The countdown to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has reached a critical phase, with the opening ceremony just 16 days away and several key competition venues still requiring substantial completion work. International Olympic Committee officials have confirmed that both the sliding centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo and the ice hockey stadium in Milan are racing against the clock to be ready for the global sporting event.
Sliding Centre Faces Intense Deadline Pressure
The Cortina d'Ampezzo sliding centre has been under particular scrutiny since Italy's controversial decision less than three years ago to construct an entirely new facility rather than utilise existing venues abroad. This choice, initially opposed by the IOC before their eventual reluctant acceptance, has placed organisers under immense pressure from the project's inception.
Christophe Dubi, the IOC Olympic Games Executive Director, speaking from Milan on Wednesday, acknowledged that "a lot" of work remains for the sliding centre, though he clarified this involved "not complex work." He confirmed that all essential systems including track refrigeration, scoring mechanisms and camera installations are already in place.
Finishing Touches Required for Spectator Experience
Despite the core infrastructure being operational, Dubi noted that numerous finishing touches are still required. These include concrete pavements for temporary structures, ground work to prepare the venue for spectators, and various aesthetic enhancements. "It will be ready, no doubt," Dubi asserted with confidence. "I am very confident for the sliding centre."
The construction timeline has been exceptionally tight, with the venue representing one of the most challenging aspects of Italy's Olympic preparations. The decision to build new rather than adapt existing facilities has created a compressed schedule that organisers have been managing against considerable odds.
Ice Hockey Venue Sees Intensive Construction Push
Milan's Santagiulia ice hockey venue has faced similar scheduling challenges, with previous slow progress and delays causing significant concern among Olympic organisers. However, Dubi praised the current construction efforts, stating: "Hats off to all who could pull off a venue in such a short time."
The venue is now experiencing an intensive final push, with approximately 1,600 workers on site daily to complete the arena. "I am super confident," Dubi added, highlighting the remarkable scale of the construction effort during these final weeks before the Games commence.
Olympic Schedule and Ceremonial Elements Confirmed
The Winter Games are scheduled to begin on 6 February with the opening ceremony at Milan's iconic San Siro stadium, running through to 22 February. This marks Italy's first time hosting the Olympics since the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, representing a significant moment for Italian sport and international prestige.
In a separate announcement on Wednesday, organisers confirmed that the two cauldrons for the Olympics and Paralympics will pay homage to Leonardo Da Vinci, incorporating artistic elements inspired by the Renaissance master's work. This cultural tribute adds another layer of significance to Italy's hosting of the global event.
As the final countdown continues, Olympic organisers remain publicly confident that all venues will be completed in time, though the visible construction activity underscores the immense logistical challenges of preparing for such a major international sporting spectacle. The coming days will prove crucial as Italy prepares to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world.
