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Cortina Sliding Track Completed and Undergoing Athlete Testing for 2026 Winter Olympics

The newly built track, completed in record time, is being tested by athletes from 12 nations while final facility work continues.

2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics - Initial testing to be held at new Cortina sliding centre - Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - March 25, 2025 A drone view of the new Cortina sliding centre under construction REUTERS/Claudia Greco
2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics - Initial testing to be held at new Cortina sliding centre - Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - March 25, 2025 General view outside the training center REUTERS/Claudia Greco
2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics - Initial testing to be held at new Cortina sliding centre - Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - March 25, 2025 Italian Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini during the ceremony for the initial testing of the new Cortina sliding track REUTERS/Claudia Greco
2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics - Initial testing to be held at new Cortina sliding centre - Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - March 25, 2025 A person walks next to the containers to be used for hosting the athletes during the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics REUTERS/Claudia Greco

Overview

  • The Cortina sliding track, rebuilt at a cost of 118 million euros, has been completed and is undergoing pre-homologation testing with 60 athletes from 12 countries.
  • Construction of the track was finished in just over a year, significantly faster than the typical 700-day timeline for such projects.
  • The track is the first in the world to use glycol instead of ammonia for refrigeration, reflecting a modernized approach to infrastructure.
  • Although the track structure is operational, surrounding facilities remain under construction, with completion expected by November 2025.
  • The International Olympic Committee's contingency plans to relocate events to Lake Placid are now unlikely to be needed, marking a major milestone in Italy's Olympic preparations.