Milan, Lombardy, Italy – January 31, 2026 – The Milan Olympic Village officially opened its doors on Friday, January 30, extending a warm welcome to athletes and delegations from across the globe. This significant operational milestone signals the intensifying countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
First Athletes Arrive at the Milan Olympic Village
The Village is now fully operational and ready to host teams as they prepare for the competitions. Italy was among the first nations to settle in, quickly followed by large delegations from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Japan. Later in the day, the Netherlands and Australia also arrived, contributing to an increasingly international atmosphere as preparations for the Games gather pace.
With the Village fully operational, the Milano Cortina 2026 team is poised to provide athletes with an optimal environment to focus on their performance and immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the Winter Olympics. Designed as a central hub for athletes throughout the Games, the Village offers accommodation, dining facilities, and spaces for training and recovery within a secure, accessible, and welcoming setting.
“First and foremost, we want athletes to feel at home from the moment they arrive,” stated Flaminia Tamburi, Head of the Villages. “The Village must be a place where they can rest, focus, and feel supported, but also where they can connect with others and enjoy the Olympic atmosphere. Our goal is to create an environment that allows them to perform at their best, feeling welcomed and cared for.”
Comprehensive Services and Positive Feedback
The Village was fully operational from day one, with the main dining hall open 24/7, offering various catering stations and a buffet serving balanced and personalized meals tailored to athletes’ needs. The fitness center, recovery areas, and common spaces are also open, allowing athletes to familiarize themselves with the facilities in anticipation of the competitions.
Inauguration day operations were supported by 180 volunteers and approximately 100 employees and collaborators, who were actively involved in reception services, accommodation, catering, and athlete support.
“The initial feedback has been very positive,” added Flaminia Tamburi. “Athletes and team managers have highlighted the welcoming atmosphere of the Village, which is extremely gratifying for all the teams who have worked hard to make this moment possible.”
For the Village team, the inauguration represents a significant milestone and the beginning of an intensive operational period. “It is a moment of great emotion and pride,” declared Tamburi. “The inauguration of the Village is the result of months of preparation and teamwork, and seeing it come to life is incredibly gratifying. At the same time, this is just the beginning, and our priority is to offer the best possible experience to athletes and officials every day.”
With arrivals set to continue in the coming days, the Milan Olympic Village is now fully prepared to support athletes as they get ready to compete, connect, and experience the unique spirit of the Winter Olympic Games.
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Source: https://www.olympics.com/it/milano-cortina-2026/notizie/il-villaggio-olimpico-di-milano-ha-aperto-le-porte-agli-atleti
