In the News: Olympics in Milan & Cortina

Arrivederci, Milano Cortina: A Winter Olympics to Remember
When the cauldron was extinguished at the Verona Arena on February 22nd, it marked the end of one of the most visually stunning and athletically extraordinary Winter Olympics in recent memory. The 2026 Games — split across the fashion capital of Milan and the jewel of the Dolomites, Cortina d'Ampezzo — gave the world not just great sport, but a masterclass in Italian beauty. And for Team USA, it delivered something even sweeter: a record-breaking performance that will be talked about for years.

Team USA Makes History
Against this magnificent scenery, Team USA turned in the greatest Winter Olympic performance in the nation's history. The 232-strong squad — the largest American team ever sent to the Winter Games — came home with 33 medals, surpassing every previous American Winter Olympics record. The 12 gold medals alone set a new high-water mark, topping the previous best from Salt Lake City in 2002.

Two Cities, One Unforgettable Stage
From the start, the dual-city format was a bold and inspired choice. Milan brought its unmistakable energy — a city of grand piazzas, glittering spires, and aperitivo culture — hosting ice events in gleaming modern arenas while the Gothic grandeur of the Duomo presided over it all. The opening ceremony at San Siro, with performances from Andrea Bocelli and Laura Pausini echoing through the stands, felt like Italy putting its soul on full display.

Then there was Cortina d'Ampezzo. Cradled in the Dolomites — those impossibly dramatic, rose-hued peaks that look more like a painting than reality — Cortina is one of Europe's most enchanting Alpine villages. The mountain venue had hosted the Winter Games once before, in 1956, and returning to its storied slopes felt like a love letter to the history of winter sport. Athletes hurtled down runs framed by jagged limestone towers and pristine snowfields, with the kind of backdrop that makes even the most casual viewer stop and stare.

 The world has fallen in love with Milan and the Dolomites — and the good news is, your clients don't need an Olympic credential to experience the magic for themselves. To meet the growing demand inspired by the Games, Avanti has added new hotels in both destinations. Check out Avanti's recommended hotels in Milan and the Dolomites region: 

Recommended Hotels in Milan

HOTEL MANIN MILANO
Milan | 4-Star

 A beloved family-run institution since 1904, this historic Milan hotel sits opposite the Montanelli Gardens and within easy reach of the 2026 Olympic ice venues, placing guests steps from the city's finest offerings — Via Montenapoleone's legendary fashion houses, La Scala, the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and the Brera District. On-site, guests enjoy a complimentary gym, three distinct dining and bar venues, and four meeting rooms — all set above the foundations of an 18th-century inn, with a private garden resting on ancient Roman ruins dating to 300 B.C. As an Avanti Advantage Amenity hotel, this property offers extra perks for our travelers. Get the details at the button below.

 

HOTEL CALIMALA MILANO
Milan | 4-Star

 A boutique design hotel in the vibrant Porta Venezia neighborhood, offering stylish rooms, a sixth-floor rooftop terrace, and a panoramic pool with sweeping city views. Dining options range from a curated breakfast to Mediterranean and Italian cuisine at the rooftop restaurant. Centrally located, the hotel puts Milan's cultural landmarks, shopping, and fashion scene within easy reach — and sits close to the city's 2026 Winter Olympic venues, including the Milano Ice Skating Arena, which hosted figure skating and short track, and the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena Olympics.  

 

Recommended Hotels in the Dolomites

 FALORIA MOUNTAIN SPA RESORT
Cortina d'Ampezzo | 5-Star

Nestled beneath Mount Faloria in Cortina d'Ampezzo, this elegant resort  sits steps from the iconic 1956 Olympic ski slopes and within minutes of the 2026 Winter Olympic venues — including the Tofane Alpine Skiing slopes, the Cortina Sliding Centre for bobsleigh and luge, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium. Nordic sophistication meets warm Italian hospitality throughout, with rooms and suites crafted from brushed larch, wool, and dolomite stone. Michelin-starred Chef Giovanni Gagliardo leads a culinary program rooted in local ingredients, while an expansive spa sanctuary — complete with saunas, a semi-Olympic pool, and sweeping Dolomite views — rounds out an unforgettable Alpine retreat. 

 

ROSAPETRA SPA RESORT
Cortina d'Ampezzo | 5-Star

 An intimate Alpine retreat in the heart of the Dolomites, with rooms and suites crafted from natural fir wood and stone, many overlooking the breathtaking Ampezzo peaks. The spa offers a heated pool, outdoor sauna, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and a full range of wellness treatments, while the VISTA Restaurant serves refined local cuisine against a backdrop of the majestic Tofane mountains. Sitting at the centre of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina d'Ampezzo hosted the Tofane Alpine Skiing slopes, the Cortina Sliding Centre for bobsleigh and luge, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium — all within minutes of the resort.  

 

CASTEL HOERTENBERG
Bolzano | 5-Star

 A meticulously restored Renaissance castle in the heart of Bolzano, at the gateway to the Dolomites, blending historic grandeur with five-star modern comfort. Elegant rooms and suites combine period architecture with contemporary amenities, while Le Segrete restaurant celebrates the region's rich culinary traditions and the exclusive spa offers a tranquil retreat. Bolzano sits within easy reach of two 2026 Winter Olympic venues: the Anterselva Biathlon Arena Olympics to the north, and the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium and Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium Wikipedia to the south. 

 

GARDENA GROEDNERHOF HOTEL AND SPA
Ortisei | 5-Star

 An elegant Alpine retreat in the heart of Ortisei, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, blending village charm with world-class comfort. Warm natural materials and contemporary Alpine design set the tone, while award-winning service, celebrated regional cuisine, and an expansive spa make this a destination in its own right. Ortisei sits within easy reach of the Cortina d'Ampezzo venues that hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics — including the Tofane Alpine Skiing slopes, the Cortina Sliding Centre for bobsleigh and luge, and the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium RG — making it an ideal base for exploring the region's Olympic legacy.

 

Ready to Send Your Clients on Their Next Great Adventure?

These hotels offer the authentic, immersive experience today's travelers are craving — and with the right planning, you can deliver unforgettable journeys that keep clients coming back for more. Find more info on destinations and featured products in the digital version of our new Italy print brochure by clicking below.