Will everything be ready in time? We ask the Olympic boss

On the sidelines of the women's ski world cup in Cortina d'Ampezzo at the weekend, there was an opportunity to talk to Olympia CEO Andrea Varnier. He explains.

Andrea Varnier, in 379 days a hopefully fantastic Olympic adventure begins. Are you ready?

Andrea Varnier: We are not ready yet, we still have a lot of work to do. But we will definitely be ready in a year - very much so. This can be explained very well here in Cortina: we could practically start the ski races tomorrow. There will just be a larger grandstand in a year that can accommodate 7000 fans. On the other hand, the bobsleigh and toboggan run is still under construction. But we can manage that too.

Speaking of the toboggan and bobsleigh run: That is still a huge construction site. Will it be finished?

When you consider that a year ago it was not even certain that a track would be built here, it is impressive what has happened in such a short time. We had an on-site inspection with the IOC representatives and of course there is still some work to be done. But our aim is to have the track covered in ice from mid-March for the first tests. And that we can then do a preliminary homologation so that the first test runs can take place. We are right on schedule.

The bobsleigh and toboggan run is being rebuilt.

How important are the pre-Olympic tests such as the Women's Ski World Cup?

These are of course extremely important because we can gain experience here in race mode. But it is not just the races that count. We are doing tests behind the scenes, we have to find out many things that are much bigger, much more comprehensive than in a normal World Cup. This affects the number of fans, telecommunications, medical services in the event of emergencies and of course transport.

What gives you the most headaches? It's an exaggeration to say that the toboggan and bobsleigh track (sliding center) in Cortina and the L'Arena Santa Giulia ice hockey stadium in Milan are and will remain the biggest challenge. The stadium will have space for 16.000 spectators and will be a fantastic hall when it's finished. We're currently right on schedule, but things are still tight.

After the Ski World Cup in Cortina d'Ampezzo comes the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz. What else is there to do there?

Antholz is already ready. The arena is a gem, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful biathlon stadium in the world. The organizers in Antholz are doing a fantastic job. There will also be some test procedures behind the scenes there, especially with regard to the requirements of the Olympic sponsors.

The Südtirol Arena in Antholz will face its toughest test this weekend. © NordicFocus

The Olympics are and remain a highly controversial topic. What makes the 2026 Olympics different from its predecessors?

That we have organizers at all levels who already have experience in running competitions. Whether in Bormio, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, Predazzo, Antholz or Cortina - everyone knows how to organize races. This experience is invaluable. Combining this with all the conditions of the Olympics remains a huge challenge. But I am convinced that this is the only right way to lead the Olympic Games into the future. The 2030 Games will be similar and I am convinced that it is the only viable path for Games in Europe. Namely, to go to places where there is already experience in running competitions and existing facilities.

Will the 2026 Olympics end in traffic chaos?

I don't think so. We are currently drawing up a very complex traffic plan. It is intended to guarantee a smooth transport system. Of course there will be traffic restrictions, but we are convinced that this is in everyone's interest. Here in Cortina, 7000 spectators have to be brought up the mountain, there are 3000 places at the bobsleigh and ice rink, and just over 1000 in the curling stadium. The largest stadium will be in Antholz with 18.200 spectators.

Will the 2026 Olympics be a public success?

I am convinced of that. Milan Cortina includes the regions of Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto. It is not just the population density that is high, but above all it is the enthusiasm for sport and the love of nature that drives the people here. I am convinced that we will experience outstanding games.

Personal Andrea Varnier is CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and thus managing director of the Olympic organizers of Milan Cortina 2026. The 58-year-old from Verona brings with him a wealth of Olympic experience, having held a leading position at the 2006 Games in Turin and the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro. Varnier was entrusted with the leadership in November 2022 by Sports Minister Andrea Abodi.

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Will everything be ready in time? We ask the Olympic boss

The 6th Winter Olympics will begin in Milan and Cortina on Friday, February 2026, 25. There are still 379 days until then. But what is the current state of affairs? Will everything be ready in Cortina and the other competition venues on time or will plans have to be changed?

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