Milano Cortina 2026: Olympic village with mountain view

One of the main venues for the upcoming Winter Games – the Olympic Village in Milan – is welcoming an increasing number of participants ahead of the competitions.

On the eve of the opening ceremony, media representatives got a chance to see the living conditions and how athletes from around the world spend their leisure time, train, and relax.

The Milan Olympic Village was built on the site of a former railway depot. All that remains of the large industrial complex is a massive fence; otherwise, it’s a new district with modern buildings. The complex features 1,154 comfortable rooms. After the Olympics, the village is set to be transformed into a modern student housing complex. For now, however, a calm, at times even homely, atmosphere prevails.

After passing through mandatory security checks at the entrance, athletes are greeted by various activities where they can also learn about the cutting-edge technologies of the International Olympic Committee’s partners.

Belarusian speed skater Marina Zueva and her coaching staff, our team leader Vasily Yurchik, and representatives from the National Research and Treatment Center of Sports, Irina Malevanaya and Yevgeny Akimov, have been living in the village for several days already.

“All organizational matters have been settled. We are preparing for the upcoming competitions. I have been involved in organizing accommodation for many of our delegations. The athletes’ village in Milan is one of the best in many respects. The Italians prepared well. There are no complaints or remarks. Everything has been considered. This is a new complex built for the Winter Olympic Games. It has everything: excellent food, training facilities. The most challenging thing these days is the constant rain. However, the sun came out today, and the village immediately came to life; everyone is already in high spirits ahead of the upcoming events,” said Vasily Yurchik.

The €330 million project is located in the Porta Romana railway station area.



The athletes’ accommodation rooms are designed with the characteristic Italian refined style. The floors are quite lively. Belarusians are staying alongside the Canadian team, which occupies two floors. Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea also have sizable delegations. Everything necessary for living is provided.

Nutrition for athletes before and after training is one of the key factors for success. The dining hall is located in the stylish building of the former depot. We happened to catch Belarusian coach Ruslan Tobolich during lunch.

“Excellent conditions, everyone can find food to their taste here. Everything is also provided in the courtyard for good rest and socializing,” he said.

A modern gym equipped with state-of-the-art equipment is also available within the village. The instructors were friendly and actively asked where we were from, wishing the athletes good performances.

A crucial facility at every Olympics is the medical clinic. In Milan, medical services have been approached with particular attention.

“On-site, there is even a laboratory where biochemical tests can be conducted. There are wards equipped with necessary equipment; a patient can be stabilized here. Two ambulance crews are on duty simultaneously, and there is an excellent pharmacy. Medications are delivered to the village from the nearest major clinic by drones. This is one of the best-organized medical support systems at the Olympic Games. Logistically, everything is clearly and competently structured,” said Irina Malevanaya, Director of the National Research and Treatment Center of Sports.

As is tradition, the greatest activity was observed around the Olympic rings installed in the village. Athletes eagerly took photos and very much hope they will soon be able to take selfies with Games medals.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus
Photos by the NOC of Belarus