Milano Cortina 2026: The Winter Olympics by Numbers…

When the twin cauldrons in Milan and Cortina were extinguished, Milano Cortina 2026 left behind more than just medal tables and highlight reels. Stripped back, what we find is a Games defined by numbers, numbers that tell a bigger story about where winter sport is, and where it is going.

This is Milano Cortina 2026, told through the numbers that mattered.

25th Winter Games – 70 Years After Cortina 1956

Milano Cortina 2026 was the 25th Winter Olympics, with 70 years having passed since Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted their first Winter Olympics in 1956, reflecting their Alpine heritage.

Today, it is the mountains again, but not just one mountain, an entire Alpine region, with Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino Alto Adige, with Bormio, Livigno, Val di Fiemme, Predazzo, and Cortina sharing the stage.

2,800 Athletes – 92 Nations – 16 Competing Alone

2,800 athletes represented 92 countries, reflecting growth in winter sports worldwide. Of particular interest was that 16 athletes competed alone, reflecting growth in snow sports beyond their traditional homelands.

740 Medals, 19 Days, 13 Olympic Records, 1 World Record

In 19 days, 740 medals were up for grabs in 16 sports, with 13 Olympic records and one world record set. Highlights included Velzeboer’s world record in the 500m, Klæbo’s six gold medals in Nordic sports, Malinin’s seven quadruple jumps in one free skate, and Shiffrin’s return in the slalom.

1 New Olympic Discipline, 8 New Mixed Events

Ski mountaineering was introduced, expanding competitive skiing, with a link to Alpine heritage. With eight new mixed events, these Games have seen the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics, reflecting participation, athlete development, and growth in winter sports worldwide.

15 Venues, 93 Percent Existing or Temporary

Sixty-five venues were retained or created in temporary form, with 93 percent of venues existing or temporary in nature. Stelvio in Bormio, Tofane in Cortina, and the Nordic venues in the Val di Fiemme ensured long-term sustainability and a low impact on the environment.

36,000 Jobs Created

The organization of Milano Cortina 2026 created 36,000 jobs in transport, hospitality, venues, and investment in the Italian regions, ensuring long-term sustainability in the Alpine regions.

3,400 Meals per Day

3,400 meals per day were prepared at the Milano Olympic Village across 6 food stations, 3,000 eggs and approximately 450 kilograms of pasta.

18,000 Volunteers – 98 Countries

The 18,000 volunteers from 98 countries ensured smooth operation and cohesion in the event experience for the athletes and spectators.

1,996 Years Old Arena di Verona

The Closing Ceremony was held at the 1,996-year-old Arena di Verona, bringing together tradition and modernity in the event experience.

1,952 Accredited Press, 602 Photographers

Almost 2,000 members of the press and 602 photographers contributed to the event experience, which will be remembered for years to come and leave a lasting impact on the Dolomites and Alpine venues.

2 Cauldrons

Two cauldrons, Arco della Pace in Milan and Piazza Dibona in Cortina, symbolized the partnership between the city and the mountains.

Looking Forward

The event has ended, and the true impact of Milano Cortina 2026 is now clear: improved infrastructure, global recognition, and renewed interest in the Italian Alpine regions. It has demonstrated what can be achieved with a Winter Olympics: ambitious, grounded, innovative, traditional, extensive, and genuine, based on confidence, tradition, and momentum.

olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026

Main Image Credit Olympic Committee

The post Milano Cortina 2026: The Winter Olympics by Numbers… appeared first on InTheSnow.