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The countdown to the most important chapter in Valtellina's sporting history has officially begun: only365 daysseparateBormiofrom the opening of the Olympic starting gate at Milano Cortina 2026, when the first runner in theDownhillscheduled forFebruary 7, 2026, will challenge the legendaryStelvio slope.
Seventy years after Cortina d'Ampezzo and twenty years after Turin, Bormio is preparing for aunique eventthat will solidify its role among the world's skiing capitals, while writing another chapter in Olympic history by hosting theOlympic debutofSki Mountaineering.
All of Bormio lit up to mark one year until the Olympic spotlight: the celebrations began with theenthusiasm of the local youngsters, who participated in anOlympic Flash Mobby forming the Olympic Rings, symbolizing the Olympic values ofrespect,friendship,inclusivity, andlove for sport.
Today, Friday, February 7, marked thegrand celebrationinPiazza del Kuercforthe Olympic Rings’ unveiling, accompanied by music and entertainment.
The event was attended by political and sports authorities, including Bormio's MayorSilvia Cavazzi, Valdidentro's MayorMassimiliano Trabucchiand Valdisotto's MayorAlessandro Pedrini, the Sport, Tourism and Major Events CouncilorSamanta Antonioli, SIMICO Chief Executive OfficerFabio Massimo Saldini, Fondazione Milano Cortina Board MemberSergio Schenaand Fondazione Bormio PresidentMatteo Bonfà, along with the athletes ofTeam BormioPietro Zazzi,Tommaso Sala,Nicolò MolteniandRoberta Melesi(Alpine Skiing),Nicolò Canclini,Katia MascheronaandAndrea Prandi(Ski Mountaineering) and alsoFabiana Fachin(Snowboard).
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THE OLYMPIC PROGRAM ON THE STELVIO
A stage of excellence for over forty years, the Stelvio slope is preparing to host anintense programofOlympic races: great champions likePirmin Zurbriggen,Aksel Lund Svindal, andBode Millerhave triumphed along its3,442 meters; on its63 percent vertical drop,Dominik Parishas found unprecedented success, dominating itseven timesinWorld Cup events, but no one has won an Olympic medal on this legendary slope yet.
After the excitement of the first Olympic race, theDownhill, scheduled forFebruary 7,2026, Bormio's iconic slope will again take center stage onFebruary 9for theTeam Combined event, made of aDownhill runfollowed by aSlalom.
Just one day of rest will separate athletes from a new challenge onWednesday,February 11, in theSuper-G, while technical specialists can compete for an Olympic medal onSaturday,February 14, in theGiant SlalomandMonday,February 16, in theSlalom.
After the adrenaline of speed and the elegance of technique in Men's Alpine Skiing,Thursday,February 19, will mark ahistoric chapterin Winter Olympics history with thefirst-ever Ski Mountaineering competitionson the final section of the Stelvio: themen'sandwomen's Sprint. OnSaturday,February 21, theMixed Relaywill conclude the great Olympic celebration in the Valtellina resort.
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QUOTES:
Silvia Cavazzi, Mayor of Bormio:"There's an Olympic atmosphere in Bormio, and the countdown of this final year is increasing citizens' enthusiasm and interest. The ongoing construction works taking shape day by day, as well as the successful events, make this wait even more exciting. The organizational machine is working at full speed: thanks to the commitment of SIMICO, Lombardy Region, and the companies with their workers, construction sites are proceeding according to schedule. This is a new dimension for us, which we've embraced, strengthened by past experiences with World Championships and World Cup events: we're prepared and we'll be ready, with facilities, services, and our warm welcome for athletes, technical staff, and fans. As public administrators, we work with operators, associations, and all citizens every day: the countdown for us began in 2019, on the day of the IOC announcement, but this final year will be the most intense."
Samanta Antonioli, Sports, Tourism and Major Events Councilor:"One year before the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Bormio is raring for this dream to finally take shape. For the local community, the Olympics represent a great opportunity for development, promoting tourism, enhancing our mountains, and growing hospitality-related sectors. It's not just a sporting event, but a way for Bormio to further establish itself on the international stage. We can't wait to show its charm to the world."
Matteo Bonfà, Fondazione Bormio President: "Milano Cortina 2026 is about to become a reality, and Bormio is set to shine in its spotlight. A year of immense effort awaits the Fondazione Bormio team, but the great enthusiasm surrounding this Olympic endeavor will give us the energy needed to overcome every challenge. After the success of last December’s World Cup, the upcoming Ski Mountaineering Test Event will provide us with another opportunity to grow as a team, strengthening our ability to manage the organizational areas entrusted to us.”
Tommaso Sala, Italian Alpine Skiing team athlete :"Only one year remains until the Winter Olympics, the event that every athlete works intensely towards for so long with tenacity and determination. It will be a year to visualize and focus on the goal, and during which all of Italy will begin to dream together with its athletes."
Nicolò Canclini, Italian Ski Mountaineering team athlete:"Today is a very significant date: it marks the beginning of the countdown to the most important event in any athlete's career, and even more so for those who, like me, might have the opportunity to compete in the Olympics at home. It's still a dream, but from today on, the commitment to achieve it will be even greater."
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