The president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has said conditions at the Italian Alpine venue for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have improved, following earlier concerns about delays in artificial snow production.
Livigno is set to host snowboarding and freestyle skiing events from 6 to 22 February 2026, with competitions taking place at the Snow Park and the Aerials & Moguls Park, where 26 gold medals will be contested.
Last week, FIS president Johan Eliasch warned that organisers were under financial pressure after government funding had yet to be released, raising concerns about snow production at the resort. The venues rely heavily on artificial snow to construct the halfpipes and jumps required for competition, using water supplied by the Monte Sponda reservoir.
However, Eliasch struck a more optimistic tone in his latest remarks, noting progress in recent weeks.
“Over the past two weeks, the Local Organising Committee has taken important steps forward. Progress is visible, and the team’s determination to overcome challenges and deliver the events should be commended,” he said.
He also praised the collective effort behind the preparations, highlighting the commitment of organisers, national and regional authorities, and partners in ensuring the successful staging of events in Livigno.
Speaking earlier in Val d’Isère, Eliasch had referred to ‘inexplicable delays’ in artificial snow production, saying organisers were contacted “three times a day, morning, noon and night” as concerns persisted. While maintaining that Italy’s preparations still face pressure, he has since expressed optimism that operational venues can be delivered on time, provided authorities accelerate their efforts.
With the Games approaching, Eliasch reiterated that the situation in Livigno reflects wider structural challenges affecting winter sport, including rising costs, climate pressure and underused infrastructure, which have fuelled calls for a rotating model of permanent Olympic hosts.
Local officials have sought to reassure international federations. Livigno mayor Remo Galli said the delays were caused by a technical issue and insisted sufficient snow would be available.
“It was necessary to replace a valve, but it was done within the timeframe, and all the snow cannons have been operating for several nights,” Galli told ANSA.
The Monte Sponda reservoir, inaugurated in early December, has a capacity of around 203,000 cubic metres and is among the largest artificial snow reservoirs in Europe. Built at a cost of more than $23 million (€21m), it now supplies water to snow cannons across the area. Although snow production began later than originally planned, colder temperatures in recent days have allowed the system to operate.
