Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Sparks Debate Over Sliding Centre

Organisers of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are still considering alternative plans for a sliding centre, despite the Italian government's decision to construct a new one. The government signed a deal in February to build a new track, opposed by the IOC, which favoured using existing venues to cut costs and save time.

Organisers of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are still evaluating alternative plans for a sliding centre despite the Italian government's decision to build a new one for those Games, they said on Tuesday.

In February, the Italian government signed a deal with a construction firm to build a new sliding track in Cortina instead of using an existing one in a neighbouring country, despite strong opposition from the IOC. The IOC had repeatedly voiced its concerns over building a new sliding centre, urging organisers to use existing venues in nearby countries to keep costs down and cut preparation times.

The Italian government, however, emphasized the importance of hosting all competitions within its borders. 'Totally aware of the very challenging timeline and of the serious doubts many of you in this session have, I am sure you understand it is not possible for an organising committee to reject a government decision,' Milano-Cortina CEO Andrea Varnier told the IOC session.

'The works... are proceeding fast and are closely monitored by us, the two winter federations and the IOC. In the meantime, we are still evaluating all possible alternative plans,' he added, without elaborating further. The IOC is eager to avoid construction of venues that will get little or no use after the Olympics. Neighbouring France, Switzerland, and Austria have sliding centres, as does Germany.

Kristin Kloster, who heads the IOC's coordination commission for those Games, said progress on the sliding project was proceeding according to plan despite tight deadlines. 'The decision to push forward with this project was made despite the direction presented to the (IOC) session in October,' Kloster explained.

'The Italian government is deeply committed to hosting the Games entirely within the borders of Italy. Work has commenced and during the past weeks key milestones have been reached.' 'The IOC will remain watchful as timelines are tight.'

The Games are due to open in less than 19 months, on Feb 6, 2026.

(With inputs from agencies.)