The Olympic Torch in Val Gardena

On Wednesday, 28 January 2026, during Stage 52, the Olympic Torch of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will reach the heart of the Dolomites: Val Gardena. A highly symbolic moment that powerfully highlights the deep connection between the Olympic Games, winter sports, and this tradition-rich alpine region.

The selected torchbearers will start at 8:00 a.m. in Ortisei, at the “Lokomotive” on Plaza dla Stazion, and proceed through the pedestrian area. Along the way, they will encounter ski instructors and a group in traditional costume in front of the entrance to the permanent art exhibition “Art52”. Specially crafted Olympic ice torches will be displayed along the route. In Piazza Sant’Antonio, ten “Unika Fans” carved by local artists will be on display. Five of these “fans” were created especially for the Olympic Games and will later be presented during the biathlon competitions in Antholz. The musicians of the brass band will welcome the Olympic Torch with a ceremonial fanfare at around 8:15 a.m. near Hotel “Villa Park.”

Meanwhile, the ski relay starts from the Dantercepies mountain station and heads toward the center of Selva di Val Gardena, reaching the Ciampinoi cable car by 8:20 AM. From there, it continues along the Sellaronda to the “Stone City,” where a skijöring activity is scheduled. They will be accompanied by children and young people from Ski Club Gardena, which has produced many athletes and champions in past Olympic Games. The torch will then continue its journey over the Passo Sella toward the Val di Fassa, via Canazei, to reach the day’s destination of Cavalese.

Among the torchbearers of Milan–Cortina 2026 will also be Val Gardena natives Carolina Kostner (figure skating, bronze medal at Sochi 2014) and Isolde Kostner (alpine skiing, two bronze medals at Lillehammer 1994 and a silver medal at Salt Lake City 2002).

Credits: olympics.com