The Athletes Village for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, promises a unique yet modest lodging experience. Set to accommodate up to 1,400 athletes and team members from February 6-22, 2026, the Village features 377 rented mobile homes situated closely together on a humid valley floor, rather than traditional luxury accommodations.
As reported, the Village is located about a 10-minute drive or a one-hour walk north of downtown Cortina and is designed in a simple, spartan fashion. Fabio Saldini, the Italian government commissioner overseeing the infrastructure for the games, highlighted the allure of the quiet surroundings, which offer athletes the chance to connect with nature: “you have the opportunity to hear the sound of the mountains, isolate yourself if you wish, or go out for a pleasant workout.”
This temporary village aims to leave a positive environmental impact post-Games. Saldini stated that while the environment would not return to its previous state, it would be improved after the removal of the temporary structures: “This is a temporary village, but of high design.” Accommodating athletes is a major responsibility for Olympic organizers, a task made more challenging by the geographically dispersed nature of the Milan Cortina Games. Cortina’s mobile home village is one of the two main Olympic villages, with the other located in Milan.
Notably, Norwegian athletes have opted for hotels instead of the official Olympic village, as reported by Norwegian news agency NTB. Conversely, many nations—including the United States, Germany, and host Italy—have committed to using the Olympic Village, although it remains uncertain if Alpine stars such as Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin will reside in the mobile home park.
Cortina will host events including women’s Alpine skiing, curling, bobsled, luge, and skeleton. The Village will also play a crucial role during the Paralympics, scheduled for March 6-15. Saldini noted that despite some nations choosing alternative accommodations, most will utilize the Village for both living spaces and communal areas, such as a gym.
Each trailer in the Village accommodates four athletes, divided into two rooms, each with its own bathroom and shower. However, upon stepping outside, athletes may encounter harsh winds and cold temperatures or enjoy breathtaking views of sunlit mountain peaks. Athletes will have to navigate a 10-minute walk to common areas like the cafeteria, gym, game room, relaxation areas, and laundromat.
With the Village situated at an altitude of 1,292 meters (4,239 feet), the unique weather conditions can vary. Paride Casagrande, the Village’s construction manager, emphasized that while the wind could be formidable, the days could also be pleasantly warm.
To address heating needs, every room is equipped with its own personalized heating controls, allowing temperatures to reach a comfortable range without the need for additional equipment. The mobile homes are designed uniquely for the Games: each is approximately 18 square meters (200 square feet) and includes features accessible to Paralympians, such as larger showers and beds.
The entire project carries a cost of 38 million euros ($44 million). Though the mobile homes are rented, purchasing one could cost up to 80,000 euros ($93,000). After the Olympics and the Paralympics, these mobile homes are intended for repurposing at camping sites throughout Italy, with some planned for a hockey club in Brunico.
Currently, the larger temporary structures, including those for the cafeteria and gym, are heated by a natural gas thermal power plant. While some trees were cut down to facilitate setup, stepping back to preserve the environment remains a priority, with new plants being introduced to the landscape.
