The bobsleigh track in Cortina during the Olympics. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO

Significant damage to the bobsleigh track in Cortina

Just a short time after the Winter Olympics, the bobsleigh and luge track at the Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo is making negative headlines. Extensive damage has been discovered at the facility, making further operation impossible at present.

March 06, 2026

From: sn

An expert commission inspected the track after the Olympic Games and identified damage exceeding one million euros. Reports indicate that the damage included bent pipes, damaged cables, defective measuring devices, and destroyed safety equipment. Technical equipment within the facility's control area is also said to be affected.

The track had only recently undergone extensive modernization for the 2026 Winter Olympics and was considered one of the region's most important sports projects. The fact that the facility is already severely damaged shortly after the Games is now drawing criticism and raising questions about the safety and condition of the infrastructure.

Italian Championships cancelled

The effects are already being felt: The Italian championships in bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, scheduled for March 10-12, had to be canceled or postponed. Since the track cannot currently be operated safely, the organizers are looking for alternative venues for the national championships.

No Italian Championships for Patrick Baumgartner & Co. in Cortina. © FELICE CALABRO' / Felice Calabro'

It is currently unclear when the facility will be fully repaired and usable again. However, experts assume that extensive repairs will be necessary before international or national competitions can take place again.

What's next now?

The cancellation of the championships is just the tip of the iceberg of a situation that could also have repercussions at the national level, as the track was planned as one of Italy's most important post-Olympic sports infrastructures. The mayor of Cortina, Gianluca Lorenzi, convened a meeting with the foundation, Simico, and other stakeholders. It was emphasized that the damage must be thoroughly assessed and the repairs planned.

“The priority is to solve the structural problems,” Lorenzi explained. “As soon as the bobsleigh track is repaired, we will begin planning events. We cannot afford any unnecessary complications.”