Challenges and Controversies Cloud Preparations for 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy

The 2026 Winter Olympics, commencing February 6, are facing multiple logistical and ethical challenges ahead of the games in northern Italy. Most notably, the new gondola lift from Cortina d’Ampezzo to the Olympic ski area on the Tofane will not be operational at the start due to safety tests and technical problems, delaying its readiness until at least February 12. The gondola, intended to transport 2,400 people per hour, was built by a contractor lacking prior gondola experience following geological issues and a landslide at the site. As a result, athletes and spectators will rely on buses and cars for transport, with local schools closing from February 10 to 12 to ease crowding.

In Antholz, where the biathlon events are held, a language dispute has emerged as the area’s predominantly German-speaking population clashed over signage using the Italian name "Anterselva." Following intervention, bilingual signs will now be installed. The biathlon venue, with a capacity of 19,000, has been upgraded for its first Olympic competitions, with athletes accommodated in locally adjusted hotels rather than a traditional Olympic village.

Compounding the tensions is a doping case involving Italian biathlete Rebecca Passler, who tested positive for Letrozol, a banned substance, prior to the games. Passler, a former junior world champion and regular World Cup competitor, has been provisionally suspended. This case recalls a previous doping violation involving the same substance in Italy, casting a shadow over the competition.

These issues highlight organizational and ethical hurdles facing the Milan-Cortina Olympic organizers as athletes and officials prepare for the games under less-than-ideal circumstances.