Milano Cortina 2026 CEO Andrea Varnier: What we learned from our Paris 2024 experience

The Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games marked the end of a thrilling summer of sports in the French capital and initiated the countdown to the next major multi-sport event: the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

A substantial delegation from the Organising Committee for the next Winter Games was present in Paris during the Summer Olympics. We had the opportunity to meet with their chief executive officer, Andrea Varnier, at 'Casa Italia' in the Bois de Boulogne, where Milano Cortina 2026 hosted an interactive space (named Teatro 26) and activities.

In this exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Varnier shared insights from their Paris 2024 experience and provided an update on the upcoming Winter Games starting in 515 days' time.

Olympics.com: There was a large delegation from Milano Cortina 2026 in Paris. What was your mission?

Andrea Varnier (AV): First of all, we took full advantage of the geographical proximity; for us, it’s fortunate that Paris is relatively close to Milan. Also, because we know that even though these were Summer Olympics, the cultural proximity between France and Italy means many operational aspects are quite similar in both contexts.

We had over 100 people involved in various activities. On one side, we participated in the observation programme run by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as well as in secondment and shadowing activities with the Organising Committee. And, of course, at Casa Italia, we focused more on marketing activities aimed at our partners. It was a way to involve them and allow them to experience the Games first-hand, helping them start thinking about potential activations for the 2026 Games. We also invited all the regions involved in the Games, allowing local authorities to grasp the importance of their involvement. The Organising Committee can only go so far but, to create the emotions and energy we saw here in Paris, the contribution and commitment of the regions are essential.

Olympics.com: Why was Casa Italia an ideal base for the Organising Committee’s promotional activities?

AV: Casa Italia has a long history and tradition of hospitality. It was originally created to celebrate athletes, and we joined in by creating a multimedia corner, where six stations gave a glimpse of what our Games will be like. These stations showcased our programmes, sports, the history of the Winter Games in Italy, the medals, and, of course, the territories where our Games will take place. Then there was a corner (featuring a chairlift with the backdrop of mountains) which we used for social media activations involving all the athletes who visited Casa Italia. We also launched an athlete ambassador program, with some winter sports athletes coming here to support us and start gearing up for the 2026 Olympics.

Olympics.com: Several Italian athletes, including Olympic champions like Sofia Goggia, Federica Pellegrini, and Arianna Fontana, stopped by Casa Italia. How did you involve them?

Andrea Varnier (AV): We involved them primarily through our social media channels, and their testimonials are important for building anticipation for our Games. For example, Dorothea Wierer was actively engaged with our team and even participated in the public marathon, the "Marathon Pour Tous", with bib number 2026, which was a fantastic idea from our Paris 2024 colleagues.

Olympics.com: Do you plan to organise something similar in two years?

AV: It's much more challenging with winter sports. We're considering a few ideas, but of course, the mechanisms are different. However, we, along with our partners, are thinking of activities to make the Games an active experience, not just passive watching. For example, we’re exploring the possibility of letting people use the courses after the competitions to build excitement. However, a marathon is the easiest. We have the 50km cross-country skiing marathon, but it's much harder to replicate!

Olympics.com: What are you taking away from this experience in Paris, and what insights have you gained from the organisers?

AV: First of all, we gained a significant energy boost which is incredibly important. We all know that the last two editions of the Games were held practically without spectators, so it was crucial for us to experience this. Many of our colleagues had never seen the Games at their fullest, as we did here in Paris. So, there’s an emotional, energetic element that’s vital for us. With a year and a half to go, less than two years, we need that energy.

Then, of course, there’s the learning aspect. We’ll be doing a major debrief in September, where we’ll gather insights from different functional areas. In our initial discussions, what interests us most is what happens behind the scenes, as the sports and venues are different. However, the operations behind the scenes are very similar. We’ve learned some key lessons about managing the Olympic Village and transportation, which are always the most critical aspects of such a complex organisation. We’ll be reflecting on these areas and making adjustments to our plans based on this experience.

Olympics.com: What did you particularly like about the Paris 2024 organisation, and what would you like to replicate?

Andrea Varnier (AV): One thing we really admired, though it’s challenging for us to replicate, is how they utilised the city. They used Paris in an extraordinary way by integrating the city into the construction of the venues. Paris is a truly special and extraordinary city. For us, this is more difficult because our venues are different, but we will make the most of the natural backdrop of our mountains. After three editions, the Winter Olympics are returning to the Alps, which we believe is a fantastic backdrop that we need to use as effectively as possible.

As for the city, we also have an important urban component in our Games with Milan accustomed to hosting major events. While we can’t create venues as open to the city as Paris did, we aim to make Milan’s centre active and engaged with its residents, who will be there as the Games will coincide with the peak of the work season - there are no vacations in February. We expect Milanese to be present, along with all the other major players, not just athletes but all stakeholders, and we hope they will experience a very special urban environment. So, the mountains at their best and the city as well. This contrast will be one of the interesting and stimulating features of our Games.

Olympics.com: With just over 500 days to go until the next Winter Games, can you give us an update on the status of preparations?

AV: All aspects of planning and organising the Games are progressing, and I must say we’ve made significant strides over the past year, especially after a tough start due to COVID. The Committee was established during a period when collaboration was difficult and meeting people was not possible, so it hasn’t been easy. We’ve learned a lot over time, and I’m very satisfied with the team. This Parisian experience will definitely be useful. Our operational plans are moving forward as we work with our stakeholders, Olympic Broadcasting Services, international federations, and the IOC.

Regarding construction and infrastructure, while we are not directly responsible for building them, we have a crucial monitoring role. There has been a significant acceleration in this area since the end of last year, and our colleagues in Italy continue to provide very positive updates on the progress of the work. This summer is particularly important since many venues cannot be worked on during the winter. It’s a significant challenge because some infrastructure will be ready very close to the Games, but it’s reassuring that progress is strong this summer.

We also have ongoing challenges with engaging business partners and marketing partners. While we signed three major contracts while we were in Paris and have three more to sign in September, there is still work to be done. However, we still have over 500 days to go.

Olympics.com: Can you give us a preview of the upcoming milestones as we approach Milano Cortina 2026?

Andrea Varnier (AV): On 19 September, we will launch our volunteer programme, which is extremely important to us. We saw at the Paris 2024 Games how crucial volunteers are, not only for their operational roles but also for creating the right atmosphere. I met extraordinary people, many of whom asked if they could volunteer at Milano Cortina, and of course, I said yes. From 19 September, registration will open, and we will accompany the programme with a very popular Italian ambassador whom I cannot reveal just yet.

By the end of the year, we will start ticket sales through B2B channels. Then it will be time for the one-year countdown, and on February 6, we’ll have a series of activities including the countdown with our timing partner Omega and other events related to this milestone.

In mid-April, we will launch our torch simultaneously in Milan and Osaka, for the first day of the 2025 World Expo in Japan, introducing it to the public. These are the most significant milestones in the coming months. There will be other events, and we will keep you updated.

Olympics.com: Finally, can you explain to sports fans why they should look forward to these unique Games?

AV: These Games will be unique because, for the first time, they will bear the names of two cities: Milan and Cortina. This perfectly encapsulates a blend of urban, metropolitan, and global components with Milan, and the tradition of the mountains with Cortina. Cortina has already hosted the 1956 Olympics, so it has a rich history with winter sports.

Additionally, these will be the first Games spread across many locations. Why should winter sports enthusiasts be excited? Because we’re going to iconic winter sports locations that fans know well. Alpine skiing will take place in Bormio, a renowned spot for this sport. Nordic skiing will be in Val di Fiemme, which has hosted numerous World Championships and World Cups. Biathlon will be in Anterselva, considered one of the sacred sites of biathlon. By going to these places, we’ll not only find improved infrastructure but also a tremendous passion, interest, and love for these sports that will resonate with enthusiasts worldwide.