Skiing the Italian Dolomites During the 2026 Winter Olympics: What to Expect in Cortina with Enrico Geremia
- John Morgan
- Dec 30, 2025
- 4 min read
When skiers hear “Winter Olympics,” they picture packed grandstands, iconic race courses, and elite athletes pushing the limits. But what happens if you actually want to go skiing in Italy during the 2026 Winter Olympics?
In this episode of Where to Ski, host John Morgan digs into that exact question, joined by Enrico Geremia, a full-time IFMGA mountain guide based in the Dolomites with more than 15 years of experience guiding skiers and climbers throughout northern Italy. What they uncover is a nuanced, realistic look at what Olympic-season travel will be like — and where the best skiing will still be found.
Where are the 2026 Olympic Ski Events
The 2026 Winter Olympics are centered around Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with alpine ski racing split between Cortina (women’s events) and Bormio (men’s events). While both destinations offer world-class skiing, they are nearly five hours apart by car, meaning visitors will need to choose carefully. Cortina sits in the heart of the Dolomites, roughly 100 km south of Austria and 150 km north of Venice. Bormio, by contrast, lies in the central Alps, closer to Switzerland and far removed from the Dolomites altogether. From a skiing perspective, they are entirely different regions.
What Skiing in Cortina Will Look Like During the Olympics
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most beautiful ski towns in the world, famous for its dramatic limestone peaks, elegant atmosphere, and iconic runs like Tofana, which drop directly into town. However, during the Olympics, that exact terrain will be largely off-limits.
Security exclusion zones will close significant portions of Cortina’s ski area, especially around the Olympic race venues. While some skiing will remain available — areas like Faloria and Cinque Torri are expected to stay open — visitors should not expect full access to Cortina’s marquee terrain.
Movement through town will also be restricted on certain days, with road closures and access passes required. Even guides like Enrico are still waiting for final clarity on logistics, traffic flow, and how daily life will function during peak Olympic periods.
The Good News: The Dolomites Are Huge
Here’s the key takeaway: the Dolomites extend far beyond Cortina.
According to Enrico, skiers who want to enjoy Italy during the Olympics should treat Cortina as a spectator stop — not a ski base. Once you step outside the immediate Olympic zone, an enormous amount of terrain remains fully open, uncrowded, and spectacular.
The crown jewel is the Sella Ronda, one of the most famous ski circuits in the world.
Linking Val Gardena, Val Badia, Val di Fassa, and Arabba, the Sella Ronda allows skiers to loop an entire mountain massif in a single day — clockwise or counterclockwise — with endless variation, views, and dining options.
Other standout alternatives include:
San Martino di Castrozza, offering dramatic scenery and excellent piste skiing
Civetta, with nearly 100 km of ski runs and far less Olympic impact
San Pellegrino Pass, ideal for strong intermediates and relaxed touring
Val Gardena and Val Badia, home to some of Italy’s best groomed skiing and food
Enrico recommends staying south of Cortina during the Olympics to avoid traffic bottlenecks and road congestion tied to the events.
February Conditions and Crowds
Mid-February is typically an excellent time to ski the Dolomites. Snow coverage is reliable, days are getting longer, and sunny weather highlights the region’s iconic rock formations. However, February also coincides with European school holidays and Carnival, making it one of the busiest travel periods even without the Olympics.
Accommodation will be tight near Cortina, and prices will reflect Olympic demand. Booking early — or choosing smaller villages away from event hubs — will be essential.
Food, Culture, and the Italian Ski Experience
One thing the Olympics won’t diminish is the food. The Dolomites are famous for on-mountain dining, from rustic huts serving venison and pasta to Michelin-starred refugios perched high above the valleys. Favorites like Rifugio Comici and Baita Dovich are destinations in their own right — but reservations will be essential.
A Smart Way to Ski Italy During the Olympics
For skiers who want a seamless experience, Enrico highlights guided ski safaris as an ideal solution. These multi-day journeys move from valley to valley, with luggage transported ahead, allowing skiers to focus entirely on terrain, scenery, and flow — even during a complex Olympic season.
Alternatively, ski touring offers a quieter, uncrowded way to experience the Dolomites, well away from lifts, closures, and event traffic.
The Bottom Line
Skiing in Italy during the 2026 Winter Olympics is absolutely possible — but it requires flexibility and local knowledge. Cortina itself will be limited, but the surrounding Dolomites remain one of the richest ski landscapes on Earth. With thoughtful planning, or the help of an experienced guide, the Olympics can actually become a reason to explore more of Italy’s mountains — not less.
🎧 Listen to the full episode with Enrico Geremia on the Where to Ski podcast at wheretoski.org
Resources
Find the Olympic Exclusion zones here