With the Winter Olympics set to kick off in Italy this week, alarm bells are ringing among organizers, athletes, and fans.
Photos and reports show that key venues in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are still far from ready, raising concerns about how smoothly the Games will start on February 6.
Cortina’s Cable Car and Gondola Delays
One of the biggest issues is at Cortina, where the gondola up to the Tofana slope — the site of the women’s alpine skiing events — is still incomplete.
Even the cable car meant to transport spectators was waiting on the arrival of its cabins as recently as Monday.
German media outlet BILD described the scene as “one giant construction site,” capturing the urgency and chaos behind the scenes.
Workers and engineers disagree on timelines: one construction worker suggested it could take up to two more weeks to finish, while an engineer thought a week might suffice.
With skiing events starting Saturday, organizers are racing against the clock.
Cranes, unfinished structures, and construction crews are visible across the site as the final pieces are hurried into place.
Schools and Traffic Disruptions
The delay isn’t just an inconvenience for fans — it’s affecting daily life in Cortina.
Local schools may need to close on February 10, 11, and 12 to help reduce traffic, as shuttle buses will have to fill in for the incomplete cable car system.
Andrea Francisi, the Chief Games Operations Officer, warned in an internal memo that losing this “strategic infrastructure” just before the Games presents “significant organisational challenges” and complicates traffic and security management.
Other Cortina Venues Still Under Construction
Cortina is hosting more than just skiing.
The Curling Olympic Stadium, along with the luge, bobsleigh, and skeleton tracks, still has work to be done.
Cranes, barricades, and construction crews dominate images of the sites, signaling that organizers are under immense pressure to wrap up critical infrastructure before events begin.
Milan Ice Hockey Arena Lags Behind Schedule
Meanwhile, in Milan, the ice hockey arena is also behind schedule.
Reports over the weekend indicated that it might not be ready for the opening match on Thursday.
Adding to the concern, the rink is slightly smaller than the minimum requirement for the National Hockey League — about three to four feet short — sparking debate over whether it can accommodate high-speed professional play.
Other parts of the arena, including changing rooms, are unfinished.
Weather Adds Another Layer of Complexity
Organizers are also watching the weather closely.
Cortina is expected to receive half a metre of fresh snow in the coming days, which could either help or hinder preparations depending on how crews manage it.
The combination of unfinished venues, construction delays, and looming weather challenges has cast a shadow over the excitement that usually surrounds the start of the Winter Olympics.
What’s Next
As February 6 approaches, the focus will be on whether organizers can complete the remaining work on time.
Athletes, fans, and local communities will be closely watching progress, hoping that the last-minute construction frenzy doesn’t affect safety or the smooth running of events.
The coming days will reveal if Italy can pull off the Olympics despite these high-stakes logistical hurdles.
