena, a 16,000-seat venue intended for ice hockey, has also faced delays. Legal challenges from environmental activists slowed progress, with construction only resuming after months of litigation. Concerns about transparency have further marred the project. Italy’s National Olympic Committee (CONI) has refused to disclose key technical evaluations, citing confidentiality. Critics allege that this lack of transparency stems from mismanagement or corruption.
The cost of the arena has risen from €180 million to €300 million, and it is now scheduled for completion in late 2025, just weeks before the Games. The delays come despite heightened interest in ice hockey for 2026, with players from the NHL returning to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014.
Transport and Logistics
Transport infrastructure, including road and rail links to Cortina d’Ampezzo, has also seen significant delays. Frequent landslides and adverse weather have hampered progress, leading to fears of gridlock during the Games. The Italian government has allocated over €1 billion to address these issues, but many projects remain unfinished. The situation is particularly acute on access routes to mountain venues, with ongoing construction likely to coincide with the Games themselves.
Corruption Concerns
Allegations of corruption have further clouded preparations. In May 2024, Italy’s financial police launched an investigation into contracts managed by the Milan-Cortina 2026 Foundation, the organisation overseeing the Games. Two former senior officials were accused of misappropriating €1.9 million through irregular tenders. Additional scrutiny surrounds contracts awarded to Vetrya, a company tasked with developing digital services for the Olympics and Paralympics.
These incidents have exacerbated public scepticism, with critics arguing that the Games have become a symbol of inefficiency and mismanagement rather than national pride.
Environmental and Social Impacts
Local opposition to Olympic projects has grown, with protests highlighting concerns over environmental damage and rising living costs. Residents in Cortina and Milan fear that infrastructure projects will harm natural ecosystems and lead to gentrification, pricing out long-term inhabitants. Environmental activists have also criticised the carbon footprint of constructing new venues instead of fully utilising existing facilities.
In response, organisers have pledged to prioritise sustainability. However, critics argue that these promises ring hollow in light of escalating costs and persistent delays.
The IOC’s Contingency Planning
Faced with mounting challenges, the IOC has taken unprecedented steps to ensure the Games proceed smoothly. In addition to naming Lake Placid as a backup for sliding events, the committee has closely monitored progress across all venues. Scott Rivald, head of the USA Luge Federation, noted that preparations are underway to accommodate events in the United States if necessary.
The IOC’s intervention reflects its broader efforts to safeguard the reputation of the Olympics, particularly as hosting rights have become increasingly contentious due to financial and logistical risks.
What Lies Ahead
With just 13 months remaining until the Games begin on 6 February 2026, Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo face a race against time. While organisers remain confident in their ability to deliver, the challenges are immense. Beyond construction and logistical hurdles, Italy must contend with public scepticism and scrutiny from international observers.
Image source: olympics.com
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