The Ski World Championships also provided a taste of the Olympics from South Tyrol's perspective. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

One year before the Olympics: A taste for gold

The 6 Olympic Games will officially open in Cortina d'Ampezzo on February 2026, 2026. One year before the major event, preparations are in full swing - in South Tyrol, people are already ready for this historic chapter.

06. February 2025

From: never

If you like, the countdown to the 2026 Olympic Games has already begun. And not because the actual starting signal for the Winter Games with the first competitions in curling, ice hockey and snowboarding will be given two days before the opening ceremony. Rather, Alex Vinatzer from Val Gardena, Lara Della Mea, Giorgia Collomb and Filippo Della Vite gave a foretaste of what will become reality in a year's time in the team competition at the Ski World Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm - Gold for South Tyrol.

There are still a few days to go until that happens, and many hurdles still have to be overcome. "The last round is always the most difficult," said IOC President Thomas Bach, whose successor will be chosen next March, of the Journal of Sport quoted. "There is still a lot to do, but the organizing committee is doing a very good job and I trust that the government will also do its part. If everything goes well, I think the Italians and Italy will be very proud, it will be a brilliant Olympic Games."

Cortina and Antholz create Olympic anticipation

In Cortina and Antholz, the final preparation phase is already underway. In recent weeks, local athletes have been able to show what they are capable of in front of a spectacular backdrop. Federica Brignone (Super-G) and Sofia Goggia (Downhill) were crowned winners at the Ski World Cup in Cortina on the Olimpia delle Tofane, while Tommaso Giacomel and Dorothea Wierer achieved top results at the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz. But even if the Olympic Games will feel almost like everyday life for the organizers of the two competitions mentioned above due to the routine of recent years, the five colorful rings cast a special glow ahead.

The Olympic rings in Antholz Mittertal. © APA/afp / MARCO BERTORELLO

"I was there when the Olympic rings were unveiled in Mittertal, that was an even more special feeling," said biathlete Lukas Hofer recently in Antholz. "I'm looking forward to when they finally stand behind the shooting range." A special campaign could provide an additional flair, an additional push for the Olympic heroes from the region. In the past few days, South Tyroleans have been able to secure preferential access codes for purchasing tickets for Antholz. They can use these to secure tickets between February 6th, 10.00 a.m., and February 8th, 10.00 a.m. - thus ensuring an unforgettable atmosphere for Hofer, Wierer and Co.

Olympic torch also crosses South Tyrol

A major part of the program on the way to the 2026 Olympics is, of course, the torch relay. On November 26, the fire will be lit in ancient Olympia in Greece. Over the next 63 days, the torch will be carried through all 110 provinces of Italy, covering 12.000 kilometers. One day after the stopover in Cortina on January 26, it will finally cross South Tyrol. On February 6, it will reach Milan - and the games will begin.