Concerns Over Cortina Cable Car Completion Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, significant concerns have emerged regarding the completion of the Apollonio-Socrepes cable car, which is intended to transport spectators to the women's Olympic Alpine skiing events in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The cable car project, deemed essential for managing transport during the Games, has faced delays, and its readiness is now in serious question just a week before the opening ceremony on February 6. Despite the state-backed agency Simico asserting that work was progressing, a letter from Andrea Francisi, the chief Games operations officer, indicated that the cable car would not be delivered on time, raising alarms about its impact on the overall transport system in the Dolomites resort.

Controversial Cortina cable car still unfinished a week before Winter Games startWinter Olympics 2026: key Cortina cable car will not be ready, letter claimsFirst competitors settle into Milan's Olympic village

In light of the cable car's uncertain status, Games organizers have requested local authorities to close schools on February 10, 11, and 12 to alleviate pressure on the transport network during critical Olympic days. Francisi described the cable car as a "strategic infrastructure" crucial for managing flow and security during the Games. The Milano Cortina organizing committee has also capped ticket sales for events in Cortina until clarity on the cable car's readiness is achieved, further complicating the situation for spectators and local residents.

Winter Olympics 2026: key Cortina cable car will not be ready, letter claims

Meanwhile, the Olympic Village in Milan officially opened on January 30, accommodating 1,700 athletes and support staff. Delegations from Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Japan have already moved in, with more expected shortly. This village will host most ice sports, while a temporary village in Cortina, consisting of 377 mobile homes, will serve athletes participating in Alpine skiing, curling, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events.

First competitors settle into Milan's Olympic villageControversial Cortina cable car still unfinished a week before Winter Games startWinter Olympics 2026: key Cortina cable car will not be ready, letter claims

The cable car project has faced criticism from local residents who have raised safety concerns due to its construction in a landslide-prone area. The installation of the 50 gondolas is still pending, and safety tests, originally scheduled for the final week before the Games, have yet to be conducted. Critics argue that the delays and safety issues could jeopardize the smooth operation of the Olympics.

Controversial Cortina cable car still unfinished a week before Winter Games start

While Simico maintains that the cable car's construction is on schedule, discrepancies exist regarding the actual progress. Some reports suggest that the necessary mechanical and hydraulic works are still incomplete, and the timeline for safety inspections remains uncertain. If the cable car is not operational by the time of the women's races, which begin on February 9, its opening may be postponed.

Controversial Cortina cable car still unfinished a week before Winter Games start

As the opening ceremony approaches, the situation surrounding the Cortina cable car remains fluid. Organizers are under pressure to ensure that transport systems can accommodate the influx of visitors, and the effectiveness of contingency plans will be tested in the coming days. The outcome of the cable car's readiness will significantly influence the overall success of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Controversial Cortina cable car still unfinished a week before Winter Games start