Countdown to Olympic Triumph Begins: 100 Days to Conquer the Stelvio
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games approaches, Bormio prepares for a remarkable event. With just 100 days remaining, this Alpine town gears up to host the prestigious games, commencing on February 7, 2026. The men’s downhill event on the legendary Stelvio slope will kick off the Olympic competition, marking the first medal event of the Games.
Key Events and Competitions in Bormio
Bormio will not only showcase the men’s downhill but also all men’s alpine events from February 7 to February 21. These include:
- Slalom
- Giant slalom
- Super-G
A standout feature of these Olympics will be the debut of ski mountaineering, a discipline deeply rooted in the region’s mountain heritage. This will attract significant attention from sports enthusiasts worldwide.
The Stelvio: A Challenging Venue
The Stelvio slope is famed for its demands, boasting a vertical drop of 1,023 meters. Since entering the World Cup circuit in 1993, it has hosted elite competitions, such as the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1985 and 2005. The slope’s reputation as “La Scala of skiing” highlights the skill and precision required to conquer its challenges.
Notable Athletes to Watch
Among the competitors, Swiss ski prodigy Marco Odermatt is considered the frontrunner. Italy’s Dominik Paris, a beloved figure in Bormio, is eager to defend his home turf. He will be joined by talented teammates Mattia Casse and Tommaso Sala, both of whom are poised to chase gold.
Paris expressed his enthusiasm: “We’ve been preparing for a long time, and the goal is clear: peak form on the Stelvio, my favorite run.”
Ski Mountaineering Takes Center Stage
Alongside alpine skiing, the Games will also feature the exhilarating ski mountaineering discipline. Scheduled for February 19, the men’s and women’s sprint events will take place at a specially constructed course near the Stelvio. The mixed relay event is planned for February 21.
Top nations, including France, Switzerland, and Spain, will compete fiercely. Medal hopefuls include:
- Thibault Anselmet (France)
- Emily Harrop (France)
- Oriol Cardona Coll (Spain)
- Finn Hösch (Germany)
- Nicolò Canclini (Italy)
Canclini, a Bormio native and reigning world champion, noted, “The countdown makes everything feel closer. This is a unique opportunity for Bormio and ski mountaineering.”
Community Preparations and Olympic Spirit
Bormio’s preparations are well underway. Mayor Silvia Cavazzi reported that both construction and hospitality initiatives are on track. “We want visitors to experience the warmth and uniqueness of Bormio,” she said.
Additionally, Councillor for Sports, Tourism, and Olympics, Samanta Antonioli, highlighted the Games’ potential beyond sports, noting their role in showcasing the region’s culture and identity. “These final 100 days are crucial for shaping this moment,” she stated.
Dario Da Zanche, President of Fondazione Bormio, echoed the excitement. He stated, “This is our chance to show the world the true spirit of Bormio, building a legacy for the Stelvio and our region.” The countdown to Olympic triumph has begun, and Bormio is ready to make history!
