Livigno, a town nestled in the Italian Alps, is preparing to host a significant portion of the snowboarding and freestyle skiing events for the to Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. While the games are branded as “Milan Cortina,” the competition will be spread across Northern Italy, with Livigno taking center stage for these particular disciplines.
The Livigno Snow Park, part of the larger Mottolino ski area, is the focal point. It’s currently undergoing construction to accommodate the demands of Olympic-level competition, but already boasts a history of hosting major events, including the Burton European Open and the FIS Junior World Championships. The park will feature dedicated courses for halfpipe, slopestyle, big air, snowboard cross, and parallel giant slalom. Nearby, the Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park will host the remaining freestyle skiing events.
Located in the Rhaetian Alps near the Swiss border, Livigno is geographically removed from both Milan and Cortina – approximately three and a half hours northeast of Milan and five and a half hours west of Cortina. The closest Olympic venue is the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio, about an hour southeast of Livigno, which will host ski mountaineering and men’s Alpine skiing.
The town itself sits at an elevation of approximately feet above sea level, adding another layer of challenge for athletes. The Olympic schedule in Livigno is packed, with events running nearly continuously from through .
On , the action kicks off with Women’s Snowboard Cross Qualification, followed by the FINAL. will see Women’s Snowboard Cross FINAL and Men’s Snowboard Halfpipe FINAL, alongside a “Champions Celebration” featuring Michela Moioli in the city center. Further events are scheduled throughout the following days, including Women’s Freeski Big Air Qualification, Men’s Dual Moguls FINAL, Mixed Team Snowboard Cross FINAL, and Men’s Freeski Big Air Qualification.
Beyond the competition, Livigno is preparing a “Fan Village” located in the Isola Area, offering live site viewing and entertainment throughout the Olympic period. Local musical groups, “Musicanti di San Crispino” and “Coscritti di Premana,” are scheduled to perform, adding a local flavor to the international event.
The scale of the operation is considerable: organizers anticipate awarding Olympic titles across disciplines, utilizing competition areas over competition days. Ticketing is being handled exclusively through the official Milano Cortina channels.
The choice of Livigno as a host venue underscores the growing importance of freestyle skiing and snowboarding within the Winter Olympics. The town’s existing infrastructure, combined with the investment in the Livigno Snow Park and Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park, positions it as a premier destination for these sports. The location, while remote, offers a unique alpine setting that is expected to enhance the overall Olympic experience.
The logistical challenges of hosting events in a more remote location like Livigno are significant, requiring careful coordination of transportation, accommodation, and security. However, local officials are confident that the town is well-prepared to welcome athletes, officials, and spectators from around the world. The games represent a major economic boost for the region, and a chance to showcase Livigno’s beauty and hospitality on a global stage.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are aiming to be a showcase of athletic prowess and innovation. Livigno’s role in hosting the snowboarding and freestyle skiing events is a key component of that vision, promising thrilling competition and unforgettable moments for both participants and viewers.
