Milan-Cortina Olympics: Travel Issues & Lack of Atmosphere

The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are underway, but early reports suggest the Games are struggling to generate excitement and are hampered by logistical challenges. While the spectacle of the Olympics is unfolding on the world stage, travelers and athletes alike are encountering issues ranging from transportation disruptions to food shortages and a general lack of festive atmosphere.

Concerns about organization began even before the opening ceremony. The Canadian government issued a travel advisory warning of potential delays due to increased demand on transportation networks and the possibility of disruptions caused by winter weather. This warning has proven prescient, with reports of extended shuttle bus wait times surfacing quickly. February 10th, reports began circulating of stadiums running out of food, leaving attendees frustrated.

The geographical spread of the events is emerging as a significant problem. Unlike previous Winter Games, such as Vancouver-Whistler in 2010, where venues were relatively close together, the Milan-Cortina Games are dispersed across four northern Italian regions. This vast distance – with travel times between venues often ranging from four to nine hours – is making it difficult for fans to experience multiple events and is diminishing the sense of a cohesive Olympic experience. As one observer noted, the distances are so great that athletes are struggling to connect with their peers outside of their specific competitions.

The logistical strain extends to athletes as well. Rodel Olympian Julia Taubitz reportedly had to plan an entire “North Italy travel route” after her competition, highlighting the challenges of navigating the dispersed venues. The lack of proximity also means many athletes are missing opportunities to interact with colleagues from other sports, a traditional aspect of the Olympic spirit.

The financial burden of attending multiple events is also proving prohibitive for many fans. The cost of travel, accommodation, and tickets for each event – often exceeding several hundred euros – is pricing out those who wish to experience the full breadth of the Games. This raises questions about the inclusivity of the event and whether the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) agenda of sustainability and reduced construction is coming at the cost of accessibility and atmosphere.

Security concerns have also cast a shadow over the Games. On February 13th, Italian authorities announced enhanced security measures following suspected sabotage of railway lines associated with the Olympics. The Rome-Naples, Rome-Florence, and Rome-Milan high-speed lines were reportedly damaged, prompting officials to urge travelers to exercise caution and allow extra time for journeys. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the acts as “hateful criminal acts aimed at workers and at Italy.”

Beyond the logistical and security issues, there’s a growing sense that Milan itself lacks the vibrant Olympic atmosphere typically associated with hosting the Games. Reports indicate that Olympic-themed billboards and symbols, while present, have failed to capture the public’s attention. The sprawling nature of the event, with most venues located on the outskirts of the city, is contributing to this disconnect. Some hope the mood will improve once the competitions are fully underway, but early indications suggest a subdued atmosphere.

This lack of fervor isn’t limited to the public. Some athletes have also expressed disappointment with the atmosphere. Swiss skier Marco Odermatt noted a distinct absence of “Olympic spirit” in Bormio, and other skiers echoed his sentiments. However, not all athletes share this view. U.S. Ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, competing in their fourth Games, described a positive buzz around the venue and athlete village, suggesting that the Olympic magic is still present for some.

The challenges facing the Milan-Cortina Games are prompting experts to issue warnings about the future of the Olympics. The current format, with its geographically dispersed venues, appears to be unsustainable and is failing to generate the excitement and unity traditionally associated with the event. The situation is unlikely to improve in 2030, with the French Alps hosting a Games that will also be spread across a vast distance – nearly 500 kilometers from Le-Grand-Bornand to Nice.

The IOC’s commitment to sustainability and reducing the need for new construction is commendable, but a balance must be struck between these goals and the need to create a compelling and accessible Olympic experience. The current model, with four or five widely dispersed venues, risks diluting the Olympic spirit and failing to generate a genuine sense of celebration. A more concentrated approach, perhaps limiting the Games to two primary locations, may be necessary to ensure the future success and enduring appeal of the Winter Olympics.