Olympia 2026: Exploring the Controversy of the New Artificial Ice Rink Test Drives

Milan-Cortina 2026: Olympic Track Faces Scrutiny as Test Runs Begin

By Archyde News

March 25, 2025

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The controversial artificial ice rink slated for the
2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is now under intense
examination. Today, March 25th, 2025, marks the commencement of crucial
test runs on the 1,749-meter track featuring 16 curves. Simico Society, the
organization overseeing the Games’ infrastructure, confirmed that these tests
are a pre-requisite to the track’s official approval.

Dozens of athletes specializing in bobsled, luge, and skeleton are participating
in the trials, which will continue through Saturday, march 29th. The aim is
to ensure that all security measures and sporting parameters have been
implemented.
according to Simico.These tests are paramount, mirroring similar rigorous
evaluations conducted at facilities like the Utah Olympic Park track in Park
City before major international competitions.

Cost Overruns and Environmental Concerns Plague Olympic Project

The construction of this state-of-the-art ice track comes with a hefty price tag
of 120 million euros, sparking concerns about the financial burden on Italian
taxpayers and the environmental footprint of such a large-scale project.Andrea
Varnier, managing Director of the Winter Games milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026,
addressed the issues this week at the IOC General Assembly, acknowledging the
challenges posed by the tight construction timeline leading up to the Games,
scheduled for February 6th to 22nd, 2026.

for comparison, the construction of the sliding centre for the 2002 Salt Lake
City Olympics cost around $65 million USD at the time. This illustrates the
meaningful financial commitment required for such facilities, and any cost
overruns can quickly lead to public debate and scrutiny.

The environmental impacts of constructing and maintaining an artificial ice
rink are also ample. The energy consumption required to keep the track
frozen,the use of refrigerants,and the potential impact on local ecosystems
all contribute to the project’s overall environmental footprint. These issues
have reportedly caused friction between the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
and the local organizers.

Lake Placid: A Contingency Plan That wasn’t Needed?

Initially, concerns about the feasibility of completing the cortina d’Ampezzo
track on time led to discussions about relocating the sliding events to an
existing facility. The ice track in Lake Placid,New York,home to the 1932
and 1980 winter Olympics,was identified as the primary choice. Lake
Placid’s track has a long history of hosting international competitions, making
it a viable and readily available option.

Though, the Italian government strongly advocated for building the new track
in Cortina d’Ampezzo, emphasizing its importance for the legacy of the Games
and its potential to boost the local economy. This decision, while driven by
national pride and economic considerations, added pressure on the organizers
to deliver the project on time and within budget.

As of today, with test runs underway, it appears the Lake Placid contingency
plan will not be needed. But the close call highlights the complexities and
challenges involved in hosting large-scale sporting events, where infrastructure
projects often face tight deadlines, budget constraints, and political pressures.

Winter Olympic Games Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo 2026 Costs and Environmental
Consequences:

Aspect	Details
Cost	€120 million (Euros)
Environmental Impact	High energy consumption, refrigerant use, ecosystem effects
Timeline	Construction period up to February 2026
Alternative Location	Lake Placid, NY (Not needed as of 2025-03-25)

The Road Ahead: Ensuring a Smooth Path to 2026

The triumphant completion of these test runs is crucial for alleviating concerns
and ensuring that the Cortina d’Ampezzo track is ready to host the world’s
best sliding athletes in 2026. Close monitoring of the track’s performance,
ongoing environmental assessments, and clear communication with the public
will be essential for maintaining trust and confidence in the project.

The challenges faced in the lead-up to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in hosting such large-scale
events. Careful planning, efficient project management, and a commitment to
sustainability are essential for ensuring that the Games leave a positive
legacy for both the host nation and the global sporting community.

Given the high cost and potential environmental impact of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, how can the games ensure a lasting positive legacy for both the host nation and the global sporting community?

Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics: An Interview with Infrastructure Expert, Dr.Elena Rossi

Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Rossi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the

Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, specifically the progress on the new

ice track in cortina d’Ampezzo. As you know, the test runs are underway.

Dr. Elena Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.

The Cortina d’Ampezzo Track’s Challenges and Timeline

Archyde News: Let’s start with the basics. What exactly are the key

challenges facing the construction of this track, and is the February 2026

timeline still realistic, considering the current date is March 25, 2025?

Dr. Elena Rossi: The primary challenges include managing a complex

construction project within a tight timeframe, which is always a concern.

We’re also seeing the financial commitments, given the €120 million cost,

along with the environmental considerations, which add further layers of

complexity. The deadline remains a significant challenge, but the commencement

of test runs is a positive step.

Archyde News: Indeed. regarding costs, the figure of €120 million generates

significant public interest. Are there any mitigation strategies in place to

avoid potential cost overruns at this stage?

Dr. Elena Rossi: Absolutely. Rigorous project management,

regular progress assessments, and transparent interaction with stakeholders

are crucial. Moreover, meticulous budgeting and contingency planning are vital

for managing potential overruns.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Measures

Archyde News: Beyond the financial aspects, the environmental footprint of

the track is a significant concern. What specific measures are being

implemented to mitigate the environmental impact, particularly regarding

energy consumption and refrigerant use?

Dr.Elena Rossi: The commitment to sustainability is essential.This

includes the use of energy-efficient cooling systems, exploring renewable

energy sources to power the track, and minimizing the use of environmentally

harmful refrigerants. thay are aiming to minimize the potential for ecosystem

effects as well.

Archyde News: Very vital. The initial plan to use Lake placid underlines

the complexities of these projects. Now that the Cortina track test runs are

ongoing, do you believe the Lake Placid option is entirely off the table, or

might it still be considered as a backup if problems emerge?

Dr. Elena Rossi: While test runs proceeding indicates that the Cortina

track is on the right track, versatility is essential in projects of this magnitude.

It is indeed too early to wholly rule out any contingency plans, but all indications

point to Cortina being ready.

Looking Ahead and Public Perception

Archyde News: The success of the Games requires public trust.What elements

will be crucial for maintaining public confidence, and ensuring, as the article

suggests, that the Games leave a positive legacy?

Dr.Elena Rossi: Transparency is key. Regular updates on project

progress, open communication about any challenges, and demonstrating a clear

commitment to sustainability will be vital. The Games should leave a positive

legacy for both the host nation and the global sporting community.

Archyde News: Let me finish with a question for our audience. Considering

the high costs and potential environmental impacts, what, in your opinion,

would be the most important factor to guarantee the long-term value associated

to an event like the winter Olympics?

Dr. Elena Rossi: That’s a very critically important question to pose, certainly.

Archyde News: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your valuable insights.

We appreciate your expertise on this critical topic.

Dr. Elena Rossi: My pleasure.