The Winter Olympic 2026 set to take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22, could see a surprising twist. Lake Placid, New York, has been named an official backup location for the bobsled actions. This iconic upstate town, which previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, stands ready to step in if Cortina’s new bobsled slope isn’t completed in time.
Experience the thrill of the Winter Olympic 2026 Games, where world-class athletes compete amidst the breathtaking scenery of Italy. Don’t miss your chance to witness epic performances on snow and ice across iconic venues. Secure your Olympic Luge Tickets today for a front-row seat to all the action—tickets are selling fast!
Despite this contingency plan, officials remain optimistic. With the Games still 13 months away and construction on the slope progressing steadily, confidence is high that the venue will be ready as planned. However, as with any major infrastructure project, unforeseen delays remain a possibility.
Not long ago, the likelihood of relocating the event felt more pressing. Financial challenges had stalled work on the bobsled slope in Cortina, making alternate arrangements seem necessary. Alongside Lake Placid, other potential hosts were considered, including Innsbruck, Austria, and St. Moritz, Switzerland.
While the situation has since stabilized, Lake Placid remains poised to uphold its legacy of Olympic excellence if called upon. Lake Placid is our official Plan B, organizers confirmed in a statement earlier this week. However, this is only if Cortina is unavailable a scenario that seems unlikely given the reassuring progress reports we’ve received.
Olympic Biathlon Tickets: Lake Placid Prepares as Backup for Winter Olympic
Simco, the construction company overseeing the Olympic infrastructure in Italy. Reported last month that 67% of the bobsled slope had been completed, suggesting everything is on track. With Milan hosting skiing events and Cortina focusing on bobsled, luge, and skeleton, the plan is moving forward as expected. Still, if needed, Lake Placid is prepared to step into its backup role.
Prepare for an exhilarating experience at the Winter Olympic 2026 Games in Milano Cortina! Grab your Olympic Biathlon Tickets now to witness the world’s best athletes race through stunning snow-covered landscapes. Be part of the excitement, support your favourite athletes, and savour every dramatic moment of this historic event. Secure your tickets today—don’t miss out!
In the meantime, while we wait for the Winter Olympic 2026, you can experience a taste of Olympic excitement this winter by visiting Lake Placid’s Mt. Van Hoevenberg. Here, you can ride the bobsled and sliding track yourself. The town also boasts the Lake Placid Olympic Center, where you can explore exhibits about past Games.
You can visit the legendary Herb Brooks Arena the site of the iconic Miracle on Ice game from 1980. For now, all eyes are on Cortina, but the Olympic spirit is alive and well in Lake Placid, ready for whatever the future may hold. Will the Winter Olympic Games in Italy require events to be held in New York? U.S. Olympic officials weigh in.
Olympic Snowboarding Tickets: Lake Placid May Host Sliding Events
What once appeared to be an unlikely backup plan for the 2026 Winter Games’ sliding events is now becoming a more viable option. Lake Placid, New York host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics is in discussions with the organizers of the Milan-Cortina Games to potentially hold bobsled, luge, and skeleton events. If the ageing track in Cortina, currently under reconstruction, isn’t completed in time.
We have an incredible venue in Lake Placid, said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). When questions arose about the feasibility of a sliding centre in Italy, we immediately offered our support. We’ve made it clear that if they need assistance, we’re ready to help. We are actively in talks with the organizing committee.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina! Secure your Olympic Biathlon Tickets today and watch the world’s top athletes compete in thrilling races across breathtaking snow-covered terrains. Cheer on your favourites, soak in the electrifying atmosphere, and be part of this historic celebration of winter sports. Don’t wait—grab your Olympic Snowboarding Tickets now and join the excitement!
While the situation is still evolving, Lake Placid remains a key player in ensuring the success of the 2026 Winter Olympics. U.S. officials are prepared to assist in any way necessary, with the iconic venue standing ready to step in if needed. Several European tracks have offered their support, but Italian organizers are reportedly considering one of the two sliding venues in the United States.
Olympic Alpine Skiing Tickets: Utah Declines Backup, Italy Focuses on Olympic 2026 Track
The other option is the Utah Olympic Park, located near Park City, which was built for the 2002 Winter Games and is scheduled to be used again for the 2034 Winter Olympics. When the search for a backup track for Italy’s 2026 Olympics began last year, Utah was still in the running to host the 2030 or 2034 Winter Games and declined the offer.
Fraser Bullock, president and CEO of the Salt Lake City-Utah Committee for the Games, stated, “There are many great alternatives, and our focus is on 2034. Despite the possibility of a backup location, Italy’s Olympic organizers remain incredibly focused on completing their track in Cortina. With test runs scheduled for March, according to Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
We’re excited about that, and there’s a real promise that it will be ready, Hirshland added. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. That’s what’s best for Milan-Cortina and what’s best for athletes, Team USA, and everyone involved. Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), emphasized.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Winter Olympic 2026 in Milan Cortina! Don’t miss your chance to see top athletes compete in the thrilling Olympic Ski Mountaineering events as they navigate breathtaking snow-filled terrains. Be a part of the action, cheer on your favourite competitors, and experience every intense moment of this historic occasion. Grab your Olympic Alpine Skiing Tickets now—be there for the excitement!
Olympic Luge Tickets: USOPC Ready to Assist as IOC Advances Winter Games Track
While the USOPC is ready to assist with sliding events for the Winter Olympic 2026, it’s not the ideal solution. It’s certainly not the first choice or the primary plan, she said. But if it becomes necessary, our country, the state of New York, Lake Placid. The local organizers who host numerous events every year, are prepared to step in and offer our support.
Earlier this month, International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials provided an update on the Italian track, confirming that construction is moving forward. Christophe Dubi, the IOC’s Executive Director for the Olympic Games, reported that work is progressing rapidly. Although he noted that the track is more technically complex than other venues still under development.
The planned test runs in March will help ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made ahead of the 2025-2026 winter season. For a long time, the IOC had expressed a preference for utilizing existing tracks in Switzerland or Austria for the 2026 Winter Games rather than building a new facility. In 2023, Italy’s organizers struggled to secure bids for what was initially a $100 million project.
We are offering Winter Olympic Tickets! Winter sports enthusiasts can get Milano Cortina 2026 Tickets through our trusted online ticketing marketplace. Xchangetickets.com is the most reliable source for booking Winter Olympic 2026 tickets. Sign up for the latest ticket alerts and don’t miss out on the chance to be at the heart of Olympic history. Grab your tickets now and be there for the ultimate winter sports showdown!
