The Milan Olympic Village is now a bustling hub of international activity as athletes from across the globe begin to settle in ahead of the Winter Games, which are scheduled to commence later this week. Over the next three weeks, this purpose-built complex will serve as a comprehensive home base for competitors, offering not just lodging but also dining, training facilities, and vibrant social spaces.
A Global Gathering of Competitors
Excitement is palpable throughout the village as teams arrive and start to make themselves at home. Members of Team Canada were seen navigating security checks with their distinctive Lululemon luggage, while Team France, easily identifiable in their Le Coq Sportif uniforms, gathered for final pep talks before heading to their sixth-floor accommodations. The sense of anticipation was perfectly captured by Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam, who filmed a TikTok video in front of the iconic Olympic rings within the village grounds.
Although the village is set to be officially opened on Monday by International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, it has already been buzzing with activity for several days. Approximately 1,500 athletes and team members are taking up residence for the event, which runs from 6 to 22 February.
National Pride on Display
National pride is evident everywhere you look, with windows adorned with flags and symbols from countries including Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands. China has added a friendly panda motif to its area, while Team USA has made a bold statement with two four-storey banners featuring the Stars and Stripes.
Practical and Personalised Living Quarters
Inside the athletes' living quarters, practicality is key. Each room is equipped with a single bed atop storage cubbies and a standalone wardrobe that includes a drying rack, hangers, a laundry bag, a dry mop, and an extension cord. Reflecting the needs of the digital age, rooms boast four power outlets, with two USB ports conveniently located next to the bed.
While the sample room showcased minimalist sage green accents, teams have already begun personalising their spaces. One team has brought in IKEA mattress toppers for added comfort, and the Japanese contingent has added traditional futons to their rooms.
Functional Facilities with Italian Flair
Bathrooms are designed for functionality, featuring a full-length mirror outside, a shower (reportedly with good water pressure), toilet, and sink. In a distinctly Italian touch, each bathroom includes a bidet – a standard fixture in local residences that sometimes perplexes international visitors.
For Team France, diagrams near the lifts meticulously outline the appropriate uniforms for various occasions, from the opening ceremony to medal podiums and the journey home.
Comprehensive Dining and Recreation
The dining experience is equally comprehensive. A cavernous dining centre, managed by Italian caterers, offers a wide array of healthy, locally sourced options. Sunday’s lunch menu included chicken, pork, turkey, and various fish, alongside Italian staples like pasta with red sauce or meat ragu, pizza, and focaccia.
Gluten-free options and extensive salad bars, complete with legumes and nuts, cater to diverse dietary needs.
Sponsored Activities and Modern Amenities
Beyond the essentials, common areas are filled with activities sponsored by IOC partners. Technogym has equipped a state-of-the-art gym, including a Pilates machine, while Powerade supports a mind centre for meditation, yoga, or simply conversation with trained volunteers. Coca-Cola has set up a recreational zone with foosball, air hockey, a photo booth, and televisions. Athletes can also enjoy complimentary 10-minute makeup sessions courtesy of cosmetic brand Kiko.
Upon arrival, competitors receive a special edition Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 phone, adorned with Olympic laurels. Even the traditional Olympic pin trading has been modernised, with AI-powered technology from Alibaba allowing athletes to exchange pins via a robotic arm.
A Legacy for Milan
The village itself represents a significant legacy for Milan. Located opposite the Fondazione Prada exhibition complex and amidst luxury brand headquarters, it will be transformed into subsidised student dormitories after the Games, complete with communal kitchens. This conversion addresses a critical need for affordable housing in a city that is home to six universities.
Geographically Dispersed Accommodation
Given that the Milan Cortina Games are the most geographically dispersed in history, additional athlete accommodation has been established across five other venues. A temporary village in Cortina will house 1,100 athletes and officials, while hotels and alpine lodges in Anterselva and Bormio will host 400 participants each. Nearly 1,000 will stay in Livigno, and over 900 in Predazzo will occupy a renovated school for Italy’s financial police, which will revert to its original use after the Games.
