10 December 2025 – As anticipation builds across Italy and beyond, the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee briefed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC)’s Executive Board on the momentum driving preparations for next February’s Olympic Games. The presentation underlined a project entering its final phase with momentum — demonstrated by recent successful test events, growing workforce deployment and widespread public engagement through the Olympic Torch Relay.
Key Facts
- Games readiness: Organisers reported continued operational progress across all clusters, with venues, workforce systems and Games-time functions moving forward at pace.
- Successful test activities: Recent test event and activities confirmed venue quality and operational effectiveness.
- Workforce scaling: Over 50,000 workforce accreditations (staff, contractors and volunteers) are being issued as Games-time mobilisation accelerates.
- Torch Relay engagement: The Olympic Torch Relay is generating strong nationwide support as it travels across Italy.
Led by Milano Cortina 2026 President and IOC Member Giovanni Malagò and CEO Andrea Varnier, the Organising Committee outlined the core priorities for the coming weeks, including venue activation, workforce mobilisation and operational integration across all host regions.
As excitement grows and preparations intensify for the Olympic Winter Games, IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the strong progress underway.
We got to really see the strong start to the [Olympic] Torch Relay. The flame is now being carried throughout the country. And I’m sure many of you have got to witness the breath-taking moments that have already been created, and the enormous and enthusiastic crowds that we are seeing.
Kirsty Coventry – IOC President
She continued “We had the Organising Committee do an incredibly good progress report, sharing with us the last few focus areas that we’re all working on together, and sharing with us some of the successful test events that have taken place. We know that the new model of these Games is going to allow winter athletes to compete in some of their favourite venues, and will also showcase some of the best and most beautiful, iconic areas of Italy, and we cannot wait to be there in just a few weeks.”
How prepared is Milano Cortina 2026 for Games time?
Organisers reported that readiness continues to strengthen across every cluster. Venues are now in the final phase of construction and fit-out, and the transition into full operational mode is accelerating. The Uniform & Accreditation Centre opened in November, and is already processing tens of thousands of staff, volunteers and contractors — a major milestone marking the start of Games operations. Additional accreditation centres in the mountain clusters will open in January, supporting the mobilisation of the Games-time workforce across the snow venues.
With nearly 51,000 accreditations being issued, the Organising Committee confirmed that workforce levels are on track, with strong volunteer engagement throughout all regions.
What did the test events demonstrate?
Recent international sports competitions held at Olympic venues — including the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior World Cup Speed Skating, the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Cup in bobsleigh and skeleton, and the ongoing International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Ice Hockey U20 World Championship Division 1B — have provided essential opportunities to assess operational readiness under real competition conditions.
The events enabled organisers to test athlete flows, field-of-play delivery, timing and results services, venue logistics, technology and sport presentation. Feedback from athletes and International Federations was described as positive and constructive, with praise for the quality of the competition environments and the collaboration with venue teams. The insights gained will now inform final refinements ahead of February.
How is the Torch Relay progressing?
Milano Cortina 2026 reported that the Olympic Torch Relay continues to attract significant public interest since beginning its Italian journey on 6 December. Communities, schools and cultural groups across the country have participated in celebrations surrounding the flame, reflecting strong national support for the Games.
The Relay was highlighted as an important driver of public engagement, connecting Italians to the Olympic values of peace, friendship and excellence as anticipation builds.
What’s next?
Milano Cortina 2026 has entered its final readiness phase, with venue activation, workforce training and technology integration accelerating across all clusters. These preparations will set competition venues and essential services on a full Games‑time footing in early 2026. Following successful test events, strong public engagement from the Olympic Torch Relay and advanced workforce mobilisation, the project moves into the home stretch with clear momentum.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from 6 to 22 February 2026, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games from 6 to 15 March 2026.
