With the countdown to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games ticking down, preparations are in full swing. Following the unveiling of the first Olympic venue in Livigno last December, the Olympia delle Tofane ski track has successfully passed a key test event this past weekend.
Originally used in the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo for the men’s downhill event, Olympia delle Tofane has become a legendary track, hosting numerous World Cup races. For the 2026 Olympics, it will feature the women’s Alpine Skiing and Paralympic Alpine Skiing competitions. The track recently hosted the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Women’s Super G on 18-19 January, drawing a record crowd as a warm-up event for the Games.
Local favourites Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone won their races, and top skiers, including former champions, praised the venue.
Lindsey Vonn, one of the most successful skiers in history, was particularly impressed. “This is the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen in Cortina. Everything is set up perfectly for the Olympics,” she said. “The atmosphere was amazing; I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Other skiers shared Vonn’s enthusiasm. Olympic gold medalist Lara Gut-Behrami highlighted the track’s quality, saying, “Cortina guarantees excellent conditions, even after heavy snow. The stunning scenery and perfect conditions make it a great place to race.”
Deborah Compagnoni, Italy’s Olympic champion from the 1990s, called the track “the most beautiful in the world” due to the unique rocks beside it, a sentiment echoed by New Zealand’s Alice Robinson, who called it her favourite Olympic location.
Giorgio Rocca, a two-time Olympian, praised the organisers for a smooth event. “It’s a perfect test,” he said. “The track is flawless, and the athletes are thrilled to compete on a course designed for women. Safety, organisation, and logistics have all improved, and we’re ready for the Games.”
