Full Breakdown
Concerns Over Cable Car Completion Ahead of Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
2/1/2026, 7:15:54 AM
Cable Car Project in Doubt
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics approach, significant concerns have arisen regarding the completion of a crucial cable car project intended to transport spectators to the women’s Alpine skiing events in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Apollonio-Socrepes lift, which began construction behind schedule, is now facing delays that may prevent it from being operational in time for the Games, set to commence on February 6, 2026. Andrea Francisi, the chief Games operations officer, indicated in a letter dated January 29 to the central government’s representative in Belluno province that the state-backed agency Simico had informed organizers that the lift would not be delivered as planned.
Impact on Transport and Local Infrastructure
The cable car is deemed essential for the Olympic mobility plan, which is critical for managing the influx of visitors during the Games. In light of the uncertainty surrounding the cable car's readiness, organizers have requested local authorities to close schools in Cortina on February 10 and 12, with an additional request for February 11, to alleviate pressure on the town's transport network. The closure of schools has been described as “indispensable” for maintaining order and ensuring the transport system can accommodate the expected surge in visitors.
Ticketing and Capacity Management
Due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding the cable car, the Milano Cortina 2026 organizing committee has capped ticket sales for events in Cortina. A spokesperson confirmed that tickets have been released in accordance with the capacity guaranteed by road transport, reflecting the logistical challenges posed by the town's limited infrastructure. Cortina, known for its picturesque setting in the Dolomites, lacks a railway station and relies heavily on road access, which can become congested during peak times.
Olympic Village Preparations
Meanwhile, the Olympic Village in Milan has officially opened, accommodating 1,700 athletes and support staff. Delegations from various countries, including Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Japan, have begun to settle in ahead of the Games. The village will transition to student residences after the Paralympic Games, which are scheduled for March 6-15. Additionally, a temporary Olympic Village consisting of 377 mobile homes has been established in Cortina to house participants in events such as women's alpine skiing and curling.
Official Statements & Responses
Simico has stated that work on the cable car is ongoing and that safety checks are planned for the upcoming week. However, it emphasized that logistical issues, such as school closures, fall outside its responsibilities. The Milano Cortina organizing committee has refrained from commenting on the situation, focusing instead on managing ticket sales and transport logistics.
Criticism & Opposition
The situation has drawn criticism from local residents and stakeholders concerned about safety and the adequacy of infrastructure to support the Olympic events. The uncertainty surrounding the cable car's completion has raised alarms about the overall ability to manage the expected influx of visitors effectively.
What's Next
As the opening ceremony approaches, the focus will remain on the completion of the cable car and the effectiveness of the transport strategies implemented to ensure a smooth operation during the Games. The outcome of the ongoing construction and its implications for the event's logistics will be closely monitored.
