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Milano-Cortina 2026 Preparations Back on Track as Hockey Arena Opens for Tests

Inspections this week will determine final sign-offs on ice conditions.

Overview

  • FIS president Johan Eliasch says preparations are back on schedule, citing colder weather that improved snowmaking at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, Bormio and Val di Fiemme with contingency days in place.
  • IOC executive Christophe Dubi points to recent test events as confidence builders and confirms Milan’s Santagiulia Arena will open this week after a roughly one‑month delay.
  • IIHF chief Luc Tardif notes some non-critical areas may still be unfinished but says the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms will be ready, with capacity set at about 11,800.
  • The NHL has sent ice experts to review safety and reiterates it will withdraw players if issues arise; the Milan rink meets IIHF standards but is smaller than NHL dimensions following a disputed specification.
  • Organizers stress the multi-city, reuse-focused plan, with temporary rinks at Rho and expanded snowmaking at Livigno helping recover lost time as full operations target the Feb. 6 start.