Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, are proving to be surprisingly familiar ground for many American athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. While thousands of miles from home, the northern Italian competition sites offer a sense of comfort and competitive advantage for Team USA, according to athletes and officials.
Jessie Diggins, the world’s top-ranked female cross-country skier, recently secured her third Tour de Ski victory on a steep slope in Italy’s Val di Fiemme. She is now back at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in the same valley for the Olympics, racing on a course she knows well.
“Our athletes compete there often. Many of them train there,” says Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “It’s a place where we know we can shine.”
However, organizers have made adjustments to the cross-country course to level the playing field. “Most of it isn’t the same. it’s quite literally running backwards for part of it,” Diggins explained, acknowledging that while familiarity is an asset, everyone is essentially learning a modified course.
The advantages extend beyond cross-country skiing. The Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena, located about 40 miles south, is considered a “biathlon sanctuary,” where U.S. Biathletes benefit from the expertise of their head coach, who hails from the valley and a wax staff with deep local knowledge. Deedra Irwin, the top U.S. Female biathlete, believes this local connection could be key to the U.S. Finally securing a medal in biathlon. “We kind of are the locals,” she said. “We got all the local intel, we got a nice setup in our house there.”
In Cortina d’Ampezzo, the women’s Alpine skiers will compete on the Olympia delle Tofane, a legendary run that hosted events at the 1956 Winter Games. Lindsey Vonn, who is coming out of retirement for her fifth Olympic Games despite recently rupturing a knee ligament, has a particularly strong connection to the mountain. “Every [skier] has their mountain where they feel most at home,” Vonn said. “For me, it’s always been Cortina and Lake Louise.” She added, “It’s such a beautiful place. It’s hard not to stand on top of that mountain and not really realize why you love the sport.” A local restaurant even named a pizza after her.
Vonn, despite her recent injury, remains determined to compete, stating, “As long as there’s still a chance, I will try.”
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will officially begin on February 6th with the opening ceremony at the San Siro Stadium in Milan and conclude on February 22nd with the closing ceremony at a historic Roman amphitheater in Verona, a venue dating back to A.D. 30.
