2026: A Year for Winter Olympics

From Colorado’s Peaks to the Dolomites: A Year for Winter Olympics

As the world looks ahead to the Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, one thing is certain: Colorado will once again be well represented on the global stage. From high-alpine training grounds to small mountain towns that live and breathe winter sports, Colorado has long been a proving ground for Olympic athletes—and Cortina feels like a natural next chapter.

Colorado: A Pipeline to the Winter Olympics

Colorado isn’t just a place to ski—it’s a place to train, compete, and build Olympic‑level careers. With world‑class resorts, elite training facilities, and a deeply rooted mountain culture, the state consistently produces athletes who excel at the highest level.

From alpine skiing and snowboarding to freestyle, Nordic, and ski racing disciplines, many Olympians either call Colorado home or spend significant time training here. The combination of elevation, terrain variety, and year‑round access to the mountains creates an environment where elite performance is forged early and refined daily.

From Local Mountains to the World Stage

For many Colorado athletes, the path to the Olympics starts young—early mornings on local hills, weekends spent chasing powder, and seasons defined by competition schedules and long drives through mountain passes.

Resorts and communities across the state, including those in the Vail Valley, play a crucial role in that journey. These mountains aren’t just backdrops; they’re classrooms, testing grounds, and launching pads for international success. What begins as a love for the sport often evolves into a disciplined pursuit of excellence.

Why Cortina Feels Like a Perfect Fit

Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in Italy’s Dolomites, shares much with Colorado’s mountain towns: dramatic peaks, storied ski history, and a culture that blends athleticism with lifestyle. Known for its challenging terrain and iconic courses, Cortina represents both tradition and prestige in the winter sports world.

For Colorado athletes, competing in Cortina is more than an Olympic appearance—it’s a chance to bring their mountain upbringing to one of the most celebrated alpine destinations on earth.

Mountain Towns That Shape Champions

Behind every Olympian is a community that supports the grind. Coaches, training partners, local resorts, and family networks all contribute to the success of athletes chasing Olympic dreams.

Colorado’s mountain towns understand this commitment. Early chairlifts, race programs, terrain parks, and training access are part of everyday life. The same mountains that welcome visitors from around the world quietly shape the next generation of elite competitors.

From Colorado Snow to Olympic Gold

As the Winter Olympics in Cortina approach, eyes will once again turn to Colorado athletes—many of whom carry the lessons, resilience, and mountain mentality forged at home into international competition.

From Colorado’s peaks to the Dolomites, the journey is long, demanding, and extraordinary. And when those athletes drop into their Olympic runs, they bring a piece of Colorado with them—proof that world‑class performance often starts in familiar places, on local mountains, with big dreams.

Inspired to Travel: Following the Olympic Path

For travelers and winter sports enthusiasts, the journey from Colorado to Cortina isn’t just an athletic storyline—it’s an invitation. These iconic mountain destinations share more than Olympic-caliber terrain; they offer a way of life centered around alpine beauty, culture, and adventure.

Visiting Colorado’s mountain towns provides a glimpse into where Olympic dreams are born: immaculately groomed runs, challenging expert terrain, vibrant villages, and a deep respect for the mountains. Traveling to Cortina offers a chance to experience that same spirit on a global stage—where sport, history, and scenery converge.

Whether you’re skiing the slopes that shape future Olympians or planning a trip to witness the Games in Italy’s Dolomites, the connection is clear. Great mountains inspire great athletes—and unforgettable travel experiences.